Wellington Park Management Trust

THE FERN TREE ENTRY AREA HISTORIC HERITAGE ASSESSMENT, WELLINGTON PARK, TASMANIA

Prepared by

McConnell, A.

October 2014

Wellington Park Management Trust, GPO Box 503, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001.

Cover – from bottom clockwise: • Fern Tree Park (2014, A. McConnell) • MWSS Pipeline Track (2014, A. McConnell) • Fern Tree Bower (historical image - 1916, source – J&M Grist (original source – Weekly Courier 5th Oct 1916)) • (to L) MWSS Pipeline Track and path up to and SW corner of Shelter Shed 2 west of the Bower (historical image - 1910 , source – Evans 2014 (original source – TAHO)) • Silver Falls (2014, A. McConnell) • Silver Falls – Pillinger Drive Track (2014, A. McConnell) • Fern Glade Track (2014, A. McConnell) • Huon Road with quarry, waterfall & sandstone trough (2014, A. McConnell) • St Raphaels Church (2014, A. McConnell).

Report history -

This report has been prepared by the Wellington Park Management Trust to provide background and a detailed historic heritage assessment to assist with managing the historic heritage values of the Fern Tree entry area of Wellington Park. The assessment has been undertaken as the area has increasing visitation, a concentration of historic heritage values, and to inform the proposed Master Plan.

The main aim of this assessment is to provide historic heritage information for planning and management.

The field research for the assessment was undertaken in June & July 2014. The historic information is taken largely from Evans (2014) history for the Fern Tree Entry Node. This in turn rests heavily on earlier research undertaken by McConnell (2013), Sheridan (1998, 2010), Andrusko 2010, McConnell & Scripps (2005), Scripps (1993) and Hartzell (1993).

There has been only limited public consultation (and social values assessment) undertaken in preparing this historic heritage assessment. Public comment however will be invited in preparing the Fern Tree Entry Node Master Plan, and public comment can be made on the Heritage Assessment through this process.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background to the Assessment This report has been prepared by the Wellington Park Management Trust to provide background and a detailed historic heritage assessment to assist with managing the historic heritage values of the Fern Tree Entry Area of Wellington Park. The assessment has been undertaken as the area has increasing visitation, a concentration of historic heritage values, and to inform the proposed Master Plan. The Fern Tree Entry Area lies essentially within Wellington Park. The historic information used in the assessment is taken largely from Evans’ (2014) history for the Fern Tree Entry Node, but also includes additional information from earlier research by McConnell (2013), Sheridan (1998, 2010), Andrusko 2010, McConnell & Scripps (2005), Scripps (1993) and Hartzell (1993). The assessment is also based on field investigation undertaken in June - August 2014.

The History and Heritage, and its Significance History The Aboriginal history of this area is unknown, but the Fern Tree Entry Area has been a known focus of non-Aboriginal visitation since the 1850s-1860s when the first road to the Huon, and the Mountain Water Supply System pipeline, were constructed through this area. The area was also used as an entry point to access the upper slopes and summit of Mount Wellington at least from the 1830s. Historically the area has been used primarily for scenic tourism and, more recently, for scenic tourism and recreation. Water supply for Hobart is an ongoing function. Historic Heritage The historical uses of the area have generated a variety of infrastructure and modified features and these, together with the natural setting in montane forest with rain forest gullies and clear mountain creeks, result in the area having a range of cultural heritage values. The constructed elements and archaeological remains are primarily water supply or scenic tourism infrastructure, or the remains of these. Some 72 individual sites and features have been identified in the study area in four zones. These are – Fern Tree Bower Area (MWSS Pipeline Track to Silver Falls) • Natural features – 2 (Silver Falls, a large tree stump) • Scenic Tourism/recreation area – 1 (Bower Open Area) • Water supply features – 10 (pipelines, channels, receiving tanks, quarries, a monument) • Tracks – 1 (Bower Track) • Buildings – 2 (huts/sheds) • Other picnic facilities – 11 (seating, areas/niches for former picnic tables, seats, fireplaces) • Garden features – 2 (stone edging, stone walling (& terracing), pathways) • Archaeological sites – 3 (Bower aerating basin, Bower picnic pavilion, Bower toilets). Fern Tree Park • Park (picnic/recreation area) – 1 (Fern Tree Park) • Pathways – 5 (park paths; 2 with no probable heritage significance) • Buildings – 3 (huts/sheds with picnic facilities & wood BBQs; garden shed; no probable heritage significance) • Other picnic facilities – 1 (tables, seats & wood BBQ; no probable heritage significance) • Play equipment – 3 (no probable heritage significance) • Garden features – 9 (planted areas, groups of plantings, individual plantings; a number with no heritage significance) • Archaeological sites – 2 (hut foundations).

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Fern Tree Park to the Fern Glade Track • Natural features – 1 (cascade on Huon Rd) • Tracks – 5 (all these are link tracks and only 1 is of any length) • Buildings – 1 (St Raphael’s Church) • Quarries – 1 (for road building) • Other features – 1 (stone water trough). Fern Tree Entry Hinterland (the Fern Tree Entry Area not included in the other 3 areas) • Water supply features – 2 (reservoir & access road; no heritage significance) • Tracks – 5 (includes 3 major tracks and 2 lesser tracks). These sites and features are summarised in Table 1, and described in detail in the Inventory (Part 2 of the report (also with site location maps)). No formal precincts have been previously recognised in this area. The present assessment however recommends that the area along the MWSS Pipeline Track from Fern Tree Park to the Bower then up the valley to Silver Falls, which is a specific area of the Fern Tree Entry Area that has been a significant focus of scenic tourism from 1861-2 until present, be recognised as the ‘Fern Tree Bower Precinct’ as the area contains the bulk of the physical evidence of the historically significant scenic tourism and use in the Fern Tree area (the precinct and its values are defined in the Appendix of this report). There are also broader landscape values which are recognised through the inclusion of this area within Wellington Park, and some of the highly significant, specific landscape values of the area have been recognised through the identification of two ‘Significant Landscapes’ in Schedule O of the City of Hobart Planning Scheme which are partly within the Fern Tree Entry Area (see Significance, below). Significance The identified heritage has a range of values and cultural heritage significance depending largely on its age and nature. 1. Sites identified as being of high significance (state level significance and high local level significance) are – • the Mountain Water Supply System and associated elements, • Silver Falls • the Bower Open Area • Bower Picnic Pavilion • Shelter Shed 2 (West Bower area) • Bower Track • Middle Track • Fern Glade Track • St Raphael’s Church. 2. Heritage identified as being of lower significance (mainly medium to low local significance) tend to be later, early-mid 20th century features or sites, and/or minor sites, or not associated with the key themes of regional water supply and scenic tourism/recreation, but have social significance. 3. Fifteen sites/features are assessed as having no cultural heritage significance. These are mainly sites/features that were built/established after 1960 (& the majority of these are located in Fern Tree Park). Seven sites/features were not assessed due to insufficient information. This heritage is unlikely to be of high level significance. Fern Tree Park is assessed as having significance at the local level only, with the main values being medium social and aesthetic significance as a rustic park that reflects the character of Fern Tree and the earlier scenic tourism infrastructure and landscape character of the broader area; and which

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iii provides for a diversity of activities (child play, picnicking, BBQ’s, strolling, access/exit to and from longer walks in Wellington Park (including loop walks)). The proposed Fern Tree Bower Precinct is considered to have high local level and state level significance. In part this derives from the number of significant individual sites within it, but it is largely due to the Precinct’s history as one of the earliest important scenic tourism destinations in the Hobart region and in Tasmania. The historic heritage significance of a number of features has been recognised through listing on the Tasmanian Heritage Register (THR), in the City of Hobart Planning Scheme (CHPS), or has been recognised as a site under the Wellington Park Management Plan (WPMT) as indicated below: • St Raphael’s Church- THR, CHPS, WPMP • MWSS (full system) - THR, CHPS, WPMP • Silver Falls - WPMP • Bower Track- WPMP • Fern Tree Bower- CHPS, WPMP • Fern Tree Rustic Picnic shelter- WPMP • Fern Tree Park (termed Bower Park)- WPMP • Pipeline Track Hut No.3- WPMP • Pipeline Track Hut No.4- WPMP • Strawberry Hill Tea House- WPMP • Fern Tree Bower Tree Stump- WPMP • Fern Glade Track- WPMP • Middle Track- WPMP • Silver Falls – Pillingers Drive Track- WPMP • Fern Tree – Pillingers Drive Track- WPMP

The following areas are CHPS Significant Landscape Schedule listed as significant landscapes – • Huon Road Corridor (50m either side of road), and • MWSS Pipeline Track Corridor (including the track to Silver Falls) (20m either side of track).

Management Recommendations The following recommendations are made for the preservation and sound ongoing management of the historic cultural heritage values of the Fern Tree Entry Area. The recommendations recognise the cultural heritage significance of the Area and the obligations for managing this heritage, as well as the obligations more generally for management of the Area. General Recommendations 1. That the historic cultural heritage values of the Fern Tree Entry Area be recognised and respected in the ongoing management of the Area. 2. That the WPMT recognise the Fern Tree Park to Bower to Silver Falls area as shown in Figure 5 as a precinct as per the Wellington Park Management Plan 2013; specifically the 'Fern Tree Bower Precinct'. 3. That a Fern Tree Bower Precinct Historic Heritage Conservation Plan be prepared for the long term management of the historic heritage values of the precinct (see recommendation 2 above). This should be based on the completed Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment (this study) and include key stakeholder, including public, consultation, as well as incorporating other new relevant information.

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Specific Heritage Recommendations 4. Manage the MWSS features, in particular the pipeline route (MWSS Pipeline Track) and intakes as per the Hobart Mountain Water Supply Conservation Management Plan (North 2012). 5. Manage the historic cultural heritage of the Fern Tree Entry Area as per the site and feature specific recommendations contained in the Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Inventory (refer Part 2). 6. Manage the historic cultural heritage of the proposed Fern Tree Bower Precinct within the study area as per the recommendations in the Fern Tree Bower Precinct Statement (refer the Appendix, this study).

               

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to thank those people who have assisted in various ways in the preparation of The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment. In particular I would like to thank the following people: • Kathy Evans and Lindy Scripps, historians, for their detailed and painstaking historical research which has provided the core of the historical knowledge of the Fern Tree Entry Area, information critical to understanding the evolution of the area and most of the heritage features. • Gwenda Sheridan for her broad based and assiduous research into the history of the Fern Tree area and into the development of the Mount Wellington landscape, including in the Fern Tree area, which has provided additional critical historical information. • Other researchers into the history, heritage and social values of the Fern Tree Entry Area and its context – Leslie Hartzell, Robert Vincent, Kieran Andrusko and Mac North. • Local Fern Tree residents Marge & Alan Reid, Kevin Kiernan, Tom Errey and Judy Sprent who have provided invaluable detailed local knowledge of the historical nature of the study area both as part of the 2005 Audit & Inventory project, and recently for the present assessment. • The staff of the HCC Cultural Heritage Section, in particular Brendan Lennard, who provided a sounding board and support. • Axel von Krusenstierna, Manager, Wellington Park Management Trust, as Project Manager and for his support during the project.

Anne McConnell - Cultural Heritage Coordinator Wellington Park Management Trust October 2014

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CONTENTS

Page no

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i ACKNOWLEDGMENTS v

PART 1 BACKGROUND TO ASSESSMENT & GENERAL 1 RECOMMENDATIONS 1.1 Introduction 2 1.1.1 Background to the Project 2 1.1.2. Study Area, Aims and Objectives 3 1.1.3 Project Methodology & Limitations 6

1.2 Background 8 1.2.1 Physical Setting 8 1.2.2 Historical Setting 10 1.2.3 Previous Heritage Related Studies 13 1.2.4 Historic Heritage Status 17 1.2.5 Management Context 18

1.3 The Historic Heritage 21 1.3.1 The Historic Heritage Values 21 1.3.2 The Heritage Significance 23 1.3.3 Key Issues for Historic Heritage Management 24

1.4 Recommendations 41

1.5 Sources 42

PART 2 SITE/FEATURE DETAILED DATA & MANAGEMENT 44 ADVICE 2.1 Site & Feature Inventory and Documentation 45 Fern Tree Entry Area historic heritage sites and features, their history, nature, significance, and proposed management. Includes – Figure 4 Plans showing the location of historic heritage sites and features.

Appendix Proposed Fern Tree Bower Precinct Documentation Fern Tree Bower Precinct Statement & Management Policy.

Includes – Figure 5 Proposed Fern Tree Bower Precinct boundary.

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Figures Figure 1 Location of Wellington Park and the Fern Tree Entry Area. 4 Figure 2 Plan of the Fern Tree Entry Area. 5 Figure 3 1937 Map (extract) showing access between Fern Tree and 9 kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Figure 4 Plans showing the location of historic heritage sites and features. 46-48. Figure 5 Proposed Fern Tree Bower Precinct boundary. A-9.

Tables Table 1 Summary listing of Fern Tree Entry Area historic heritage sites 27-40 and features – their history, nature, significance, and management recommendations

ABBREVIATIONS

CHPS City of Hobart Planning Scheme HCC Hobart City Council HS Heritage Schedule HT Heritage Tasmania (DPIPWE) TAHO Tasmanian Heritage & Archives Office THC Tasmanian Heritage Council THR Tasmanian Heritage Register WPMP Wellington Park Management Plan WPMT Wellington Park Management Trust

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PART 1

Background to Assessment & General Recommendations

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1.1 INTRODUCTION

1.1.1 Background to the Project

This report has been prepared by the Wellington Park Management Trust to provide background on, and an assessment of, the historic heritage of the main Fern Tree entry area to Wellington Park (termed the ‘Fern Tree Entry Area’ in this report) to assist with managing the historic heritage values of this area. The assessment has been undertaken as the area has increasing visitation and a concentration of historic heritage values. It has also been prepared to inform the proposed Fern Tree Entry Node Master Plan, which is to commence shortly. The area considered by the report is the Fern Tree Park – Bower Area – Silver Falls area and connecting tracks and environs (refer Figures 1 and 2). The area has not been studied in detail before, but there are several studies which relate to one or a few sites or features in the area. The historic heritage assessment therefore rests heavily on these previous historical and heritage studies, including a history of the area recently prepared by historian Kathy Evans (Evans 2014) for the Master Plan project. Field inspection of known sites and features and identified sensitive areas was also undertaken by the author as part of the assessment. The Aboriginal history of this area is unknown, but the Fern Tree Entry Area has been a known focus of non-Aboriginal visitation since the 1850s-1860s when the first road to the Huon, and the Mountain Water Supply System pipeline, were constructed through this area. The area was also used as an entry point to access the upper slopes and summit of Mount Wellington at least from the 1830s. Historically the area has been used primarily for scenic tourism and, more recently, for scenic tourism and recreation. The historical uses of the area have generated a variety of infrastructure and modified features and these, together with the natural setting in montane forest with rain forest gullies and clear mountain creeks, result in the area having a range of cultural heritage values. Previously identified historic heritage sites include the Mountain Water Supply System Pipeline Track (part of) and related features, the Bower Track, the Fern Tree Bower, Silver Falls, parts of the Fern Glade and Middle Tracks, and St Raphaels Church (refer Figures 1 and 4). The Fern Tree Entry Area lies essentially within Wellington Park (although the southern boundary takes in a minor area of road reserve, and there is private property on and adjacent to the western boundary) (refer Figure 2). Wellington Park is reserved land, the major management principles for which are to – . provide for community, tourism and recreational use and enjoyment of the Park consistent with the remaining management principles; . protect the Park’s environment for the long term; . retain the essential cultural characteristics of the Park; and . manage water catchments in the Park as sources of clean water.1

Wellington Park is managed under the Wellington Park Act 1993, and the management framework (ie, policy, objectives and approach) is established by the Wellington Park Management Plan 2013 (the WPMP), which is a statutory plan. The management authority for the Park is the Wellington Park Management Trust (WPMT). The Hobart City Council (HCC) is the land management agency for the Fern Tree Entry Area and carries out the day to day management of this area.

1 WPMP 2013, p25.

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This report has been prepared by the WPMT’s Cultural Heritage Co-ordinator, Anne McConnell, to assist in the identification and assessment of the historic heritage values of Wellington Park and to provide expert advice, most immediately for the Fern Tree Entry Node Master Plan. The work was undertaken in mid-late 2014.

1.1.2 Study Area, Aims and Objectives of the Assessment

Study Area The study area is approximately that area designated to be covered by the Fern Tree Entry Node Master Plan (refer Figure 2). The study area falls predominantly within Wellington Park, and is a major entry point into the Park, being located on the Hobart - Huon Road only c.9kms from the Hobart city centre. With bus access, vehicle access, and walking track access, as well as having a hotel (Fern Tree Tavern) and, until recently, a shop opposite, it is the most easily accessible entry point to the Park, including for snow play.2 It is used by locals and visitors. The immediate entry area, Fern Tree Park, has visitor infrastructure in the form of picnic and BBQ facilities, a shelter shed, toilets, children’s play equipment, landscaped gardens, and access to a small number of walking tracks of easy to moderately hard grade that connect the different parts of the Entry Node and also connect to other parts of the Park, including to the Springs and the Pinnacle. The other key use area is the area from Fern Tree Park to Silver Falls via Fern Tree Bower, essentially along the track formed over the Mountain Water Supply System pipeline. The Mountain Water Supply System (MWSS) is an operational water supply system for the Fern Tree area and Hobart more generally, and within the study area it comprises a range of features such as trunk and subsidiary pipeline, intakes, weirs, reservoirs and access roads (and these are also mostly part of the significant MWSS heritage complex). There is some local car parking within the area, including in a former road side quarry, as well as car parking in the adjacent roads and in the area of the Fern Tree Tavern).

Aim

The aim of the Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment is to document and assess the historical, physical, social and aesthetic cultural heritage values of the area, as well as to assess the current management and the ongoing management needs for the long term protection of these values.

Objectives

The major objectives of the Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment are to – . recognise the range of historic cultural heritage values of the Fern Tree Entry Area; . document these in such a way as to provide a foundation for their ongoing sound management; . assess the cultural significance of the historic cultural heritage values to assist with determining what is important to conserve; . to examine the current management context and to assess and provide for the long term historic heritage management needs; and to . provide the historic heritage information required in the preparation of the Fern Tree Entry Node Master Plan.

2 Fern Tree Park, at c.400m asl, has snow a few times a year.

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From the south

From the east

FERN TREE ENTRY AREA

From the northeast

FIGURE 1

Wellington Park and the location of the Fern Tree Entry Area

[Image courtesy of the Hobart City Council]

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From the south

From the east

From the northeast

FIGURE 2

The Fern Tree Entry Node (Fern Tree Entry Area)

[Image courtesy of the Hobart City Council]

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1.1.3 Project Methodology & Limitations

Methodology

The study has been carried out in line with standard accepted guidelines for cultural heritage assessment and management in Australia, in particular the Burra Charter (Australia ICOMOS, 2013). Important limitations are noted at the end of this section. The heritage scope of this assessment is limited to historical (ie, non-Aboriginal) cultural heritage. Aboriginal cultural heritage has not been included as the assessment of such values and their management requires a different approach to the assessment and management of the historical cultural values, and at this stage no Aboriginal cultural values have been identified. The study has entailed the following tasks – Review of existing historic and historic heritage information: The history and historic heritage of much of the study area had been largely captured by a small number of historic heritage studies that have been carried out previously, but these had had not been collated and there were known significant gaps, in particular the history of the Fern Tree Park. Evans’ (2014) history was commissioned to pull together the history from the various studies into a single more comprehensive history and to fill in the key gaps. The present study has relied heavily on Evans’ history, but has supplemented this with information from other studies, particularly for the more detailed site and feature histories. The present study also reviewed the existing historic heritage studies of relevance to the area for heritage information. Field inspection: An on-ground survey was undertaken to identify places referred to in historic sources, to check for additional sites, to assess the landscape and visual values, to inspect the current condition and infrastructure of the area, and to record all identified historic heritage. The survey was undertaken over several part days in June-July 2014 (in all totalling c.1.5 full day of field survey and documentation). A further brief inspection of Fern Tree Park and Bower was undertaken in late August 2014 with a local resident to better understand the more recent history and heritage of these two areas. Key use areas and areas known to have had historic activity were inspected on foot. All definite and probable historic heritage features identified were recorded through photographs, a sketch plan and written notes. This data has been translated into the Inventory (Part 2, this report) and accompanying plans (Figure 5). A full suite of photographs is held by the WPMT, and site datasheets will be subsequently developed for all sites. A GPS was initially used for location, but was discontinued as the tree canopy was too dense in most locations to obtain a sufficiently accurate GPS location. Assessment of cultural heritage significance: The assessment of significance has used the standard criteria (values) for cultural significance assessment as per the Australia ICOMOS (2013) Burra Charter3 and also assesses the probable ‘regional’ level of significance (ie, whether of local, regional, state or higher level significance). Where social value as been ascribed, this has been taken from an existing assessment. No community consultation was undertaken for social values assessment as part of the present study. Analysis of the management issues associated with the historic heritage values: The management related assessment utilised available, relevant WPMT and HCC policy and planning documents, comment in existing relevant heritage studies, and the author’s knowledge of

3 Ie, historical, scientific, social, aesthetic, and spiritual values, and relational significance. In this study aesthetic value is considered to include visual landscape values broadly.

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7 management issues developed from being WPMT staff and a local Fern Tree resident. All analysis and assessment is qualitative. Reporting: This document is the report of the assessment. It comprises a listing of all identified sites and features together with an individual site/feature description, history, significance assessment and management advice (Part 2). Part 1 presents the background to the project; the physical, historical, heritage and management context; an overview of key heritage management issues; and overarching recommendations. Although this report is not a formal conservation policy or plan, it does provide, collectively, general conservation policy and advice for the historic heritage of the Fern Tree Entry Area.

Limitations The assessment has some limitations. These are as follow: Field Survey & Heritage Identification: The study area has not had 100% survey coverage (the size of the study area and the heavily vegetated nature of much of the study area (with its dense leaf litter) meant that a systematic 100% survey would have been be extremely time consuming and not reliable). The main implication of this restricted coverage field survey is that there may be additional historic heritage sites or features in the study area that have not been identified. It is however considered unlikely that any major additional sites will occur in the study area. Areas of potential for other sites and/or features are considered to be 1. the valley floor between the Fern Tree Bower and Silver Falls and above Silver Falls and other areas adjacent to the Bower; 2. the area surrounding Fern Tree Park; and 3. the nose of the spur above Fern Tree Park. Social Values Assessment Assessment of the social values has been limited to the social values identified in previous studies (this is largely restricted to Andrusko 20104, McConnell 2012, McConnell 2013) and identifying other historic and contemporary uses, events, and meanings and associations that were, and are, popular and well known, or renowned. The existing data is therefore considered to provide indicative social value only. Since the existing studies indicate a high level of social valuing of the study area, in particular by locals, any development of a formal historic heritage conservation policy for the area should be based on formal community consultation, and any other than minor changes to a heritage place identified in this study proposed in the master plan, should be subject to public consultation. The local Fern Tree community is the most important community to be consulted in relation to this matter, as this community is understood to value the Fern Tree Entry Area most strongly (Andrusko 2010). Historic Research Gaps The historical research undertaken by Evans (2014) has filled in some critical gaps in the history of the study area. Some critical gaps however still remain. One is the history of the Fern Tree Park, the other is the recent history (c.1940s-present) of the study area generally. The present historical knowledge is seen as sufficient for the present master planning, but it would be useful for ongoing management to undertake further research in these two areas. The dates of construction of the Middle Track and Fern Glade Track are also still not resolved.

4 Although Andrusko (2010) can be considered to provide a social values assessment for the Fern Tree Entry Area, area, it does not apply to the full study area and was focussed on place attachment rather than the full suite of social values.

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1.2 BACKGROUND

1.2.1 Physical Setting

Wellington Park is an extensive (18,250 ha) area of land, primarily bushland. The Park, which takes in most of the Wellington Range, occupies a unique position as an essentially natural, but accessible, east-west aligned corridor between the occupied lower Derwent and Huon River valleys and the rugged, largely unoccupied area of South West Tasmania. kunanyi/Mount Wellington is a dominant and spectacular natural landscape feature, forming a visually significant backdrop to Hobart, many of its suburbs, and other surrounding settlements. The Fern Tree Entry Area is a locality on the southern flank of kunanyi/Mount Wellington on the mid-slopes at about 420-550m asl, where it nestles into the folds of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. The area is largely located on a prominent spur that runs from near sea level at Kingston, north up to the Springs bench at c.750m asl, via Fern Tree’s small commercial hub on the Huon Road. The Fern Tree Entry Area’s lowest edge is on the Huon Road at Fern Tree, at a significant break in slope. The Area runs north to a small saddle (with a reservoir), east down the slope to the Fern Glade creek (the headwaters of Dunns Creek) and across the western slopes of the spur into the valley of Upper Browns River (which flows down the west side of the spur to Kingston). The area is fully covered in native forest, part of which has been historically logged and burnt, but which has never been clearfelled or cleared for other purposes (Sheridan 2010). The only land clearing in the study area has been a corridor for the construction of the MWSS pipeline, the small area of Fern Tree Park, and on private property along the Huon Road, Summerleas Road and Pillingers Drive for private residences and small farms (mainly fruit farms). The primary forest across the study area is Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest (Andrusko 2010). The spur ridge and upper slopes are primarily wet to dry eucalypt forest with understorey trees and a shrubby understory (including wattles, dogwood, musk and blanket leaf), and the valley floor and lower valley slopes are wet to mixed forest with abundant rainforest species, in particular tree ferns and ground ferns, and with some areas of sassafras. The mixed forest areas have a more open understorey. The area has wetter forest than many other parts of Hobart, with Fern Tree receiving around 1,158mm of rainfall annually, almost twice that of Hobart’s average annual rainfall (Andrusko 2010). Fern Tree also receives occasional snowfalls in winter, with snow not settling or lying on the ground up to 1-2 days. The Fern Tree Entry Area is shaded and sheltered from sun and wind due to the high and dense vegetation and its southeasterly aspect (Andrusko 2010). The local geology is one of interbedded, horizontally lying Permo-Triassic mudstones, siltstones and sandstones. These lithified sediments are overlain by a dolerite capping, the base of which is at c.800m asl (in the vicinity of the Upper Springs). Although emplaced much higher in the landscape than the study area, dolerite soils and boulders have been washed downslope into the study area, mainly in the valley, and the cobbles on the bed of Upper Browns River are mainly dolerite cobbles.

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FIGURE 3

1937 Map extract showing access to kunanyi/Mount Wellington in the Fern Tree to Pinnacle area.

[Map - Mount Wellington Map, V. W. Hodgman, 1937, State Library of Tasmania (TC881-5GBBG)]

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1.2.2 Historical Setting 5

For the Aboriginal history of the area there is, regrettably, very little information available. The history of use of the area since European settlement (1804) however is comparatively well documented, although it is very sparse compared to more developed parts of Hobart.

Wellington Park falls within the territory of the Mouheneer band of the Southeast Tribe, a maritime people whose country was the coasts and the immediate hinterlands of southeast Tasmania. Mount Wellington was known to Aboriginal people as ‘kunanyi’, ‘unghanyahletta’ and ‘poorantattere’, and it is highly likely that the mountain and its flanks, in particular the summit, the summit ridges, and the sheltered, watered valley areas were used for a variety of purposes up until European settlement and for the years after, until the local Aboriginal way of life was severely disrupted as a consequence of British settlement on the Derwent (McConnell & Handsjuk 2010). There are no known direct references to the historical Aboriginal use of the Fern Tree area, and no known Aboriginal sites in the area. The first known settlement of the Fern Tree area was in the 1850s and 1860s, with the first phase of land use being largely exploitative (eg, farming and timber cutting). Farming in the Fern Tree area was carried out right up until the 1960s, with dairies, pig raising, small fruits and horticulture being the major activities. Land grants were generally smaller than in other parts of Tasmania, and the thick vegetation and topography of the area posed obvious challenges for farming. Most of the project study area (except the northeast corner) was part of an original, 1851, purchase of 250 acres by Alfred Hall. The impetus for settlement came from the construction of a direct road from Hobart to the Huon, which was constructed through Fern Tree in c.1856-59 (and completed through to Huonville in 1869).6 Soon after, regular coach services from Hobart were commenced, and by 1861 a hotel had been built on the Huon Road at Fern Tree for travellers and visitors to the area. With a road to Fern Tee in place, Fern Tree (the Fingerpost and the hotel) rapidly became the main entry point for visitors to Mount Wellington. Those who wished to climb to the summit used the ‘Fingerpost Track’, and the more adventurous could use the ‘Bower Track’ to the Bower and Silver Falls, then negotiate a foot pad to the Springs.7 From the early 1860s, the Bower became a recreational and scenic tourism destination in its own right, also with access from the Huon Road near the hotel. This access which came to be known as the ‘Bower Track’ was in fact a part of a water supply system (the Mountain Water Supply System) pipeline route that appears to have been accessed by the public as soon as it was built (Sheridan 2010). The first stage of the Mountain Water Supply System (MWSS) was built in 1861-2 to replace the previous system that used water from the Mountain via the Hobart Rivulet, but which was becoming increasingly inadequate. The first stage comprised the diversion of Fork Creek and Brown’s River (at Silver Falls) and the piping of the water by means of wooden troughing into the head of Sandy Bay Rivulet and around the slopes to a reservoir in Sandy Bay Rivulet, with a small dam on Fork Creek and another on Browns River (at the Bower).

5 This history is taken largely from Evans (2014), but supplemented by information from Andrusko (2010), Sheridan (2010), North (2012) and McConnell (2013)). 6 There was access to the Fern Tree area however from the early 1820s via a logging road up the Hobart Rivulet and from 1829 via the first road to the Huon, an indirect dirt track that ran up the Sandy Bay Rivulet (McConnell et al 1998). 7 From the Springs the 1849 Ice House Track then provided access to the summit via South Wellington then the open South Wellington – Mount Wellington ridge (McConnell 2013).

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Later, the scheme was extended to bring water from Long Creek (1867), and the Plains Rivulet (1875), and a second reservoir built in Sandy Bay Rivulet (1888). Upgrading of the Fern Tree Bower dam and intake, and replacement of the wooden troughing by sandstone troughing from Browns River to Gentle Annie Falls and via cast iron pipes from Fork Creek to Browns River was all part of the second stage works in the 1880s. In the early 1900s (to 1917) further work was carried out to bring water from the North West Bay River into the system, bringing the MWSS to its fullest extent. Another new reservoir was built at Ridgeway at this time, and a small intake, weir and sluice house, were also constructed at Silver Falls at this time. By the latter half of the nineteenth century tourism was a rising middle and upper class phenomenon, and together with increasing concerns with health, clean air and romantic views of nature, this led to a major interest in kunanyi/Mount Wellington by overseas and interstate visitors. From the 1870s, the Bower, including the walk from Fern Tree and the walk further up to Silver Falls, was a major Hobart and Tasmanian tourist attraction, with Tasmanian Tourist guides through the 1870s to 1890s and into the early 1900s (until around the time of World War I) listing the ‘Bower’ as one of the major tourist attractions of the Hobart region, along with a climb to the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, and in the later period a trip to the Salmon Ponds in the Derwent Valley. Both the Bower and Silver Falls became favourite scenic spots and were widely photographed and advertised (Sheridan 2010). From its establishment to c.1900, efforts were made to improve the Bower walk, with the focus of development being at the Bower proper. Amongst the first improvements was the planting of a double avenue of tree ferns with picnic tables down the middle (in 1875); and later, the construction of niches with seating, picnic tables and fireplaces; the construction of ornate, rustic picnic shelters; the installation of water taps; improvements to, and extensions to, paths; and the planting of additional tree ferns (including at Silver Falls), mainly by the Hobart Corporation. Much of the tourism development of the period was influenced by the then local resident Henry Dobson, who purchased at least that part of Alfred Hall’s property that was in the study area by 1882. Dobson was a prominent Hobartian who was a key figure in the development of Tasmania’s tourist industry, and at one stage (1892-1894) Premier of Tasmania. Dobson established a ‘chalet’ on his Fern Tree property, and advocated for the tourist development of the area, encouraging the Hobart Corporation to develop tracks and visitor facilities. He allowed a walking track from Fern Tree to the Springs to be built on his land, had a picnic shelter built on his land, and also had a major role in the construction of the main picnic shelter at the Bower, an ornate structure that featured in many postcards of the Bower and which was designed by Alan Cameron Walker, a prominent Tasmanian architect, known for his Arts & Crafts Tradition influenced designs. During this period, the Dobson family also donated land for the establishment of a local Anglican church, and were instrumental in having the church, St Raphael’s Church, also designed by Alan Cameron Walker, built in 1893. The strawberry feasts that were held from c.1897 to probably the 1950s to raise money for the church became a well-known annual event well attended by locals, and attracting local dignitaries and visitors from overseas. These were held at the Bower or on the open ground beside the church, now Fern Tree Park (the park apparently not being formalised as a Park until the mid-1900s). At some stage during this period, Reid, who owned a farm adjacent to the Bower (to the west), opened a tearoom on the farm for visitors. The early development of the area for tourism was consolidated in the 1890s. Key events were the construction of a new, better graded track, the ‘New Fingerpost Track’ (the present day Radfords Track) from the Huon Road at Fingerpost to the Springs in 1890; the construction of a well graded link track from Fern Tree (probably the ‘Fern Glade Track’)8 at the same time; construction of a

8 The historic research to date has been unable to reliably establish the histories of the Fern Glade Track and Middle Track. The dates postulated here are based on further analysis following Evans’ (2014) report, and is considered the best current interpretation pending new information.

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12 spur line track to Radfords Track (the present day Middle Track) by 1900; construction of the ornate picnic pavilion at the Bower in 1897; and the planting of tree ferns from the Bower to Silver Falls and at the Falls, also in c.1896-97. In 1898, a road from Fern Tree to the Springs was completed, allowing vehicular transport to the Springs for the first time, hence significantly cutting the time and effort required to make the ascent of Mount Wellington. This provided a new major focus for tourists to Mount Wellington. This took visitors away from the Fern Tree local area, but it was not until the Springs Hotel was built in 1907, again due to the energy of Henry Dobson, that the impact was significant. Until this time, accommodation at Fern Tree was the closest tourist accommodation to the Mountain and by 1901 there were four boarding house operators in Fern Tree whose total population at the time was thirty people. The natural attractions of the study area, and Mount Wellington more broadly, have survived the frequent bushfires. Major fires in the summer of 1897-1898 destroyed many acres of forest in the local area and destroyed Henry Dobson’s chalet at Fern Tree. There was another fire in 1909, which appears to have not done much damage, and then another fire in 1914, which destroyed much of the tourist infrastructure at the Bower, including two shelter sheds. The infrastructure destroyed in 1914 appears to have been rapidly replaced by the Hobart Corporation, indicating that the Bower – Silver Falls area was still an important tourist destination at this time. The 1920s-1940s appear to have been phase where little new development was undertaken in the study area. In the late 1940s a new quarry for Huon Road widening resulted in the re-routing of the start of the Fern Glade Track. Use of the area also appears to have declined in this period (possibly from c1914 due to the refocussing of attention to Europe and the World War I effort). The Great Depression stimulated recreational and tourism development on Mount Wellington with some 80kms of track being cut or rebuilt and several new trackside picnic shelters being built in this period as part of various Depression employment schemes, including local government, State government and Federal government schemes. The Fern Glade Track, in the study area was one of the tracks that was re-cut (or cut) and extended using Depression employment scheme labour (McConnell 2013). Only two years after the walking track network development on kunanyi/Mount Wellington was completed (in 1932), work started on another Depression employment scheme, the construction of the Mountain Road from the Springs to the summit of Mount Wellington. This road, completed in 1937, had a profound impact on local tourism, with visitors to Hobart being able to drive to the top of the mountain for the first time. While visitors still walked to the top of the mountain and walked and visited the flanks of the mountain, it was hard to compete with the combination of the scenic vistas from, and ease of access to, the summit of Mount Wellington. The lower parts of the Mountain became primarily used by locals (McConnell 2013). The use of the walking track network by Hobartians however appears to have continued strongly until the 1940s, when it appears to have declined, most likely the consequence of the rise in private car ownership post-World War II, which allowed locals to travel further afield for recreation (McConnell 2013). The post-War period saw an increase in the population of Fern Tree, due to the increase in private car ownership at the end of World War II. This made it possible for people to live in Fern Tree and commute to Hobart for work; and farms, suffering economically, were subdivided for suburban development. New residents took an active interest in preserving Fern Tree’s natural beauty and amenity. It appears that at this time there was still considerable use of the study area for recreation and scenic reasons by Fern Tree residents. Little new work appears however to have been undertaken in the 1940s and the 1950s (including on the MWSS). Only minor works on the MWSS are known, with a new covered concrete reservoir being built at the Bower in 1955.

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A flood in 1960 flood destroyed much of the Silver Falls – Bower valley area, including both water supply and visitor infrastructure. The Hobart City Council moved quickly to reinstate both the natural appearance of the valley (by removing debris and replanting local vegetation) and the water supply system. Interestingly this event does not appear to have led to a decrease in visitation, at least by locals, who appear to have taken a keen interest in the damage caused by the flood, the rehabilitation by the Hobart City Council, and who could still access the area and pass though on the MWSS Pipeline Track. The major 1967 bushfires that burnt out large parts of southern Tasmania also burnt much of Mount Wellington and burnt many local properties in Fern Tree.9 The devastation to the landscape appears to have resulted in a decrease in scenic and recreational use of Mount Wellington, although this did not last long. Once the forest had recovered and Fern Tree residents had rebuilt, there was a resurgence of interest in Mount Wellington. A number of Fern Tree residents left the area after the fires, but many rebuilt and many new people, with an interest in living on the Mountain and in the bush subsequently came to live in Fern Tree (McConnell 2012). The 1967 bushfire damage precipitated major new works by the Hobart City Council on Mount Wellington (in Mountain Park). This included the clean up of burnt structures, the replacement of burnt structures and other facilities, and some bulldozing of new track for fire breaks (some of this was done after the fires as well as during the fires). This 1967- early 1970s work forms the bulk of the visitor infrastructure currently in Wellington Park (the author, pers obsv). In the study area some minor facilities in Fern Tree Park were replaced, upgrading them to more substantial structures; and some infrastructure such as tracks and new plantings were introduced. A considerable part of the Middle Track was bulldozed as a fire trail (possibly during the fires). A million gallon reservoir was built on the spur above Fern Tree to provide improved water supply to Fern Tree. No work is known at the Bower, which appears to have been minimally impacted in the 1967 fires. Since the 1967 fires rehabilitation and upgrading work, little additional work has been done in the study area except for routine maintenance and the occasional changes to play equipment and park layout (including areas of new stone walling) in Fern Tree Park. Local use has continued and in recent years there has been an increase in use of the study area by other Hobart residents for a range of recreational purposes. Notable new uses by Hobart residents has been bike riding and family recreation on the MWSS Pipeline Track, with bike riding only being allowed since c.2005 (the author, pers obsv).

1.2.3 Previous Heritage Related Studies

The bulk of the previous heritage work in this area has focussed on the history, heritage values and management of the MWSS and on the suburb of Fern Tree. The general studies of Fern Tree (Sheridan 1998a&b, Vincent 1998) were undertaken by the HCC to assist in the preparation of the Fern Tree Local Area Plan, a subsidiary plan to the City of Hobart Planning Scheme. The MWSS studies (Scripps 1993, Hartzell 1993, Murray & Nieberler 1994, North 2012) were undertaken by the HCC, with North (2012) being undertaken jointly by the HCC and the WPMT. The earlier studies heavily underpin many of the later studies of the study area, including the present study. The majority of other studies which include the present study area have been undertaken for Wellington Park management purposes by the WPMT. These studies include an audit and inventory of Wellington Park (McConnell & Scripps 2005), broad based landscape and social values studies (Sheridan 2010, McConnell 2012) and an assessment of the historic tracks and huts

9 The 1967 bushfires burnt much of the study area. St Raphael’s church however miraculously survived.

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14 on kunanyi/Mount Wellington (McConnell 2013). Most recently a history of the Fern Tree Entry Node was prepared (Evans 2014) in order to pull together all the disparate information in previous studies. The only other relevant study is an Honours thesis on place attachment and visitation of the Fern Tree entry area (Andrusko 2010).

MWSS Studies Hartzell (1993) and Scripps (1993) provide detailed historical information on, and a physical description of, the evolution of the MWSS. Scripps (1993) is a history of the Pipeline Track which provides a high level of detail of the general evolution of the MWSS and associated sites, and later use. Hartzell (1993) is in essence a fabric description based on survey and documentation of all visible features of the MWSS (although a number of minor features not directly on the main pipeline are not included). This study also contains additional historical information, primarily more detailed information on the design and history of specific structures and features. These comprehensive, detailed studies were undertaken to provide background for the preparation of a conservation plan for the MWSS Pipeline Track (Murray & Nieberler 1994). The Conservation and Management Plan for the Pipeline Track prepared by Murray and Nieberler (1994) is fairly general conservation plan and has a strong focus on the presentation of the MWSS Pipeline Track for recreation and interpretation. As the title suggests, it mainly deals with the water supply infrastructure of the Pipeline Track, hence does not consider the full water supply system. The 2012 Hobart Mountain Water Supply System Conservation Plan (North 2012) was commissioned to update the 1994 Plan, and in particular to ensure it covered the full MWSS system (defined as the supply system as opposed to the distributory system). This is a comprehensive conservation management plan that re-assesses the full system and provides management policy for ongoing maintenance and repair, recognising the multiple values of the MWSS (in particular for water supply, for recreation, and as heritage), and for promotion and presentation, as well as promoting a collaborative management framework. It also includes some specific comment in relation to infrastructure within the Fern Tree Entry Area (included in the Inventory, this report). A set of Design Guidelines, as recommended in North (2012), has been subsequently developed for the MWSS. These guidelines, developed by Urban Initiatives (Urban Initiatives & Arterial Design 2013), provide relatively detailed design advice for visitor infrastructure on, and related to, the MWSS. The guidelines do not apply necessarily to the heritage fabric or to other water supply infrastructure.

Fern Tree Specific Studies Sheridan (1998a&b) is the first assessment of the historical cultural heritage of Fern Tree, and is a two volume work which details the historical development of Fern Tree (Sheridan 1998a) and assesses the heritage features (Sheridan 1998b), mainly through an exploration of built form and visual landscape. One of the key unifying parameters that Sheridan identifies is that “Fern Tree has a natural bushland character” (Sheridan, 1998b, 1), and she sees this reflected in much of the built environment. Other features that Sheridan identifies as important, and which are relevant to the present study, are the mature informal gardens of more cold climate varieties of introduced plants (eg, pinus and cupressus varieties, rhododendrons, azaleas, maples, ornamental cherries and silver birch), linear landscape patterns (including the linear walking tracks in Wellington Park and the simple, rustic and winding nature of these, and their closed canopies), the use of stone in structures (eg, walling and shelters), St Raphael’s Church, the former Fern Tree & Bower Tea Rooms (on Reids Farm), the steps at the entrance to the Fern Glade Track near the creek, and the

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15 archaeological remains at Fern Tree Bower. Sheridan (1998b) assessed St Raphael’s Church, the MWSS Pipeline Track, the Bower Track, the Fern Tree Bower and Silver Falls as all having state level significance. With only a few minor exceptions Sheridan (1998b) does not make planning recommendations for the area within Wellington Park. The main exception is her recommendation that a MWSS Pipeline Track corridor be recognised to protect the ‘special landscape, visual qualities and the heritage historical [sic] context’ of the MWSS Pipeline Track and Bower to Silver Falls area. Vincent (1998) built on Sheridan’s (1998) work and identified and described a number of buildings, sites and other elements assessed as forming the cultural heritage of Fern Tree. He concluded that there were 25 places of cultural heritage significance that should be listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register and in the City of Hobart Planning Scheme (CHPS) Heritage Schedule. Because of the contributory significance of the roadside corridors to the cultural heritage value of Fern Tree, he also concluded that the corridors of the main roads should be declared a Heritage Area within the CHPS Heritage Schedule. Vincent (1998) sees the forested setting and surrounds of Fern Tree as a key part of its character, as well as providing a sense of continuity and flow. Vincent (1998, 8) also assesses Fern Tree (presumably including the Fern Tree Entry Area) as having significance at the State level as being a class of place that “demonstrates the characteristics of the recreation and retreat associated with the celebration of a clean water supply” and also assesses the community’s “desire to maintain the character of the area as part of a strong and special meaning for a group/community”, also as significant at the State level. Vincent specifically mentions the MWSS Pipeline Track, St Raphael’s Church, and Arts & Crafts Tradition associations as being of very high cultural heritage significance. A number of Vincent’s (1998) recommendations have been implemented by the HCC, including recognising a Huon Road corridor as a Significant Landscape under the City of Hobart Planning Scheme. Andrusko’s (2010) study, undertaken as Honours thesis research at the University of Tasmania, is about place attachment and visitation of Fern Tree Park and Fern Tree Bower (in effect the same area as the Fern Tree Entry Node (or Entry Area). Andrusko’s research was based on background research and ‘use and values’ surveys (completed by 113 respondents), with on-site short surveys of visitors, but also longer surveys (completed voluntarily) of local residents. Andrusko (2010) found that recreation, vegetation/nature and ‘psychologically–restorative attributes’ were the most important values of the area, and that local residents had more attachment to the area than non-locals. Andrusko’s study also found that there were differences between how local residents and visitors valued the area, with local residents valuing solitude most highly, and also the historical aspects; while non-locals used visits for social reasons and also strongly valued the visual aesthetics over the historical values. In terms of uses, walking was by far the most popular recreational activity. Management of the area was also identified as a concern, with the main recommendation being to ‘keep the area as is’ and the water management infrastructure at Silver Falls, dog walking, mountain biking and car parking being the main management issues raised.

General Wellington Park Studies The Historic Heritage Inventory and Audit (McConnell & Scripps 2005) was a whole of Park desktop study undertaken to assess the historic heritage data and management for Wellington Park. Given the limited site information available for the Park at the time, a major focus was to build the knowledge of historic heritage values in the Park. To this end systematic historical background research was carried out, although research into primary sources was limited and no field work was undertaken; and a review of existing heritage studies and oral information from key individuals and the local community more generally was undertaken. The study produced a

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16 revised inventory of over 400 places identified as being in or near the Park. The Historic Heritage Inventory and Audit did not review or specifically evaluate social values or aesthetic values, but included these where they were identified. The study identified a concentration of sites in the vicinity of the Fern Tree Entry area, which were subsequently formally recognised as sites under the WPMP. These historic heritage sites were the MWSS, Fern Glade Track, Middle Track, Bower Track, Silver Falls – Pillingers Drive Track, Fern Tree – Pillingers Drive Track, Silver Falls, Fern Tree Park (termed Bower Park), Fern Tree Bower, Fern Tree Rustic Picnic shelter, the two extant shelters on the edge of the MWSS Pipeline Track to the west of the Bower, the Fern Tree Bower Tree Stump, and the Strawberry Hill Tea House. A number of these sites were identified from the literature or oral information only and there was little precise location information or details for the identified sites. No precincts were identified as part of the Historic Heritage Inventory and Audit as this was beyond the scope of the inventory (a small number of ‘proto-precincts’ were identified, but these did not include the Fern Tree Entry Area) McConnell (2013) was a study of The Historic Tracks and Hut networks on the Hobart Face of Mount Wellington, and included the Fern Tree Area, but only as far west as the study area. This study was designed to follow up from the 2005 Audit and Inventory project and provide site documentation, improved historical data, significance assessment and management advice for these two site types which, based on the Inventory findings, represent some 60% of all historic sites in the HCC managed area of Wellington Park. The study included detailed recording and assessment of the Fern Glade Track and Middle Track, but did not include the MWSS Pipeline Track as that was already well assessed as part of the MWSS (see above), and did not include the more minor or recent tracks in the area. The study also only documented a small number of the huts (& hut sites), and did not include modern shelters or minor shelters, and did not consider the Bower Picnic Pavilion in detail. The study also undertook an analysis of the historic context of the development of the tracks and huts, ultimately creating a history of scenic tourism and recreation on Mount Wellington. Sheridan (2010) and McConnell (2012) are part of a set of three studies undertaken to establish the landscape values of Wellington Park. Sheridan’s (2010) study, The Heritage Landscape Values of Mount Wellington: An evolution across time, place and space, was of the historical landscape character and its evolution over time. The study, which focusses on kunanyi/Mount Wellington, provides extremely rich historical documentation and images for kunanyi/Mount Wellington, including considerable detailed information for the present study area. It does not however provide heritage site information and it does not provide management advice relevant to the present study.10 McConnell’s (2012) study, Wellington Park Social Values and Landscape – An Assessment, was designed to develop an understanding of the social values that attach to landscape within Wellington Park, but by virtue of the methodology (an open ended survey asking individual respondents was important to them in Wellington Park) the assessment also included information on the social values more generally for the Greater Hobart community. The results are based on some 458 responses. The study indicates that many aspects of Wellington Park are valued by people who live in the Greater Hobart area, ranging for large scale landscapes and landscape features and classes of feature, to specific views and individual natural landscape elements; and that Wellington Park, primarily kunanyi/Mount Wellington, creates strong attachment, and has strong symbolic meaning, is a key element in the sense of place of many Hobart residents, and is an important place for recreation, social occasions and relaxation and escape. The naturalness/wilderness

10 Most of the management advice in Sheridan (2010) applies at a larger scale.

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17 quality of the Park, its landscape at a general level and the aesthetics of the Park at a general level, were amongst the most important individual values identified in the assessment. Of relevance to the present study with its focus on the Fern Tree Entry Area is the relatively high importance of accessibility of the Park, derived from both the proximity of the Park to Hobart and to its tracks (allowing access into the Park); and the finding that social values attach to historic heritage, including a number of tracks and huts. The MWSS Pipeline Track was the most frequently mentioned individual place/feature of importance after the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington, and ferns/fern glades were one of the most frequently identified specific natural values.

1.2.4 Historic Heritage Status

The historic heritage significance of a number of features has been recognised through listing on the Tasmanian Heritage Register, in the City of Hobart Planning Scheme, or has been recognised as a site under the Wellington Park Management Plan. The following sites are listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register– • MWSS (full system) • St Raphael’s Church. The following sites are listed in the City of Hobart Planning Scheme Heritage Schedule – • MWSS (components) • Bower (archaeological remains) • St Raphael’s Church. The following areas are listed in the City of Hobart Planning Scheme Significant Landscape Schedule as significant landscapes – • Huon Road Corridor • Pipeline Track Corridor. The following are recognised as ‘sites’ under the Wellington Park Management Plan11 – • MWSS (full system), • Pipeline Track Hut No.4 • Silver Falls, • Strawberry Hill Tea House, • Bower Track, • Fern Tree Bower Tree Stump, • Fern Tree Bower, • Fern Glade Track, • Fern Tree Rustic Picnic shelter, • Middle Track, • Fern Tree Park (termed Bower Park), • Silver Falls – Pillingers Drive Track, • Pipeline Track Hut No.3 • Fern Tree – Pillingers Drive Track,

No precincts are as yet recognised in the study area. The only site which at present has a formal conservation plan is the MWSS (refer North 2012). There are also recent Design Guidelines for MWSS related visitor infrastructure (refer Urban Initiatives & Arterial Design 2013) The only other sites for which there is detailed management advice are the tracks and huts. This is contained in McConnell (2013) and associated data sheets. It should be noted however that McConnell (2013) is a draft report and the advice contained in the report has not been endorsed by the WPMT or HCC, and that some of the advice needs reviewing, particularly that in relation to the use and maintenance of the historic tracks.

11 This is provided for under Section 5.3.2, Policy/Action 1 of the WPMP 2013 (see Section 1.2.5, below). These sites are not listed in the WPMP, but are listed in a separate WPMT endorsed document.

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1.2.5 Management Context

The study area is located within Wellington Park in an area of land vested in the Hobart City Council (which is HCC freehold land). There are therefore two key management agencies for this land – the Wellington Park Management Trust (WPMT) which has responsibility for the overarching management of Wellington Park, and the HCC which has responsibility for the on- ground management of their land (ie, the summit area and the southern and eastern faces of Mount Wellington). In keeping with these twinned management responsibilities, all management and the approval of new uses and/or developments must be in accordance with both the Wellington Park Act 1993 and the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993. In summary, this means that land management issues are governed by the Wellington Park Management Plan 2013 (WPMP), whilst new uses and/or developments are also assessed by the HCC in accordance with the City of Hobart Planning Scheme. It should be noted however that the WPMP is also taken to be inserted into the Planning Scheme.

Wellington Park Management Plan Under the WPMP a level of protection is offered to all historic heritage values through the management principle to “retain the essential cultural characteristics of the Park” and the general management objective to “Protect and retain culturally representative and significant features, areas or artefacts of use and enjoyment of the Park” (WPMP 2013, 25). Recreation, tourism and community use are also aims, but such activities must be consistent with the preservation of the natural and cultural values, and water quality (WPMP 2013, 25). In relation to the cultural heritage, the conservation aims derive from two of the of the five purposes for which Wellington Park was reserved, ie – “the preservation or protection of any features of the land being features of historical, Aboriginal, archaeological, scientific, architectural, or geomorphological interest” and “the preservation or protection of the natural beauty of the land or of any features of the land of natural beauty or scenic interest” (Wellington Park Act 1993, cited in the WPMP 2013, 3). The WPMP contains specific management objectives (key desired outcomes) for historic cultural heritage, which are: . the identification, recording, protection and conservation of the cultural heritage; . historical cultural heritage will be recognised as a fundamental value in the management of the park; . the integrity and authenticity of structural and other historic remains and movable heritage will be maintained; and in relation to landscape that; . the quality, significant character and visual integrity of the natural and cultural landscapes will be maintained; and . the landscape and aesthetic values will be recognised as a fundamental value in the management of the Park (WPMP 2013, 79-80 & 82). WPMP policy that is relevant to the management of the historic heritage values of the study area is: • for management purposes, areas or sites of historic heritage, including cultural landscapes, will be designated as heritage precincts or heritage sites; • that conservation and management will adhere to the Burra Charter and associated guidelines;

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• priority in conservation works will be given first to maintenance and preservation, then restoration (missing fabric elements may be reconstructed in accordance with a conservation policy statement or plan, but no hypothetical reconstruction will be permitted); • ensure development or disturbance does not compromise the aesthetic and landscape values of the Park, particularly when viewed from outside the Park; and • a conservation policy statement or plan will be prepared prior to any actions that would affect elements of historic heritage or cultural landscapes (WPMP 2013, 79-80 & 82). The key WPMP approaches for achieving this are the identification of cultural heritage and landscape values through assessment, with their concomitant significance assessment and the provision of management advice (this may be via individual site data sheets or through reports such as in the case of the present study); the ability to designate historic heritage as a 'site' or 'precinct' for management purposes (this triggers greater scrutiny where new uses or development are proposed); and the need for all actions (except for routine day to day management activities or emergency works) to be assessed by the WPMT via a Park Activity Assessment (PAA) process.

City of Hobart Planning Scheme The study area is freehold land owned by HCC, and the HCC is the planning authority for the land under the Land Use Planning and Approval Act 1993 (LUPAA). Given this, the HCC has a responsibility to conserve significant historic heritage in the study area. This is primarily achieved through the provisions of the City of Hobart Planning Scheme 1982, in particular the Heritage Schedule (Schedule F). In the case of the present study the Significant Landscapes Schedule (Schedule O) can also be considered to apply. The Planning Scheme also contains a Local Area Plan for Fern Tree which in part is designed to guide development to ensure the character of Fern Tree is maintained. Items listed in Schedule F are subject to Principle 20 of the Planning Scheme, which is that for such places “control of development through the Planning Scheme shall be exercised to require conservation and enhancement of the significant characteristics of such areas, buildings and sites to the maximum degree the Council considers practicable”. (CHPS 1982, 21). Schedule F of the Planning Scheme also provides for ‘Heritage Areas’ to protect historic heritage areas and visual values, but in the Fern Tree area the approach has been to designate areas as Significant Landscapes, in recognition that their values are primarily visual, and not fabric based. Significant Landscapes may be established amongst other things to – . "protect and enhance the environmental, scenic, visual and cultural values of the significant landscapes which have been identified in the City", . "ensure that any new development is located and designed to avoid inappropriate visual intrusion or other detrimental effects on the key characteristics of the identified landscapes", and . "protect the cultural importance of historic road and track corridors". The provisions of the Planning Scheme mainly come into force in relation to development approvals that are required under LUPAA, but also should be given regard in planning. The vast majority of actions that occur in the Park however do not require a HCC approval under LUPAA (WPMP 2013, 124).

Historic Cultural Heritage Act The other key legislative instrument that applies to historic heritage management in the study area is the State level Historic Cultural Heritage Act 1995 (& 2013 Amendments). This Act provides protection for places assessed as being of state level significance (according to set criteria) and

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20 listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register (THR). The Act is administered by the Tasmanian Heritage Council, and it is their role to ensure that the cultural heritage significance of listed places is not diminished through use or works. Under Part 6 of the Act, registered places require Tasmanian Heritage Council approval for all works 'in relation to a registered place which may affect the historic cultural heritage significance of the place'. To ensure appropriate management of registered places there is provision in the Act for 'heritage agreements' to be made with owners of places of historic cultural heritage significance. Alternatively (but not provided for in the Act) the Tasmanian Heritage Council encourages the preparation of formal conservation management plans, particularly for highly significant heritage places.

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1.3 THE HISTORIC HERITAGE

1.3.1 The Historic Heritage Values

The historic heritage values of the Fern Tree Entry Area include physical evidence of past activities such as built heritage, structures, and archaeological remains; modified landscapes and landscape elements, including plantings, garden furniture and walls/fences; and natural elements that have been historically valued, such as creeks and waterfalls, ferns, and forest. These elements and their landscape setting and access on simple rustic walking tracks, initiated the human interest and visitation in the 1860s which rapidly ensured that a part of the area became a significant scenic tourism locale, and stayed an important scenic destination, and also an important access point to kunanyi/Mount Wellington more generally, again largely for scenic tourism, but also for recreation and relaxation. The dominant historic heritage values of the Fern Tree Entry Area are therefore – • historical (related to scenic tourism and, to a lesser extent, recreation; and also to historic water supply), • scientific (related to the physical historical evidence that survives), • aesthetic (related to the natural landscape of the area as well as key elements such as Silver Falls and tree ferns, and the rustic nature of the tracks and some of the earlier shelters), and • social (of high historical, aesthetic and use value to the local community, and also contributing to this community’s sense of place; and of aesthetic and use value to the broader Hobart community). The broader landscape values are recognised through the inclusion of this area within Wellington Park, and some of the highly significant, specific landscape values of the area have been recognised through the identification of two ‘Significant Landscapes’ in Schedule O of the City of Hobart Planning Scheme which are partly within the Fern Tree Entry Area. These two Significant Landscapes are – • Huon Road Corridor (50m either side of road), and • MWSS Pipeline Track Corridor (including the track to Silver Falls) (20m either side of track). There is a specific area of the Fern Tree Entry Area that has been a significant focus of scenic tourism from 1861-2 until present, and this is the corridor along the MWSS Pipeline Track from Fern Tree Park to the Bower then up the valley to Silver Falls, and this area contains the bulk of the physical evidence of the historically significant scenic tourism and use in the Fern Tree Entry Area. Because of its high level of significance, and because the two Significant Landscapes that occur in this area do not include the full area or recognise the scenic tourism values, it is recommended that this area be recognised as a ‘precinct’ under the WPMP (this area and its values are defined in the Appendix, this report). This both assists management and gives recognition to the special values of the area.

The identified historic heritage of the Fern Tree Entry Area however is primarily in the form of discrete sites and features, both constructed and natural. Some 72 sites and features have been identified (refer to the summary listing Table 1, or to the full listings and site & feature maps in the Inventory, Part 2).

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These sites and features are vary varied in type and include – Fern Tree Bower Area (MWSS Pipeline Track to Silver Falls) • Natural features – 2 (Silver Falls, a large tree stump) • Scenic Tourism/recreation area – 1 (Bower Open Area) • Water supply features – 10 (pipelines, channels, receiving tanks, quarries, a monument) • Tracks – 1 (Bower Track) • Buildings – 2 (huts/sheds) • Other picnic facilities – 11 (seating, areas/niches for former picnic tables, seats, fireplaces) • Garden features – 2 (stone edging, stone walling (& terracing), pathways) • Archaeological sites – 3 (Bower aerating basin, Bower picnic pavilion, Bower toilets). The above heritage comprises 32 places which date from 1861-2 to the 1950s and which relate to water supply and scenic tourism. Fern Tree Park • Park (picnic/recreation area) – 1 (Fern Tree Park) • Pathways – 5 (park paths; 2 with no probable heritage significance) • Buildings – 3 (huts/sheds with picnic facilities & wood BBQs; garden shed; no probable heritage significance) • Other picnic facilities – 1 (tables, seats & wood BBQ; no probable heritage significance) • Play equipment – 3 (no probable heritage significance) • Garden features – 9 (planted areas, groups of plantings, individual plantings; a number with no heritage significance) • Archaeological sites – 2 (hut foundations). The above heritage comprises 24 places, most of which appear to date only from the mid-1950s. These places relate exclusively to recreation (play, picnicking) or to park maintenance. Many are not considered to have historic heritage significance. It should be noted that Fern Tree Park is also the start for several major Wellington Park tracks, including the MWSS Pipeline Track, also a water supply feature (note - these tracks are listed in the other 3 areas). Fern Tree Park to the Fern Glade Track • Natural features – 1 (cascade on Huon Rd) • Tracks – 5 (all these are link tracks and only 1 is of any length) • Buildings – 1 (St Raphael’s Church) • Quarries – 1 (for road building) • Other features – 1 (stone water trough). The above heritage comprises 9 places which are natural or date from the late 1890s to the 1940s. They relate primarily to scenic tourism and recreation, but also to road building and use, and to local community based religion.

Fern Tree Entry Hinterland (the rest of the Fern Tree Entry Area not included in the other 3 areas) • Water supply features – 2 (reservoir & access road; no heritage significance) • Tracks – 5 (includes 3 major tracks and 2 lesser tracks). The above heritage comprises 7 places which date from c.1890 to the late 1960s and which relate primarily to scenic tourism and recreation, and also to water supply.

As can be seen from the above, the assessment has divided the Fern Tree Entry Area into 4 zones based on different types and levels of historic use and hence different densities and types of heritage, to assist in understanding the patterning of the heritage and the different heritage sensitivities of the Area.

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It should be noted that this assessment may not have identified all the historic heritage in the Fern Tree Entry Area as the full area was not surveyed in detail.

1.3.2 The Heritage Significance

The significance of the identified sites and features varies. A number of identified features are assessed as having no historic heritage or other cultural heritage significance, but are included so that their heritage significance (or lack of it) is explicit. The heritage significance of the individual sites and features is given in the summary listing (Table 1) or, in more detail, in the Inventory (Part 2). There are a number of sites within the Fern Tree Entry Area that are assessed as having high level significance. These are mainly 19th century sites relating to the historic Mountain Water Supply System, or which were key, early scenic and/or recreational tourism sites or infrastructure, and/or have strong aesthetic and design qualities related to this early scenic tourism, its rustic nature and setting. In general these sites all have strong historical and aesthetic value and are strongly valued by the local community, and in most, but not all, cases also have scientific significance. Sites of high assessed significance (state level significance and high local level significance) are – • the Mountain Water Supply System and associated elements, • Silver Falls • the Bower Open Area • Bower Picnic Pavilion • Shelter Shed 2 (West Bower area) • Bower Track • Middle Track • Fern Glade Track • St Raphael’s Church. Heritage with assessed lower significance (generally only medium to low local significance) tend to be later, early-mid 20th century features or sites, and/or minor sites, or not associated with the key themes of regional water supply and scenic tourism/recreation. A number of these sites and features do however have social significance at the local level, generally in relation to their history and aesthetic nature and setting. Seven sites/features were not assessed due to insufficient information. This heritage is unlikely to be of high level significance. Fifteen of the sites/features identified in the assessment and listed in the Inventory are assessed as having no cultural heritage significance. These are mainly sites/features that were built/established after 1960, and the majority of these are located in Fern Tree Park. Fern Tree Park is assessed as having significance at the local level only, with the main values being medium social and aesthetic significance as a rustic park that reflects the character of Fern Tree and the earlier scenic tourism infrastructure and landscape character of the broader area; and which provides for a diversity of activities (child play, picnicking, BBQ’s, strolling, access/exit to and from longer walks in Wellington Park (including loop walks)). The proposed Fern Tree Bower Precinct is considered to have high local level and state level significance. In part this derives from the number of significant individual sites within it, but it is largely due to the Precinct’s history as one of the earliest important scenic tourism destinations in the Hobart region and in Tasmania, attracting not only locals residents, but interstate and overseas visitors, and being highly appreciated by visitors as is evident in the number of postcards and

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24 other images of the Bower and Silver Falls that were produced. Although some key features that contribute to the use and appreciation of the Bower have been lost, the Precinct is still able to demonstrate the characteristics that made it such a scenic attraction, and which has resulted in it being a popular location from the 1860s up to the present. Key aspects of the cultural heritage significance of the Fern Tree Bower Precinct are considered to be the – • MWSS water supply infrastructure • scenic tourism built structures • areas of archaeological (sub-surface heritage) sensitivity • significant plantings • natural setting • views and vistas • other elements of social significance. The significance of the proposed Fern Tree Bower Precinct is detailed in the Appendix.

1.3.3 Key Issues for Historic Heritage Management

The key issue for management of historic heritage in Wellington Park and in Hobart City Council bushland areas has traditionally been the lack of recognition of these values (McConnell & Scripps 2005). The preparation of the Fern Tree Entry Node history (Evans 2014) and the historic heritage assessment undertaken (this study) to inform the Master Plan should address this issue. These studies and other relevant heritage studies should also be used in other planning for, and management of, this area. A prior lack of understanding of the historic heritage values of the study area however has led to some changes and repair over time that have detracted from the heritage values. The challenge for the future therefore is to use the better understanding of the historic heritage values to preserve and further contribute to the historic heritage significance of this area. Key areas or issues that need to be addressed to achieve this are as follow. 1. Recognising & Responding to the Historic Cultural Heritage Values Given the wide range of cultural heritage values of the Fern Tree Entry Area, the importance of the natural setting, the aesthetic values, and the social values, and the extensive nature of many of the values, the most critical management issue is for the values to be recognised and for management to be sympathetic to these values. What constitutes sympathetic management will vary from site to site, and location to location. Key approaches will be simple designs for infrastructure that are not obtrusive, use local, natural materials and do not significantly impact on the natural setting. A sympathetic approach will need to consider not only the form, scale, design and materials of built elements, but also their placement – to avoid impacting heritage fabric and archaeological remains, to preserve the relationships of heritage features, to preserve access, and to minimise visual impacts. It is not only in relation to new elements that the need to be sympathetic should be considered. Consideration should also be given to replacing existing infrastructure that is unsympathetic, or which could be more sympathetic. An example is the present table and seating installed in the Fern Tree Entry Area which, although it does not detract from the values, does not contribute to the values. Other specific examples are provided in 3, below. Because of the strong local community attachment to the Fern Tree Entry Area, the social values of the Area are important and also need to be respected. To a large extent this does not require a

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25 change in management as the social values include an appreciation of the natural values, history and aesthetic values of the area. There are however some specific social values that have required active management and may require future active decision making. Some examples are – • the maintenance of flow over Silver Falls; • the maintenance of fireplaces and wood BBQ’s (and replacement of these where they have been removed, eg, the 2 shelter sheds in the west Bower area) (this is an aspect of maintaining a valued established practice). Visitor use related issues are discussed below (refer 4, below).

2. Differentiating between the MWSS Heritage and the Scenic Tourism/Recreational Heritage A particular issue for the Fern Tree Entry Area is the overlap and interdependence of the MWSS and associated elements, and the scenic tourism and recreation related heritage, and how to best present these. Design Guidelines have recently been prepared for the MWSS (Urban Initiatives & Arterial Design 2013) which provide a very specific design style for the presentation of the MWSS. The design style is informed by the nature of the site complex and to a lesser extent historical MWSS design, hence is very specific to the MWSS. This was a specific aim as the design is in part intended to allow the MWSS to be recognised as a single complex through a unified design for infrastructure and signage. This aim however will not be achieved if the same design style is used for other heritage and areas on and adjacent to the MWSS, and this is a significant risk in the Fern Tree Entry Area given that the MWSS runs through and connects Fern Tree Park, the Bower and Silver Falls. Consideration will need to be given to how these different heritages or heritage themes can be separated out and differentiated with respect to visitor infrastructure and sign design. The recognition and definition of a Bower Precinct in part aims to clarify the relationships between MWSS and the scenic tourism and recreation related heritage to assist in resolving this issue. While the MWSS Design Guidelines should be used for core MWSS infrastructure in the study area, other areas (including the Bower (where non-MWSS related) until the proposed precinct is endorsed) should continue to follow the standard Wellington Park designs in relation to signs, and new infrastructure design should be guided by the Wellington Park Design & Infrastructure Manual (WPMT 2004), but also be cognisant of the heritage values (which is the approach advocated in the Manual).

3. Loss of Key Heritage Attributes Through Damage and Unsympathetic Infrastructure. A particular issue since c.1960 has been the lack of consideration of the scenic and aesthetic values, and in some cases social values, in the construction of new infrastructure in the Fern Tree Entry Area. This applies primarily to the water supply infrastructure and to visitor infrastructure. Areas where more sympathetic approaches need to be considered for heritage reasons include – • the current (post 1960 flood), unsympathetic water supply infrastructure at Silver Falls; • the current, unsympathetic visitor infrastructure at Silver Falls (in particular the treated pine steps, walkway and balustrading, and the widespread concrete surfacing); • the 1955 concrete water tank (and subsidiary tank, which also has potential safety issues in relation to the MWSS Pipeline Track given its location); and • the lack of functionality/desired amenity of the two extant shelter sheds west of the Bower.

4. Managing the Range of Different Uses & Access As a major access point to Wellington Park and with three major tracks taking off from it (including the MWSS Pipeline Track which is suited to multiple use and family use), as well as

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26 having a major focus of group activity at the main entry point, the Fern Tree Entry Area has a range of uses. While the use level and mix at present appears to work, potential conflicts are likely with greater use and a significantly changed balance of use. Maintaining access is also important. There are a number of constraints on how this can be managed due to the nature of the key entry point, the geography, and the limited areas and track opportunities currently available. The historic heritage will also create constraints, and these need to be taken into account in the planning phase to avoid management conflict and not being able to meet user expectations (a current issue with the introduction of bike riding into Wellington Park). Some of the heritage constraints and opportunities that need to be considered are – • The desirability of maintaining all historic walking tracks in the long term. • The need to ensure that walking remains a key use of all tracks which were established as walking tracks (assuming there is an interest in this from users), and the need to retain the essentially natural track settings and other aesthetic and social values of the historical tracks. • The inability to re-route, widen or significantly otherwise modify the MWSS Pipeline Track; the undesirability of creating new offshoots, and potential damage to track surface features (eg, the sandstone troughing capping) from too high levels of use. • The desirability of maintaining the MWSS Pipeline Track, at least in the Fern Tree Entry Area, as a family and young children friendly track. • The local community dissatisfaction with the loss of access to the top of Silver Falls. There has been long term historical access and there are other attractions (more cascades) above Silver Falls. Thought should therefore be given to re-introducing access via a safe, formed path on the eastern side above the creek that allows access to the upper parts of the creek safely and without compromising water supply requirements.

The keys to successful historic cultural heritage conservation for the Fern Tree Entry Area are therefore seen as- 1. recognising and respecting the historical cultural heritage values of the area; 2. ‘keeping it as it is” to the extent possible and not significantly further developing the area; 3. ensuring new development, repair and replacement of the range of structures, features and plantings is sympathetic (ie, rustic, in natural materials and colours, and small in scale); 4. maintaining similar use and use mix with an emphasis on walking and other, low key activities for a range of ages through forward planning; and 5. a little bit of imaginative thinking to help recreate the historical scenic ambience of the Fern Tree Bower Precinct, while keeping the area authentic.

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FERN TREE ENTRY AREA FEATURE SUMMARY LISTING

1 Fern Tree Bower Area (including Silver Falls, and Bower Track)

Feature Feature Name Feature Type History Description Assessment Management No Recommendations FTB 01 Bower Track Track In use from c.1862 to present MWSS Pipeline Tk from FT Park to High local significance and some state level Retain. (see also MWSS (pedestrian) (for scenic tourism, and also Bower; gravelled vehicular track to Silver significance. For specific recommendations Pipeline Track for recreation from FT Park to the Falls; unknown beyond (originally only a Designated WPMP Site WPHH0021. refer Feature Inventory. lower half) Springs via Silver Falls). foot pad). Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape FTB 02 MWSS Pipeline water supply & Cut originally in 1861-62 as part Heavily benched, dirt track with Of high local significance and of high state Preserve, as well as associated Track track of the MWSS pipeline formation sandstone troughing &/or iron pipes level significance. features. (pedestrian) from Sandy Bay Rivulet. buried underneath; c.3.5m/20’ wide, level, Designated WPMP Site WPHH0216. For specific recommendations Originally timber troughing; and gently sloping; has associated THR listed place 11227. refer Feature Inventory. replaced by stone troughing in features, eg, guttering. CHPS-HS listed. 1881. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. FTB 03 Silver Falls Natural feature Silver Falls was accessible to Wide bedrock bench over which the Of high local significance and of high state Preserve, and maintain as a (waterfall) visitors from 1861-62 when it headwaters of Browns River drop in a level significance. natural visitor destination; and was developed as an intake for single drop into a small basin. Associated Designated WPMP Site WPHH0319. for water supply (while the MWSS. Has been visited modern water supply & visitor THR listed place 11227 (part of). required). since. infrastructure. CHPS-HS listed. For specific recommendations refer Feature Inventory Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. FTB 04 Silver Falls – Water supply The pipeline was laid in 1861- Narrow (c.1-2’) foot pad running directly Of some local and state significance as an Preserve pipeline/pipeline 1831 Diversion system (part of) 62 as part of the MWSS (took downslope from the 1831 Diversion past element of the MWSS, although the pipe route. Pipeline & Track & water from the 1831 Diversion); the eastern side of Silver Falls, to the appears not to be original. Of some local (Note: Not considered in North track - track presumed to be of similar Bower Track; associated metal pipe. social significance as part of the track 2012) pedestrian date. network on Kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Designated WPMP Site WPHH0216 (part of). FTB 05 Silver Falls – Water supply This feature is not been reliably A c.120-125m long x c.8-9’ wide Difficult to assess without being able to Preserve and manage Bower Eastern system (part of) dated. (Dates to c.1904, or benched formation with cast iron water reliably date the feature. sympathetically. Pipeline possibly post-1960) pipe enclosed in drystone walling with If c.1904 of high local significance and of Undertake further research. rubble fill laid on top; runs down the E high state level significance as part of the For specific recommendations side of the valley between Silver Falls MWSS. If post-1960 of some, but lesser, refer Feature Inventory and the Bower. significance. (Note: Not considered in North 2012)

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FTB 06 Sandstone Quarry Quarry (stone) No information. If a quarry, Semicircular area c.6m E-W x c.15m N-S Of significance as part of the MWSS and Retain quarry area. 1 assumed to be part of 1860-62, on the W side of Silver Falls; has high created between 1866 and 1917. For specific recommendations 1878-88 or 1900-1904 works. vertical rock walls & a relatively flat floor; refer Feature Inventory also has a low mound of rock and earth (Note: Not considered in North debris in the centre. 2012) FTB 07 Sandstone Quarry Quarry (stone) No information. Assumed to be Not inspected as part of the present Of significance as part of the MWSS if Retain feature. 2 associated with the 1878-88 study. Known to comprise an irregular created between 1866 and 1917. Record site/feature & re- works. area c.8m x10-12m with cut walls and assess. stone blocks on the slope above and NW (Note: Not considered in North of Silver Falls. 2012) FTB 08 Road Crossing Road feature No information. Walling Iron pipe culvert which runs under the Of significance as part of the MWSS if Retain drystone walling (unless Spillway & Walling assumed to be part of the 1866 Bower – Silver Falls track; has a surface created between 1866 and 1917. found to be post-1960). -1880s works; the drain is concrete lined spoon drain; also a assumed to be post-1960). drystone wall in the creek bank on the upper end. FTB 09 Upper Bower Unknown No information. Probably a Small, flat floored, recessed area, Not established. Of significance if a mid- Not essential to retain feature. Track Recess 1 (picnic area?) 1880s – mid 1900s picnic site 4.6m/15’ wide x 3.6m/12’ deep on the W 1900s (pre-1960) or earlier picnic or rest If retained, manage as at (or less likely a post-1960 side of the track; has a vertical rear wall. area. present or as a small scale, low borrow pit). key picnic or rest area. FTB 10 Upper Browns Canal Limited information. C.50-55m of stone and concrete lined Of high significance as an integral part of Preserve and manage in River Diversion & Presumed to date to the 1880s channel (including channel floor) of Upper the MWSS. Contributes to the aesthetic accordance with the Hobart Intake MWSS works at the Bower. Browns River in the area of the Bower, significance of the Bower (although the wire Mountain Water Supply System plus a steel grille caged offshoot (water cage detracts from the aesthetic value). CMP (North 2012). intake). Designated WPMP Site WPHH0216 (part For specific recommendations of). refer Feature Inventory THR listed place 11227 (part of). CHPS-HS listed. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. FTB 11 Stone lined side Drainage No information. Stone lined, shaped, channel c.10-12m Of significance as part of the MWSS. Preserve and manage as a drainage feature channel Assumed to be part of the long from gully across the W side of the Designated WPMP Site WPHH0216 (part component of the historic water original or 1880s MWSS works. Upper Browns River valley floor to Upper of). supply system. Browns River into stone lined channel. CHPS-HS listed (part of). (Note: Not considered in North Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. 2012) FTB 12 Bower Open Area Tourist site & The Bower has been accessed An area in the floor of the Upper Browns Of high local significance and of high- Continue to preserve and part of water for scenic tourism since the River valley where the track to Silver medium state level significance as a scenic manage the Bower (with Silver supply system. MWSS was constructed in Falls takes off from the MWSS Pipeline tourism destination; and of local and state Falls) as a special scenic 1862. It was a popular picnic Track. The core of the area is triangular, significance as part of the MWSS. tourism destination and spot from the 1870s – 1880s to open c.16m E-W by c.45m N-S, with Designated WPMP Site WPHH0083. recreational area.

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at least the 1930s, and remains stone edging, planted tree fern rows, the THR 11227 (part of) For specific recommendations a popular visitor site today, stone lined Browns River channel, the CHPS-HS listed. refer Feature Inventory. partly due to its being on the replaced Cooks Monument, and a 1955 Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. MWSS Pipeline Track and en concrete water tank. The Bower extended route to Silver Falls. Beautified to the W side of Upper Browns River and picnic infrastructure built where today there are shelter sheds, over time. In relation to water picnic tables and benches, and the supply, a dam/collecting basin, remains of former sheds and seating a sluice house and associated areas (refer FTB 17-23). The area is features were built in 1861-2; assumed to have archaeological remains and modifications were made in related to the 19th century water supply 1881 to accommodate the new infrastructure and other visitor masonry troughing. infrastructure. FTB 13 Bower Picnic Hut (former) A timber ‘pavilion for picnic Except for a cut vertical face on the W Of high local significance and some state The location of the pavilion Pavilion parties’ with rustic bush pole side of the creek channel c.5m from the significance as part of the suite of rustic should not be built over or (Bower Hut) latticework; erected in 1897; bridge and 4m W of the channel there is huts built on Mount Wellington between significantly modified for other designed by Alan Cameron no clear surface or above ground c.1880 and 1914. purposes. Walker; Henry Dobson had an evidence of the Bower Pavilion today; nor Designated WPMP Site WPHH0083 (part Consider reconstructing the interest in it. Possibly destroyed is there evidence of the bridge that of). pavilion. in a 1914 bushfire, but rebuilt by crossed the creek. Potential CHPS-HS listed (part of Bower). For specific detailed the HCC. Presumed to be archaeological remains. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. recommendations refer Feature extant until some time between Inventory 1935 and 1950s. FTB 14 Cooks Monument Monument Erected in 1861-62 at the 1861- Stone monument comprising three Of significance as part of the MWSS; can Preserve and manage as per 2 sluice house on the dam wall courses of mortared/concreted stone be considered to have some social the MWSS CMP (North 2012). at the Bower. The monument (sandstone) with engraved lettering on significance. For specific recommendations was washed downslope by the one wide face (c.3’) referring to the 1861 Designated WPMP Site WPHH0083 & refer Feature Inventory 1960 floods, but recovered after construction; and a shorter top block with 0216 (part of). the floods. a post-1960 flood metal plaque. CHPS-HS listed (part of Bower). Associated post-1960 drystone walling. THR listed 11227 (part of) Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. FTB 15 Bower Concrete Water Tank A 30,000 gallon concrete A rectangular concrete tank, c.9m long x Of significance as part of the MWSS, but it Retain and manage as per the Tank settling and reservoir tank 5m wide x 2m high, with a flat concrete detracts from the aesthetic values of the MWSS CMP (North 2012). constructed in 1955 as part of slab roof; fold down metal safety railing Bower. For specific recommendations the MWSS. The tank survived on 2 of the edges. Associated iron feeder Designated WPMP Site WPHH0216 (part refer Feature Inventory the 1960 floods. The small and outlet pipes and a small auxiliary of). secondary tank is believed to concrete tank c.3m S of the main tank. THR listed 11227 (part of) be a post-1960 flood feature. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. FTB 16 Browns River Bridge The initial crossing (1860-62 is C.3m long by 3m wide bridge; flat and The bridge in itself is not considered to There is no requirement to Bower Bridge assumed to have been only a timber (hardwood?) decked, with wire have specific significance (the pipeline retain the present bridge; but pipeline across the river, as was mesh surfacing; there is a treated pine, pedestrian bridging should be ______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment (Final Report) McConnell, A. (Oct 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

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the case in 1890. By the picket fence style hand railing on both however does have significance). maintained across Upper (c.early-mid-1900s?) it is a sides; the channel bank walling acts as Designated WPMP Site WPHH0216 (part Browns River in this location. short, narrow timber decked de facto abutments. of). For specific recommendations bridge with edging; the current CHPS-HS listed (part of MWSS). refer Feature Inventory bridge is post-1960. THR listed 11227 (part of) Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. FTB 17 Shelter Shed 1 Hut The origin of this shelter shed is A three sided, stone walled shelter with Not possible to assess without knowing if Retain and maintain this site as not known. A picnic area by low angle gable roof; open to S; 14’ x 8’ x this is an early 1900s or mid-1900s site. If a Bower picnic facility. 1910. The shed was possibly c.2.5m high. The roof is timber framed the former, the shed has local and some For specific recommendations built by 1914, but more with corrugated iron cladding. There is an state level significance. This significance is refer Feature Inventory. probably built early-mid 1900s external square stone chimney flue that significantly reduced if the shed is mid- (extant prior to the 1960 flood). services 2 walled off, internal fireplaces. 1900s only. Modified internally in the late Inside there is a central N-S concreted Designated WPMP Site WPHH0278 1970s-early1980s. stone wall, c.0.5m high and four plain, Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. timber benches. FTB 18 Shelter Shed 2 Hut (former) Established at least by the A flat, rectangular, open, benched area, The site has local and some state level Retain this site as an (& access paths) 1890s; probably by Henry c.16’ wide (E-W) by 14’ (N-S), c.3m significance as part of the Bower scenic archaeological site or re-instate Dobson on his private property above, and 16-18m+ N of, the MWSS tourism and recreational infrastructure. It as a Bower picnic facility. (by1899); of rustic construction, Pipeline Tk); drystone block edging (1 also has social significance for some local For specific recommendations at least in 1910. Remained as it course) along the S edge and other residents. refer Feature Inventory. was in 1910 until the 1970s. associated blocks (former steps?). Designated WPMP Site WPHH0280 Accessed from the MWSS Pipeline Tk by Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. paths from the E and W. FTB 19 Shelter Shed 3 Hut The date of construction is A rectangular, stone shed with a It is not possible to assess without knowing Undertake further research to (Caretakers Shed unknown. corrugated iron clad skillion roof and the age of the site. If late 1800s it has local more reliably determine the age / Tool Shed) Possibly relatively recent concrete floor; 14’10” wide x 12’6” deep; and some state level significance. Of low- and history of this building. (thought to be post- the1960 some concrete brick edging & walling; a medium significance if built in the early-mid Retain this building until a full flood). Alternatively, it is an square stone chimney on the E side, now 1900s, and of no particular significance if assessment can be made. earlier structure (tool walled up; 2 front door openings & 1 built post-1960. shed/caretakers residence), small high window (bricked up); no Designated WPMP Site WPHH0279 and may be as early as 1880s furniture or fixtures inside. Built into an Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. (if so likely to have been re- excavated recessed area with vertical cut built). walls up to c.2.5m high. FTB 20 Bower Picnic Area Picnic/relaxation There is no historical A flat, semi-rectangular, open, benched It is difficult to assess this feature as its age Retain this modified locality as W1 area information for this feature. area, c.10’ by 10’ (possibly extends as a and original nature are not known. If an a picnic site (but there is no Possibly a picnic area as early narrower bench to the E), with stone early site the feature has local and some requirement to retain the as the 1890s or may be very edging across the front, and a central state level significance. If a later feature it present seating and table). recent. timber picnic table with a bench each contributes to the significance of the Bower, For specific recommendations side; accessed by a flight of modern but is not of significance in its own right. refer Feature Inventory drystone steps. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape.

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FTB 21 Bower Stone Garden feature There is no historical A low, right-angled wall near the N edge Low local significance (contributes to the Retain unless there is a Feature W1 information for this feature. of the Pipeline Tk; the walling is up to rustic nature of the Bower). compelling reason to remove. Presumed to have been built as c.50cm high, the W side is 1.5m long and Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. For specific recommendations an edging for plantings. Date the E side is 2.3m long; the area behind refer Feature Inventory unknown, but thought to be is empty, and c 1.5m behind is a low post-1967. (c.30cm), cut, vertical, bedrock wall. FTB 22 Bower Seating Picnic/relaxation There is no historical A flat c.2m wide x c.1.5m deep round Assuming it is an early site, the feature has Retain feature (and consider Area W1 area information for this feature. area with a narrow entrance and low local and some state level significance as replacing seating in the Probably an historic seating (c.30-40cm high) drystone wall edging; part of the Bower. recess). area (known to have had a seat on the N edge of the MWSS Pipeline Tk. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. For specific recommendations in the late-1950s – 1960s). refer Feature Inventory FTB 23 Fern Tree Bower Picnic/relaxation There is no historical A recessed, approx. rectangular area It is difficult to assess this feature as its age Retain unless there is a Recess W1 area information for this feature. c.10.5m long by c.2m deep on the N side and historical purpose is not known. If compelling reason to remove. Presumed to have been created of the MWSS Pipeline Tk. The space is early, the feature has local and some state For specific recommendations as a rest or picnic area. open. level significance as part of the Bower. If it refer Feature Inventory Remembered as having a is later it is unlikely to be of cultural heritage shelter or seating in the late- significance. 1950s – 1960s. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. FTB 24 Fern Tree Bower Natural feature There is no historical Burnt out stump of an extremely large Of local significance, and of potential state Retain. Allow to decay Tree Stump (tree) information for this feature. eucalypt on N side of above the MWSS significance (if an historical Bower related naturally. Probably a late 1800s feature of Pipeline Tk; partially preserved; scenic tourism destination). Manage for visitation. interest for visitors to the circumference c.7m/23’ diameter; Designated WPMP Site WPHH0084 Bower. Of some present day denticulate top edge with highest points Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. local community interest. c.2.5m. FTB 25 Reids Farm Stone Garden features There is no historical A number of garden landscaping features Difficult to assess as age and exact These features are on private Edging information for these features. in stone on the N slope above the MWSS historical nature are not known. If an early property, hence management The features are likely to relate Pipeline Track, including - a set of three feature for tourism or recreation the feature advice is provided only for to the Reids Farm gardens or to drystone walled terraces; a c.3-4’ wide has local and some state level significance features that fall within the a teahouse. lightly benched path leading up towards as part of the Bower. HCC MWSS easement/THR the farmhouse; a sinuous 2-3’ wide path Designated WPMP Site WPHH0294 (part listed site): with stone edging and lower stone steps of) Retain (unless there is a running upslope; & a c.5m long, curved Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. compelling reason to remove). line of stones on the N edge of the For specific recommendations MWSS Pipeline Tk. refer Feature Inventory FTB 26 Bower Track Picnic/relaxation Presumed to date to between Relatively flat, small, rectangular Of significance as part of the historical Retain and maintain as a visitor Seating Area 1 area 1881 and c.1908 for seating; recessed area 2.5m/8’ wide x 1.5m/5’ scenic tourism and recreational visitor seating area. had seating in the late-1950s deep on E side of MWSS Pipeline Track; infrastructure in the Fern Tree Park – For specific recommendations and 1960s. contains a single bench seat (concrete & Bower – Silver Falls area. Possibly also of refer Feature Inventory. timber). social significance. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape.

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FTB 27 Bower Track Picnic/relaxation Presumed to date to between Relatively flat, small, rectangular Of significance as part of the historical Retain and consider replacing Seating Area 2 area 1881 and c.1908, for seating; recessed area c.1.5m wide x 1.5m deep scenic tourism and recreational visitor seating in the recess. had seating in the late-1950s and with stone side walling; on E side of infrastructure in the Fern Tree Park – For specific recommendations and 1960s. MWSS Pipeline Track; no seating. Bower – Silver Falls area. refer Feature Inventory. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. FTB 28 Former Bower Toilets There is limited historical Only the toilet foundations survive. These Of significance as part of the Bower scenic Retain. Toilets information for this feature. comprise a c.3.5m long x 2m wide bench tourism and recreational infrastructure. For specific recommendations A male & female toilet was with a lower drystone retaining wall c.2’ Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. refer Feature Inventory. located at the Bower in at least high with sawn timber base plate on top. the mid-late1900s. The access paths are not evident. FTB 29 Bower Track Picnic/relaxation Presumed to date to between Cut area c.2-3m wide by 1.5m deep with Of significance as part of the historical Retain and consider replacing Seating Area 3 area 1881 and c.1908, for seating; sloping floor and apparent ramp to the scenic tourism and recreational visitor seating in the recess. had seating in the late-1950s NE and with edged access ramp with infrastructure in the Fern Tree Park – For specific recommendations and 1960s. culvert; on E side of the MWSS Pipeline Bower – Silver Falls area. refer Feature Inventory. Track; no seating. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. FTB 30 Bower Track Picnic/relaxation Presumed to date to between Small, rectangular recessed area c.3m Of significance as part of the historical Retain and maintain as a visitor Seating Area 4 area 1881 and c.1908, for seating; wide x 3-4m deep, with a sloping floor; on scenic tourism and recreational visitor seating area. (with seat) had seating in the late-1950s E side of MWSS Pipeline Track; contains infrastructure in the Fern Tree Park – For specific recommendations and 1960s. a single bench seat (concrete & timber). Bower – Silver Falls area. Possibly also of refer Feature Inventory. social significance. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. FTB 31 Bower Track Picnic/relaxation Presumed to date to between Small, irregular- square recessed area Of significance as part of the historical Retain and consider replacing Seating Area 5 area 1881 and c.1908, for seating; c.3m wide x 3-4m deep with sloping floor; scenic tourism and recreational visitor seating in the recess. had seating in the late-1950s on E side of MWSS Pipeline Track; no infrastructure in the Fern Tree Park – For specific recommendations and 1960s. seating. Bower – Silver Falls area. refer Feature Inventory. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. FTB 32 Bower Track Picnic/relaxation Presumed to date to between Relatively flat, square recessed area Of significance as part of the historical Retain and maintain as a visitor Seating Area 6 area 1881 and c.1908, for seating. c.4m x 4m; on E side of MWSS Pipeline scenic tourism and recreational visitor seating area. (with tram seat) The date of installation of the Track; contains a single bench seat of infrastructure in the Fern Tree Park – For specific recommendations tram seat tram is unknown, but metal and timber (the seat is a former Bower – Silver Falls area. Probable social refer Feature Inventory. it has been there since at least Hobart tram seat with reversible back). significance. the mid-late 1950s. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape.

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2 Fern Tree Park Area

Feature Feature Name Feature Type History Description Assessment Management No Recommendations FTP 01 Fern Tree Park Park The history of this park is not An area of grass, garden beds (with Medium social and aesthetic local The Park should be retained as (Bower Park) known. It appears to have been shrubs, small trees & ferns, and many significance as a Park; also some historical a focus for low key recreation, a park since the early 1900s or with drystone walled banks) and significance (in relation to its 20th century and be managed to respect its WPHH0020 late 1890s. Referred to as scattered large trees (eucalypts & some function) & some scientific significance (in cultural values. ‘Bower Park’ by locals. The introduced conifers); visitor infrastructure relation to the historic structures and For specific recommendations location of numerous Fern Tree includes paths; playground equipment (in plantings). refer Feature Inventory. Strawberry Festivals (c.1897 to defined areas), a small number of picnic The entrance has high significance as part c.1950s. Present day tables & benches with a BBQ; a large of the MWSS Pipeline Track (see FTB 02). infrastructure understood to picnic shelter with fire, BBQ & toilets; a 2 Designated WPMP Site WPHH0020. date to the late 1960s/early storey shelter and BBQ; and a stone Falls within 2 CHPS Significant 1970s (current play equipment garden shed. The park is surrounded on Landscapes. & much of the stone retaining its outer (Huon Rd) edge by a low picket walls and edging date to the fence. late 1990s/mid 2000s). FTP 02 Main Shelter Hut & Constructed in the late 1960s / Rectangular shed, 9m long x 4.2m deep, No assessed cultural heritage significance. Not essential to retain structure, Shed (with toilets) picnic/relaxation early 1970s following the 1967 with gable roof and open to the S side, May have some social and aesthetic but if demolished a replacement area bushfires. Still in use (toilets & except for semi-enclosed wings each side significance. Contributes to the rustic, structure/s should be provided. possibly a small shelter shed that house the toilets; concrete floor, gardenesque feel of the Fern Tree Park. This/these should respect the were located in this area prior to concreted dolerite chimney on rear wall; rural gardenesque nature of the the 1967 bushfires). & internal long table and 4 plank Park and its setting. benches. A fenced open area 7m long x 3.5m wide on S side with a BBQ/fireplace and a table with 2 bench seats. FTP 03 Stone Garden Hut History unknown. Presumed to Small concreted stone (dolerite) garden No assessed cultural heritage significance. No recommendations. Shed be post-1967 bushfires. shed with corrugated iron gable roof, Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque feel small vertically planked door on S side & of the Fern Tree Park. concrete(?) floor FTP 04 2 Storey BBQ Hut & Constructed in the late 1960s / Two storey stone, concrete brick, No assessed cultural heritage significance. Not essential to retain, but if picnic/relaxation early 1970s following the 1967 concrete, metal and timber BBQ and May have some social and aesthetic demolished consideration area bushfires. Still in use shelter built into recess on edge of significance. Contributes to the rustic, should be given to a more (occasional). Before the 1967 MWSS Pipeline Track; 5.4m long x 3.1m gardenesque feel of the Fern Tree Park. functional replacement BBQ or bushfires, the area had a deep; open construction with upper level Falls within 2 CHPS Significant picnic shelter. This should medium size, log cabin style unroofed; lower timber table and upper Landscapes. respect the rural gardenesque shelter shed with wood concrete & timber garden bench; external nature of the Park and its fire/BBQ. connecting timber & metal stairs on E setting side.

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FTP 05 Picnic Tables & Picnic/relaxation History poorly known. An area with a BBQ (concreted dolerite No assessed cultural heritage significance It is not essential to retain these BBQs area Before the 1967 bushfires there blocks & bricks) and 3 sets of picnic table (may have some social significance in structures, but if demolished was a set of swings (at top of and benches (timber & concrete); most of relation to its function) (also the earlier play consider replacement area); but no other area surfaced with concrete pavers. equipment had some local social structure/s of similar function infrastructure (?). The current significance). that respect the rural infrastructure is assumed to be Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque feel gardenesque nature of the Park post- the1967 bushfires. of the Fern Tree Park. and its setting. FTP 06 Playground Area Play area The first known (& only) At present this is an open area c.6m x 5m No assessed cultural heritage significance. No recommendations. 1 infrastructure in this area was a with tan bark and no structures. timber ‘fort’ built in the mid-late 1990s and demolished in the early 2010s. FTP 07 Playground Area Play area There has been a climbing An open area c.6m x 4m with tan bark No assessed cultural heritage significance No recommendations. 2 ladder continuously in this area with a timber border; has a single metal (may have some social significance in since before the 1967 bushfires climbing ‘ladder (inverted U-shaped relation to its function). The present ladder & surfacing ladder). were installed in the late 1990s. FTP 08 Playground Area Play area Relatively recent (post-1995?) Two open areas c.5m x 5m; one has tan No assessed cultural heritage significance No recommendations. 3 infrastructure. No infrastructure bark surfacing & a modern, plastic type (may have some social significance in known on this site previously. seesaw; the other has sandy surfacing & relation to its function). two play items (short green upright posts with plastic discs). FTP 09 Perimeter Fence Fence History poorly known. Timber picket fence c.1m high that runs No assessed cultural heritage significance. Not essential to retain this There was some white picket around the outer perimeter of Fern Tree Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque feel structure, but if demolished fencing from between 1893 and Park above the Huon Rd. The fencing is of the Fern Tree Park. replacement structure/s should 1948; and there has been a unpainted; mounted on a timber post & respect the rural gardenesque perimeter picket fence since the rail framework; there is a gate at the nature of the Park and its late 1940s. The current fence is Church entrance. setting. presumed to be post- the 1967 bushfires replacement fencing. FTP 10 Path 1 Track The history is unknown, Lightly benched track; c.4’ wide (built to 4’ Of some local significance. Preserve the site. (pedestrian) Presumed to pre-date the 1967 wide?) with some stone edging in places; If essential, the track could be bushfires (but not remembered unsurfaced (of local natural earth/stone). upgraded (see specific pre-1967 by locals). The lower end has modern drystone recommendations in Feature steps. Inventory). FTP 11 Path 2 Track The history is unknown, Lightly benched track; level; c.4’ wide; No assessed cultural heritage significance. No recommendations. (pedestrian) Presumed to pre-date the 1967 imported red gravel surface; associated bushfires. drystone walling 1 side and timber edging the other.

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FTP 12 Path 3 Track Constructed in the late 1960s / A c.1m wide sinuous track; gentle- No assessed cultural heritage significance. Consider re-designing in a style (pedestrian) early 1970s following the 1967 moderate grade overall, with a short flight Detracts from the rustic, gardenesque feel that is more sympathetic to the bushfires (to access shelter of steps at the lower and upper ends with of the Fern Tree Park. rustic, gardenesque feel of Fern shed). associated hand railing; surfaced with Tree Park. concrete pavers with concrete strip edging 1 side & a concrete spoon drain on the other. FTP 13 Path 4 Track Constructed in c.1948 as part of C.6-8’ wide, vehicle accessible, dirt track Low local significance (as a mid-1900s track Retention is the preferred (pedestrian & the diversion of the start of the with an even gentle-moderate grade; has providing access to kunanyi/Mt Wellington). option, and maintenance in a vehicular) Fern Glade Track. Only a minor a c.1m high drystone walling style that is sympathetic to the path prior to 1967. Widened embankment (mudstone/sandstone rustic, gardenesque feel of Fern (bulldozed) at the time of the coursed blocks) & a concrete gutter on 1 Tree Park. 1967 bushfires. edge. FTP 14 Path 5 Track Constructed in c.1948 as part of There is no present day evidence of this Low local significance (as a mid-1900s track Give consideration to re- (pedestrian) the diversion of the start of the track (except for remnant path in Garden providing access to kunanyi/Mt Wellington). instating this former link from Fern Glade Track. Assumed re- 4). the entrance to Fern Tree Park. routed after the 1967 bushfires (except as track through Garden 4, now closed off). FTP 15 Garden 1 Garden/ History poorly known. Garden Long, slightly raised garden bed of Low-medium local significance, including Not essential to retain this plantings presumed to have been mature plantings (mainly rhododendrons, historical and aesthetic significance. garden bed, but if not retained constructed post- the 1967 native small trees, tree ferns & ferns); Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque feel the rhododendrons should be bushfires (the rhododendrons, with low drystone wall on S edge. of the Fern Tree Park. replanted elsewhere in Fern were re-planted from the Tree Park. Springs, post-1967). FTP 16 Garden 2 Garden/ History poorly known. Garden Small, slightly raised garden bed of No assessed cultural heritage significance. No recommendations. plantings presumed to have been mature plantings (primarily tree ferns; Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque feel constructed Presumed to have with low drystone wall on S edge. of the Fern Tree Park. been constructed post- the 1967 bushfires. FTP 17 Garden 3 Garden/ History poorly known. Garden C.50m long x 2m wide, raised garden bed Low-medium local significance, including Retain this garden and its plantings and walling presumed to have with c.1.5m high concreted stone historical and aesthetic significance. rhododendrons in situ. been constructed post- the embankment wall on S side. The garden Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque feel If modified the garden should 1967 bushfires (the has dense interplanted mature of the Fern Tree Park. continue to reflect the rustic, rhododendrons, were re-planted rhododendrons (12), tree ferns & a few Falls within 2 CHPS Significant gardenesque feel of the Fern from the Springs, post-1967) other natives; also 3 chainsawed tree Landscapes. Tree Park. (some walling post-2000). trunk seats (decorative). FTP 18 Garden 4 Garden/ History poorly known. Garden Small-medium, raised garden bed of Low-medium local significance, including Preferred management is to plantings and walling presumed to have mature interplanted rhododendrons (5), historical and aesthetic significance. retain the rhododendrons in situ been constructed post- the tree ferns & a few ferns, with a low Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque feel (if not retained the

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1967 bushfires (the drystone wall bank around most of the E of the Fern Tree Park. rhododendrons should be rhododendrons, were re-planted &S edges, and the remains of a N-S path replanted elsewhere in Fern from the Springs, post-1967); (now closed). Tree Park). the stone walling is post-2000. The garden otherwise may be removed or modified (but should continue to reflect the rustic, gardenesque feel of the Fern Tree Park). FTP 19 Garden 5 Garden/ History not known. Small-medium, raised garden bed of No assessed cultural heritage significance. No recommendations. plantings Assumed to be post-2000. open scattered mature native trees and ferns with a low drystone wall on the E &S edges. FTP 20 Fir Tree Row Plantings The history is unknown. The Three tall, mature fir trees (Abies, sp) in a Low-medium local significance, including Retain (until the trees trees were extant prior to the NW-SE row; planted 7m/20’ apart. historical and aesthetic significance. senesce/die). 1967 bushfires. Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque feel of the Fern Tree Park. FTP 21 Yew Tree 1 Planting The history is unknown. A single yew tree (Taxacea sp), small, Low-medium local significance, including Retain (until the trees Presumed to pre-date the 1967 mature, near corner of Path 1 and Middle historical and aesthetic significance. senesce/die). bushfires. Track. Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque feel of the Fern Tree Park. FTP 22 Yew Tree 2 Planting The history is unknown. A single yew tree (Taxacea sp), small, Low-medium local significance, including Retain (until the trees Presumed to pre-date the 1967 mature, c.20m above Path. historical and aesthetic significance. senesce/die). bushfires. FTP 23 Foundations 1 Unknown (hut?) The history is unknown, Levelled area c.12m E-W x c.5m N-S, Insufficient information to assess. It is not essential to preserve Presumed to pre-date the 1967 with a flat benched area at the east end Of probable low local scientific significance. this site. bushfires and possibly early and a gentle slope down to the west; If this area is redeveloped, all shelter shed or hut location. crosses Middle Track: has a concrete ground disturbance in the area (Alternatively part of the post- culvert pipe on top Middle Track edge. should be archaeologically 1967 bushfire clean-up). monitored FTP 24 Foundations 2 Unknown (hut?) The history is unknown, Low rectangular – irregular, c.6m x c.3m Low-medium local scientific significance. Preserve site. Presumed to pre-date the 1967 x c.0.3-0.5m high, stone rubble mound on bushfires and to an early shelter gentle-moderate with associated(?) shed or hut location. benching, c.5m long x 3m wide, to east.

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3 Fern Tree Park – Fern Glade Track Area

Feature Feature Name Feature Type History Description Assessment Management No Recommendations FTE 01 St Raphael’s Building Built in 1893 on land donated Small Arts and Crafts style church a Of state level significance. Also of high local Retain the building and its Church (ecclesiastical) by Mrs Henry Dobson; bayed sanctuary end; a tiled gabled roof, significance as rare surviving historical relatively open, simple foundation stone laid by Emily a lych gate style entry porch; a tower with building in Fern and for its aesthetic vegetated setting Dobson; designed by architect, gabled bellcote; gabled ends with qualities and social value. For specific recommendations Alan Cameron Walker. A parish decorative barge boards with ties and CHPS-HS listed. refer Feature Inventory. room was added in 1926. Still shingle gable end cladding; exposed THR listed 2075. consecrated with services held decorative rafter tails; weatherboard regularly. cladding; stained glass windows; and sandstone block foundations. The setting is grassed with a few shrubs. FTE 02 Old Fern Glade Track Understood to be the original A contouring, benched formation running Medium-high local significance (as for the Preserve this feature. Track Start (pedestrian) Fern Tree end of the start of the N from in front of the church The evident Fern Glade Track). For specific recommendations Fern Glade Track (therefore formation is c.47m long x c.4’ wide, has a Designated WPMP Site WPHH0078 (part refer Feature Inventory. probably constructed in 1890; flat cross section and appears not to have of) or possibly only c.1928). Closed been surfaced. Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. (& re-routed) in c.1948. FTE 03 Newer Fern Glade Track Constructed c.1948 as part of Narrow (c.1.5m wide), unsurfaced, Medium local significance (including Preserve this feature. Track Start (pedestrian) the Fern Glade Track diversion benched track from Fern Tree Park to the aesthetic (also in relation to setting) and For specific recommendations and associated works for a present Fern Glade Track proper. social values). refer Feature Inventory. 1946-48 PWD quarry. FTE 04 St Raphael’s Track The origin of this short track is Faint, informal path / foot pad that runs Low local significance (historical). Retain this feature if feasible. Church North (pedestrian) not known, but extant in 1950. from near the NE corner of St Raphael’s Track Presumed to date to c.1893 Church, upslope (NW) towards the Newer (date of church) or to c.1948 or Fern Glade Track Start; no construction after when the Fern Glade features evident. Track deviation track was built. FTE 05 Fern Glade Tk – Track There is little information on the Narrow (c.4’ wide) benched track that Medium-high local significance (including Preserve this feature Pillinger Dve Link (pedestrian) origin of this track. Possibly built runs from the Fern Glade Track above aesthetic (also in relation to setting) and For specific recommendations in c.1893 (to connect St the Huon Rd to Pillingers Drive. Has a flat social values). refer Feature Inventory. Raphael’s Church & manse), or cross section and has local natural earth Designated WPMP Site WPHH0087 possibly only built in 1928 when surfacing. Has modern treated pine Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. the Fern Glade Track was bridge over Fern Glade Ck. built/rebuilt. In 1930 mentionned as part of a loop walk; definitely in place by 1931.

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FTE 06 Huon Road Fern Track Constructed by the PWD in Stone steps up vertical quarry face; c.2m Low local significance (including some No requirement to retain this Glade Entrance (pedestrian) c.1948 (in place by 1950) to high x c.5m long; the lower steps are social and aesthetic significance). entrance (but if replaced it (with steps) provide alternate access to the concentric & concreted stone; the upper Designated WPMP Site WPHH0078 (part should be in approx. the same Fern Glade Track; a part of the steps are cut into bedrock. There is a of) location and in a sympathetic, diversion due to PWD quarry timber and metal rustic type ‘entrance Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. rustic style). works. arch’ at the top (c.1970s?). From the top of the steps the track runs c.20m to the original Fern Glade Tk. FTE 07 Roadside Quarry Quarry (stone) Probably the site of an early Irregular shaped stone quarry, c.50m Low local significance (may have some There is no heritage necessity 1 quarry. Requarried (enlarged) in long (along road edge), and c.3m to 15m social significance – not assessed). to preserve this feature. c.1946-1948 by the PWD as deep with faces from c.2.5m to c.5m high; Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. For specific recommendations part of widening the Huon no evidence of tool marks or other refer Feature Inventory. Road. Used to store PWD working. equipment in 1960 (considered an eyesore). Current infrastructure is post-1967. FTE 08 Fern Glade Natural feature There is no historical Small natural waterfall c.3m high x 5m Medium-low local significance (potentially This feature should be Waterfall (waterfall) information on this natural wide, in Permo-Triassic sedimentary rock has some social and aesthetic significance - preserved with minimal feature. Presumed to have on the edge of the Huon Rd. The not assessed). modification. been a local natural scenic waterfall has a convex nose and angles Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. For specific recommendations feature since the Huon Road outward in a series (c.10) of large step- refer Feature Inventory. was built through Fern Tree in like ledges (drops). At the base are a the 1850s-60s. drystone retaining wall (which holds road fill) & a pipe culvert. FTE 09 Stone Water Trough (stone) Age and provenance unknown. Hand-carved sandstone water trough with Medium Local significance (and potentially This feature should be Trough In existence by 1946 (but is relatively shallow basin; the external has some social and aesthetic significance - preserved. probably pre-1900). dimensions are 5’4” long x 2’3” wide x not assessed). For specific recommendations CHPS-HS 1’6” high (ie, 1.625m x 0.69m x 0.46m); CHPS – HS listed. refer Feature Inventory. some later modifications to water flow; it Falls within a CHPS Significant Landscape. rests directly on a large sandstone block, and associated drystone walling.

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4 Hinterland Slopes Area (Fern Glade Tk – Middle Tk – Silver Falls)

Feature Feature Name Feature Type History Description Assessment Management No Recommendations FTH 01 Middle Track Track Date difficult to establish (there An extant track c.1km long that links Fern Of high-moderate local level significance; The current track (including (pedestrian) is considerable confusion Tree with the Springs via Radfords Track and of some state level significance (as part route, historic features & between the Middle Tk & Fern at the top end via the spur. The grade of the network of historical recreational associated features) should be Glade Tk). Would appear to be varies from gentle to steep (up to 18-20o); tracks on Mount Wellington). retained. in existence by 1899-1900, but is largely benched; and a natural, local For specific recommendations possibly constructed by 1880 or earth & rock formation; the original top Designated WPMP Site WPHH0187. refer Feature Inventory. by 1890. Much of the track has section is c. 5’-8’ wide, but the lower c.2/3 been modified (bulldozed in has been bulldozed (in 1967) and is 10’- relation to the 1967 fires; and a 12’ wide. short section modified in c.1970 for reservoir access). FTH 02 Fern Glade Track Track Date difficult to establish (there An extant, c.1.4 km long track which links Of high-moderate local level significance; The original route, function, and (pedestrian) is considerable confusion Fern Tree with the Springs via Radfords and of some state level significance (as part remnant original fabric of the between the Middle Tk & Fern Track (and to the Hobart Rivulet via of the network of historical recreational track should be retained to the Glade Tk). Would appear to Wood Track). The track winds up a tree tracks on Mount Wellington). Its setting extent possible have been built in 1890 as a fern rich valley, crossing the creek contributes to its significance. For specific recommendations direct link to the Springs via the several times; the formation is a mostly refer Feature Inventory. new Radfords Tk; but possibly moderately benched track of a natural Designated WPMP Site WPHH0078. not built until 1928. Some re- stony earth, and historically c.5’-6’ wide routing and new bridging and (but now narrower in many places). The stone edging undertaken in section of track from Radfords Track to 1996 to 1998 by the HCC. Pillingers Drive is a bulldozed formation. It has dry stone edging and treated pine bridging, all of which is modern. FTH 03 Reids Track Track Presumed to have been cut in Runs directly upslope on a slight spur; Of moderate-high local level significance; The track should be retained. (pedestrian) 1907. Named ‘Reids Track’ steep track; rough, rocky, worn & eroded and of some state level significance (as part For specific recommendations WPHH0295 from at least 1931. Closed by route; minimal track construction evident. of the network of historical recreational refer Feature Inventory. HCC in late 1990s/early 2000s, tracks on Mount Wellington). later re-opened. Has significant Designated WPMP Site WPHH0078. local use. FTH 04 Silver Falls - Track It is unclear when this track was The full track runs from Pillingers Drive Of moderate local level significance; and of The track should be retained. Reservoir Track (pedestrian) first constructed. Probably cut in around the slope to Silver Falls; mostly a some (low) state level significance (as part For specific recommendations c.1908, but it is possible the E benched track of variable width. This of the network of historical recreational refer Feature Inventory. part was not constructed until section has a natural, local earth and tracks on Mount Wellington). later (but cut by 1928), or was stone formation; 4’-5’ wide (W half) & 10’ Designated WPMP Site WPHH0320 (part later modified. wide (E half); steel water pipe in E part; of). some sections of outer bank stone ______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment (Final Report) McConnell, A. (Oct 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

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walling (possibly not original); the W end is steep with modern drystone steps & hand railing. FTH 05 Pillinger Drive – Track It is unclear when this track was The full track runs from Pillingers Drive As for FTH 04 As for FTH 04 Reservoir Track (pedestrian) first constructed, but it is in use around the slope to Silver Falls; a 10’ by 1928. Possibly post-dates wide benched track. West of Fern Glade the W part (see FTH04). creek the track is of moderate grade with steep drop into creek, then a gentle grade to Pillingers Dve; flat, unsurfaced local earth and stone formation; steel water pipe in places W of creek. FTH 06 Pillinger Drive – Road Presumed to have been Sealed narrow road running from No cultural significance. No recommendations Reservoir Road constructed in 1970 (with Pillingers Drive around the slope to the saddle / spur which has the Reservoir. reservoir). FTH 07 Reservoir Water supply Constructed in 1970; a 1 million Round, above-ground, concrete, water No cultural significance. No recommendations gallon reservoir; provides water tank; c.8m high by c.25m diameter; surrounded by a bitumen hardstand area; to Fern Tree. some graffiti.

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1.4 RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations are made for the preservation and sound ongoing management of the historic cultural heritage values of the Fern Tree Entry Area. The recommendations recognise the cultural heritage significance of the Area and the obligations for managing this heritage, as well as the obligations more generally for management of the Area.

General Recommendations 1. That the historic cultural heritage values of the Fern Tree Entry Area be recognised and respected in the ongoing management of the Area. 2. That the WPMT recognise the Fern Tree Park to Bower to Silver Falls area as shown in Figure 5 as a precinct as per the Wellington Park Management Plan 2013; specifically the 'Fern Tree Bower Precinct'. [This recognises the high cultural significance of the area as part of a State level historic site (the MWSS), but also the historical and ongoing importance of the area for scenic tourism, as well as the aesthetic and social values that attach to the area. The proposed name recognises the historical focus and terminology]. 3. That a Fern Tree Bower Precinct Historic Heritage Conservation Plan be prepared for the long term management of the historic heritage values of the precinct (see recommendation 2 above). This should be ba sed on the completed Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment (this study) and include key stakeholder, including public, consultation, as well as incorporating other new relevant information.

Specific Heritage Recommendations 4. Manage the MWSS features, in particular the pipeline route (MWSS Pipeline Track) and intakes as per the Hobart Mountain Water Supply Conservation Management Plan (North 2012). 5. Manage the historic cultural heritage of the Fern Tree Entry Area as per the site and feature specific recommendations contained in the Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Inventory (refer Part 2). 6. Manage the historic cultural heritage of the proposed Fern Tree Bower Precinct within the study area as per the recommendations in the Fern Tree Bower Precinct Statement (refer the Appendix, this study).

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1.5 SOURCES

Published (including unpublished reports & planning documents)

Andrusko, K. 2010 Place Attachment and Visitation of Fern Tree Park and Bower. Hons Thesis, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Tasmania, Hobart. Australia ICOMOS 2013 The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (The Burra Charter). (Revised edition) Evans, K. 2014 Fern Tree Park Historical Research. Report to the Wellington Park Management Trust. Hartzell, L. 1993 Final Report for the Mt Wellington Pipeline Track Project: Historical and Archaeological Documentation of Sites and Features. Report to the Department of Parks & Recreation, Corporation of the City of Hobart. Hobart City Council The City of Hobart Planning Scheme 1982. McConnell, A. 2012 Wellington Park Social Values and Landscape – An Assessment. Wellington Park Management Trust, Hobart, Tasmania. McConnell, A. 2013 The Historic Track & Hut Network of the Hobart Face of Mount Wellington: Volumes 1 – 4. Final Draft Report for the Wellington Park Management Trust, Hobart, Tasmania. McConnell, A. & Handsjuk, L. 2010 (Sept) Mount Wellington Summit Area Historic Heritage Assessment, Wellington Park Tasmania. Wellington Park Management Trust, Hobart, Tasmania. McConnell, A. & Scripps, L. 2005 Focus on the Fringe - Layered Use and Meanings in a Natural Context, Wellington Park Historic Heritage Audit. Report for the Wellington Park Management Trust, Hobart. McConnell, A., Stanton, S. & Scripps, L. 1998 Ridgeway Park, Hobart, Cultural Heritage Survey & Assessment, Volume 1- Main Report & Volume 2 - Appendices . Report to the Hobart City Council. Murray, T. & Nieberler, K. 1994 Conservation and Management Plan for the Pipeline Track. Report to the City of Hobart, Tasmania. North, M. 2012 Hobart Mountain Water Supply System Conservation Management Plan. Prepared for the Hobart City Council, Hobart, Tasmania, by Futurepast Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW. Scripps. L. 1993 The Pipeline Track- Mt Wellington. Report to the Department of Parks & Recreation, Corporation of the City of Hobart. Sheridan, G. 1998a Report 1 – Some Historical Findings and a Cultural Heritage of Fern Tree. Report for the Hobart City Council. Sheridan, G. 1998b Report 2 – Landscape, Culture History and Planning in Fern Tree. Report for the Hobart City Council. Sheridan, G. 2010 The Heritage Landscape Values of Mount Wellington: An evolution across time, place and space. Report for Wellington Park Management Trust, Hobart, Tasmania. Tasmanian Government Historical Cultural Heritage Act 1995 (& 2013 Amendments).

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Tasmanian Government Wellington Park Act 1993. Urban Initiatives & Arterial Design 2013 Design Guidelines Hobart Mountain Water Supply System. Prepared for the Hobart City Council and the Wellington Park Management Trust. Vincent, R. 1998 Cultural Heritage Assessment of Fern Tree (As part of a future Local Area Plan). Report to the Hobart City Council. Wellington Park Management Trust 2004 Wellington Park Design & Infrastructure Manual. Prepared for the Wellington Park Management Trust by Megan Baynes. Wellington Park Management Trust 2013 Wellington Park Management Plan. Wellington Park Management Trust, Hobart.

Maps/Plans County Chart Buckingham c.1890s [DPIPWE]. 'Mt Wellington Park Map of Roads, Tracks - Etc’ 1935 Hobart Walking Club, revised 8/10/1937 by V.W. Hodgeman [TC/SLT]. ‘Wellington Park Recreation Map’ 2006 Tasmap, Department of Primary Industries and Water, and the Wellington Park Management Trust, Hobart.

Oral Information and Public Consultation

No formal oral interviews or public consultation were undertaken in the preparation of this historic heritage assessment. A small number of older local residents were however contacted to try and understand the recent history (c.1950 on) history of the Fern Tree Park and the Fern Tree Bower. The residents contacted were: . Marge Bryce (nee Reid) – phone discussion, July 2014. . Kevin Kiernan – on site discussion, August 2014.

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PART 2

Site/Feature Detailed Data & Management Advice

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2.1 SITE & FEATURE INVENTORY AND DOCUMENTATION

Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Sites and Features, Their History, Nature, Significance and Proposed Management

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FTH06 / Reservoir – Pillingers Drive Road

FTE05 / Fern Glade Tk – Pillingers Drive Link

FTH03 / Reids Track FTH05 / Reservoir – Pillingers Drive Track Pillingers Drive FTH02 / Fern Glade Track

Fern Glade Creek

FTH04 / Silver Falls – Reservoir Track

FTB03 FTB06 FTH07 / Reservoir FTE09 FTB04 FTE08 FTB05 FTE07 FTE06 FTB07 FTB09 Upper Browns River FTE03 FTE02

FTB01 / Bower Track FTE01 FTH02 / Middle Track FTE04 Stephenson Pl

FTB06

FERN TREE PARK – SEE FIG BC BOWER AREA – SEE FIG 2C FTB29 FTB02 / MWSS Pipeline Track FTB32 FTB30 FTB31

Huon Road Clegg Rd Summerleas Rd

Figure 4A Plan of Features Fern Tree Entry Area

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FTE01 / St Raphaels Church

FTE03 / Newer Fern Glade Tk Start

FTP03

FOREST FTP08 FTP13 FTP19

FTP05 FTP23 FTP20 STEPHENSON PL FTP18

FTP06 FTH02 / Middle Track FTP07 FTP21 FTP14 FTP12

FTP09 GRASSED FTP02 FTP10

FTP16 HUON ROAD RELATIVELY OPEN – POST-1967 REGROWTH - SHRUBS SUMMERLEAS RD FTP22 FTP15 FTP11 FTP17

FTP24 FTP04

FTB02 / MWSS Pipeline Track

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FOREST FTB28

FTB02 / MWSS Pipeline Track

Approximate location of tree fern avenue FTB27

FTB26 UPPER BROWNS RIVER

FTB05 FTB14 FOREST Approximate location of aerating basin dam wall

FTB15 Approximate down valley extent of 1960 flood debris

FTB12 FTB01 / Bower Track FTB16

FTB21 FTB22 FTB10 FTB02 / MWSS Pipeline Track FTB13 FTB11 FTB17

FTB08 FTB23 FTB20 FTB19

FTB18 FTB24

FOREST FTB25

Figure 4C Plan of Features - Fern Tree Bower

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FERN TREE ENTRY AREA FEATURE INVENTORY & HISTORIC HERITAGE ASSESSMENT August 2014, Anne McConnell

1 Fern Tree Bower Area (including Silver Falls, and Bower Track)

Feature Feature Type History 12 Description Assessment & Management Advice Image No FTB 01 Bower Track It is assumed that the route of the Fern Tree (Huon The Bower track historically ran from the Significance: (see also Rd) to Silver Falls section was in use soon after the Bower via Silver Falls then to the Springs. Of high local significance and some state MWSS Pipeline Mountain water supply pipeline in this area was laid Locals & historically term the track from level significance. Track) and became operational (1862), although Walch’s Fern Tree Park via the Bower to Silver Falls Of historical, aesthetic and social Tasmanian Guide Book (1871 p. 62) refers to the the ‘Bower Track (McConnell & Scripps significance as part of the ‘Bower’ scenic WPHH0021 ‘Bower Track’ from the Huon Rd to the Bower. It is 2005). tourism and local visitor experience; as unlikely that there was a proper track until 1881, The upper Bower Track, above Silver Falls, being associated with the MWSS, and

The section even in this section, until the iron pipes were laid has not been re-located. The rest of the being an important walking track below Silver and the formation widened. Track at Silver Falls end of the Bower, track ran from Fern Tree Park to the Bower, (including as part of an historical loop view N Falls is listed as The full track to the Springs is presumed to have and is discussed under the MWSS Pipeline track still in use today. The route does not part of – come into existence in about this time (ie, c.1881) Track, below. have scientific significance as it is THR 11227 and was in existence by c.1890 as it is shown on a The section from Bower Park to Silver Falls assumed not to be the original track. CHPS - HS c.1890s map as ‘Bower Track’ (with the route is extant and a vehicle level track (in use as • Sheridan (1998b) assessed the running from the Bower up the E side of the creek, a walking track and pipeline access track) – Bower Track as having state level then swinging more north to meet the Radford refer description of FTB02. significance. Track junction at the Upper Springs. This may The section from Bower Park to Silver Falls never have been a formal track, but merely a route is a c.12-15’ bulldozed, unsurfaced(?) dirt up the creek above Silver Falls as suggested by H. Sheridan (1998b) recommended Track just above FTB08, view N track that slightly winding, and which leads investigating narrowing the track, and Dobson’s 1899 comment that that was his favourite up the valley bottom beside the creek, route to the Springs (Sheridan 2010). establishing more ferns, lichens and which in this area is very rocky (mainly mosses in the area. By the early 1890s the section from Fern Tree to boulders, but some bedrock). The track is the Bower was in popular use. not benched (possibly due to the changed Andrusko (2010) found local resident In January 1899, recent work had been undertaken landscape after the 1960 floods). dissatisfaction with this section of the to improve access from the Bower to Silver Falls Bower Track and that they wanted a track The track crosses the creek once via a rather than a road. and apparently up the ‘Silver Falls Gully’ from large concrete culvert with concreted

Silver Falls to the second ‘falls’ some ‘few hundred surface drain (spillway) (see FTB08). There Track near FTB09, c.30-40m from Silver yards’ further up. The work appears to include is also a recessed area with vertical Management recommendations: Falls, view N. “rustic woodwork footbridges”, “small foot bridges headwall into the local slope on the W side 1. Retain a rustic walking track in a of man fern logs laid corduroy style”, and steps cut c.30-40m below Silver Falls, which may native bushland setting in the valley over logs or paths around them. This suggests that have been a pre-1960 or pre-1967 picnic bottom between the Bower and Silver

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there was no formed track prior to this beyond the area (see FTB09). There is some stone Falls. Retain tree ferns. (It is not Bower (Mercury 7/1/1899, p. 1). The Mercury edging (discontinuous, informal, single row) essential to retain this specific route). article also notes that from the upper falls “A short along the valley slope edge of the track. 2. Retain a walking link between the cut may be taken to the Springs”. This is assumed The local vegetation is mixed rainforest – Bower and Silver Falls that is easy to be the Upper Bower Track or route mentionned wet schlerophyll forest. There are scattered access. by Dobson. mature tree ferns along the track (planted By 1897 some beautification of the valley between post-1960 floods). Other plants may also the Bower and Silver Falls (presumed to be tree have been planted post- the 1960 floods, fern planting) had occurred and by c.1907-1908, but the vegetation appears to be essentially the track to Silver Falls was lined with tree ferns natural. Much of the vegetation, especially The creek between Silver Falls and the (man ferns) (Evans 2014). outside the riparian zone appears to be Bower The Bower Track is still clearly popular in the late post-1967 bushfire regrowth. 1920s, with a Mercury article (7/1/1929, p6) comparing it with the new Fern Glade Track which it says “gives every sign of rivalling and even Designated WPMP ‘Site’ (full Bower Track). surpassing the Fern Tree Bower walk in popularity with visitors to Mt. Wellington, both local and Falls generally within the CHPS MWSS touring”. By the early-mid 1900s however the Pipeline Track Significant Landscape (20m section between Silver Falls and the Springs either side of track) appears to fall out of use as it is not mentionned, possibly related to the construction of Reids Track (McConnell 2013). The track (as far as Silver Falls) has continued to be used as a walking track, as part of an easy access section from Fern Tree and to access the Bower and Silver Falls, and to a lesser extent the Springs, and as part of a loop walk from Fern Tree up the Fern Glade Track and across via the Reservoir to Silver Falls (McConnell, pers obsv). Based on a Mercury article (7/1/1929) the loop walk has been in existence since 1928-9 when the Fern Glade Track was constructed, the article noting the Fern Glade Track “only takes some ten to fifteen minutes each way, though if that route be chosen which goes by the gravelled walk by Silver Falls and down by Fern Glade, the walk is considerably longer.”

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FTB 02 MWSS Pipeline Cut originally in 1861-62 as part of the MWSS The section from Fern Tree Park to the Significance: Track (including pipeline formation from Sandy Bay Rivulet. Bower and Reids Rd is a c.3.5m/20’ wide, Of high local significance and of high the Bower to Originally the pipeline to the Bower was timber level, and gently graded (rising to the state level significance. Silver Falls troughing. Public access occurred as soon as Bower), heavily benched, dirt track. The Of historical, aesthetic and social Track) construction ceased. track has been constructed from cut and fill. significance as part of the ‘Bower’ scenic In 1881 the track was widened, covered masonry From Fern Tree Park to the Bower, the tourism and local visitor experience; as WPHH0216 troughing replaced the wooden troughing and track has imported gravel surfacing. being associated with the MWSS, and

drainage was installed. This work was undertaken The MWSS sandstone troughing and at being an important walking track THR 11227 Entrance at Fern Tree (off the Huon Rd by contractor Joseph Hawke. Between the Bower least one 12” cast iron pipe, which are (including as part of an historical loop into Fern Tree Park), view W and Hall’s Saddle a strip of land 11’ wide was contained (buried) within the formation, are track still in use today. The route does not CHPS-HS cleared to allow for the new masonry troughing and exposed in places. have scientific significance as it is drainage channel. Land was acquired from Henry Other MWSS features include the drain assumed not to be the original track. Dobson to allow this. In 1881 the timber troughing running down the inside edge of the • North (2012) assesses the MWSS between the Bower and Fork Creek was also formation, which has 3 sandstone intakes as being of high State and local removed, and was replaced by 16”cast iron pipe. At (a short carved gutter and a deep, square, significance; and Vincent (1998) this time trees along the pipeline were cut to allow sandstone block lined well with sandstone specifically mentions the MWSS track widening and, in response to public criticism, block cover rock); and the causewayed Pipeline Track as being of very high the Hobart Corporation placed 15 tubs of firs and section over the gully (MWSS PT F1) which cultural heritage significance. pines along the right hand side of the track leading is built up to c.2m height (on outside) and • Sheridan (1998b) assessed the to the Bower. has coursed, sandstone/mudstone block View E to the section inside Fern Tree MWSS Pipeline Track as having Park In later years other modifications have been made. drystone walling bank lining (both sides) state level significance. Sheridan In 1932 concrete mains pipes were laid between with culvert (possibly now blocked), and (1998b) noted that the track is the Bower and Ridgeway, but the troughing is still also a c.4-6” iron pipe supported on significant in the Fern Tree extant. In the 1930s the Bower Walk (Fern Tree concrete posts/stands running along the landscape as a linear feature, Park to the Bower) was lit up at night with coloured outer wall. including for its simple, rustic and electric lighting, and there was a track policeman More recent (c.mid-1900s) features winding nature. (Alan Rust) at night (McConnell & Scripps 2005), associated with scenic tourism and

Undated early photographs also show a timber recreation are the 6 recessed areas with fence running along the track from Fern Tree. One vertical walls and flat floors (all of which are Management recommendations: image is for a 3 rail timber post and rail fence. understood to be former seating areas - • Preserve as a core component Lower section, view NW Local Fern Tree residents remember the ‘Bower refer FTB 26, 27, 29-32), a number of of the historic water supply Walk’ between Fern Tree Park and the Bower which have associated stone work; the system, as well as, in this proper as being much more of a ‘track’ than the bush pole rustic hand railing across the section, a highly significant present day ‘roadway” (Andrusko 2010). causewayed gully near the Bower (MWSS historic scenic tourism and PT F1); and the very modern steel pipe recreational walking route. chicane about 1/3 of the way to the Bower • Preserve associated features from Fern Tree Park. which contribute to key aspects The track in this section passes through of significance of the track (ie, wet schlerophyll forest with large mature as water supply feature and as Chicane c. 1/3 way to the Bower with exposed sandstone troughing capstones, eucalypts on the edge of the track; and a scenic tourism/recreation view NW through tree fern rich riparian forest in the feature). immediate area of the Bower. The track is • Retain the natural bushland wholly within a natural bushland-forest setting of the track, including as

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setting except at the Fern Tree Park entry, a screening from the Huon Rd at the Bower (still largely natural) and at the and other developments (eg, road crossings (including Reids Rd). houses). • Manage in accordance with the Hobart Mountain Water Supply The MWSS is a designated WPMP ‘Site’. System CMP (North 2012). Heritage Listed – on the THR and CHPS – HS – as part of the MWSS.

Track to the Fern Tree Bower. 1873. S. Clifford showing the Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk Middle section with exposed sandstone original location and nature of Cooks Monument (Source – Significant Landscape (20m either side of troughing capstones and cast iron pipe, Sheridan (2010, Fig PH21). Original source - W. L. Crowther view NW Library. TAHO). track).

Upper section with tree ferns and rustic handrail over gully (LHS)

Top end (from Bower), view SE.

Section west of the Bower, view W

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FTB 03 Silver Falls Silver Falls was accessible to visitors from 1861-62 A small basin which has a wide bedrock Significance: when it was developed as an intake for the MWSS bench (Permo-Triassic sandstone/ Of high local significance and of high WPHH0319 to take water diverted from the 1831 Diversion mudstone) over which the headwaters of state level significance. above. At this time a small stone weir and a sluice Browns River drop forming Silver Falls, a Of historical, aesthetic and social CHPS-HS house were constructed at Silver Falls (North 2012) single drop. Above Silver Falls the creek is significance as part of the ‘Bower’ scenic (the location of these features is unclear). c.2-4’ wide and runs over a series of low tourism and local visitor experience; as THR 11227 (part bedrock benches, creating a cascades (not From the 1880s Silver Falls has been a popular being associated with the MWSS, and of) beauty spot. 1883 and 1885 Anson Bros inspected more than 10m above Silver being an important walking track General view of Silver Falls, view N from photographs of Silver Falls show the Falls to be Falls). (including as part of an historical loop Bower Tk relatively unmodified (see 1883 image below & The basin below the falls has a low track still in use today. The route does not 1885 image in Evans 2014), with a small number of concrete barrier with culverts (a vegetation have scientific significance as it is tree ferns on the top E bank and the only trash rack) which extends around to the assumed not to be the original track. modification evident is a flat platform at the base of base of the sides of the falls; and the creek • Sheridan (1998b) assessed Silver the Falls on the W bank. from the barrier to just below the bridge Falls as having state level By 1897 the valley between the Bower and Silver (c.7-10m) has vertical drystone(?) lined significance. banks. The basin floor which is c.1-1.5m Falls had been ‘beautified’, with large tree ferns having been planted ‘on either side of the falls in above the creek bed is relatively flat and 1896. has scattered trees, tree ferns and shrubs. Most of the current visitor infrastructure The surface of the main viewing area on and much of the TasWater infrastructure In 1899 steps were made at the side of the falls to is unsympathetic to the scenic tourism Cascades above Silver Falls, view N access the top of the falls for the ‘extremely the E side of the creek is concreted, including around the tree ferns. related values of the area, and to the beautiful vistas above and below’. historical nature of the MWSS and is A small intake and weir and sluice house were Present day visitor infrastructure includes a treated pine timber bridge with timber hand visually intrusive, hence detracts from the constructed at Silver Falls in c.1900 [there was no cultural significance of the area (North infrastructure at the top of the falls prior to the 1960 rails; a roundwood treated pine post and wire mesh fence on the E bank of the 2012). flood (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014)], and in Sheridan (1998b) recommended ground piping was laid from Silver Falls to the creek; a flight of treated pine steps up to a mid-level timber decking with timber post & investigating increased flow over Silver Bower, with Dobson complaining that the laying of Falls, in particular in summer [this has the pipes had damaged the natural beauty of the rail balustrading with wire mesh panels on the E valley side (accesses the Silver Falls now been achieved]. area. intake and the start of the Silver Falls – Local residents in Andrusko’s (2010) A bushfire in Nov 1914 destroyed all the specially Basin, view E across creek to main Reservoir Tk). The remains of the previous research described the present day viewing area cultivated plants in the area near the Silver Falls. bridge (replaced c.mid-late 1990s) which infrastructure as ‘ugly’ and ‘a The valley was filled with debris in a 1960 flood. was c.5m closer to the falls, are still visible disappointment for sightseers’; and The valley fill has been described as coming to (as low concrete plinths). wanted to see more sympathetic within c.0.5m of the top of Silver Falls (K. Kiernan, The present day water supply infrastructure alternatives pers comm, 2014). is at the top of the falls and along the E side After the 1960 flood damage the weir was rebuilt of the basin. It comprises a very low Management recommendations: [construction of current trash barrier?], a channel concrete weir at the top of the falls with a was cut to direct water into a new circular intake 1. Preserve as a significant component corrugated iron covered concrete intake Concrete barrier (trash rack) at eh base of (current intake) ‘a few yards from the site of the of the historic water supply system, channel with metal gate in the E side of the as well as a highly significant historic the Falls, view W original basin’. 1 weir. The intake channel feeds into a large scenic tourism and recreational Since the-post-1960 flood rehabilitation concrete vertical concrete cylindrical tank with a destination. paving, new bridging fencing and steps have been metal mesh grille cover (& there is a 2. Maintain as a natural visitor

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constructed by the Council. The current bridge, collapsible handrail for safety from the destination; including maintaining a fencing, steps and paving date to the late 1990s - intake tank to the creek). At the base of the simple rustic style of presentation early 2000s (pre-2003). At this time public access intake tank a stone mound (with pipe) leads and the essentially natural bushland was also closed to the area above the Falls, an S (under the decking) down the eastern setting, and local tree ferns. area that had had historic use and regular local use side of the valley (see FTB05), and a 3. Manage in accordance with the until its closure. second rock rubble covered pipe leads Hobart Mountain Water Supply In the early-mid 2000s, a guaranteed flow for c.1.5m to the SW, where there is a valve System CMP (North 2012). scenic purposes was negotiated with TasWater by (sluice?), from where the water runs W via Basin, view NE from head of the Bower an open concreted stone edged gutter into Track across the creek to the main the WPMT. This was precipitated by local And more specifically - community concern about decreasing water flowing the creek at the base of the Falls. viewing area. 4. Replace the fencing, steps and over the Falls. The falls are surrounded by rainforest bridging with something more vegetation, with wet schlerophyll forest In the late 2000s TasWater proposed a permanent sympathetic and less visually above. The mature tree ferns at the base of bridge across the top of the Falls for safer access intrusive (may be in-line with the the falls are presumed to have been to equipment above the Falls on the W side. To MWSS Design Guidelines, or may planted in the post-1960 flood rehabilitation. date this bridge has not been built due to concerns reflect the natural values associated of the MWSS Heritage Working Group to minimise Silver Falls is intact, but their scenic beauty with the scenic tourism). the visual impact of new MWSS infrastructure, and has been negatively impacted by the 5. Review options for de-concreting the an alternative access is being used. construction of the concrete channelling, Access mid-level timber deck and stairs viewing area floor and using on the E side, view NW down to the main weirs and paving; and the new timber steps North (2012, 60) notes that “Much of the weir and something more sympathetic (eg, viewing area. and rails and metal railing and gate (to surrounds have been substantially altered since rock paving or compacted gravel), keep people from the top of the falls to their original construction. Much of the and implement if feasible. groundsurface at the weir has been concreted and protect water quality). The only surviving 6. Review if access can be provided to unsympathetic safety fencing has been installed. historic infrastructure appears to be the two the upper Cascades as was The weir has been modified in in recent years with rock rubble covered pipe outlets from the historically the case (until the late the installation of safety and access equipment ... circular intake tank, and probably the stone 1990s/early 2000s). Include which is visually intrusive. Ideally this equipment lined banks of the creek. consideration of a short track above should be modified to be concealed or otherwise the creek floor as far as the second C.1900s outflow pipe, valve & later drain better integrated into the weir and its surrounds.” Designated WPMP ‘Site’. falls (refer History). in NE corner of basin, view NE

Heritage Listed – 7. There should be no fixed structures . on the THR as part of the MWSS; and above Silver Falls. . on the CHPS –HS as a specific site 8. Retain at minimum the current (‘structure & place’) within the Pipeline Tk agreed cultural flow regime. listing 9. When replacing access to the weir, seek to expose (allow to be seen) the Understood to sit within the CHPS MWSS original 1900-04 features, in Pipeline Tk Significant Landscape (20m Intake tanks and channel from the top, E particular the main pipeline and rock either side of track). side of Silver Falls, view N covering (FTB05).

10. Retain TasWater essential 1 - Note – this has an automatic intake infrastructure and access to the weir mechanism to ensure that a certain level of Silver Falls, 1883, Anson Bros (Source – Haygarth 2008, p121) and intake and associated equipment environmental flow is maintained over Silver Falls. Related infrastructure is housed beside above the falls; but design &/or the 1831 Diversion – Silver Falls Tk on the W screen so as to have minimal visible

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side of the valley (see FTB04), and c.40-50m impact, and keep fixed structures. from the Falls. Note - Reconstruction of original infrastructure at this location is not possible given lack of information on the original layout (& possibly not desirable).

Weir above Silver Falls, view NW.

Silver Falls, postcard images, nd (Source – Sheridan (2010), Fig PH4).

FTB 04 Silver Falls – Laid in 1861-62 as part of the MWSS to take water Narrow (c.1-2’) foot pad running directly Significance: 1831 Diversion from the 1831 Diversion (at this time replaced by downslope from the 1831 Diversion past Of some local and state significance as Pipeline & the MWSS); fed from one sandstone intake, and the eastern side of Silver Falls, onto the an element of the MWSS, although the Track gravity fed to Silver Falls. (It is probable that water Bower Track c.30-40m below the Falls. pipe appears not to be original. Of some was also gravity fed via overland flow from near the This track follows a shallowly buried metal local social significance as part of the N end of the 1831 Diversion into the headwaters of pipe which starts at one of the sandstone track network on kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Browns River (McConnell & Scripps 2007). intakes on the 1831 Diversion. The lower termination is unknown (but possibly the This track was also used by locals as loop track Management recommendations: from Fern Tree via the Springs until the late 1990s- pipe connects to other below ground pipe 1. Retain route in some form to indicate early 2000s, when it was closed to the public. that feeds into the intake at the Bower). this element of historic water supply (note – this track was not re-inspected for to the MWSS. the Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Study, and the above information is based on a brief inspection prior to the track being Note: Not considered in North 2012. closed to pedestrian traffic.

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FTB 05 Silver Falls – This feature is not been reliably dated. It either A c.120-125m benched formation with cast Significance: Bower Eastern dates to c.1904 when new pipes were laid from iron water pipe that runs down the E side of Difficult to assess without being able to Pipeline Silver Falls to the Bower; or to be post-1960 flood the valley between Silver Falls and the reliably date the feature. rehabilitation. Bower. The formation and pipe begin in the If constructed prior to 1917 it is of high NE corner of the basin below Silver Falls local significance and of high state level 1. Possibly the pipes laid in c. January 1904 from (at the intake tank, although this may not be significance (historical & scientific) as an the original start). Silver Falls to the Bower, to feed water from the integral and well preserved (and c.1900 intake and sluice house at Silver Falls (prior The formation is c.8-9’ wide and heavily functionning) part of the MWSS Formation immediately below Silver Falls, to this it is assumed that the water from the Falls benched into the E wall of the valley, and constructed between 1866 and 1917. If view N was taken from the creek at the collecting basin at has a flat (horizontal) cross section. The post-1960, then it has some, but lesser, the Bower). In 1905 Henry Dobson, who owned pipe runs inside a square profile, linear, historical and scientific significance – as adjoining land, complained to Council that laying of rock mound c.1’6” high x 3’ wide, which is part of the MWSS and as demonstrating the pipes had damaged the natural beauty of the for most of the pipeline length built against the later evolution of the MWSS. area. the upper embankment wall. The stone Of aesthetic significance. walling along the side is roughly coursed, A bushfire in Nov 1914 resulted in falling trees but the top is rubble fill. The stone appears which caused ‘the piping along the Silver Falls Management recommendations: track’ to burst. to be local sandstone /mudstone. Formation further S, view N From the intake, the formation runs on 1. Preserve as a well preserved Assumed to have been exhumed from flood debris component of the historic water in the Silver Falls area after the 1960 flood. approximately the level for c.70m, then down a gently slope for c.33m, then down a supply system (refer North 2012); The nature of the platform, the use of 12” cast iron moderately steep slope for c.53m, then on and manage sympathetically for its pipes, and the stone walling and covering (similar the level for c.33m, then steeply downhill values. to that of the Siphon in the NW Bay River for another c.33m, at which point it bends 2. Undertake further research to reliably catchment, 1905-1917), suggest the feature is of and runs above ground (and above and date the feature. c.1904 construction (with the lower end only across the MWSS Pipeline Tk) and directly 3. Retain the natural bushland setting of modified post-1960s flooding). Formation further S, view S into the 1955 concrete tank at the S end of the pipeline route.

the Bower (see FTB15). The pipe is 12’ 4. Specifically include this newly 2. Possibly the formation and pipeline date to re- (internal)/13” (external) diameter cast iron identified element in the WP Site construction post-1960 floods, when a new circular with curved flanges (as for other MWSS description, and the CHPS and THR concrete intake was constructed at Silver Falls and 1880s-1910s pipe). listings. ‘a pipeline from this laid along the northern bank of The formation has sapling and small- the creek, bypassing the old Bower basin site and medium tree regrowth compatible with post- Note: Not considered in North 2012, as feeding directly into the new collection tank below 1960 and/or post 1967 regrowth. the entrance to the Bower’. The bulldozing of a not identified. Formation further S, view S Intact; with the only apparent modifications formation and the laying of pipes is also to the intake and outlet. remembered post- the 1960 flood by a local (K.

Kiernan, pers comm, 2014).

This area is largely unused today (there is some The MWSS is a designated WPMP ‘Site’ evidence of foot traffic but this is minimal on this (but this element is not specifically included unmaintained bench), and is thought not to have as it has only been located). been used for some decades, if ever. Heritage Listed – on the THR and CHPS – Detail of side of rock mound, view E HS – as part of the MWSS (although not specifically included). ______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

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Detail of top of rock mound, view N

Pipe at S end where it starts to run above ground, view SW

Pipe running above the MWSS Pipeline Tk and into the concrete tank below the Bower. FTB 06 Sandstone No information, possibly natural. If a quarry, A semicircular area c.6m E-W by c.15m N- Significance: Quarry 1 assumed to be associated with the 1860-62 initial S on the W side of Silver Falls which has Of significance (historical & scientific) as works on the MWSS, the 1878-88 improvements or high vertical rock walls and a relatively flat part of the MWSS and created between the 1900-1904 works. floor., but with a low mound of rock and 1866 and 1917. earth debris running NW-SE across the area and dipping down to the SE. The Management recommendations: section of vertical walling adjacent to Silver 1. Retain feature. Falls may be natural and an extension of View NW from track edge across quarry to Silver Falls, but its extension W and S are 2. Management may include removal of rear walls with spoil heap in middle. unlikely to be natural. The rock and earth the spoil heap (will require mound is interpreted as the lateral extent of archaeological monitoring or other the 1960 flood debris, and not fully archaeological assessment) and removed, or 1960 flood debris that has limited infrastructure use of the area, been cleared away from the Falls after the but the quarry walls should be

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floods. preserved unmodified and any As a non-natural feature, considered most infrastructure should be sympathetic likely to be associated with quarrying in to the history and setting of the area. relation to the construction of the MWSS. Note: Not considered in North 2012, as not identified.

View N of vertical wall adjacent to Silver Falls. FTB 07 Sandstone No information. Assumed to be associated with the Not inspected as part of the present study Significance: Quarry 2 1878-88 works, and used to provide sandstone as outside the study area (and not Of significance (historical & scientific) as blocks for the sandstone troughing. previously recorded). When the site was part of the MWSS and created between located (A. McConnell, c.2007), it 1866 and 1917. comprised an irregular area c.8m by 10- 12m on the slope above and to the NW of Management recommendations: Silver Falls with low-moderate vertical walls into shallow bedrock and a number of 1. Retain feature unmodified given its blocks of sandstone/mudstone, that extremely well preserved and appeared to have been hewn from the local unmodified current condition. bedrock. 2. Record the site/feature and re- assess.

Note: Not considered in North 2012. FTB 08 Road Crossing No information. An iron pipe culvert under the present Significance: Spillway & Assumed to be part of the 1866 -1880s works Bower – Silver Falls track, with a concrete Of significance (historical & scientific) as Walling and/or the post-1960 flood rehabilitation (the lined spoon drain across the track above part of the MWSS if created between concrete lined drain is assumed to be post-1960). the culvert (ie, along the line of flow) (ie, 1866 and 1917. 10m long by 1.5m wide) (assumed to be modern and to carry spillover water when Management recommendations: the creek is too high to drain through the culvert). 1. Retain drystone walling, unless it is found to be of post-1960 flood Each side of the entrance to the culvert at construction (there is no need to the upper end is a drystone wall of creek retain the concrete lined cobbles which is c.1m high and 2m wide; Concrete lined drain, view S drain/spillway channel). and there is a short line of similar cobbles against the spoon drain on its upper E edge (this stone feature may be an 1800s weir and former channel, later modified, or may be part of the post-1960 flood rehabilitation.

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Drystone wall in bank at N end of culvert, view E FTB 09 Upper Bower No information. Assumed to be part of the post- Small recessed area, 4.6m/15’ wide x Significance: Track Recess 1 1960 flood rehabilitation (probable borrow pit 3.6m/12’ deep on the W side of the present Not established. Of significance and/or vehicle turn around). track between the Bower and Silver Falls. (historical & scientific) if a mid-1900s Possibly an historic (1880s – mid 1900s) picnic site The area is flat with a vertical rear wall (into (pre-1960) or earlier picnic or rest area. (with table and chairs) or rest area with seats. If so, bedrock) and the lower side walls excavated into flood debris or slopewash. possibly built on site of an earlier picnic area or rest Management recommendations: area. There is a single line of moss covered 1. Not essential to retain this feature. stones marking the entrance to the View from track to Silver Falls with recess recessed area on each side (unclear if 2. If retained, manage as at present or on RHS, view N stone lines are deliberate or accidental). as a small scale, low key picnic or This area is c.30m downstream of Silver rest area, with infrastructure that is Falls and just within sight, and occurs at a sympathetic to the history (historical wide part of the track (9m wide) (suggests a scenic tourism) and setting of the vehicle turn around?). area.

View W to recess from track FTB 10 Upper Browns Limited information. C.50-55m of stone or concrete lined Significance: River Diversion An 1890s image (TAHO PH30/1/1208) shows a channel of Upper Browns River in the area Of high significance (historical and & Intake stone walled channel of generally similar of the Bower, plus a water intake. scientific) as an integral part of the construction to today in generally the same location The modified (constructed) section starts at MWSS. The stone walling and channel Listed part of - (in the photo in the area of the Picnic Pavilion). This the N end of the Bower open area with a paving contributes to the aesthetic THR 11227 suggests that the stone walling dates to the concreted step down across the creek bed. significance of the Bower (although the CHPS-HS construction of the Bower basin and associated From here the floor of the channel is wire cage over the intake is considered to works in 1860s or to the 1880s modifications. concreted for c.15m. At c.5m the channel detract from the aesthetic value). Given that the whole valley geography was altered has c.1.2m high, vertical, shuttered Also a functional part of the present day by the 1960s floods and the original basin and weir concrete walls both sides. At c.10m there is MWSS. Top end of modified channel , view S on the E side of the Bower was destroyed, and the a diagonal concrete channel with wire cage water supply had to be configured, it is assumed running to the SE – this is a water intake. At Management recommendations: that the concrete walling and caged intake at the N 15m in the main channel the creek bed is end and also the concrete channel floor at the bedrock and runs over a bedrock ledge 1. Preserve as a significant component of the historic water supply system, ______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

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bottom end, are part of the post-1960 flood c.1m high. Below this and down to the which also demonstrates the history rehabilitation works (but could be earlier – possibly present bridge (c.25-30m) the creek of change to the site over time. 1910s works). channel has vertical stone lined walls and a 2. Manage in accordance with the stone paved bed (presumed to be Hobart Mountain Water Supply sandstone/ mudstone). The stone walling System CMP (North 2012), including extends another 10-12m under and current water supply function. downstream of the bridge, after which the 3. Consider replacing the wire cage of bed is unmodified. At the bottom end the the intake with something with a Change from concrete (upper part) to channel floor however is concreted. more open mesh that allows the stone lined channel (lower part) with intake & cage to RHS, view N intake to be viewed, hence help interpret the water supply at this Part of the MWSS designated WPMP ‘Site’. location. Heritage Listed – on the THR and CHPS – HS – as part of the MWSS. Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk Significant Landscape (20m either side of Stone lined channel section above bridge, track). view N

Section below bridge, view S FTB 11 Stone lined side No information. Stone lined channel directing flow from the Significance: drainage The situation, context and nature of the feature base of a gully across the W side of the Of significance (historical and scientific) feature indicates that it is a part (auxiliary) of the MWSS, Upper Browns River valley floor into Upper as part of the MWSS, and presumably of (related to designed to carry water from an adjacent gully into Browns River c.1.5m downstream of the S pre 1917 construction. If visible the Upper Browns the creek (possibly to minimise sedimentation from end of the intake cage in this area (and on feature would contribute (minor) to the River Diversion sheet wash from the gully. As construction such as the other side of the creek). aesthetic significance of the Bower. & Intake) this is considered very unlikely to be part of the The stone channelling starts where the Possibly still serves a function (reduction

post-1960 floods rehabilitation work. It is however gully enters the valley floor and comprises of sediment into Upper Browns River). Part of MWSS likely that the feature was buried by flood debris 1-2 courses of local stone c.25cm apart that Upper part of stone lined channel, view E and has been exposed again by post-1960 floods runs in a straight line approximately E for from top end Management recommendations: rehabilitation work – which may account for the c.6m, the channelling is then disturbed by damage to the feature at its E end (at the creek tree growth, abut appears to bend slightly 1. Preserve as a component of the edge). to the S and run for c.1.5m where a well historic water supply system, which defined section c.4m long starts. The stone demonstrates the complexity and walls in this curve out (up to c.1m apart), broad scope and reach of the system then curve in again, then run a short and demonstrates an element of

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distance roughly parallel and c.25cm apart unifying design. until it meets the creek, running out immediately above the creek channel stone walling (the shape of this section is reminiscent of the Pipehead Well). This section also has stone flooring/paving. The creek end is slightly disturbed.

Assumed to be part of the MWSS, hence –

. part of the MWSS designated WPMP Lower part of stone channel, view E to ‘Site’; Browns River creek termination . included in the MWSS heritage listings – ie, on the THR and CHPS –HS; and . It sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk Significant Landscape (20m either side of track). FTB 12 Bower Open Originally a created open space at the junction of The Bower today is a poorly defined area in Significance: Area the MWSS and valley to Silver Falls. the floor of the Upper Browns River valley Of high local significance and of high- (former Bower In relation to the MWSS, the location was that of a where the track to Silver Falls takes off medium state level significance. Picnic Area dam (weir), collecting basin and a sluice house from the MWSS Pipeline Track. The core of The Bower has local and state (with tree fern constructed by stonemason John Gillon in 1861-2 the area, and the present day public use significance (historical, scientific, rows)) as part of the MWSS (the basin took water diverted area is essentially the tracks and their aesthetic & social) as part of the MWSS. junction which is an approximately from the1831 Diversion via Silver Falls and the The Bower is also assessed as having WPHH0083 triangular, open, unvegetated gravelled main MWSS pipeline water from the Fork Creek high local and high to medium state level area c.16m E-W by c.45m N-S. This Fern Tree Bower near Hobart Town. dam). The dam basin is believed to have measured significance (historical, aesthetic & social) THR 11227 (part gravelled area is defined by a low (1-3 c.1873. S. Clifford showing the original 165’t by 82’ 6”, and the dam itself was about 19ft in its own right as one of the earliest and location and nature of Cooks Monument of) course stone wall along the E edge, the across (Hartzell 1993 p. 16). The work was most accessible scenic tourism (Source – Sheridan (2010, Fig PH15). Upper Browns River channel on the W and Original source - W. L. Crowther Library. commemorated by a stone monument at the sluice destinations in Tasmania, and has been CHPS-HS a vegetated area with a 1955 concrete TAHO). house, which became known as ‘Cook’s used continuously by local, state, national monument’ (refer FTB13). water tank on the S side. and international visitors from the 1860s By 1881 much of the wooden troughing below the Beyond the open gravelled area the valley to the present. It is the most historically Bower was rotting and was replaced with masonry. floor has mixed forest with open visited scenic tourism destination Modifications were also made to the face of the understorey that is post-1960 flood (together with Silver Falls) on Mt dam at the Bower at this time to join the larger new regrowth. Some of this vegetation is Wellington (& in Wellington Park) after pipe to the older square pipe, including installing a understood to have been planted after the the summit of kunanyi/Mt Wellington. new sluice gate over the stone troughing and a new 1960 floods, including the large number of (This is evident in historical cast iron grate in the sluice house. tree ferns in the Bower area, in particular documentation and early Tourist Guides those which today line the edge of the Fern Tree Bower, late 1800s, J.W. In 1955 a new 30 000 gallon concrete settling and to Tasmania (Sheridan 2010, McConnell Beattie. (Source – Sheridan (2010, Fig a reservoir tank was constructed at Fern Tree Bower open area, both sides of the Upper 2010, McConnell 2013). 32). Original source – Allport Library & Browns River channel, and the track edges Bower to improve the water supply to lower levels • Museum of Fine Arts, TAHO) a short distance from the Bower. North (2012, 58) notes – “Fern Tree of Fern Tree. Bower is perhaps the place with the

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In 1960 floods devastated the Bower and valley to Features in the area include the Bower highest social significance along the Silver Falls. The dam and sluice house were Track (FTB01), the MWSS Pipeline Track pipeline route as for many years it destroyed and Cooks Monument washed down (FTB02), the stone and concrete lined was a popular recreation spot and a slope (the monument was later recovered). channel of the river and intake (FTB11), the place that people from Hobart would Immediate steps to restore water supply included a re-positioned Cooks Monument (FTB14), go to in the late 19th and early 20th new intake and a new pipeline from Silver Falls the 1955 concrete receiving tank (FTB15), century to picnic amongst the large bypassing the Bower basin site and feeding directly the bridge across the river (FTB19), and tree ferns”. into the 1955 collection tank (which since 1960 has there are a small number of unused picnic • Sheridan (1998b) assessed the Fern taken water from the top of Silver Falls, from the shelters/former picnic shelter sites on the W Tree Bower as having state level upper Browns River diversion and from Fork side of the river. Fern Tree Bower, 1890 (Source – Evans significance. 2014. Original source – TAHO). Creek). The area is assumed to have • Andrusko’s (2010) research found th In relation to recreation, the Bower was accessed archaeological remains related to the 19 that the Bower has social value for scenic tourism as soon as the MWSS was century water supply infrastructure, in (place attachment for locals and constructed in 1862. It was a popular picnic spot particular the collecting basin and related visitors) and was important primarily from the 1870s – 1880s to at least the 1930s, and intakes and outlets, and possibly of the for its natural values and resultant remains a popular visitor site today, partly due to its Bower Pavilion (FTB13) and other visitor aesthetic quality; and that amongst being on the MWSS Pipeline Track and en route to infrastructure, but this has not been tested. local residents there is a strong Silver Falls. North (2012, 59) notes the Bower ‘bears no nostalgia for the Bower as it was Fern Tree Bower, nd (postcard) (Source – By c.1882 it was named “The Bower” (c1882 plan, resemblance to its original [pre-1960] before the 1960 flood. Sheridan (2010, Fig PH5)). TMAG 1880/78) (Fern Tree Park is not named). configuration’. With further analysis this is • Vincent (1998) specifically mentions Macfie (1994) notes that the Fern Tree Bower was possibly not entirely correct. The present the MWSS Pipeline Track and Arts & a recognised recreational area by 1884, and also study suggests the creek channel is the Crafts Tradition associations as notes that in 1884 the Royal Society expressed former creek channel (and the diagonal being of very high cultural heritage their concern regarding the 'destruction of ferns at caged ‘intake’ from this may also be pre- significance. the Bower'. 1960), the 1955 concrete tank (FTB15) has

Modifications over time include – not been moved or modified, the open area Management recommendations: . the planting of c.20 tree ferns in a double row‘ in today approximates that prior to the 1960 flood, the core of Cooks Monument • Continue to preserve and manage Fern Tree Bower, 1916 (Source – J&M 1875 so as to afford perfect shade at a rustic table th (FTB14) has been replaced in the Bower the Bower (with Silver Falls) as a Grist. Original source – Weekly Courier 5 running the full length of the trees’; mature in Oct, 1916). 1890s); (although not in its original context), and special scenic tourism destination tree ferns have been replanted (although and recreational area, respecting its . removal of trees during the 1881 track widening not in their original positions). The picnic significant historical, aesthetic and (which was criticised); facilities however have not been replaced. social values as a scenic tourism . new plantings in 1896 following the Corporation’s The Bower historically extended to the W destination; and continue to manage waterworks committee visit (who also side of Upper Browns River where today sympathetically as part of the recommended a permanent caretakers cottage be there are still shelter sheds, picnic tables MWSS, including as part of a erected); and benches, and the remains of former functional water supply (ie, in this

. water taps for visitors and the construction of the sheds and seating areas (refer FTB 17-23). respect manage in accordance with Alan Walker designed Bower picnic pavilion in A Nook in the Famous Fern Tree Bower, the Hobart Mountain Water Supply 1914 (Source – J&M Grist. Original source 1897; System CMP (North 2012)). th – Weekly Courier 30 July 1914). [Unlikely . fencing around the dam in 1898 to prevent • Preserve the associated features to be the main part of the Bower; however Designated WPMP ‘Site’. possibly the W side of Browns River] vandalism (images suggest this was steel post which contribute to key aspects of

picket type fence); the significance of the Bower (ie, as Heritage Listed –

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. new seats in a tree fern grotto and additional . on the THR as part of the MWSS; and a scenic tourism/recreation feature 2014 ______picnic shelters, fireplaces and recessed seating . on the CHPS –HS as part of the Pipeline and as location for water supply areas in/by 1908 [probably E of Upper Browns Tk & as a specific site ('archaeological infrastructure) – see also specific River]; remains ‘) within the Pipeline Tk listing. recommendations for individual . by 1909 the picnic pavilion has been modified features, below. These features Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk (roof has been changed) (possibly part of the 1908 include Cooks Monument, the stone Significant Landscape (20m either side of works; lined channel, and the tree ferns. track). . a bushfire in Nov 1914 destroyed plants and two • Retain the natural bushland setting shelter sheds (likely to have been rebuilt soon after of the Bower. given the recommendation of the Hobart City • Consider reinstating some visitor Bower, central area & SE side, view E Council water and sewerage committee); infrastructure in the Bower. All new . by 1916, new timber lattice (diamond pattern) infrastructure should be sympathetic fencing has been added along the E side of the to the values of the Bower, be low Upper Browns river channel ; key, and not overwhelm the site. . In 1957 the Bower is described as 'a picnic spot • Although hypothetical reconstruction where tree-ferns have been planted in regular rows is not allowed by the WPMP and ..., an aerating basin of the waterworks scheme there are issues with reconstruction, bears an inscription ..., shelter sheds and fireplaces the values of the Bower, the large are provided' (Aves 1957). amount of historical pictorial Bower, central area &SW side, view E . The 1960 floods which wiped out much of the evidence of the Bower, the high level scenery and surviving tourist facilities, although of visitation, the current condition, Cook’s monument was salvaged and reinstated and the recommendations of and the HCC contracted a local resident, Tom Sheridan (2010, rec 24) and Brown, to replant trees and shrubs in the Bower McConnell (2013, v3, rec R27), area and along the track to Silver Falls (McConnell provide a basis for some limited & Scripps 2005). reconstruction. The following . Remembered as having beautiful sassafras at the reconstruction may be considered for the Bower (in order of priority) – View E to the Bower bridge and Bower Bower in the mid-late 1900s (M. Bryce, pers comm, (beyond) from the MWSS Pipeline Tk 2014). . The Bower Pavilion (see . In the 1970s/1980s there were 2 see-saws McConnell 2013) in approxi- located at the north end of the Bower area (where mately its original location the Silver Falls track goes up) (Sprent, in [high]; McConnell & Scripps 2005). These were installed . Central tree fern avenue and as part of the post-1967 fires rehabilitation and tables and chairs as previously were to replace the picnic facilities. Swings were [moderate – may compromise also installed later (Andrusko 2010). functionality and use]; . Annual strawberry feasts in aid of St Raphael’s The Bower basin (with Cooks Bower, central area &N part, view N church, and supplied with fruit by local farms in the Monument) [low - likely to be district (Scripps 1993, p. 43) were held in different major work, and may constrain places in the Fern Tree Park – Bower area use of the Bower area and (probably from 1897 or 98 to at least the 1930s water supply functionality]. (refer FTP01)., including sometimes (including in • All reconstruction should be to the

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1899) at the Bower. Even when held in Fern Tree one period (c.1880- 1914). Park, strawberry feast attendees often walked Reconstruction of the MWSS through to the Bower and Silver Falls on the Bower elements and picnic tables should Track (Andrusko 2010). use the layout of features as The 1899 report of the strawberry feast notes “the depicted in the c1882 plan (TMAG strawberry feast held at the Bower besides the 1880/78 in Scripps 1993, and pellucid stream from the Silver Falls gully...Niches provided in Evans 2014). were specially constructed to facilitate picnickers • For the purposes of interpretation boiling water were handy for making the tea” consideration should be given to View S into Bower from Silver Falls Tk (Mercury 12/1/1899, p. 6). delineating the original layout of the aerating basin and other key unreconstructed historical features by their artificial footprinting. Interpretation of the layout should use the layout of features as depicted in the c1882 plan (TMAG 1880/78 in Scripps 1993, and provided in Evans 2014). View N into Bower from MWSS Pipeline • All ground disturbing work should be Tk preceded by archaeological test excavation to determine, if possible, the exact original locations of features, and ensure there is no disturbance to significant archaeological remains. FTB 13 Bower Picnic Erected in 1897, this shelter was designed by There is no clear surface or above ground Significance: Pavilion architect, Alan Cameron Walker, as ‘a pavilion for evidence of the Bower Pavilion today; nor is Of high local significance and some state (Bower picnic parties at the Bower’. Proposed by Henry there evidence of the bridge that crossed significance (historical, and potentially Shelter/Hut) Dobson that Council to erect it with the Tourist the creek. The cut vertical face on the W scientific) as part of the suite of rustic Association contributing one third of the cost side of the creek channel c.5m from the huts built on Mount Wellington between (unknown if this was the ultimate financial bridge and 4m W of the channel however c.1880 and 1914, which are a rare type of CHPS-HS (part arrangement). The roof at least was modified by was probably cut to accommodate the historic structure in the Australian context

of Bower) 1909 (possibly in c.1908). Date of destruction pavilion. (The pavilion location can also be (McConnell 2013); and as historically well unknown. established from the kick-out in the E used scenic tourism infrastructure. Also The pavilion is depicted in numerous photographs channel wall (FTB10) that is extant and can of local social significance; and also of and postcards of the Bower in the 1890s to early be seen in an image of pavilion (an 1890s state significance for its association with 1910s, and is shown as an high gable roofed hut image (TAHO PH30/1/1208) provided in both Henry Dobson and Alan Walker, as with a central hexagonal peaked roof (all shingled), Evans 2014). well as with the Tasmanian Tourist with vertical timber enclosed ends and bush pole It is possible however that the foundations Association. Historically the pavilion, decorative latticework balustrading and valance of the picnic shelter may survive on the W through its design, materials and setting, Bower picnic pavilion, nd (postcard) under the central roof section, and situated on the side of Upper Browns River (if the area was also contributed to the rustic aesthetics of (Source – Sheridan (2010, Fig PH5)). west bank of the creek and accessed by a short not too disturbed during the 1960-flood and the Bower. bridge. A c.1890s image shows the pavilion as post-flood rehabilitation work. • Vincent (1998) specifically mentions

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being set in under the steep W spur slope. An Arts & Crafts Tradition associations image dated to 1909 and 1916 show that the roof as being of very high cultural heritage has been modified to a simpler gable roof with Part of designated WPMP ‘Site’ – the significance small central gable portico (and possibly no Bower. latticework on the building). Management recommendations: Possibly one of two shelter sheds destroyed in a Heritage Listed – on the CHPS –HS – as part of the Bower archaeological remains 1. Consideration should be given to the bushfire in Nov 1914, but rebuilt soon after given reconstruction of this pavilion (there the recommendation of the Hobart City Council within the Pipeline Tk listing. is considered to be enough Bower with pavilion, 1916 (Source – J&M Water and Sewerage Committee. The rebuilding is Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk information about the location, design Grist. Original source – Weekly Courier 5th understood to have been carried out by day labour Significant Landscape (20m either side of and materials that this is not Oct 1916). (Mercury 8/12/1914, p. 6) track). considered to constitute hypothetical It is unclear how long the pavilion survived. It may reconstruction) (refer McConnell be one of the two shelter sheds shown on the 1935 2013, v3, rec R27 & discussion). This 2014 ______HWC map (unless one of the sheds portrayed is may have implications for Shelter NO VISIBLE EVIDENCE Shelter Shed 2/FTB18). K. Kiernan (pers comm, Shed 1 (FTB20). 2014) believes that in the late 1950s (to 1960) 2. The location of the pavilion should there was no shelter shed, but that there was a not be built over or significantly bridge in the approximate location of the pavilion modified for other purposes. bridge. Acceptable uses are considered to be retain as an unused area as at present; clear and depict former footprint (or reveal foundations if they survive) for interpretive purposes; clear and use as a picnic site; or reconstruction and use of the pavilion. FTB 14 Cooks This stone monument was originally located at the Stone monument comprising three courses Significance: Monument 1861-2 sluice house on the dam wall at the Bower, of mortared/concreted stone (sandstone) Of significance (historical and scientific) and was constructed by stonemason John Gillon. It with engraved lettering on one wide face as part of the MWSS, as a relatively rare THR 11227 (part was inscribed with the names of the MWSS (c.3’) referring to the 1861 construction of remnant of the system in this area pre-the of) contractor, engineer J.N. Gale, and the Hobart the ‘Hobart Town Corporation Waterworks’. 1960s floods (although not in its original Mayor, Henry Cook, and became known as ‘Cook’s It has a shorter angled block of sandstone context). The monument contributes to CHPS-HS (part monument’. cemented on the top which has a metal the aesthetic significance of the Bower, of Bower) The monument was washed downslope (almost plaque (on angled surface) describing the and can be considered to have some Fern Tree Bower showing nature and recovery and replacement of the monument setting of Cooks Monument, nd (postcard) onto the Huon Road) by the 1960 floods which social significance. (Source – Sheridan (2010, Fig PH5)). destroyed the dam and sluice house (McConnell & 100 years later (originally the monument had a different cap stone and the stone Scripps 2005). Management recommendations: appears to have been set inside corner The monument was recovered shortly after 3. Preserve as a component of the the1960 floods as part of the rehabilitation of the pilasters (see image RH column)). Overall the monument is c.1m high. historic water supply system, which Bower area and re-situated close to its original site demonstrates the complexity and The monument is seated on a rectangular in 1961, and set in a stone wall made from the broad scope and reach of the system c.ground level concrete plinth, and has piers of the wooden troughing (McConnell & and demonstrates an element of Scripps 2005). It has not been determined if the been placed within a line of sandstone (?)

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monument was retrieved in one piece or has been block walling (1 to 3 courses) that runs unifying design; and manage cemented back together again. along the E side of the Bower open area (= generally as per the MWSS CMP E edge of the gravelled area which has no (North 2012). plants). The location is near to its original 4. Although the monument should not location and in direct line of sight when be removed from the Bower (its travelling E over the Upper Browns River original general location), its location bridge. within the Bower can be changed if The lower inscription is – “HOBART TOWN this is considered desirable for better CORPORATION / WATERWORKS / ERECTED 1861 interpretation or functionality of the Cooks Monument in its current location, / .... HENRY COOK MAYOR / J. GILLON J.N. Bower area. view E from near bridge GALE” (and there may be an additional line). 5. Management should include regular The plaque inscription is – “FERN TREE BOWER / THESE INSCRIBED STONES WERE maintenance, in particular the SALVAGED FROM / THE ORIGINAL WAER TOWER removal of mosses from the structure ERECTED IN 1861 AND / DESTROYED BY THE and necessary measures to ensure GREAT FLOOD OF 23RD APRIL 1960 / THIS TABLET the lettering stays readable and the IS ERECTED BY THE HOBART CITY COUNCIL / TO metal does not unredeemably COMMEMORATE ITS REHABILITATION IN 1961”. corrode.

Detail of monument, view E Part of the MWSS designated WPMP ‘Site’. Heritage Listed – on the THR and CHPS – HS – as part of the MWSS. Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk Significant Landscape (20m either side of track).

Detail of metal plaque on the top of monument FTB 15 Bower Concrete A new 30,000 gallon concrete settling and a A rectangular concrete tank, c.9m long x Significance: Tank reservoir tank constructed in 1955 as part of the 5m wide x 2m high, with a flat concrete slab Of significance (scientific and some MWSS. Constructed to improve the water supply to roof. Access is via a removable steel ladder historical) as part of the MWSS. This THR 11227 (part lower levels of Fern Tree. (Given the layout of the and there is fold down green painted metal feature demonstrates the post-1917 of) Bower, it appears likely that the southern c.25% to safety railing on the N and W edges of the evolution of the System. 50% of the tree fern arcade with central tables and roof. The tan k is located at the S end of the Also a functional part of the present day benches would have been removed to provide Bower with the vegetated zone, and is MWSS. space for the tank – refer c.1882 plan (TMAG largely screened in its W half by vegetation. The tank detracts from the aesthetic 1880/78) in Scripps 1993, and provided in Evans An iron feeder pipe comes into the upper E values of the Bower. View S to the MWSS Pipeline Track at the 2014). side from FTB05 passing above the MWSS S end of the Bower, with the tank on the Local residents in Andrusko’s (2010) The tank survived the 1960 floods which destroyed Pipeline Track. There are two iron outlet RHS and feeder pipe (FTB05) above track research described the present day the dam and sluice house. Rehabilitation works pipes that exit from the upper part of the S infrastructure as ‘ugly’ and ‘a appear to have included a new pipe (for water from side of the tank into the ground (and disappointment for sightseers’. Silver Falls bypassing the Bower basin site and presumably feed into the MWSS pipes that

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feeding directly into the tank (the current overhead run below the MWSS Pipeline Tk. One of pipe). these appears to feed into a small auxiliary Management recommendations: A small secondary tank (to divert masonry concrete tank c.3m S of the main tank. This 1. Retain and manage as per the troughing overflow) was also built next to the auxiliary tank has two sections and a MWSS CMP (North 2012). probably related valve immediately to its S. collection tank. This is believed to have been a 2. Ensure that management continues post-1960 flood rehabilitation, or later, feature (K. to minimise the visual intrusiveness Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). of this more recent element, including Since 1960 the tank has taken water from the top Part of the MWSS designated WPMP ‘Site’. through folding down the purpose of Silver Falls, from the upper Browns River built collapsible hand rails when the Detail of tank and collapsible safety Heritage Listed – on the THR and CHPS – railing, view SW diversion and from Fork Creek. tank is not being accessed. HS – as part of the MWSS. In the mid-late 2000s safety infrastructure was 3. When this structure needs replacing installed on the tank (fold down safety railing and a Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk or substantial refurbishment, removable ladder). The design reflected concerns Significant Landscape (20m either side of consider replacing with a new of the MWSS Heritage Working Group to minimise track). structure that will minimise visual the visual impact of newer MWSS infrastructure. intrusion (through design, materials &/or placement). Do not replace unless functionally critical. The auxiliary tank which protrudes View N to MWSS Pipeline Track and tank significantly onto the MWSS Pipeline on the LHS. Tk is a priority for removal, relocation or redesign. FTB 16 Browns River There is no specific information on this bridge C.3m long by 3m wide bridge on the MWSS Significance: Bower Bridge which spans the upper Browns River. Pipeline Tk formation crossing Upper Although the MWSS, and the MWSS The initial crossing (1860-62 as part of the pipeline Browns River at the Bower. Pipeline Tk as a core element, are highly to Fork Creek) is assumed to have been only a The bridge is flat and timber (hardwood?) significant at the local and state level, the pipeline across the river. This is substantiated by decked, with wire mesh surfacing to reduce bridge in itself is not considered to have an 1890 image (TAHO PH30/1/3980) which shows slipperiness. There is c.1.2m high, treated specific significance (it is not historical the crossing as an exposed iron pipe crossing with pine, picket fence style hand railing along and not an integral element of the stone packed abutments. both sides of the bridge. The bridge sits on MWSS). Pedestrian bridging generally An undated postcard (c.early-mid-1900s?) shows a the channel bank stone walling (ie, the however is of historical significance in View W to bridge from Bower open area short, narrow (c.3-4’) timber decked bridge with low walling acts as de facto abutments). relation to scenic tourism and recreation edging (a single on deck beam each side). at the Bower and contributes ongoing The current bridge is assumed to be post-1960 scenic tourism and recreation based on its style and materials. Part of the MWSS designated WPMP ‘Site’. Management recommendations: Heritage Listed – on the THR and CHPS – 1. There are no specific HS – as part of the MWSS. recommendations in relation to the Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk present bridge given that it does not Significant Landscape (20m either side of have cultural heritage significance. Detail of bridge, view W track). 2. Maintain pedestrian bridging across Upper Browns River in this location. If the present bridging is replaced it

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should be sympathetic to the values of the area (Bower and MWSS) and preferably of a specific Fern Tree Park – Bower – Silver Falls area/precinct type designed style, or of the MWSS Design Guidelines style; and damage to significant MWSS and Bower infrastructure must be avoided.

Bower, view E across Upper Brown River in area of present bridge, 1890 (Source – Evans 2014. Original source – TAHO).

Bower, view E across Upper Brown River in area of present bridge, nd (probably early 1900s) (Source – Evans 2014. Original source - TAHO (postcard)) FTB 17 Shelter Shed 1 The origin of this shelter shed is not known. Its A three sided, stone walled shelter with low Significance: location in relation to the Bower Pavilion suggests angle gable roof; open to S (towards the Not possible to assess without knowing if (database – this shelter shed was not constructed until after the MWSS Pipeline Tk); 14’ wide by 8’ deep x this is an early 1900s or mid-1900s site. If Pipeline Track pavilion was destroyed. Possibly built by 1914, but c.2.5m high. the former, the shed has local and some Hut 3) more probably built post-1914, but believed to be The hut is 5.5m north of the MWSS state level significance (historical and extant (same building as present) prior to the 1960 Pipeline Tk, and c.3-4m W of Upper scientific) as part of the Bower scenic WPHH0278 flood (at least by the mid-1950s). The roof style Browns River; and is set on an area tourism and recreational infrastructure. suggests it is early-mid 1900s (c.1930s) to mid- excavated back into the hillslope and which This significance is significantly reduced if Shelter Shed 1, nd (probably 1960s or 1900s (c.1950s). is the same level as the MWSS Pipeline Tk. the shed is mid-1900s only. The shed has 1970s) (Source – Davies Collection) A 1910 image (PH 30/1/1908) shows the area The stone walls are comprised of roughly some local social significance regardless between the Pavilion and a higher level shelter coursed, large to medium, roughly squared of its age. shed to the W (Shelter Shed 2) as a flat area with a blocks of local type mudstone/sandstone. The shed is considered to be neutral in masonry structure (possibly a fireplace) lacking a The W wall and S part of the E wall are relation to its aesthetic contribution to the roof, suggesting the area was part of the Bower freestanding, but the rear (N) wall appears values of the Bower, but to be picnic facilities by 1910 (possibly constructed as to have been built against the vertical sympathetic. part of the 1908 Corporation works), but not excavated wall of the hillslope, with an including a shelter. additional area excavated at the E end in Management recommendations: Possibly one of two shelter sheds destroyed in a which to build a square stone chimney flue. Shelter from MWSS Pipeline Tk, view N 1. Retain and maintain as a Bower bushfire in Nov 1914, but rebuilt soon after given The roof is timber framed with corrugated (Upper Browns River runs to the RHS (E) picnic facility. of the picket fence) the recommendation of the Hobart City Council iron cladding and this rests on the rear (N) Water and Sewerage Committee (these however wall at the N end and is supported by 2. The shelter shed may be modified,

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are thought more likely to have been the Pavilion roundwood posts (1 at each end and 1 replaced, or removed ((this decision and Shelter Shed 2, both of which are known to central one – but at the N end the post is should be based on further research have been extant in 1914). short and rests on the top of the stone wall) to determine its age and fully assess May be shown on the 1935 HWC map, but again (ie, the side walls are not load bearing). At the site). All modification should be this is thought more likely to be the Pavilion and least the SW corner post has been sympathetic and respect the values Shelter Shed 2. replaced (ie, is newer) (and the central S of the site and Bower. (New works Remembered as being extant in the mid-late post is older). The N gable end is filled in should preferably not be in the 1950s, and the same as at present except with a with iron sheet (flattened corrugated iron?). MWSS Design Guidelines style as dividing wall up to the top of the stone walling, and There was a fireplace/hearth in the rear this site is not related to the MWSS). View into shelter, view N with workable fireplaces – 1 in each alcove (and wall in each alcove, both have been closed 3. If the shed is to be retained, to with a common flue) (K. Kiernan, pers comm, by stone walling similar to the walling, and improve the use, usefulness and 2014). the flue has been removed down to the comfort of the facility, consider re- Shown in an undated image (likely to be post-1967, roofline. The E fireplace appears to have instating the fireplace (note – to when the photographer moved to live in Fern Tree) had a large opening and a narrow timber accommodate fire risk concerns the as similar to present – set in front of a rock cliff and mantelpiece set in the wall above. fire could seasonal use only, and tis with a low angled corrugated iron gable roof, stone Inside the shed the walls are unlined, there achieved by designing the opening to wall sides, and open front with roundwood posts, is a central N-S concreted stone wall, be block off in summer/high fire risk an internal central divider, but shown with stone c.0.5m high; and there are four plain, green periods). chimney on the E side and a simple fence of round painted, timber benches (1 plank on a solid wood posts and a single top rail. timber ‘foot’ each end), one the length of each side wall and 1 each side of and the View of the e side of the shelter interior Used frequently by locals when it had a fireplace. It (note closed off fireplace in end wall), view was known locally by at least some as ‘the Jaffle length of the central divider wall. NE Shed’ or ‘Jalcove’ (Kiernan, in McConnell & Scripps 2005). Designated WPMP ‘Site’. At some time post-1967, probably c.late 1970s- Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk early 1980s (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014) the Significant Landscape (20m either side of fireplaces were blocked off and the central wall was track). lowered and a convex concrete capping laid. All these changes have been described as reducing the functionality and comfort of the shelter (McConnell & Scripps 2005). Understood to have had very little use in the last 20 years, possibly since the changes to the shelter in the c. c.late 1970s-early 1980s (it is damp and cold without a fire) (pers obsv).

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FTB 18 Shelter Shed 2 Established at least by the 1890s. Likely to be the A flat, rectangular, open, benched area, Significance: (& access shelter shed that was erected by Henry Dobson on c.16’ wide (E-W) by 14’ (N-S), surrounded The shelter shed has local and some paths) his private property at the Bower by1899 (a shelter by regrowth forest, and c.3m above, and state level significance (historical and shed at the Bower built by Henry Dobson is 16-8m+ N of, the MWSS Pipeline Tk). The scientific) as part of the Bower scenic (database – mentionned in a Mercury article (7/1/1899, p1). flat benched area has large drystone block tourism and recreational infrastructure. It Pipeline Track An 1890s image (TAHO PH30/1/8797) shows a (sandstone/mudstone) edging (1 course) also historically had aesthetic significance Hut 5) roofed shed with gabled porch at the top of a flight along the S edge and possibly on both and has social significance for some local sides, and there are a number of large of steps on the W side of Browns River and N of residents. WPHH0280 the track, suggesting this site was initially blocks below the edging on the S side that • Vincent (1998) specifically mentions Platform from path in front of S edge, developed for a picnic shelter shed (it is set suggest there was 1 or 2 wide stone steps Arts & Crafts Tradition associations view N relatively high so is thought to be this site not Picnic of similar construction leading up to the hut, as being of very high cultural heritage Area 1 (FTB20)). at least on the E side. The formation significance A 1910 image (PH 30/1/1908) of the MWSS appears not to be surfaced, and to be local earth. pipeline track in this area shows a structure with Management recommendations: open front with roundwood posts and a diamond There is a short flight of stone steps bush pole latticework valance at the top of a long (modern, and on a slightly different 1. Retain this site as an archaeological steeply inclined path(also suggesting this site not alignment to the historical path, refer site or re-instate as a Bower picnic Picnic Area 1). At the base of the path a timber FTB20) then c.8-10m of lightly benched, facility. If re-used the existing footprint should be retained and use bench with back, one of which is on a concrete(?) moderately sloping path c.3-4’ wide and of Platform on hillslope, view NE plinth is shown slightly recessed either side of the natural earth with partial stone edging limited to this area, and the existing path and on the edge of the MWSS Pipeline Track leading from the MWSS Pipeline Tk just W elements (ie, edging and pathways) with at least 4 associated planted tree ferns. of FTB17 & 21, past FTB21 to the SE retained. Presumed to have been one of the two shelter corner of this site. Another benched, c.3-4’ 2. If re-instated, it would be preferable sheds at the Bower destroyed by a bushfire in Nov natural earth path with only a short section to build a picnic shelter replace the 1914, and which was rebuilt in at the of stone edging runs across the front (S former shelter (rather than provide recommendation of the Hobart City Council water side) of the platform then at a moderate only picnic tables and/or seats) to and sewerage committee. slope down to the MWSS Pipeline Tk better reflect the historic use and immediately to the E of FTB19. appreciation, to better interpret the Remembered as being extant and being very site, and for better functionality. New similar to the shelter shed as shown in the 1910 infrastructure should be sympathetic image, but with a straight line path from the MWSS Path to site, with site in rear ground, from and respect the values of the site and FTB23 (at top of stone steps), view NW Pipeline Tk, and not with the present steps (K. Designated WPMP ‘Site’. Bower. A new shelter should not aim Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). The hut is thought to Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk to reconstruct the previous shelter as have survived the 1967 fires, getting only ‘singed’ Significant Landscape (20m either side of there is insufficient information to do in the fires, and to have been extant in the 1970s track). this. New works should not be in the (J. Sprent, in McConnell & Scripps 2005 ) MWSS Design Guidelines style as this site is not related to the MWSS).

View from S side of platform to MWSS Pipeline Tk (note edge of FTB22 on RH

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far edge), view SW.

Fern Tree Bower and Shelter shed 2 in centre distance (arrowed), 1890s (source – Evans 2014. Original source – TAHO)

MWSS Pipeline Track (LHS) and path up to and SW corner of Shelter Shed 2 (RHS), 1910 (source – Evans 2014. Original source – TAHO) FTB 19 Shelter Shed 3 The date of construction is not known. A rectangular, stone shed with skillion roof Significance: (Caretakers It is possibly relatively recent (mid-1900s): Thought and concrete floor. The shed is built into an It is not possible to assess without Shed / Tool to be post- the1960 flood (K. Kiernan, pers comm, excavated recessed area on the N side of knowing if this is a late 1800s or early Shed) 2014) and the shed style (including the skillion roof the MWSS Pipeline Tk and is at the same 1900s site, or an early-mid-1900s or later and sawn internal timbers) suggests a mid-1900s level as the pipeline formation. It is set back site. If the former the shed has local and (database – date (of similar construction to Shelter Shed 1). c.1m from the edge of the formation. some state level significance (historical Pipeline Track Alternatively, it is possibly an earlier structure (tool The excavated area is a rounded-irregular- and scientific) as part of the MWSS Hut 4) shed/caretakers residence), and may be as early circular area, only large enough to Bower visitor infrastructure. This as 1880s (if so it is likely to have been re-built): A accommodate the shed and the chimney, significance is reduced if the shed has View to shed from the centre of the WPHH0279 HCC toolshed was in existence in 1895 in the area, and has vertical cut walls up to c.2.5m high. been rebuilt (as is suggested by its MWSS Pipeline Tk, view NW and if this structure, it is likely to have been built as The shed is 14’10” wide by 12’6” deep. It construction). Of low-medium significance part of the 1880s MWSS works. May has concreted stone walls made up of if built in the early-mid 1900s, and of no also/alternatively have been a later caretakers large-medium sized sandstone/mudstone particular significance if built post-1960 residence (in 1895 Dobson refers to a Council blocks which are very roughly coursed, with for general HCC maintenance purposes. toolshed at the Bower, that he suggested be turned smaller, even sized, regular blocks While the shed is rustic given its location into a caretaker’s residence (Mercury 21/8/1895, p. (concrete blocks) used to line the doorways and the use of stone, its heavy style and 3)). Unlikely to have been one of the two shelter and across the top of the south face. The the use of iron detracts from the rustic sheds in the Bower area destroyed in the Bower interior is unlined. The roof is timber framed nature of the Bower. area in the Nov 1914 a bushfire as no mention is and corrugated iron clad, and also unlined, View to shed from the edge of the MWSS Pipeline Tk, view NE made of a tool shed/caretakers residence requiring and rests on the walls. There is no furniture Management recommendations: re-building in Council minutes or in the Mercury or fixtures inside the shed. 1. Undertake further research to more (8/12/1914, p. 6), and the 2 picnic shelters in

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question are most likely FTB13 & 18. There is a square stone chimney built onto reliably determine the age and Possibly the shed referred to in 1938 in a Mercury the E side (in centre), but this has been history of this building. article that reported on a burglary where a brace blocked up with concreted stone work. 2. It is preferable to retain this building and bit had been stolen from a ‘tool shed owned by The front (S) side has two door openings, until a full assessment can be made. the City Council in the Fern Tree Bower reserve’ one each side of a small high window which (Depending on the history, the shed (Mercury 9/8/1938, p.8). has a steel grille. This has been bricked up may or may not require Maps of the Fern Tree Bower area dated in the by a wall of concrete bricks on the inside. preservation). 1930s show two structures to be located in the area The doorways have sawn timber frames to the west of the creek. It is not clear however if and distinctive lintels of rail iron. Interior of shed (NW corner), view NW these are shelter or utility sheds, but it is presumed they are the two shelter sheds FTB13 & 18 given the nature of the map). Designated WPMP ‘Site’. Kiernan (2005) remembers a concrete work shed / tool shed in this location in the 1960s (post-flood). Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk Significant Landscape (20m either side of track). FTB 20 Bower Picnic There is no historical information for this feature. A flat, semi-rectangular, open, benched Significance: Area W1 Possibly a picnic area as early as the 1890s (a area, c.10’ by 10’ (possibly extends as a It is difficult to assess this feature as its c1890s photograph of the MWSS pipeline track in narrower bench to the E), with stone edging age and original nature is not known. If the vicinity of the Fern Tree Bower shows seats set across the front, and a central picnic table an early site the feature has local and in recesses by the path, as well the path that leads with a bench each side. Set in regrowth some state level significance (historical up past this area to Shelter Shed 2). The path is forest on the slope above, and c.3m to the and scientific) as part of the Bower scenic partly obscured, but appears to have wide steps N of, and c.1.5m above, the MWSS tourism and recreational infrastructure. If Pipeline Tk (and immediately to the NW of with formed risers (timber?) and simple post and a later feature it contributes to the single rail handrailing. Shelter Shed 1). significance of the Bower, but is not of View NNW from the edge of the MWSS The present table and benches appears to be The table and bench seats are made of significance in its own right. The present Pipeline Tk to the picnic area and access steps modern (post-1967 fires) based on their materials. treated pine roundwood (framing) and half table and bench seats do not have A 1910 image (TAHO NS869/1/345) shows the round lengths (bench seat and table), cultural heritage significance. path up to Shelter Shed 2 as a dirt path with no bolted together to form a single unit. The steps, and with seats on either side at the bottom. table and bench seats are seated on a Management recommendations: c.1.5-2m x 1.5-2m concrete block/paving Local residents who used the Bower in the 1950s- 1. Retain this modified locality as a stone surface (made up blocks/squares present, do not remember this area well, but note picnic site as it contributes to the with sides with interlocking teeth). that it may have been there then, and may have cultural heritage significance of the had a seat, or possibly a small shelter (M. Bryce & Accessed by a set of drystone steps (a Bower. flight of 9 steps) which become wider and k. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). 2. There is no requirement to retain the semi-circular towards the top (look to be of Picnic area, with MWSS Pipeline Tk below present seating and table – these to LHS, view SW recent construction). From the top of the could be retained, removed or steps a track heads up to the NW to the replaced. Shelter Shed 2 site (FTB18). 3. New infrastructure should be sympathetic to, and respect, the values of the Bower. New works Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk should not be in the MWSS Design

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Significant Landscape (20m either side of Guidelines style as this site is not track). related to the MWSS), and the preferred approach would be to use a specific ‘Bower’ design style. FTB 21 Bower Stone There is no historical information for this feature. A low, right-angled wall situated c.2m from Significance: Feature W1 Presumed to have been built as an edging for the N edge of the Pipeline Tk and at the Low local significance. plantings. Date unknown. Thought to be relatively made edge of the formation, with the ‘V’ Contributes to the rustic nature of the recent (eg, post-1960s) (K. Kiernan, pers comm, pointing to the track. Bower. 2014) and the concreted stone work is suggestive The walling is up to c.50cm high, the W of post-1967 fires construction). side is 1.5m long and the E side is 2.3m Management recommendations: long. The area behind the wall is empty other than for some slopewash, leaf litter 1. Retain unless there is a compelling reason to remove (if removed it and a few small native plants (natural Walling with slope to N of MWSS Pipeline regrowth); and c 1.5m behind is a low should not be replaced with another Tk behind, view NW (c.30cm), cut, vertical, bedrock wall garden/planting edging or wall. (presumed to be benching related to the 2. Consider filling with earth and construction of the MWSS Pipeline Tk). planting with local vegetation sympathetic to the Bower’s values to enhance the designed rustic nature

of the Bower. Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk Significant Landscape (20m either side of track). Walling showing cut bedrock behind, view NNE FTB 22 Bower Seating There is no historical information for this feature. A flat area on the N edge of the MWSS Significance: Area W1 Probably an historic seating area. Known to have Pipeline Tk and at the same level, with a Assuming it is an early site, the feature had a seat in it in the late-1950s – 1960s (K. narrow low (c.30-40cm high), drystone wall has local and some state level Kiernan, pers comm, 2014) edged entry, which expands into a c.2m significance (historical and scientific) as wide x c.1.5m deep round area, also with part of the Bower scenic tourism and the same stone walling. recreational infrastructure. It is located immediately in front of, and downhill of, Shelter Shed 2 (FTB18). Management recommendations: View NE from the MWSS Pipeline Tk, with 1. Retain feature; and consider the recess to the L of the person replacing seating in the recess. Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk 2. New infrastructure should be Significant Landscape (20m either side of sympathetic to, and respect, the track). values of the Bower. New works should not be in the MWSS Design Guidelines style as this site is not related to the MWSS), and the preferred approach would be to use a specific ‘Bower’ design style. Recess from the MWSS Pipeline Tk, view

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N FTB 23 Fern Tree There is no historical information for this feature. A recessed area c.10.5m long by c.2m Significance: Bower Recess Presumed to have been created as a rest or picnic deep (from edge of track) on the N side of It is difficult to assess this feature as its W1 area (ie, for tables &/or seats, possibly a shelter). the MWSS Pipeline Tk. At the W end the age and historical purpose is not known. Assumed not to be related directly to the MWSS. side is at right angles to the rear wall, and If an early feature for tourism or Remembered as having either a ‘light’ shelter (as the end has an obliquely angled ‘wing’. The recreational, the feature has local and opposed to the ‘heavy’ shed to the E (FTB19)) or walls are angled due to infill from some state level significance (historical seating in the late-1950s – 1960s (K. Kiernan, pers slopewash (but may have been vertical and scientific) as part of the Bower scenic originally). The space is open. comm, 2014). tourism and recreational infrastructure. If Date unknown. a later feature &/or not related to scenic Recessed area from the MWSS Pipeline tourism it is unlikely to be of cultural Tk, view NE Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk heritage significance. Significant Landscape (20m either side of track). Management recommendations: 1. Retain (unless there is a compelling reason for its removal. 2. Manage the space as an empty space as at present; or use for scenic tourism recreation. Because the Recessed area from the MWSS Pipeline previous use of the space is not Tk, view W known, a range of potential uses could be considered as long as they are sympathetic to the values of the Bower (or assist in the management of the MWSS), and the design. The most appropriate use is considered to be for picnic tables &/or seating, or picnic shelter. 3. New infrastructure should be sympathetic to, and respect, the values of the Bower. New works should not be in the MWSS Design Guidelines style as this site is not related to the MWSS), and the preferred approach would be to use a specific ‘Bower’ design style.

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FTB 24 Fern Tree There is no historical information for this feature. Burnt out stump of an extremely large Significance: Bower Tree Given the human interest in ‘big trees’, including in eucalypt. Of local significance, and of potential Stump Tasmania in the late 1800s (Sheridan 2010), and The base of the tree is located on the state significance (if an historical Bower the nature based scenic tourism use of the Bower moderate slope above the MWSS Pipeline related scenic tourism destination). WPHH0084 from c.1866, it is considered likely that this tree / Tk, and c.4-5m upslope (to the N of) FTB25 tree stump was a feature of interest for visitors to (ie, c.6-7m from the N edge of the MWSS Management recommendations: the Bower. Pipeline Tk). The stump is c.7m/23’ 1. Retain. Allow to decay naturally. Of some present day local community interest diameter. And is essentially a ring of the 2. Manage for visitation. Management (Kiernan, in McConnell & Scripps 2005). outer edge of the base of the tree. It is View NW to the tree stump from the N severely decayed with the NW quadrant should be low key and sympathetic to edge of the MWSS Pipeline Tk. missing and with gaps in other area. The the values of the Bower. top edge of the remaining material is denticulate, with the highest points being c.2.5m high. There is an irregular-square benched area (a rear cut with front fill), c.5m x c.5m, on the NW side of the stump (this may be natural, but alternatively may have been a former picnic area. View to the tree stump and to the MWSS Pipeline Tk beyond, view SW

Designated WPMP ‘Site’ Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk Significant Landscape (20m either side of track). FTB 25 Reids Farm Reid’s Farm (now ‘Strawberry Hill’) is located off A number of garden landscaping features in Significance: Stone Edging Clegg Road in the vicinity of the Fern Tree Bower. stone on the N slope above the MWSS It is difficult to assess this feature as its The farm also had, at some stage, a teahouse Pipeline Track (on private property - age and exact historical nature is not Farm - known as the 'Strawberry Hill' Tea House that ‘Strawberry Hill’). Located from 0-0.5m to known. WPHH0294 served cream teas to visitors to the Bower (Sprent c.15m N of the edge of the MWSS Pipeline If an early feature for tourism or & Kiernan, in McConnell & Scripps 2005). This is Track. recreational, the feature has local and understood to have operated year round, but to From E to W these features comprise – some state level significance (historical have gone by the 1940s (Andrusko 2010). 1. A set of three drystone walled terraces, and scientific) as part of the Bower scenic The terracing, paths and garden edging is likely to with each terrace wall parallel to the tourism and recreational infrastructure. relate to the farm teahouse, or the farm gardens MWSS Pipeline Track, c.1m high x 7m more generally. long (3’ x 20’?), and comprising large Management recommendations: Set of drystone walled terraces, view N to smaller sandstone/mudstone blocks As this site and these garden features which are roughly coursed (with larger are mainly/entirely private property it is blocks at the base), and with gently not appropriate to make management sloping intermediate ground. recommendations in this report. 2. A c.3-4’ wide lightly benched path The following management advice is leading NW towards the farmhouse

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from the MWSS Pipeline Tk (at the SW provided in relation to the features within corner of the terracing). the 20m of the centre line of the MWSS 3. A c.7m wide area with a sinuous 2-3’ Pipeline Tk (as these fall within the wide path with stone edging and lower CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk Significant stone steps running upslope from the Landscape and also within the HCC MWSS Pipeline Tk. MWSS managed easement and THR 4. A single, c.5m long, slightly curved line listed site). of stones (sandstone/mudstone) on the 1. Retain (unless there is a compelling N edge of the MWSS Pipeline Tk with reason for the removal of these a relatively flat area behind then at features). c.3m a vertical cut bedrock wall 2. Avoid removing or significantly Benched path running from the MWSS (presumed to be a former garden bed modifying these features until they Pipeline Tk NW towards the farmhouse, and edging). have been fully investigated and view NW have been fully assessed. 3. Avoid obscuring the features by Designated WPMP ‘Site’ (part of). fencing or other major structures along the MWSS Pipeline Tk. Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk Significant Landscape (20m either side of track).

Path and garden walling, view N

Stone edging on N edge of the MWSS Pipeline Tk, view NW FTB 26 Bower Track Presumed to date from some time between 1881 Relatively flat, small, rectangular recessed Significance: Seating Area 1 when the track was widened to replace the wooden area on the E side of the MWSS Pipeline The recess and presence of seating is of troughing with masonry troughing and construct a Track c.30m S of the Bower; containing a significance (historical, scientific and drainage channe, and c.1908, by when the Council single bench seat. aesthetic) as part of the historical scenic had installed new seats and additional picnic The recessed area is 2.5m/8’ wide by tourism and recreational visitor shelters, in the Bower area. 1.5m/5’ deep. The rear wall is c.2m high infrastructure in the Fern Tree Park – May originally have had a slatted timber bench The floor is at the same level and Bower – Silver Falls area. Possibly also similar to that shown west of the Bower in a 1910 continuous with the MWSS Pipeline Tk of social significance. Contributes to the image (PH 30/1/1908). formation. It has tree fens on either side. cultural heritage significance of the Recess and seat from MWSS Pipeline Tk,

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(Possibly an obscured entrance in a 1914 Weekly The seat is a standard style park/garden MWSS Pipeline Tk and the Fern Tree view NE Courier image titled A Nook in the Famous Fern bench with a back and seat of spaced Park – Bower – Silver Falls area. (The Tree Bower (refer FTB12 – Bower Open Area)). parallel timber planks mounted on two cast present seat is not considered to have Remembered as having seating (style not concrete stands (feet & back support). (The cultural heritage significance). remembered) in the late-1950s and 1960s (K. seat is of the same design as FTB17). The Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). seat appears to be seated on natural earth. Management recommendations: 1. Retain and maintain the recess as a visitor seating area. Any modification Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk to the recess should be minimal, and Significant Landscape (20m either side of sympathetic. Detail of seat, view SE track). 2. The seat may be replaced. Replacement seating should be sympathetic and preferably of a specific Fern Tree Park – Bower – Silver Falls area/precinct type designed style or, as second priority, of the MWSS Design Guidelines style. FTB 27 Bower Track Presumed to date from some time between 1881 Relatively flat, small, rectangular recessed Significance: Seating Area 2 when the track was widened to replace the wooden area on the E side of the MWSS Pipeline The recess is of significance (historical, Recess and seat from MWSS Pipeline Tk, troughing with masonry troughing and construct a Track c.37m S of the Bower; the space is scientific and aesthetic) as part of the view NE drainage channel, and c.1908, by when the Council empty. historical scenic tourism and recreational had installed new seats and additional picnic A small (c.1.5m wide x 1.5m deep) visitor infrastructure in the Fern Tree Park Detail of seat, view SE shelters, in the Bower area. recessed area with cut, vertical rear and – Bower – Silver Falls area. May originally have had a slatted timber bench side walls. The side walls are stone lined, similar to that shown west of the Bower in a 1910 at least at the outer end and there are small Management recommendations: image (PH 30/1/1908) since the c.1910s. The tree ferns around the recess. This recess is 1. Retain feature; and consider smaller southern recess is also likely to have empty (but understood to have previously replacing seating in the recess. originally contained a seat, possibly from the same had a seat). 2. New infrastructure should be period. sympathetic to, and respect, the (Possibly an obscured entrance in a 1914 Weekly values of the Bower. New works Courier image titled A Nook in the Famous Fern Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk should not be in the MWSS Design Tree Bower (refer FTB12 – Bower Open Area)). Significant Landscape (20m either side of Guidelines style as this site is not Remembered as having seating (style not track). related to the MWSS), and the remembered) in the late-1950s and 1960s (K. preferred approach would be to use a Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). specific ‘Bower’ design style.

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FTB 28 Former Bower A male & female toilet was located at the Bower in Located below, and at the S end of the Significance: Toilets at least the mid-1900s (T. Errey, in McConnell & major gully that is crossed by the MWSS Of local and some state level significance Scripps 2005). Remembered as being extant in the Pipeline Tk c.80-95m S of the Bower. (historical and scientific) as part of the late-1950s and 1960s (T. Errey & K. Kiernan, pers The foundations of the toilet are situated Bower scenic tourism and recreational comm). c.4-5m W of, and c.3-4m below, the MWSS infrastructure. The significance will be The toilet was described as being ‘below’ the Pipeline Tk, c.90m S of the Bower. less if the toilets are not early (pre- MWSS Pipeline Tk and concrete water tank (T. They comprise a c.3.5m long by 2m wide c.1917) infrastructure. Errey, in McConnell & Scripps 2005) and as ‘below bench which has a drystone retaining wall the MWSS Pipeline Tk in the area of the major c.2’ high on at least the W (long) side and S Management recommendations: Bench on which toilets were located, view gully just S of the Bower, with a path coming in down and NW side (the N side could not be inspected), 1. Retain this site. from the MWSS Pipeline Tk at each end of the and this has a sawn timber base plate (c.2” 2. The site should be left as is and not gully (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). x 4”). The stone walling is roughly coursed disturbed; but could alternatively be and of squared sandstone/mudstone re-used as a Bower toilet if blocks. The access paths are not evident considered desirable. If the toilets are (possibly buried under slopewash and leaf rebuilt the access and building litter. should be sympathetic and respect the values of the site and Bower. (Note – there is a c.5-10m long x 2-3m (New works should preferably not be wide, flat floored, benched area at in the MWSS Design Guidelines style approximately the same level (slightly as this site is not related to the Foundations of toilets (SW corner), view below)as the track formation and sloping MWSS). NE. down to the S. This bench is understood to be post-1960 flood rehabilitation bulldozing, possibly flood debris removed from the Bower (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014).

Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk Significant Landscape (20m either side of track).

Detail of foundations, W wall, view NE FTB 29 Bower Track Presumed to date from some time between 1881 Cut area c.2-3m wide by 1.5m deep with Significance: Seating Area 3 when the track was widened to replace the wooden sloping floor and apparent ramp to the NE The recess is of significance (historical, troughing with masonry troughing and construct a on the E side of the MWSS Pipeline Track scientific and aesthetic) as part of the drainage channel, and c.1908, by when the Council c.160m S of the Bower. Accessed across a historical scenic tourism and recreational had installed new seats and additional picnic flat ramp 2.33m wide with timber edging visitor infrastructure in the Fern Tree Park shelters, in the Bower area. (similar to that shown in a 1914 image – – Bower – Silver Falls area. May originally have had a slatted timber bench refer FTB12) over an iron pipe culvert (c.6” diameter). similar to that shown west of the Bower in a 1910 Management recommendations: image (PH 30/1/1908) since the c.1910s. 1. Retain feature; and consider Recess from MWSS Pipeline Tk, view NE Remembered as being a flat recessed area with replacing seating in the recess.

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seating (style not remembered) in the late-1950s Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk 2. New infrastructure should be and 1960s (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). Significant Landscape (20m either side of sympathetic to, and respect, the track). values of the Bower. New works should not be in the MWSS Design Guidelines style as this site is not related to the MWSS), and the preferred approach would be to use a specific ‘Bower’ design style. Detail of the edged ramp over culvert (MWSS Pipeline Tk on LHS), view NE FTB 30 Bower Track Presumed to date from some time between 1881 Relatively flat, square recessed area on the Significance: Seating Area 4 when the track was widened to replace the wooden E side of the MWSS Pipeline Track The recess and presence of seating is of (with seat) troughing with masonry troughing and construct a approximately half way between Fern Tree significance (historical, scientific and drainage channel, and c.1908, by when the Council Park and the Bower (c.260m from Fern aesthetic) as part of the historical scenic had installed new seats and additional picnic Tree Park); containing a single bench seat. tourism and recreational visitor shelters, in the Bower area. The recessed area is 2.3m wide by 1.55m infrastructure in the Fern Tree Park – It is unclear if this recess has been modified over deep. The rear wall is c.2m high and lined Bower – Silver Falls area. Possibly also time. May originally have had a slatted timber with roughly coursed dry stone walling of social significance. Contributes to the bench similar to that shown west of the Bower in a (utilises rough blocks of local type cultural heritage significance of the 1910 image (PH 30/1/1908) since the c.1910s. sandstone/mudstone).The N side of the MWSS Pipeline Tk and the Fern Tree recess has 1 course of stone edging and Park – Bower – Silver Falls area. (The Remembered as having seating (tram seat, as for FTB32) in the late-1950s and 1960s (K. Kiernan, the S side has a low, 3 course drystone present seat is not considered to have Recess and seat from MWSS Pipeline Tk, pers comm, 2014). wall. The floor is exposed bedrock, with 2 cultural heritage significance). view NE low, cut bedrock steps up from the MWSS Pipeline Tk across the front of the recess. Management recommendations: The seat is a standard style park/garden 1. Retain and maintain the recess as a bench with a back and seat of spaced visitor seating area. The stone parallel timber planks mounted on two cast walling should be retained as is to concrete stands (feet & back support). (The the extent possible, and any seat is of the same design as FTB17). The modification should be minimal, seat appears to be seated directly on essential and sympathetic. bedrock. 2. The seat may be replaced. Detail of seat, view NE Replacement seating should be Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk sympathetic and preferably of a Significant Landscape (20m either side of specific Fern Tree Park – Bower – track). Silver Falls area/precinct type designed style or, as second priority, of the MWSS Design Guidelines style.

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FTB 31 Bower Track Presumed to date from some time between 1881 Irregular- square recessed area on the E Significance: Seating Area 5 when the track was widened to replace the wooden side of the MWSS Pipeline Track c.110m Of local significance as part of the troughing with masonry troughing and construct a from Fern Tree Park; and containing a historical visitor infrastructure along the drainage channel, and c.1908, by when the Council single bench seat. Bower Tk / MWSS Pipeline Tk (but not had installed new seats and additional picnic The recessed area is c.3m wide x 3-4m related to the MWSS). shelters, in the Bower area. deep, and has a very sloping floor. The rear It is unclear to what extent this recess has been wall is at least 2m high (this area is likely to Management recommendations: modified over time. May originally have had a be largely infilled with slumped material 1. Retain feature; and consider slatted timber bench similar to that shown west of &/or slopewash). replacing seating in the recess. Recess, view NE from MWSS Pipeline Tk the Bower in a 1910 image (PH 30/1/1908) since the c.1910s. 2. New infrastructure should be Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk sympathetic to, and respect, the Remembered as a flat, regular shaped recess with Significant Landscape (20m either side of values of the Bower. New works seating (a tram seat, as for FTB32) in the late- track). should not be in the MWSS Design 1950s and 1960s (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). Guidelines style as this site is not related to the MWSS), and the preferred approach would be to use a specific ‘Bower’ design style. FTB 32 Bower Track Presumed to date from some time between 1881 Relatively flat, square recessed area on the E Significance: Seating Area 6 when the track was widened to replace the side of the MWSS Pipeline Track c.100m from Of local significance as part of the later (with tram seat) wooden troughing with masonry troughing and Fern Tree Park; and containing a single bench period historical visitor infrastructure construct a drainage channel, and c.1908, by seat. along the Bower Tk / MWSS Pipeline Tk when the Council had installed new seats and The recessed area is c.4m x 4m and is raised (but not related to the MWSS). Also of additional picnic shelters, in the Bower area. c.0.3-0.4 m above the level of the MWSS local social significance. Also possibly of The seat is a former Hobart tram seat (K. Pipeline Tk. The rear wall is c.1.5m high. The local scientific significance as a relatively Kiernan, pers comm, 2005). The date of walls appear to have originally been vertical but rare surviving Hobart tram seat. installation of the tram seat is not known, but has are now angled due to slopewash accumulation at the base. Also still functional and in use. been there since at least the mid-late 1950s (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). The seat is a simple bench seat with, arms and a moveable back. The frame, essentially two, Management recommendations: Recess and seat from MWSS Pipeline Tk, May originally have had a slatted timber bench one-piece curved arms is made of metal 1. Retain the seat in its location and view NE similar to that shown west of the Bower in a 1910 strapping, and the seat is a single plank of wood maintain given the values of this image (PH 30/1/1908). bolted at each end to the arms. The back is seat, its functionality and ongoing Remembered as having seating (the same tram another single plank of wood bolted at each end use and appreciation, and given that seat) in the late-1950s and 1960s (K. Kiernan, to a metal post, the lower end of which is bolted it does not detract from the aesthetic pers comm, 2014). to the base of the frame so that the back can be or other values of the Bower Tk / moved (swings) from one side of the seat to the Known to have been used and enjoyed by Fern MWSS Pipeline Tk. Tree children since the mid-late 1950s, especially other. The seat is 4’4” long, 1’11” wide and 3’1” because of the way the seating direction can be high. The seat appears to be mounted/seated on a platform of stone/concrete blocks. changed (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2005). Seat with back reversed, view NE

Sits within the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Tk Significant Landscape (20m either side of track).

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2 Fern Tree Park Area

Feature Feature Type History Description Assessment & Management Advice Image No FTP 01 Fern Tree Park The history of this park is not known but it An area of grass, garden beds with shrubs, small Significance: (Bower Park) appears to have been a park since the early trees and ferns, and scattered large trees Medium local significance as a Park – 1900s or late 1890s. Referred to as ‘Bower (eucalypts and a small number of introduced primarily social and aesthetic, but also WPHH0020 Park’ by locals. mature conifers), and paths; also with scattered some historical significance (mainly in In the only historical image located to date of playground equipment in defined areas, and a relation to its 20th century function) and the area (H. J. Graham’s, c. 1883? Mt. small number of picnic tables with benches around some scientific significance (mainly in a wood BBQ. There is also a central stone BBQ Wellington from the cottage. Fern Tree Inn) the relation to the historic structures and area (E part only) is depicted as native bush and picnic shelter with toilets; a second stone and plantings). Fern Tree Park from Summerleas Rd similar to the rest of the background, with no brick BBQ with shelter, and a stone garden shed. The entrance has high significance as – west half, view NW development. Several of the paths and garden beds have part of the MWSS Pipeline Track (see The park is not mentionned in the early drystone (or concreted stone) embankment walls. FTB 02). The park is surrounded on its outer (Huon Rd) literature or on early maps, through to the Some of the modern elements, edge by a low picket fence. c.1930s, even when the Bower is mentionned. particularly the modern play equipment is It appears from the lack of historical references The main entrance to the Park is off the Huon Rd at seen by some as ‘too suburban’ and ‘out to the Park that it may have evolved from the the top end of Summerleas Rd (essentially in the of character with the area’ (Andrusko centre of the outer edge of the Park) is the MWSS grounds of St Raphael’s church, and may not 2010). Pipeline Tk, which runs W around the edge of the have been formalised as a recreation area until Fern Tree Park from Summerleas Rd quite late (mid-1900s?). Park (then NW to the Bower). The location of the – east half, view NE original entrance steps is evident in the different Management recommendations: Associated with the Fern Tree Strawberry stone walling immediately W of the current 1. The Park should be retained as a Festival for many years; the Festival was held entrance. focus for low key recreation, to raise money for St Raphaels Church; often Behind the actively managed area of the Park are including picnicking, fires, BBQs and attended by Hobart Society (Scripps 1993). The children’s play. Festival became an annual event after a fete in the start of two key walking tracks that access 2. The Park should continue to be 1897 (Bower interpretation panel). Mount Wellington (Middle Tk and Fern Glade Tk), and in the W half a previously cleared area, now managed to respect its cultural It appears that ‘Bower Park’ was the usual regenerating, with a loop path back to the SW values, in particular to retain a rustic location of the Strawberry Festival, but it also corner of the Park, 2 introduced conifers, and an gardenesque feel. appears to have been held at the Bower on Main entrance to Fern Tree Park area of benching and heaped stone rubble (pre- 3. Research the social values further, (also the MWSS Pipeline Tk), view W occasion. Baker (in Stoddard 2001) and Daley 1967 building foundations?). especially in respect to whether the (in McConnell & Scripps 2005) remember area should be largely open or can Bower Park as the location of the Fern Tree be densely populated with park ‘Strawberry Feasts’ that were held annually; Designated WPMP ‘Site’. furniture and plantings. and Luckman (in McConnell & Scripps 2005)

commented that the festivals were held at least The front SW corner falls within the THR MWSS in the late 1910s-1920s. M. Bryce (pers comm, Pipeline Track Site boundary and the CHPS MWSS 2014) remembers the Strawberry Feasts from Pipeline Track Significant Landscape corridor (20m Inside the Park, view W to table &

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the late 1940s and 1950s. She also remembers either side of the Pipeline formation) ; and the Park benches, play equipment and the main picnic shelter. ‘Bull in a China Shop’ events13 associated with falls largely within the CHPS Huon Rd Significant the Feasts; as well as the park being a largely Landscape corridor (within 50m of Huon Rd). open area, with sufficient space for the feasts;

and a picket fence around the Park. The Strawberry feasts are likely to have ceased in the late-1950s - c.1960 as they are not remembered by K. Kiernan (pers comm, 2014). Strawberry Feast attendees often walked through to the Bower and Silver Falls on the Inside the Park, view E to tables, Bower Track (Andrusko 2010). benches, BBQ & play equipment. The present day infrastructure is understood to date primarily to the late 1960s/early 1970s, developed as part of the post-1967 bushfires reconstruction (Knott, in McConnell & Scripps 2005). Knott also commented that the rhododendrons planted in the Park were re- planted from the Springs, including from the Exhibition Gardens area. The entry was also NW cleared but unused area of Park modified at this time from steps that lead directly up to the MWSS pipeline formation, then into the park, to the present oblique ramp (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). Mt. Wellington from the cottage. Fern Tree Inn. The only infrastructure that is known to have [1883?], H. J. Graham (Source – Sheridan (2010, existed is a set of swings (metal posts, chain Fig 32). Original source - National Library of Australia). and timber seat), a climbing ladder (similar to present in the E half; toilets and possibly a small shelter in the general area of the present ones (FP02), and a small shelter shed where FP04 now is. The area behind FP02 is understood to have only been cleared during the 1967 bushfires or as part of the post-fires reconstruction (M. Bryce and K. Kiernan, pers comms, 2014). The current play equipment and much of the stone retaining walls and edging in the Park dates to the late 1990s/mid 2000s. The tracks and signage has also been upgraded on various occasions in the last 20 years (McConnell, pers obsv).

13 An event where old china was donated, and participants got to throw balls at the china items and break them, with a prize for breaking objects. ______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

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FTP 02 Main Shelter Constructed in the late 1960s / early 1970s This feature comprises a three sided shed with a Significance: Shed (with following the 1967 bushfires (Knott, in toilet each side and a fenced open area at the front No assessed cultural heritage toilets ) McConnell & Scripps 2005). (S side), with an entrance path on the W and E significance, but may have some social Toilets, and possibly a small shelter shed, were sides. and aesthetic significance in relation to its located in this area prior to the 1967 bushfires Rectangular shed, 9m long x 4.2m deep, with low rustic design and function. (M. Bryce and K. Kiernan, pers comms, 2014). angled gable roof and open to the south side, Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque except for semi-enclosed wings each side that feel of the Fern Tree Park. Still in use. house the toilets. The roof framing is timber, but Eastern side of Shed supported on the south side by 2 square profile Management recommendations: steel uprights. The walls are of concreted, coursed, roughly hewn dolerite boulders, and the toilet areas 1. It is not essential to retain this are screened on the E, W and N sides by a tall structure, but if demolished a (c.2m) vertical planked (in roundwood scantling) replacement structure/s should be fence. provided that provide a similar function and respect the rural The picnic shelter internal area is 6.05m x 3.65m. It gardenesque nature of the Park and has a concrete floor and a central, wide rectangular its native bushland forest setting. Interior of Shed, view NE concreted dolerite chimney / flue with a red brick lined fireplace, and hearth, on the rear wall. In the centre is a built in long timber table and on the outside a built in timber plank bench. Each side wall and W section of the rear wall each has a timber plank bench built against them. The furniture is all painted green.

The open area at the front is 7m long x 3.5m wide, Open area in front of shed, view SW and is fenced at the SW end by vertical planks of roundwood scantling, and at the SE end by sawn pine posts and rails with square wire mesh panels. Within the open area are a grey brick raised BBQ/fireplace with concreted dolerite block sides, and one single piece table & 2 bench set (in timber on metal posts). The toilets (one each side of the picnic shelter area West side of shed, view SE. of the building) are basic – the walls are not lined, the floors are concrete, there are no toilet seats or lids and no wash basins (the toilets are flush toilets). The toilets have timber plank doors, and there is a corrugated perspex/alsynite sheet section in the roof above each toilet for light.

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FTP 03 Stone Garden History unknown. Small stone garden shed with corrugated iron gable Significance: Shed Presumed to be post-1967 bushfires. roof set on the north side of Path 4 (the path that No assessed cultural heritage runs parallel to the south side of St Raphaels significance. Church). The walls are of concreted, coursed, Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque roughly hewn dolerite blocks; the shed has timber feel of the Fern Tree Park. barge boards, and corrugated sheeting in the gable

ends (at least S gable end). The 2 external metal Management recommendations: posts at the front suggest the shed has metal Shed, view NW. framing. The shed has small vertically planked door No recommendations. on the front (S side). The concrete at the base of the door suggests the shed has a concrete floor. (Overall similar construction to the Main Shelter Shed).

Shed, view N. FTP 04 2 Storey BBQ Constructed in the late 1960s / early 1970s Two storey stone, brick and timber BBQ and Significance: following the 1967 bushfires (Knott, in shelter built into a recess in a cutting at the W end No assessed cultural heritage McConnell & Scripps 2005). of stone walling along the MWSS Pipeline Track. significance, but may have some social Before the 1967 bushfires, there was a medium The BBQ structure area is 5.4m long x 3.1m deep. significance in relation to its unusual size, log cabin style shelter shed with wood It comprises of an open ground floor, the front of nature and function. fire/BBQ in this location (M. Bryce, pers comm, which is defined by 4 metal upright posts (which 2014). support the upper deck), and has a rear wall of Management recommendations: concreted coursed, roughly hewn dolerite blocks, Occasionally used. 1. It is not essential to retain this BBQ, from MWSS Pipeline Tk, view and a grey-brown brick BBQ with chimney built NW structure, but if demolished against the center of the rear wall. The BBQ has consideration should be given to a concreted stone facing on the sides. There is a more functional replacement BBQ or green painted timber trestle type table beside the picnic shelter to continue the historic BBQ. (Overall similar construction to the Main function of the area and to provide Shelter Shed). additional functional and appropriate The upper storey is a timber framed, concrete visitor infrastructure surfaced(?) deck with spaced vertical plank balustrading (timber picket style similar to the Fern BBQ, lower storey, view NW Tree Park perimeter fence but with trapezoidal shaped picket tops). The top of the chimney flue exits near the back of the deck and in front, and integrated into the flue is a grey-brown brick BBQ. In front of the BBQ is a garden bench of green painted timber planks with concrete legs. There is a c.3’ wide flight of timber steps on the

outer E side running from the ground floor to the BBQ, upper storey, view SE upper level; these have square profile metal post

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handrails.

Within the– CHPS Huon Rd Corridor Significant Landscape (within 50m of Huon Rd) and within the MWSS Pipeline Track Significant Landscape (20m either side of track). FTP 05 Playground No infrastructure is known for this area prior to At present this is an open area c.6m x 5m with tan Significance: Area 1 the 1967 bushfires (M. Bryce, pers comm, bark and no structures. No assessed cultural heritage 2014). The first known (& only) infrastructure in significance in its present state (the this area was a timber ‘fort’; which was built in earlier pre-fort play equipment had some the mid-late 1990s and demolished in the early local social significance). 2010s (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014; & pers obsv). Management recommendations: No recommendations. Playground at rear, view SW FTP 06 Playground There has been a climbing ladder continuously At present this is an open area c.6m x 4m with tan Significance: Area 2 in this area since before the 1967 bushfires (K. bark with a timber beam border, and a single metal No assessed cultural heritage Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). The present climbing ‘ladder (inverted U-shaped ladder). significance, but may have some social climbing ladder and tan bark surfacing was significance in relation to its function. installed in the late 1990s, replacing the earlier ladder (pers obsv). Management recommendations: Still in use. No recommendations. Playground in equipment Fern Tree Park has Playground, view NE been popular with local children and visitors McConnell & Scripps 2005). FTP 07 Playground Relatively recent (post-1995?) infrastructure. At present this comprises two open areas c.5m x Significance: Area 3 No infrastructure known on this site previously 5m. The westernmost area has tan bark and a No assessed cultural heritage (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). timber beam border, and houses a modern, wide significance, but may have some social Still in use. plastic see saw type piece of play equipment. The significance in relation to its function. Playground in equipment Fern Tree Park has easternmost area has a sandy floor with timber beam edging, and houses two play items - been popular with local children and visitors Management recommendations: essentially comprising a short green upright post McConnell & Scripps 2005). No recommendations. with yellow disc each. Playground, view E FTP 08 Picnic Tables & History poorly known. Between the play areas in the centre of east half of Significance: BBQs Prior to the 1967 bushfires there was a set of Fern Tree Park is an area with a BBQ and 3 sets of No assessed cultural heritage swings where the table and benches picnic table and benches (1 bench on each side of significance, but may have some social immediately above the BBQ are currently each table). The BBQ and 2 table& bench sets are significance in relation to its function. located (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). There laid down in a c.N-S row, and each area is benched Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque may have been a BBQ in this area, but there in separately. feel of the Fern Tree Park. were no tables and seats in the late 1940s – The BBQ is central and is of concreted dolerite 1950s (M. Bryce, pers comm, 2014). blocks with a central flue of grey and red bricks (in Management recommendations: General view , view E alternating rows), and on one side a raised hearth

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The present infrastructure (3 sets of tales with of red brick, and on the other side an enclosed 1. It is not essential to retain these benched and 1 BBQ) was constructed after the firewood storage area. The BBQ area is paved with structures, but if demolished 1967 bushfires (most likely as part of the post- wavy edged rectangular concrete pavers. consideration should be given to a 1967 bushfires reconstruction) (K. Kiernan, The table and bench sets on either side are also replacement structure/s provided that pers comm, 2014). One set is slightly different set in an area paved with wavy edged rectangular these provide a similar function and and is likely to be later. concrete pavers. The tables and benches are of respect the rural gardenesque nature timber planks, with the table on T-shaped concrete of the Park. legs, and the benches on 2concrete, inverted U- Detail of the older 2 sets of table & shaped supports. The third table and bench set is benches, and the BBQ, view SE to the NW and is also set on a slightly benched concrete foundation. The table and benches are timber planks, and each item is on two upright posts. All the furniture is painted green. FTP 09 Perimeter History poorly known. The current fence is Timber picket fence c.1m high that runs around the Significance: Fence presumed to have been constructed in the late outer perimeter of Fern Tree Park above the Huon No assessed cultural heritage 1960s / early 1970s following the 1967 Rd. The fencing has an opening at the main MWSS significance. bushfires (Knott, in McConnell & Scripps 2005). Pipeline Track entrance and at the entrance beside Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque There is evidence that at some stage between - St Raphaels Church (which has a line of fencing feel of the Fern Tree Park. running away from the road then north to the 1893 (post the construction of St Raphaels Church) and 1948 there was a white painted church boundary which has a gate (in similar style). Management recommendations: picket fence running up the north side of the The fencing is unpainted, and the vertical timbers At entrance, view NW church then north on the east side (ie, are well spaced and mounted on a timber post and 1. It is not essential to retain this approximating the NE corner of the present day rail framework. Much of the perimeter fence structure, but if demolished any perimeter fencing (TAHO PH30/1/1384). appears to have only a single rail at c.3/4 height, replacement structure/s should respect the rural gardenesque nature The fence is remembered as being a picket although there are a few locations (possibly newer of the Park and its native bushland fence since the late 1940s (M. Bryce, pers fencing) that also have a lower rail. The pickets are forest setting. comm, 2014). flat topped.

View to fence inside the Park, view S FTP 10 Path 1 The history is unknown, Presumed to pre-date Lightly benched but distinct track that runs from the Significance: the 1967 bushfires. Middle Track c.15m above the shelter shed, W on Of some local scientific significance as an Neither M. Bryce or K. Kiernan (pers comms, the level, then curves to the S and drops down to undocumented historic path, and also of 2014) remember any open area or features in Path 2 just E of the Two Storey BBQ. The track is some local aesthetic significance. this area prior to the 1967 bushfires ( the area c.4’ wide (built to 4’ wide?) and has some informal stone edging in places, but no constructed edging having been bulldozed as part of the 1967 Management recommendations: bushfire fire fighting or post-1967 bushfire or walling. The track is unsurfaced and of local 1. Preserve the site. clean-up. The nature of the path suggests it is natural earth/stone. The lower end start has a flight older than 1967, implying that it may be a of 5 drystone steps (the style suggests these and 2. If essential, the track could be relatively old (eg, early 1900s) feature. associated drystone walling is post-1967 fires upgraded, but the route should be E, upper end, view W preserved and the upgrading must be Appears to be related to Path 2 (possibly a reconstruction). sympathetic to the heritage continuation; and also to Yew Tree 1 and Yew Has had large eucalypts grow into the track significance of the track. Tree 2. (suggests >50yrs age)

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W, lower end, view S FTP 11 Path 2 The history is unknown, Presumed to pre-date A lightly benched track that runs from the Two Significance: the 1967 bushfires. Storey BBQ to the W end of the Main Picnic No assessed cultural heritage Appears to be related to Path 1 (possibly a Shelter. The track is level, c.4’ wide, and at present significance. continuation); and to have been upgraded as has an imported red gravel surface. It has associated drystone walling – a low embankment of part of the late 1960s / early 1970s post-1967 Management recommendations: bushfires as an access track to the upper level coursed mudstone blocks on the uphill side for No recommendations. of the 2 Storey BBQ built at this time (Knott, in most of the path length. It has timber edging on the McConnell & Scripps 2005). S side from the Path 1 intersection to the Main Picnic Shelter. The associated stone wall may, based on style, E end, view E date to post-1967 fires reconstruction or to the mid- 2000s additional stone wall building (pers obsv). FTP 12 Path 3 Constructed in the late 1960s / early 1970s A c.1m wide sinuous track that starts on the N side Significance: following the 1967 bushfires to access the of the MWSS Pipeline Track at the entrance to No assessed cultural heritage shelter shed (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). Fern Tree Park, and leads to the Main Picnic significance. The original Middle Track start however is Shelter. It has a gentle-moderate grade overall, Detracts from the rustic, gardenesque remembered as heading up from the Park with a short flight of low steps at the lower and feel of the Fern Tree Park. upper ends (both with a single, similar, steel pipe entrance via the toilets that were in the general area of the present toilets & shelter shed (K. handrail). The track continues informally as an Management recommendations: Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). unsurfaced dirt track to the N to join the start of the General, view NW Middle Track. 1. Consider re-designing in a style that The main part of the track is surfaced with wavy is more sympathetic to the rustic, edge rectangular concrete pavers and is edged gardenesque feel of the Fern Tree with a concrete strip on the W side and has a Park. concrete spoon drain/gutter (that takes water from the roof of the Main Picnic Shelter) on the E side. The entrance section is c.5-6m long and c.2.5m/8’

wide and has a divided entrance partitioned by a Detail of start of track, view N metal pipe post and single top rail handrail. The W 2/3 comprises a set of 4 very low, deep concrete steps, and the E 1/3 comprises two lower concrete steps, a section of ramp then 2 4 very low, deep steps, all in concrete.

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FTP 13 Path 4 Part of the 1948 diversion of the start of the C.6-8’ wide, vehicle accessible, dirt track with an Significance: Fern Glade Track (see below). Shown on a even gentle-moderate grade. The track runs from in Low local scientific significance – as a 1950 HCC plan (labelled No.1 Track) and front of the SE corner of St Raphaels Church west mid-1900s track providing access to joining the Fern Glade Track approximately in parallel to and slightly south of the church boundary kunanyi/Mt Wellington. its present position. fence on this side to connect to the start of the Middle Track in the centre of Fern Tree Park (but Never a key access, only a minor path prior to Management recommendations: 1967. The track was widened (bulldozed) at the on the upper side of the formal maintained grounds 1. Retention is the preferred option. time of the 1967 bushfires (K. Kiernan, pers of the Park. Lower, E end, view E comm, 2014). The track has a c.1m high drystone walling The drystone walling along the upper side is embankment (mudstone/sandstone coursed likely to be relatively modern (ie, post-1967 blocks) running along the upslope side in the W fires reconstruction. half, and has a concrete gutter/spoon drain running The track is still in use. along the N edge in the E part (from the Stone Garden Shed down to the Huon Rd).

W end and associated stone walling, view NW FTP 14 Path 5 Constructed in 1948 as part of the diversion of There is no present day evidence of this track, Significance: the start of the Fern Glade Track (see below). except probably for the line of formation defined by Low local scientific significance – as a Shown on a 1950 HCC plan as a straight line the rhododendrons in Garden 4 (see Garden 4). mid-1900s track providing access to extension (labelled No.2 Track) from the Fern This is a c.2’ unsurfaced dirt track that runs directly kunanyi/Mt Wellington. Glade Track (where it bends E to run down to the start of the New Fern Glade Track Start (FTE beside the church) to the Huon Road where the 03), but cut off at the lower end by a mid-2000s Management recommendations: MWSS pipeline crosses the Huon Road. drystone low wall/embankment. 1. Give consideration to re-instating this Remembered as running from the entrance former link from the entrance to Fern directly to the Fern Glade Track start prior to Tree Park to the newer start to the the 1967 bushfires (K. Kiernan, pers comm, Fern Glade Track (and to the Middle 2014). Track). Not evident in 1995, except possibly as track through Garden 4, and re-routed (slightly W) in the late 1990s/early 2000s (McConnell, pers obsv). Possibly lost with re-establishment works following the 1967 bushfires. FTP 15 Garden 1 History poorly known. Presumed to have been Long, slightly raised (on lower side) garden bed of Significance: constructed in the late 1960s / early 1970s mature plantings – mainly rhododendrons, some Low-medium local historical, scientific following the 1967 bushfires (Knott, in native small trees and tree ferns, as well as a few and aesthetic significance. McConnell & Scripps 2005). (No ferns. The historical and scientific significance rhododendrons are remembered in the Park in There is a low drystone (mudstone/sandstone) wall relates to the rhododendrons; and the late1940s – 1950s (M. Bryce, pers comm, along the lower (S) edge. aesthetically the garden generally 2014)). contributes to the rustic, gardenesque The rhododendrons in Fern Tree Park, feel of the Fern Tree Park. General view, view E including in this garden bed, were re-planted from the Springs, including from the Exhibition ______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

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Gardens area (Knott, in McConnell & Scripps Management recommendations: 2005). 1. It is not essential to retain this garden The stone walling may, based on style, date to bed, but if not retained, the post-1967 fires reconstruction or to the mid- rhododendrons should be replanted 2000s additional stone wall building (pers elsewhere in Fern Tree Park. obsv). FTP 16 Garden 2 History poorly known. Presumed to have been Small, slightly raised (on lower side) garden bed of Significance: constructed in the late 1960s / early 1970s mature plantings - primarily tree ferns No assessed cultural heritage following the 1967 bushfires (Knott, in There is a low drystone (mudstone/sandstone) wall significance. McConnell & Scripps 2005). along the lower (S) edge. Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque The stone walling may, based on style, date to feel of the Fern Tree Park. post-1967 fires reconstruction or to the mid- 2000s additional stone wall building (pers Management recommendations: obsv). General view, view NE No recommendations. FTP 17 Garden 3 History poorly known. Presumed to have been Long, raised (on lower side) garden bed. The bed Significance: constructed in the late 1960s / early 1970s is c.50m long x 2m wide with a high stone Low-medium local historical, scientific following the 1967 bushfires (Knott, in embankment wall on the lower side. The garden and aesthetic significance. McConnell & Scripps 2005). (No bed has dense interplanted rhododendrons (12), The historical and scientific significance rhododendrons are remembered in the Park in tree ferns and a small number of other natives. relates to the rhododendrons; and the late1940s – 1950s (M. Bryce, pers comm, These are all mature plantings, which are at aesthetically the garden generally 2014)). present small trees, and in the case of the contributes to the rustic, gardenesque The rhododendrons in Fern Tree Park, rhododendrons ranging from shrubs to small trees. feel of the Fern Tree Park. General view along lower edge and including in this garden bed, were re-planted The W c.26m of embankment wall is c.1.5m high associated stone embankment, view from the Springs, including from the Exhibition and of concreted sandstone/mudstone (random E Management recommendations: Gardens area (Knott, in McConnell & Scripps rubble) while the E c.22m is a lower coursed 2005). drystone mudstone) wall (the two types grade 1. Retain this garden and its rhododendrons in situ The c.26m of stone walling in the W half is height wise) older walling, may date to post-1967 fires There are three timber ‘chairs’ in the garden at the 2. If modified the garden should reconstruction or be earlier; and the c.20m at E end. These are made out of a single section of continue to reflect the rustic, the E end was built in the mid- 2000s (pers mature eucalypt tree trunk with a block cut out to gardenesque feel of the Fern Tree obsv). create the chair (these appear to be the bases of Park. trees growing in these places). The chairs appear General view E end, view SW to be decorative not functional given their location in the garden bed.

Detail of garden bad and eucalypt stump chair.

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FTP 18 Garden 4 History poorly known. Presumed to have been Small-medium, raised (on lower side) garden bed Significance: constructed in the late 1960s / early 1970s of interplanted rhododendrons (5) and tree ferns Low-medium local historical, scientific following the 1967 bushfires (Knott, in with a few ferns; mature plantings. and aesthetic significance. McConnell & Scripps 2005). (No There is the remains of a N-S path (now closed and The historical and scientific significance rhododendrons are remembered in the Park in replaced by the path along the W side; possibly the relates to the rhododendrons; and the late1940s – 1950s (M. Bryce, pers comm, only remains of Path 5 (c.1948)) running through aesthetically the garden generally 2014)). the centre of the bed. There is a row of contributes to the rustic, gardenesque The rhododendrons in Fern Tree Park, rhododendrons planted each side, a couple more feel of the Fern Tree Park. General view, view NE including in this garden bed, were re-planted rhododendrons on the E side, and a handful of tree from the Springs, including from the Exhibition ferns along the outside of each row of Management recommendations: Gardens area (Knott, in McConnell & Scripps rhododendrons, and a few ferns on the edges. 1. Preferred management is to retain 2005). There is a low drystone (mudstone) wall bank the rhododendrons in situ (if not The stone walling was built in the mid- 2000s, around most of the lower (E &S) edge; and a short retained the rhododendrons should and replaced timber half round post walling section of the previous half round, vertical, timber be replanted elsewhere in Fern Tree (late 1900s) (pers obsv). post walling on the SW end. Park). 2. The garden otherwise may be Detail of SE corner of garden, view W modified or removed. If modified the garden should continue to reflect the rustic, gardenesque feel of the Fern Tree Park. FTP 19 Garden 5 History not known. Has no older plantings and Small-medium, raised (on lower side) garden bed Significance: the walling is mid- 2000s, hence this garden of open scattered mature native trees and ferns. No assessed cultural heritage bed is interpreted as modern There is a low drystone (mudstone) wall around the significance. lower (E &S) edge. Management recommendations: No recommendations.

Garden bed, view W FTP 20 Fir Tree Row The history is unknown. The trees were extant Three tall, mature fir trees (Abies, sp) in a NW-SE Significance: prior to the 1967 bushfires (K. Kiernan, pers row approximately in the centre of Fern Tree Park Low-medium local historical scientific and comm, 2014). and towards the front (S side); planted 7m/20’ aesthetic significance, as pre-1967 Also, from c.1984 - c.1995 there was a apart. plantings. mechanical excavator (with manually movable Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque parts) that was a sit-on piece of children’s play feel of the Fern Tree Park. equipment (K. Kiernan, pers comm, 2014). Management recommendations: View to Park and row of trees (central), view NE 1. Retain (until the trees senesce/die).

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Detail of tree row inside Park, view S FTP 21 Yew Tree 1 The history is unknown. Presumed to pre-date A single yew tree (Taxacea sp), small, mature, near Significance: the 1967 bushfires. corner of Path 1 and Middle Track start. Low-medium local historical scientific and Appears to be related to Path 1 and to Yew aesthetic significance, as a pre-1967 Tree 2. planting. Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque feel of the Fern Tree Park.

Management recommendations: 1. Retain (until the tree senesces/dies). Tree, view NW FTP 22 Yew Tree 2 The history is unknown. Presumed to pre-date A single yew tree (Taxacea sp), small, mature, Significance: the 1967 bushfires. c.20m above Path 1 and c.15m W of Middle Track. Low-medium local historical and scientific Appears to be related to Path 1 and Cypress 1. significance as a pre-1967 planting (the aesthetic significance is minimal as the tree is not visible to most visitors). Contributes to the rustic, gardenesque feel of the Fern Tree Park.

Management recommendations: Tree, view W 1. Retain (until the tree senesces/dies). FTP 23 Foundations 1 The history is unknown, Presumed to pre-date Levelled area c.12m E-W x c.5m N-S, with a flat Significance: the 1967 bushfires and presumed to be an benched area at the east end and a gentle slope Insufficient information to assess. Of early shelter shed or hut location. down to the west; the area crosses the Middle probable low local scientific significance. Neither M. Bryce or K. Kiernan (pers comms, Track start and crosses to the first eucalypt; the east side of the track crossing has a concrete 2014) remember any open area or features in Management recommendations: this area prior to the 1967 bushfires (the area culvert pipe (drain for Middle Track start). 1. It is not essential to preserve this having been bulldozed as part of the 1967 site. bushfire fire fighting or post-1967 bushfire 2. If this area is redeveloped, then all clean-up) and no structure is remembered in this area since the mid-late 1940s (M. Bryce, ground disturbance in the area View from SW end to NE end pers comm, 2014)). should be archaeologically

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The nature of the feature is such that it is not monitored. considered likely to be a c.1967 bulldozed feature. This implies that it may be a relatively old (eg, early 1900s) feature.

Detail of the NE end, view NE FTP 24 Foundations 2 The history is unknown, Presumed to pre-date Low rectangular – irregular stone rubble mound on Significance: the 1967 bushfires. gentle-moderate slope on west edge of cleared Low-medium local scientific significance. Presumed to be an early shelter shed or hut area, with associated (?) benching to east. The rubble mound is c.6m long (downslope) x c.3m location with collapsed chimney. Management recommendations: wide x c.0.3-0.5m high, and composed of medium Not remembered as being extant in the 1940s- 1. Preserve site. 1950s (M. Bryce, pers comm, 2014). boulder to medium pebble size local mudstone/sandstone. On the east side is a c.5m Possibly related to Path 1, and also Yew Trees long x 3m wide area of benching running across 1 & 2. General view of bench and rubble the slope (and in a line with the stone rubble mound to rear, view W mound). The benching is subtle due to sediment wash.

Detail of stone rubble mound, view SW

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3 Fern Tree Park – Fern Glade Track Area

Feature Feature Type History Description Assessment & Management Advice Image No FTE 01 St Raphael’s St Raphael’s Anglican church was built in 1892-93 A small Arts and Crafts style weatherboard Significance: Church on land donated by Mrs Henry Dobson, who also clad church featuring a tiled gabled roof, a Of state level significance as a good donated £50 towards its construction. The lych gate style entry porch with stone steps th example of a late 19 century Arts & THR 2075 foundation stone was laid by Emily Dobson on 23 leading up to it, and a tower with gabled Crafts influence church. Also for its July1892. The Mercury reported that it was built bellcote with spire (& weathercock). The associations with architect Alan Cameron CHPS –HS using donations and the proceeds of an annual gabled ends feature decorative barge Walker and Henry Dobson. strawberry feast (Mercury 25/7/1892 p 3). boards with ties, shingle gable end cladding Of high local significance as rare The church was designed by architect, Alan (also on the top of the tower), as well as surviving historical building in Fern Tree, View SW from Huon Rd. Cameron Walker, and was constructed by Hobart exposed decorative rafter tails. The church as a well preserved building with ongoing builders Charles and William Gillham in 1892-1893. has a bayed sanctuary end (with lower use; Fern Tree’s only church; and for its It was consecrated by the Anglican Bishop of roof); weatherboard cladding generally; associations with Alan Cameron Walker Tasmania on 26 February 1893 (Mercury short eaves; stained glass windows (at and Henry Dobson and his family. Also 27/2/1893). Originally it was painted brick red (de least on the S, E & N); and sits on roughly significant at the local level for its Quincey 1987, p. 59). coursed sandstone block foundations (THR aesthetic qualities, its significant It has survived two major bushfires, one in Datasheet, 1999; and pers obsv). The contribution to the rustic and rural nature 1897/1898 and the other in 1967. church is understood to be built in of the Fern Tree landscape, as a Fern View SE from top of cleared area. In 1898 it was reported that the church required a Tasmanian blackwood (Andrusko 2010). Tree landmark; and because of its social fence to be erected around it (Mercury 17/1/1898, The church is built into sloping ground and value generally to the local community p. 3). The only image which shows a fence near the the area around is cleared with a few (walkers, churchgoers and residents who church is an undated image (TAHO PH30/1/1384) informal benches, and is grassed and has pass it). which shows a fence running along the north side scattered tall shrubs (combination of • of the church grounds and to the north, and not introduced and native, including tree ferns). Sheridan (1998b) assessed St around the other sides There are no fences and no formal Raphaels Church as having state level significance. In 1926 a parish room was added (Mercury boundary (on the south and west a 6/12/1926). boundary is demarcated by fencing (picket Detail, view SW The church is still consecrated and a service is and post and wire, respectively). The Management recommendations: currently held each Sunday. church is therefore highly visible from the 1. Retain the building and its relatively Huon Rd. open, simple vegetated setting. Interior not inspected. 2. Maintain existing viewscapes to the church. Address: 725 Huon Rd, Fern Tree, Tas 3. Maintain (or enhance) the connection 7054. between the church and Fern Tree

Park through infrastructure style and Detail, view NW Heritage Listed – placement. (in particular in relation to CHPS- HS ; and also is within the Huon Rd fences and paths) Significant Landscape (CHPS-SLS).

THR : Listed for meeting criteria d and f (ie, of historic heritage significance because of

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its ability to demonstrate the principal characteristics of a weatherboard Federation Arts And Crafts ecclesiastical building; and landscape value to the community).

Detail, view NE FTE 02 Old Fern Glade This track section is understood to be the original A contouring, benched formation that runs Significance: Track Start Fern Tree end of the start of the Fern Glade Track. from in front (E side) of the church near the Medium-high local significance (as for the Therefore presumed to have been constructed in entry steps, north across the slope. The Fern Glade Track) – historical, and c.1928. It may however have dated to c.1893 when evident formation is c.47m long, but is not scientific (helps demonstrate the nature St Raphael’s Church and Manse(?) were built, as evident near the quarry edge. Another c.5m of the original Fern Glade Track, in this and its continuation to Pillingers Drive provide of the formation is also evident (faintly) particular the Fern Tree end of the route). a connecting track between the two buildings. running south of the quarry entrance track to the Fern Glad Track proper. The The start of the track was re-routed (refer Newer Management recommendations: Fern Glade Track Start) due to PWD Huon Road formation is c.4’ wide (built originally to 4’?) 1. Preserve this feature. widening and associated works (including a quarry and has a flat cross section and appears which destroyed the original track) in c.1948, and not to have been surfaced). 2. Preserve the open and bushland View S to start near front of church. was in place by 1950. nature of the setting of this track segment. This initial section of track was abandonned as a CHPS- HS - is within the Huon Rd track in c.1948 and remains abandonned. Significant Landscape (CHPS-SLS). 3. Otherwise manage in a manner a sympathetic to the site’s values. Not previously documented.

Between grassed area & quarry (view N).

Benching visible from Huon Rd.

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Original formation north of quarry (view S). FTE 03 Newer Fern Constructed c.1948 as the result of the original Narrow (c.1.5m wide) benched track which Significance: Glade Track start (running in front of the church) being starts at the north end of Fern Tree Park Medium local significance (historical, Start destroyed by a quarry as part of the Huon Road and runs NE around the slope above St scientific, social, aesthetic) as it widening undertaken by the PWD in 1946-48. Raphaels Church and the late 1940s demonstrates the later history of the Fern A 1950 HCC plan shows the start of the track as quarry, then dropping down slightly to meet Glade Track; and later track construction running up beside the church from the Huon Rd the Fern Glade Track proper at the styles; of significance to the community (labelled No.1 Track), but with a straight line intersection with the Fern Tree-Pillinger as an important walking track segment Link Tk on the W side of the creek. extension (labelled No.2 Track) from the Huon (as a link); and has an appreciated Road where the MWSS pipeline crosses the Huon essentially natural bushland setting. South end of track segment (view S) Road. The north end joins to the Fern Glade Track Not previously documented. approximately in its present position. Management recommendations: 1. Preserve this feature. 2. Consider reinstating the original link directly to the main Park entrance if redesigning the Park paths. 3. Preserve the bushland nature of the setting of this track segment. Post and wire fencing above church.

North end of track (view S)

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FTE 04 St Raphaels The origin of this short track is not known. It may Informal path / foot pad that runs NW from Significance: Church North date to c.1893 when St Raphael’s Church was near the NE corner of St Raphael’s Church, Low local significance (historical) as it Track built. However given that it connects from the Old upslope (NW) towards the Newer Fern contributes to an understanding of the Fern Glade Track start to the c.1948 deviation track Glade Track Start. The track is faint with no recent historical local use of the St (the older Fern Glad Track being destroyed by a construction features evident, and fades out Raphael’s Church - Fern Tree Park area. PWD quarry in 1946-48), it considered most likely in the upper section. that this track was built in c.1948 to get from the Management recommendations: church directly to the new track. Not previously documented. 1. Retain this feature if feasible. A 1950 HCC plan shows this track in place labelled No.3 Track). FTE 05 Fern Glade Tk – There is little information on the origin of this track. Narrow (c.4’ wide) benched track that runs Significance: Pillinger Dve It was possibly initially built as a pathway between east up and around the slope from the Fern Medium-high local significance – Link St Raphael’s Church and the Manse(?), which Glade Track intersection, above the Huon historical (early-mid-1900s linking foot suggests a date of c.1893 or soon after. It is more Rd, then above the houses on the W side track and part of the kunanyi/Mt WPHH0087 likely however to date to 1928 (the same time the of Pillingers Drive, to Pillingers Drive. Wellington & Fern Tree track network), Fern Glade Track was constructed. This is Crosses Fern Glade creek immediately E of scientific (helps demonstrate the nature suggested by the historical information about ‘the the Fern Glade Track via a recent treated, of tracks of the period); aesthetic (as a track that local resident Reid marked out and sawn pine bridge with handrails. Has a flat simple rustic track in a natural setting); began clearing from Pillingers Drive in the direction cross section and is of natural, local earth and social (important local link track in Intersection with the Fern Glade Tk (view of Fern Tree in November 1928’ with the Reserves and stone (appears never to have been attractive setting). W), Committee agreeing to construct the track if local surfaced).No other historical construction evident. residents contributed half the cost (MCC 16/72 19 Management recommendations: June 1928 & 20 Nov. 1928). The Mercury refers to Runs through native forest to almost 1. Preserve this feature. the possibility of a loop walk, noting that “from a Pillinger Drive, where it crosses an open point near Rocky Whelan’s Cave, on the old finger- grassed area for the last c.25m. 2. Preserve the open and bushland nature of the setting of this track post track, now connects with the Fern Glade at segment. Fern Tree. Visitors during the week will be able to Designated WPMP ‘Site’. traverse the new track, starting either from Fern 3. Otherwise manage in a manner a

Tree or from Strickland Ave near Mr Hollick’s. A sympathetic to the site’s values round trip can be made either way, via the track Falls generally within the CHPS-SLS: Huon Rd Significant Landscape. along the firebreak [Boundary Track]” (the Track east of Fern Glade Tk (view E). Boundary Track links to the Fern Glade Tk – Pillinger Dve Link at Pillinger Drive) (Mercury Not previously documented. 29/11/1930, p7). The full track (Fern tree to Pillinger Drive) appears on the 1931 and 1935 HWC maps, as well as the 1942 HWC map. The west end, and its connection to the Fern Glade Track, is shown in a 1946 PWD plan. Also referred to in Aves 1957. The first section of this track from Fern Tree to the Fern Glade track was largely destroyed by quarrying for road works in 1946-48 (leaving only a section each side of the quarry).

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Still in use as an important Fern Tree shops – Pillinger Drive walking track, and to access the start of the Fern Glade Track. FTE 06 Huon Road The present entry steps and direct connecting track Flight of stone steps from former quarry Significance: Fern Glade to the Fern Glade Track were constructed by PWD floor (now grassed area) up north, vertical Local significance - low: It has some Entrance in c.1948 to provide alternate access to the Fern quarry face; height c.2m and length c.5m. historical significance as it helps Glade track following quarry works (shown as The steps comprise 8 basal, concentric, demonstrate the evolution of the track proposed in a 1946 PWD plan). In place by 1950 concreted stone steps, with 8 upper steps over time; and it has some social and as shown on a 1950 HCC plan. cut into the local bedrock, but which have aesthetic significance as the main some concrete patching. The steps entrance to the Fern Glad Track, for its increase in length from top to bottom. continued use since its creation, and as a

The top of the stairs has an ‘entrance arch’ relatively simple rustic style feature in a General view N to present Fern Glade Tk in the form of square profile steel profile natural setting. entrance. posts with top cross rail, in the top of which is fixed a semi-rustic type timber sign with Management recommendations: ‘Fern Glade’. 1. There is no necessity to retain this From the top of the steps, the track runs entrance; but a new entrance should slightly upslope for c.20m to join the original be the original start and 1948 section of the Fern Glad Track on the east diversion, or be located on the Huon side of the creek. This section of track has Rd between the Pipeline Track and a small number of spaced single drystone Pillingers Drive entrance. steps. 2. Any new entrance needs to be in a sympathetic, rustic style using Falls within the CHPS-SLS: Huon Rd essentially natural local materials. Significant Landscape. Detail of present entrance

Documented previously as part of the Fern Glade Track site.

Detail of steps cut into bedrock.

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FTE 07 Roadside This was possibly the site of an early quarry. This is Irregular shaped stone quarry on the west Significance: Quarry 1 supported by both 1930 HCC plans to beautify the side of the Huon Rd. The quarry is c.50m Local significance - low: It has some old quarry with trees and shrubs. long (along road edge), and c.3m to 15m historical significance as a feature related The presence of the start of the Fern Glade Track deep. The face is highest, c.5m high, on the to the ongoing use and maintenance of through this area to 1946 however suggests there west side, and c. 2.5m high on the north the Huon Road May have some social was not quarry, or that it was very small. side. There is no evidence of tool marks or significance (not assessed). The 1946 PWD plan for widening the Huon Road other working. There appears to have been only 1 phase of quarrying, although the and associated works, shows a quarried area of Management recommendations: cutting on the north bank may have been approximately the same size as the present quarry, 1. There is no heritage necessity to Quarry from Huon Rd, view NW and proposes a car park in it (as well as re-routing from original road clearing and not the 1940s quarrying. preserve this feature, but its retention of tracks and a new entry to the Fern Glade Track (with minimal modification or infill) will Falls within the CHPS-SLS: Huon Rd from the N end of the quarry. help demonstrate the history of this Significant Landscape. The quarry was created, or enlarged, in c.1946- area.

1948 by the PWD as part of widening the Huon 2. All alternations need to be Road (quarry used for road material). A 1950 HCC Not previously documented. sympathetic to the natural setting of plan shows the finished quarry, and track the area, in keeping with the areas deviations. location within the Huon Rd In 1961 the quarry site was being used to store Significant Landscape corridor; and Quarry from Huon Rd, view N PWD equipment, and was considered an eyesore. be sympathetic to the local history The style of the entry arch sign is similar to a and heritage. number of track and scenic feature signs in Mountain Park and dates to the 1970s (Knott, in McConnell & Scripps 2005).

Quarry from Huon Rd, view SW FTE 08 Fern Glade There is no historical information on this natural Small natural waterfall in Permo-Triassic Significance: Waterfall feature. Presumed to have been a local natural sandstone/sandstone, c.3m high, and 5m Local significance – medium-low: It has scenic feature since the Huon Road was built wide, on the top side of the Huon Rd. The historical significance as a local Fern through Fern Tree in the 1850s-60s. waterfall has a convex nose, is outward Tree scenic feature, particularly as it is The feature appears to have been avoided by the angled from top to bottom, and comprises a located on the Huon Rd; and it has value PWD road widening and associated quarry works number of large step-like ledges (c.10 as a Fern Tree landmark. It potentially in 1946-1948, although road widening/quarrying drops). It used to run regularly except after has some social and aesthetic prolonged dry weather in summer; however occurred both sides of the waterfall. significance (not assessed). in the last c.15 years it rarely runs in Fern Glade waterfall from edge of Huon summer, except after heavy rain. Management recommendations: Rd, view N. At the base of the fall, across the front, is a 1. This feature should be preserved drystone retaining wall holding road fill and with minimal modification. Access the water is drained by means of a pipe however could be modified, providing (plastic?) culvert. that it is sympathetic to its values, to

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the natural setting of the area, and in Located within the CHPS-SLS: Huon Rd keeping with its location within the Significant Landscape. Huon Rd Significant Landscape corridor. Not previously documented. 2. Good drainage under the Huon Rd will need to be maintained.

Fern Glade Waterfall, view E. FTE 09 Stone Water Age and provenance unknown. Watering trough with relatively shallow Significance: Trough It may pre-date 1900 as there is a 1900 reference basin, hand-carved from a single block of Local significance – medium. It has some sandstone. The external dimensions of the -HS to a ‘watering trough on the Huon Rd where Dunn’s scientific significance as a rare type of CHPS-HS creek crosses it’. trough are 5’4” long x 2’3” wide x 1’6” high hand built object; and is a rare type of The trough is shown on the 1946 PWD plan of (ie, 1.625m x 0.69m x 0.46m). hand-made historical object. It potentially proposed road widening and associated works in The trough has been modified for water has some social and aesthetic this area. flow in and out: The lip on the rear side has significance (not assessed). 2 grooves cut across to seat a pipe; only 1 groove has a pipe at present. An outlet hole Management recommendations: Watering trough beside Fern Glade has also been made in the rear side from waterfall, view N from Huon Rd 1. This feature should be preserved. near the top. This has had a 2” metal pipe inserted and the remaining gap filled with 2. It is preferable to maintain it in its concrete. present location (unless its original context is a more appropriate The trough is located at the edge of the location), particularly if it was Fern Glade waterfall, and is apparently constructed for horse watering in its seated on the edge of road edge fill. It rests present location. (The stone walling directly on a large sandstone block, which on which it sits is thought to be later has associated drystone walling. There is (1940s) hence could be removed/ adjacent metal pipe ‘safety’ hand railing Detail of watering trough, view N replaced if required. (associated with the waterfall) 3. The hand railing is functional, but not

sympathetic, and could be replaced.

Listed site CHPS-HS Located within the CHPS-SLS: Huon Rd Significant Landscape.

Not previously documented. Watering trough and its placement, view SE (rear).

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4 Hinterland Slopes Area (Fern Glade Tk – Middle Tk – Silver Falls)

Feature Feature Type History Description/Assessment Assessment & Management Advice Image No FTH 01 Middle Track Date difficult to establish. Would appear to be in An extant track c.1km long that links Fern Of high-moderate local level existence by 1899-1900, but possibly constructed Tree with the Springs via Radfords Track at significance - as a 19th century WPHH0187 by 1880 or by 1890. (There is considerable the top end. The track starts in Fern Tree recreational track on kunanyi/Mt confusion between the Middle Track and Fern Park (at c.460m asl) and leads directly up Wellington & for its continuity of use Glade Track – as neither are shown together or the spur in a NW-N direction where it ends since the mid-late 1800s; as a named, and only one track appears to be referred at Radfords Track, climbing c.145m. The preserved historic recreational route, to as going from Fern Tree to the Springs until the route is steep with grades of up to 18-20o, with one excellently preserved section; early-mid 1900s.) The evidence is mostly although the track has level to very gently as the most direct route from central anomalous (Evans 2014, McConnell 2013)). sloping short sections (ie, c.0-6o). The track Fern Tree to the Springs, and as Start lower end FT Park. (Access from Fern Tree to the Springs was via the overall is a benched track, with a natural, providing access to the upper level MWSS Pipeline and Bower Track from the 1860s local earth and rock formation (formed track network; and given its forested until the construction of this more direct track, and through cut and fill through benching). setting, and rustic nature, particularly in the most common access to the Springs until the The lower c.two thirds of the track (to above the well preserved upper section. 1890s was via the Fingerpost Track (Sheridan the reservoir) has largely been modified by At the local level it is assessed as 2010, McConnell 2013) bulldozing (presumed to be related to the having high-moderate local historical 1967 bushfires & installation of the significance; moderate local level There is information that a new track from Fern reservoir) and these sections have a wider scientific significance; high-moderate Tree to the Springs was constructed (with Radfords track formation (10’-12’). The section below social significance; and high-moderate Track) in 1890. This is however believed to be the the Reservoir also has partly exposed c.4” aesthetic significance. Fern Glade Track, primarily as an 1890s Lower section iron pipe (water pipe), that this part of the Buckingham map showing the ‘New Track’ shows Also considered to have some state track formation has been partly excavated the route of the Fern Glade Track (see site history, level significance as part of the network to lay the piping. The unmodified sections below). Other references that date from 1890 to of historical recreational tracks on (mainly the top section) are c. 5’-8’ wide 1900 are also included in the Fern Glade Track Mount Wellington. and have associated low spoil mounds history. along the outer edge, and appear to be Management recommendations: There is also evidence that the Middle Track relatively unmodified original hand cut existed in c.1880, as a track is shown leading from sections. Other features that are 1. The current route (ie, original route) Fern Tree to the Springs on the approximate route considered to be historical are one should be retained. of the present day Middle Track on a c.1880 map. probable borrow pit, and one set of informal 2. Significant elements of the track Lower section This may however have been a proposed track drystone steps towards the lower. Other and associated features should be route (Evans 2014). disturbance (other than the bulldozing of retained and managed for their The track is definitely in existence by 1900 (shown the track) and modern features include the conservation including the historic on a 1900 plan, and as being on Henry Dobson’s reservoir and associated hardstand area full benched formation in the upper property (Tasmanian Journals and Papers of and sealed access track, benching below part. Parliament, 1900, no. 68) - in 1899 Henry Dobson the reservoir, a clearing c.200m above the 3. Adjacent historic sites and features commented that he had permitted the track from reservoir, a small number of water/gutter (ie, Fern Tree Park, Silver Falls- the Fern Tree Inn to the Springs to be cut through bars (mostly shallow diagonal spoon type Pillinger Drive Tk and Radfords Tk) his property for nearly half a mile, and had asked drains). should be respected in all track

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for no compensation, also noting that he had The track runs through wet schlerophyll works, and their historical Start above Reservoir Track purchased his property 18 years previously forest, which ranges from dry open relationship with the Middle Track (c.1880/1)). The private ownership of the land on understorey on the spur ridge to ferny should be respected. which the track was built appears to be an issue, a understorey on the southwestern slopes 4. The essentially rustic, hand built 1892 Mercury article, presumably referring to the and steep and shaded steep eastern style and the natural, fringing Middle Track, suggesting that because it is on slopes. In spite of the previous clearing and vegetation should be retained, and private property and risks being closed to the bulldozing of parts of the track, the full where modifications occur these public, the government should acquire the land length of the track, except the sealed road - should be sympathetic to these (Evans 2014). reservoir section, has an essentially natural values and limited to essential feel with vegetation growing right up to the In early 1909 according to a Mercury report the changes. Bulldozed section of upper track edge, trees arching over the track, and track has been regraded and ‘much improved’ with another built branching off from it to the Silver Falls ferns along much of the length. and the Bower (Evans 2014) [This however may be Reids Track that has been regraded]. Designated WPMP ‘Site’. The track was bulldozed in the 1967 fires for fire fighting, and much of the original construction destroyed although the route appears to have been preserved (McConnell 2013). The track appears to have also had further modification in the area of the water tank – Top end of track (view down), unbulldozed presumably resulting from the construction of the reservoir and access track in 1970. Top end of track c.1890 (when constructed) The track has continued to be used as a walking track to access the Springs from Fern Tree (McConnell 2013). FTH 02 Fern Glade Date difficult to establish. Probably built in 1890, An extant, c.1.4 km long track which links Of some state level significance as part Track but possibly not built until 1928. (There is Fern Tree with the Springs via Radfords of the network of historical recreational considerable confusion between the Middle Track Track, and to the Hobart Rivulet via Wood tracks on Mount Wellington.

WPHH0078 and Fern Glade Track – as neither are shown Track. The track runs up Dunns Creek Of high-moderate local level together or named, and only one track appears to headwater creek, then across the broad flat significance - for its setting in a tree fern be referred to as going from Fern Tree to the spur that runs down from the Springs to glade along a ‘burbling brook’ (a major Springs until the early-mid 1900s.) The evidence is Fingerpost. The track crosses the creek 10 factor in the location & long term mostly anomalous (Evans 2014, McConnell 2013)). times and keeps close to the valley floor, appreciation of the track); as an historic (Access from Fern Tree to the Springs was via the passing through an almost continuous route to the Springs and beyond from MWSS Pipeline and Bower Track from the 1860s grove of large tree ferns with an understory Fern Tree; for the preservation of most until the construction of this more direct track, and of smaller ferns. The tree ferns thin out on of the original and its short sections of the steeper slopes and there are few where the most common access to the Springs until the well preserved historic formation; and Start of Track at tracks junction 1890s was via the Fingerpost Track (Sheridan the track crosses the spur. for its continued and ongoing use as a 2010, McConnell 2013) The original formation is a mostly recreational track. moderately benched track of a natural The first definitive information for the Fern Glade At the local level it is assessed as stoney earth, which appears to have been Track in its current position is it being shown on a having high aesthetic significance; high- built historically to c.5’-6’ wide. There are c.1890s map (Buckingham County Chart) as ‘New moderate local historical significance; no other historical construction features high-moderate social significance; and

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Track’; and running from just N of the ‘Fern Tree (and it is unlikely that there were many some local level scientific significance. Inn’ NW to join the ‘New Fingerpost Track’ originally). [Radfords Track] [this plan has been overlain on a The section of track from Radfords Track to

current plan and the track matches the Fern Glade Pillinger Drive is a bulldozed formation, but Management recommendations: Tk not Middle Tk]. does not appear to be maintained as fire Other references which appear to relate to Fern trail, hence has a relatively natural feel with 1. The original route, function, and Glade Tk, not Middle Tk, are - leaf litter on the formation, plant growth on remnant original fabric of the track should be retained to the extent . The Mercury (23/7/1890, p2) notes “From the cut bank & trees arching over the track. possible. opposite the Fern Tree Hotel the second new track The track between Huon Rd and Radfords New lower section bridge. [1st is Radfords Track] goes a distance of 51 chains Tk was extensively upgraded in the 1990s 2. All changes and maintenance until the main new track is met. From the Hotel to with 1 section rerouted (the central part should be sympathetic to the the Springs is a distance of one mile 13 chains. At between Huon Road and the Reservoir cultural significance of the track, intervals of three or four chains on the new roads Rd). The 1990s work built formations c.2’6” and be kept to the minimum water channels have been formed [unlikely to have to c.3’6”, used dry stone walling in the essential. been required on most of the Middle Tk], paved lower, outer bank; some drystone step 3. As the creek and tree ferns are with stone to carry off water which would have the sections, treated pine footbridges, decked critical elements of the setting, the effect of damaging the paths if allowed to settle crossings and handrails. There are several health of these elements should be there. At the junction of the two new routes a sections between the Huon Road and maintained to the extent possible, finger-post will be erected pointing to the Springs, Radfords Track where the original including by maintaining the natural Fern Tree road, and the Huon road finger-post”. formation is not overprinted by the new water flow, dissuading illegal tree The new track work has been undertaken by the work. fern taking, and keeping the creek Public Works Department by a team of men with Mr relatively debris free. Section of old formation (lower central part) Povey as the overseer. Designated WPMP ‘Site’. 4. The early 1990s bypass route does . The Mercury 27/5/1892, p2: mentions the “new not need to be maintained now the track from the Fern Tree Inn, which is so great a original route in the valley has been convenience to all visitors, as they are enabled to reinstated. go up the mountain without the terrible climb which 5. In the longer term, consideration had to be made on the Fingerpost Track” [the start should be given if possible to re- of the Middle Track is a very steep climb]. instating the original section . Also, the Mercury (18/9/1903, p6) in an item on (approximate former route) ‘Walking Contests’ notes the course has been set between the 3rd and 4th creek. for the ‘go-as-you-please contest’ as ‘from the Fern New benched formation (central part) Tree church [the track when constructed is understood to have started at the Huon Road opposite the Fern Tree Inn, run in front of St Raphaels Church then along the slope and up the gully to meet Radfords Track at the top of the gully]. Other references which are anomalous are provided in the Middle Track history, above. If the track dates to c.1890 then it appears to have Humped bridge with stone work (all new work) fallen out of use by the 1920s (possibly after the

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1914 bushfires?) and was relocated and reconstructed in 1928, as a Depression employment relief project Information for the track from 1928 is not anomalous and includes the following - . A Mercury article (7/1/1929, p6) discusses the new Fern Glade Track, which it says “gives every sign of rivalling and even surpassing the Fern Tree Bower walk in popularity with visitors to Mt. Wellington, both local and touring. The track begins only a few yards from the opening of the gravelled Track immediately below Reservoir Rd. Fern Tree walk, at St. Raphael’s Church door, and a number of the visitors to the annual strawberry feast took the opportunity to inspect the new beauty spot, which only takes some ten to fifteen minutes each way .... Visitors were particularly struck by the appropriate fern-bole corduroy pathway under the ferns and overhanging trees, so skillfully laid that it might well be imagined that the track had been there for years instead of months. The Fern Glade is no inconsiderable addition to the beauty spots of Above Reservoir Rd (old formation) the mountain.” . The same article also suggests the Fern Glade Track was used as soon as it was built as part of a loop walk from Fern Tree via the Bower Track and Silver Falls, the article noting the Fern Glade Track “only takes some ten to fifteen minutes each way, though if that route be chosen which goes by the gravelled walk by Silver Falls and down by Fern Glade, the walk is considerably longer”. Below Radfords Track . In March 1929, the Mercury (21/3/1929, p. 8) again reported on the Fern Glade Track, stating that “Another beauty spot, known as Fern Glade, which leads off from the road in the vicinity of St Raphael’s church, and which was opened some months ago, has become most popular with visitors. It is a virgin gully, in which there are hundreds of old man ferns, and other mountain plants in their natural state, which make a delightful setting. It has now become a popular picnic ground”. . In 1930 the Fern Glade Track was extended, also as part of the Depression employment relief track

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construction, from the Radfords track intersection to connect with the Fingerpost Track below Rocky Whelan’s cave (Mercury 7/11/1930, p. 10). The Mercury stated that the extension to the track had given more prominence to Radford’s monument which was at the junction of the new track and Radford’s track (Mercury 6/1/1931, p. 6). This new track work was even noted in the Launceston Examiner (30/3/1931). This article also notes extension of the Fern Glade Track to Pillingers, and also noted the construction of the “New Fern Glade [Track], known as Featherstone Cascades, in the Hobart Rivulet” to which the Fern Glade Track appears to have connected (as shown on the 1931, 1934 & 1935, and also the 1965 HWC maps]. . Another Mercury article (29/11/1930, p7), in an article titled “Mayors Unemployed Fund” in discussing the new track extension comments “from a point near Rocky Whelan’s Cave, on the old finger-post track, now connects with the Fern Glade at Fern Tree. Visitors during the week will be able to traverse the new track, starting either from Fern Tree or from Strickland Ave near Mr Hollick’s. A round trip can be made either way, via the track along the firebreak [Boundary Track]. The new track, on account of its easy grade, its accessibility, and the extreme beauty of the country through which it passes, the huge specimens of swamp and blue gum to be seen, and the new angle from which the Organ Pipes can be viewed, will surely rank as one of the most entrancing walks to be found anywhere. Bird life in the thick and tangled bush through which the track runs is extremely plentiful, and there is rare volume of song.” . In 1946 with the opening up of the PWD quarry on Huon Rd, the Fern Glade Track start was re-routed to behind the Church, although starting in approximately the same location in the section from Fern Tree to. This was done after the closure of the quarry in 1948. At this time the present day entry steps leading up the quarry face were also put in place by the Public Works Department to facilitate access to the track (MCC16/2/1/127).

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. In 1957 the track is described as the most attractive track from Fern Tree to the Springs with its numerous tree ferns, spring Sassafras blossom and glow worms (Aves 1957, p39). . During the 1967 bushfires or immediately post-the fires, the newer section of track between Radfords Track and Pillinger Drive was bulldozed. Much of the original construction was destroyed although the route appears to have been preserved (McConnell 2013). The track has continued to be used as a walking track to access the Springs from Fern Tree (McConnell 2013). In the mid-1990s the track was also diverted in the section between Huon Rd and the reservoir road due to the lack of bridges and washing out of the track. In 1996, however, the Hobart City Council bowed to community pressure and reconstructed the old track up the main part of the valley to the reservoir road (using a slightly different route to aid maintenance). The upper part of the track near Radford’s track was upgraded in 1998. The new work was done under the supervision of John (Snapper) Hughes and involved new timber bridges or decking across all creek crossings as well as new stone dry walling in places (McConnell 2103). FTH 03 Reids Track Presumed to have been cut in 1907. This is based Runs from the Reservoir - Silver Track Significance: on the following Mercury article (19/12/1907, p6) directly upslope on a slight spur) to the Has similar cultural significance as the WPHH0295 which describes recent work in Mountain Park bend in Radfords Track just below the other main tracks on kunanyi/Mt following from its creation in 1906, including a track Springs. Wellington: The track climbs steeply and is very rough from Silver Falls to below the Springs –“from the Of some state level significance as part falls a track has been cut at right angles across the and rocky. Essentially a worn, eroded of the network of historical recreational route. Minimal track construction is evident. ridge to the white rocks near the top end of Pillinger tracks on Mount Wellington. Drive, so that people riding up this drive may walk There are informal steps of exposed Of moderate-high local level round to the Silver Falls, come down to the Bower, boulders (from erosion) and wear. and rejoin the vehicles at Fern Tree, or vice versa, Climbs through mixed forest to montane significance – as one of the first tracks Start of Reids Tk (LHS) from Silver Falls – they may go up via the falls which is a much forest. to be constructed by the HCC when Reservoir Tk (view E) shorter cut to the Springs, and come down the Mountain Park was created; as an Pillinger Drive” [It should be noted that at this time Designated WPMP ‘Site’. historic track with ongoing regular use, the Middle Track which also give access to silver in particular as part of a Fern Tree – Falls from the Springs already exists]. Not previously documented. Springs – Silver Falls loop walk. Unclear when it is named ‘Reids Track’ but it is shown named as such from 1931 (ie, on the 1931, Management recommendations:

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1935, 1942 and 1965 maps). 1. Retain the current route (ie, original Reids Track has been used by locals from the mid- route) should be retained. late 1900s as the quickest connector between the 2. Maintain walking as the primary Springs and Silver Falls and also to make a circuit use. walk from other parts of Fern Tree (McConnell & 3. The essentially rustic, un-built style Scripps 2005). should be managed Closed by HCC in late 1990s/early 2000s (due to sympathetically; and the natural, erosion) but still used by some locals; then re- fringing vegetation should be opened. Currently open and in use. retained. Start of Reids Tk (RHS) from Silver Falls – Reservoir Tk (view W). FTH 04 Silver Falls It is unclear when this track was first constructed. The full track runs from Pillinger Drive at Significance: Track - It is probable that it was cut in c.1908, on the basis top of houses around the slopes to Silver Has similar cultural significance as the Reservoir of a 1909 Mercury article which states “The new Falls, intersecting the Fern Glade Track other minor tracks on kunanyi/Mt track between the Springs Hotel and the Fern Tree and the Middle Track. The Reservoir Track Wellington: WPHH0320 (part [Middle Track?/Reids Tk?] has been re-graded, and (a vehicular road) crosses it on the saddle Of some (low) state level significance 1) much improved, and there is another branching off in the vicinity of Middle Track. as part of the network of historical from it to the Silver Falls and the Bower (Mercury This track is a mostly benched track of recreational tracks on Mount 9/2/1909, p. 6). variable width, and with a natural, local Wellington. (It is likely however that the eastern section from earth and stone formation and no surfacing. Of moderate local level significance – the Reservoir to Pillingers Drive was not The track western half is 4’-5’ wide (original as one of the tracks constructed by the Silver Falls end – new steps. constructed until later (but by 1928), and its construction width), and has some sections HCC when Mountain Park was created; construction relates to water supply). of low outer, lower bank stone walling and as an historic track with ongoing The presence of the 10’ section with water pipe (possibly not original). The first c.25m up regular use, in particular as part of a indicates that the track was modified at some stage from Silver Falls was until the late Fern Tree – Reservoir – Silver Falls (date not established) to a water pipe formation. 1990s/early 2000s a continuation of the loop walk. benched track but more rocky due to its

steepness, but has since been reconstructed as a flight of drystone steps Management recommendations: with timber and wire mesh balustrading 1. Retain the current route (ie, original along the first section (pers obsv). route) should be retained. The eastern half (east from intersection 2. Maintain sympathetically (in Western end above steps. with wide benched formation from upper relation to the historic, fabric and Silver Falls) is 10’ wide; this carries at least aesthetic values); including one 2” steel water pipe (ie, is water supply maintaining as a walking track, and infrastructure). retaining the natural, fringing Terminates at the sealed Reservoir Rd vegetation. (may have previously continued 3. Fully record site. uninterrupted except by the crossing of the Middle Track into the Reservoir – Pillinger Drive Tk) Western half 4-5’ width track with stone edging.

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Designated WPMP ‘Site’ (as part of the Silver Falls – Pillinger Drive Track).

Not previously documented.

Eastern half 10’ width track. FTH 05 Pillinger Drive – It is unclear when this track was first constructed, Runs from Pillinger Drive at top of houses Significance: Reservoir Track but it is in use by 1928. around the slopes to Silver Falls, As for FTH 04 It is likely that this section from the Reservoir to intersecting the Fern Glade Track and the Middle Track. The Reservoir Track (a WPHH0320 (part Pillingers Drive was not constructed until sometime Management recommendations: after the western section (built in c.1908-09) and its vehicular road) runs above it between 2) As for FTH 04 construction relates to water supply). Pillinger Drive and Middle Track.

The track is in place by 1928, when the Fern Glade This track is a 10’ wide benched track Track was constructed, given Mercury reference to which drops relatively steeply down to the a loop track from Fern Tree, up the Fern Glade Tk Fern Glade creek, then runs at a gentle then to Silver Falls and back (Mercury 7/1/1929, grade around to Pillingers Drive. The p6). formation is unsurfaced and is of local earth Western end of track. The full length of track, running from Silver Falls to and stone formation. Pillinger Drive, intersecting the Middle and Fern In the section nearest the reservoir some Glade tracks appears in the 1930s and 1942 sections of 2” steel water pipe is exposed in walking maps of Mt Wellington. In these it is shown the formation. No pipe however can be in its current location. seen in the steeper sections beyond or in the western more level section. May have previously continued uninterrupted except by the crossing of the

Middle Track into the Reservoir Silver Falls Steep rough section west of Fern Glade Ck Tk)

Designated WPMP ‘Site’ (as part of the Silver Falls – Pillinger Drive Track).

Not previously documented.

Fern Glade Ck crossing.

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Eastern section of track. FTH 06 Pillinger Drive – This access track to the reservoir was most likely Sealed narrow road running from Pillingers No cultural significance. Reservoir Road constructed in 1970 at the same time as the Drive around the slope to the saddle / spur on which the Reservoir is situated, then reservoir. No management recommendations. c.50m south along the spur to the Reservoir.

Reservoir Rd near western end (view E).

Reservoir Rd from Fern Glad Tk i/s (view W).

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FTH 07 Reservoir Constructed in 1970 (MCC16/2/1/524). This million A round, above ground, concrete water No cultural heritage significance. gallon reservoir was built in the study area following tank; c.8m high by c.25m diameter; surrounded by a sealed (bitumen) the 1967 fires to provide improved water supply to No management recommendations. Fern Tree. hardstand area; on a levelled area on the nose of a flat section of the spur that runs from the Lower Springs to Fern Tree (Summerleas Rd/Huon Rd intersection). The water tank has graffiti painted on the outside. Reservoir (view S).

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APPENDIX

Proposed Fern Tree Bower Precinct Documentation

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Proposed Fern Tree Bower Precinct Statement & Management Policy  ______

Introduction The Fern Tree Bower Precinct is an area at Fern Tree that was a key focus for historical recreation, primarily scenic tourism, from the 1860s to the early 1900s, and which has remained a key area for such up to the present. The precinct is that area between Fern Tree Park (but not including Fern Tree Park), the Fern Tree Bower and Silver Falls, and which is linked by Mountain Water Supply System (MWSS) pipelines (the main line and the line from Silver Falls to the Bower). The precinct boundary is shown in Figure 5 (note - this boundary includes a c.30-50m management buffer, largely for scenic protection reasons). The precinct lies within Wellington Park except for a 40m wide corridor across the MWSS Pipeline Track at the west end (which is included in the MWSS THR listing and the CHPS MWSS Pipeline Track Significant Landscape. The precinct recognises the significant scenic tourism history of the area, as well as the ongoing scenic tourism/recreational history of the area, and it recognises the importance of the MWSS which opened up the area and the importance of the natural setting to the scenic tourism interest. The creation of this precinct allows these values to be recognised and managed for their conservation, and in this case also assists in separating out the water supply values from the scenic tourism values, including in relation to management.

Historical Summary The ‘Bower’ became a popular tourist location from the moment the MWSS was constructed in this area in 1861-62. By the 1870s – 1880s to at least the 1930s the Bower was a popular picnic spot, and the area remains a popular visitor site today. By 187114 and to the late 1800s, the area features in Tasmanian tourist guides as one of the two beauty spots to visit on ‘Mount Wellington’ (along with the summit) and one of only a handful of such places in the State. The name is in use by 1871, with Walch’s Tasmanian Guide Book (1871 p.62) referring to the ‘Bower Track’. The popular nature of the Bower, and the early interest, are in large part due to it being a corridor of the MWSS pipeline. The MWSS Pipeline Track provides the key access, with the main access being from the east from the Huon Road15 at Fern Tree, although it is unlikely that there was a proper track in place until 1881 when the pipeline was modified and the formation widened. The Bower, both today and historically appears to have two main nodes – Silver Falls and the ‘Bower’ proper, both accessible only by foot, but within a relatively short distance of the Huon road (c.850m and 600m, respectively). Silver Falls is a natural waterfall over a bench of sedimentary rock, with a series of cascades above, which has been celebrated historically in its own right. By the 1880s it was being photographed by landscape photographers such as the Anson Bros. By the late 1890s there was an established track up the valley to Silver Falls and to the ‘second falls’ beyond; the valley between the Bower and Silver Falls had been ‘beautified’, large tree ferns had been planted on either side of the Falls; and steps had been made up the beside the Falls to access the top of the Falls for the ‘extremely beautiful vistas above and below’. A small intake, weir and sluice house were constructed at Silver Falls (below the Falls) in c.1900 and in ground piping was laid from Silver

14 The first Tasmanian tourist ‘Guide’ was published in 1869 (McConnell & Handsjuk 2010). 15 The ‘Huon road’ was established as a proper road in 1859. ______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

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Falls to the Bower at this time. Henry Dobson, of the Tasmanian Tourism Association and also a local resident, complained that the laying of the pipes had damaged the natural beauty of the area, but visitors to the Bower do not appear to have been significantly deterred. The Bower proper is the area where the MWSS Pipeline Track makes a horseshoe bend crossing the upper part of Browns River. The valley here was considered highly scenic due to the native forest, with an abundance of rain forest species, in particular the tree ferns. The importance of the tree ferns is highlighted by the Royal Society expressing concern regarding the 'destruction of ferns at the Bower' in 1884 due to the recent water supply works (Macfie 1994). Tasmanian tourist guides between 1870 and 1900 indicate that the Bower area was considered of high to very high the attractiveness in a State context, with the guides referring to the area as ‘an ideal picnic spot’, ‘fairy like’, the Mountain’s ‘most famous beauty spot’, and extolling the ‘natural beauty’ of the area (Andrusko 2010). The key features contributing to the scenic quality are seen as the ferns, the picnic tables and shelters, the steams, Silver Falls, and the good quality access from Hobart, via the Huon Rd and Fern Tree saddle. The links from the Bower to the Springs and St Crispins Well were also frequently mentionned. Other important qualities were ‘the invigorating air’ and ‘the pleasure of peace’ (Andrusko 2010, 46-47). ‘Beautification’ of the area commenced early, with some twenty tree ferns being planted in a double row and rustic picnic tables built between the tree fern row in 1875. This feature appears, to have been the centrepiece of the Bower and to have been extremely popular, and was maintained (although possibly not the picnic tables) up until the 1960 flood. Later ‘improvements’ included a number of works in the late 1890s including the planting of new trees; the construction of a rustic, Alan Walker designed, picnic ‘pavilion’; the provision of water taps, new seating, fireplaces and additional picnic shelters beside the creek, under tree ferns or in excavated niches on the track edge. (This is also possibly the same time at which a number of niches were excavated for seating along the MWSS Pipeline Track between the Bower and Fern Tree Park). At the Bower the tourist facilities were built around the water supply features established in this locality in 1861-2. These features comprised a stone dam (weir) with collecting (or aerating) basin behind (that fed into the main MWSS pipeline), a stone sluice house, and a stone lined and paved diversion channel for Browns River, and a commemorative stone monument at the sluice house, which became known as ‘Cook’s Monument’. The handmade and largely stone nature of these features was part of the scenic, rustic appeal of the locality, in spite of their functional nature. By 1881 much of the wooden troughing below the Bower was rotting and was replaced with masonry troughing in a wider benched formation, and minor works were undertaken at the Bower to accommodate the new sandstone troughing supply line. In in 1898 an iron fence, of similar design other MWSS iron features, was erected around the south and west sides of the dam to prevent vandalism. The larger Bower area appears to have continued as a popular tourist spot with few changes until the 1960 flood, although a bushfire in late 1914 destroyed the specially cultivated plants near Silver Falls as well as plants and two shelter sheds at the Bower proper (the shelter sheds being replaced soon after by the HCC). In 1957 Aves (1957) describes the Bower in similar terms as it was described in the late 1800s - as 'a picnic spot where tree-ferns have been planted in regular rows ..., an aerating basin of the waterworks scheme bears an inscription ..., shelter sheds and fireplaces are provided'. A local resident in particular remembers numerous large sassafras trees at the Bower proper (M. Bryce, pers comm). Also at this time (1955) a new 30,000 gallon concrete settling and reservoir tank (still present) was constructed at the south end of the Bower (to improve the water supply to lower levels of Fern Tree), but this appears not to have significantly detracted from the scenic beauty of the area. The Browns River Valley from above Silver Falls down to, and including, the Bower proper was however changed irrevocably by the 1960 flood. The flood washed out various features in the valley, including washing Cooks Monument from the Bower proper down into the creek near the Huon Road. It also buried this part of the valley in sediment, with only about 0.5m of Silver Falls

______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

A-4 showing, and with the debris coming down as far as the southern (lower) edge of the Bower proper (K. Kiernan, pers comm). Immediate steps to restore the water supply included a new intake and a new pipeline from Silver Falls bypassing the Bower basin site and feeding directly into the 1955 collection tank (still extant). Council employees, in particular the local caretaker Tom Brown, also worked hard to restore the valley as much as possible, excavating the deposited sediment to re-create a creek channel and to expose the earlier features where these could be located (K. Kiernan, pers comm). Features on the west side of Browns River survived, but few features in the Bower proper survived. The only features that appear to have survived in situ at the Bower proper are the stone diversion channel on Browns River and the 1955 concrete tank. At Silver Falls it appears that almost no original features survived other than the Falls, and as a consequence the water supply infrastructure had to be rebuilt. This work included cutting a channel at the top of the Falls on one side to supply a new circular concrete intake tank at the side of the falls, and the construction (re- construction?) of the concrete and stone weir at the base of the Falls. The Bower was impacted again in 1967, this time by the 1967 bushfires. It appears however that the bottom of the Browns River valley was only minimally burnt and that most structures in the Bower survived, including the then extant shelter sheds (two or three on the west side of Browns River). Local and broader visitation continued at the Bower. It appears that from the early 1960s (and possibly slightly earlier, eg, the late 1930s), there was more local interest than interest from visitors to the area. This is likely to be due to there being a much broader range of scenic and other tourist attractions available in Tasmania, the population’s refocussing on the seaside as a recreational destination, and increased family car ownership post-world War II, all of which encouraged Tasmanians to visit other types of scenic attraction and places further afield (McConnell 2013). Few significant changes have occurred in the Bower area since the 1960s. At Silver Falls new visitor infrastructure in the form of concreting, timber steps and a walkway have been built (for water quality reasons and hardening of the area). At the Bower proper and to the south and west some seats have been removed (and some possibly replaced), the Browns River bridge has been replaced, there has been some modification of the shelters, primarily the blocking off of fires places (presumably to reduce fire risk) which has seen a consequent reduction in the use of the shelters. In the late 1990s - early 2000s (pre-2003) public access was also closed to the area above Silver Falls, a change that was not appreciated by the local community. In the early-mid 2000s however TasWater implemented a community led and WPMT negotiated change to ensure a guaranteed flow over Silver Falls for scenic purposes (this also required the installation of some additional equipment). The Fern Tree Bower has been important to locals, as well as visitors, since the 1870s-80s. Henry Dobson is an important local figure. Dobson owned land in the area, including within the Bower Precinct, and he encouraged scenic tourism in the area, allowing tracks to be built on his land, building picnic shelters and encouraging the then Corporation of Hobart to preserve and enhance the scenic beauty of the area. In the case of the Bower Picnic Pavilion, Dobson enlisted the aid of Tasmanian architect Alan Cameron Walker who was noted for his interest in the Arts and Crafts Tradition. The Dobsons also donated the land for St Raphael’s Church at Fern Tree. The Bower was also noted locally for the annual local strawberry feasts in aid of St Raphael’s Church that were held from c.1897 to at least the 1950s. The feasts were held either at the Bower or in Fern Tree Park (most likely at the Bower in the early days and then later in the Park). A Mercury report of the 1899 strawberry feast provides a picture (and of the values) of the Bower at that time - “the strawberry feast held at the Bower besides the pellucid stream from the Silver

______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

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Falls gully...Niches were specially constructed to facilitate picnickers boiling water were handy for making the tea” (Mercury 12/1/1899, 6). Locals also remember Bower events and decorations, for example the period when the track from Fern Tree Park to the Bower proper was strung with lights that were lit at night. Today local residents have more attachment to the Bower than visitors, with the natural environment and the solitude being key factors in local enjoyment, while visitors enjoy the area mainly for recreational and social reasons. The Bower however is valued by all visitors for its scenic quality, primarily the natural setting and Silver Falls (Andrusko 2010).

Character Statement The Bower Precinct is an essentially natural area. In general terms it comprises a natural forested area with water features and rain forest, that is accessible on foot (or by bicycle) via a winding, connecting, gravelled track that reinforces the naturalness of the area. The historic nature of the main access track (a 1860s water supply route) and the moss covered remains of late 19th century – early 20th century scenic tourism features such as niches with seating, stone edging and a sandstone monument enhance the scenic quality and aesthetic values of the area. So also does the forested setting which screens the Bower Precinct from the modern world, and the lack of modern development and motorised vehicular transport within the Precinct. The combination of natural setting and separation from everyday life also create a feeling of isolation, solitude and peacefulness within the Precinct. The linear features within the Precinct help define the Precinct and connect all elements. These features are the tracks and Upper Browns River. Upper Browns River in this area is a small, but permanent creek that twists and flows over dolerite boulders in a fern fringed channel, except at the Bower proper where the channel is confined in a concrete and stone walled and paved channel that reflects the importance of the area historically for Hobart’s water supply. Silver Falls, a natural waterfall that comprises a single broad bench of sandstone/mudstone with cascades above, again framed by native vegetation and various ferns, is a key destination and scenic attraction for visitors. The tracks are simple, traditionally benched, gravelled tracks with no hard edging and little visible construction except for the historic stone trough capping and the historic cast iron pipes which are exposed in places in the MWSS Pipeline Track. The tracks curve gently around the slope and other natural features. A feature of the track is that they provide not just access to the Bower Precinct and key features of the Bower proper and Silver Falls, but they pass through the Precinct, allowing visitors the option to visit the Bower, or to visit the Bower and move on through to other parts of Fern Tree and Mount Wellington, and also to undertake a loop walk via Silver Falls. The tree ferns which line Upper Browns River as well as the tracks from just below the Bower proper up to Silver Falls are another key feature of the Precinct. While many of the tree ferns are natural, a number have been planted, particularly along the track edges. This does not detract from the naturalness as linear avenues of planted tree ferns have been historically appreciated in this area since the 1870s, and the plantings are seen as enhancing the natural beauty of the area and continuing an historical tradition of appreciating ferns. There has been some mid-late 20th century and early 21st century developments in the Bower Precinct that detract from the essential naturalness of the area or its developed rusticity. These features include visitor infrastructure and water supply infrastructure and include the following: the concrete paving and modern treated pine bridging, steps, walkway and balustrading at the base of Silver Falls and the blue painted chicanes on the MWSS Pipeline Track, and in relation to the water supply infrastructure, the round concrete receiving tank at Silver Falls and the two square concrete tanks at the south end of the Bower. A small number of other modern features have had a neutral impact. These are the two huts west of Browns River which are very heavy and/or of relatively modern design, compared to the earlier lighter, rustic, Arts and Crafts styled huts in the

______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

A-6 area; the bridge across Browns River at the Bower proper, and the timber and concrete seating, which is also relatively modern.

Special Values & Advice for the Retention of Heritage Quality MWSS Water Supply Infrastructure Within the Bower Precinct, the key value of the MWSS infrastructure is the access provided by the MWSS Pipeline Track, and the maintenance of this as an historical route and feature. This site complex has recognised historic, scientific, aesthetic and social values, and is listed on the Tasmanian Heritage Register and in the City of Hobart Planning Scheme, as well as being recognised as a site under the Wellington Park Management Plan. This site complex therefore requires ongoing management for the conservation of its cultural heritage significance. This is set out in the recent Hobart MWSS Conservation Management Plan (North 2012). There is also a set of Design Guidelines for visitor infrastructure for the site complex (Urban Initiatives & Arterial Design 2013). It is important in the Bower Precinct however to differentiate between historic scenic tourism values and MWSS values and to recognise this in the design and provision of new water supply infrastructure and visitor infrastructure. In essence within the Bower Precinct new visitor infrastructure should seek to reflect the scenic tourism history and values, and the water supply infrastructure should seek to be minimally intrusive. The City of Hobart Planning Scheme also recognises a Significant Landscape corridor along the MWSS Pipeline Track in this area (20m either side of the track). The key elements are described as ‘a winding track heavily canopied by forest, with shadows, shade and darker colours being characteristic, and with mosses, lichens, liverworts, man-ferns and other ferns in damper areas being readily encountered and making even a short walk quite unique experience’ as well as the ‘heritage nature of the MWSS with its 19th century technical achievement and creative stonework design, the visual landscape qualities, scenic variation and outstanding bushland character’. These values should continue to be respected. Some of the relatively recent infrastructure detracts from the values of the Bower Precinct and should be replaced, removed or modified to mitigate this. For example the round concrete tank at Silver Falls should be screened (possibly by vegetation or by stone walling), the start of the pipeline down the east side of the valley should be revealed by redesigning the modern walkway above, the metal grill cage at the ‘intake’ in the Bower proper should be replaced by something more sympathetic, and the smaller concrete tank at the south end should be re-located back from the track. New intrusive infrastructure should be avoided. Scenic Tourism Built Structures The historical structures were valued for their contribution to the scenic value of the area - a combining of highly rustic, decorative, but simple buildings made of locally available materials in a high quality natural forested environment. None of the original shelters, balustrading, or picnic facilities still exist (although some archaeological remains may occur – see ‘Archaeological Sensitivity’ below). There is a nostalgia, at least in the local community for these earlier facilities and style of infrastructure within the precinct (Andrusko 2010). Although none of the 19th century huts or picnic features survive, the remnant features have historical and scientific value, local social significance, and in many cases contribute to the aesthetic value of the Precinct. None of these features are listed on a heritage register, but the key shelters and former shelters are designated sites under the Wellington Park Management Plan and therefore require that the policy in relation to sites be observed. The former Bower picnic ‘pavilion’ is considered a feature of particular historical interest and aesthetic value and consideration should be given to its reconstruction (refer McConnell 2013).

______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

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In general, new visitor infrastructure should seek to respect the historical, rustic and essentially natural values of the Bower Precinct, and the MWSS Pipeline Track Significant Landscape, including with respect to replacing existing neutral or intrusive infrastructure such as at Silver Falls. Areas of Archaeological (sub-surface heritage) Sensitivity The Bower proper is identified as an area of archaeological sensitivity in the City of Hobart Planning Scheme Heritage Schedule in relation to both its MWSS and scenic tourism heritage (eg, the former aerating basin and associated structures and pipes, and the foundations of the Bower picnic pavilion). The subsurface heritage values therefore need to be considered in this area prior to any ground disturbing works. The MWSS more generally has archaeological sensitivity. Archaeological values therefore also need to be considered in relation to any ground disturbing works in the area of the MWSS or any disturbance of historic subsurface infrastructure, in particular in relation to pipes and troughing in the Bower Precinct. Significant Plantings The known historical plantings within the Bower Precinct were tree ferns (man-ferns), and these have cultural heritage significance. This significance has been reinforced by the re-planting of tree ferns as part of the post-1960 flood rehabilitation works. The tree ferns are also recognised as a key element of the MWSS Pipeline Track Significant Landscape. Tree ferns, including planted tree ferns, should therefore be maintained as a key element of the Bower Precinct. This can be through encouraging their natural growth, planting them out in a natural manner, or by planting them as avenues in modified areas where they can be appreciated (eg, along the track edges, at features, or reconstructing the former Bower double avenue). Planted ferns should not overwhelm important historic or natural features and should not impact physically (directly or indirectly) on significant built features. Other plantings are not recommended within the Precinct, unless this is to rehabilitate the natural bushland–forest. Natural Setting The natural setting of the Bower Precinct (both the vegetation within the Precinct and the surrounding screening vegetation) is one if its key values. This is recognised from the initial historical use of the area to the area’s present day use. A community recommendation arising from Andrusko’s (2010) recent study of place attachment of the area was to make the protection of the natural environmental derived values (tranquillity, solitude, and aesthetics) a primary aim. The natural bushland setting generally and the specific qualities of this are recognised in City of Hobart Planning Scheme MWSS Pipeline Track Significant Landscape (see MWSS Water Supply Infrastructure, above). The importance of the native vegetation and its long term preservation was also a key issue in the early calls for ‘Mount Wellington’ to be made a reserve, calls that ultimately resulted in the creation of Mountain Park in 1906 and Wellington Park in 1993. The natural setting of the Bower Precinct is therefore an obligation under the Wellington Park Management Plan. The particular values of this natural setting are such that in retaining the natural vegetation consideration needs to be given to – . retaining the riparian rainforest type vegetation in the valley; . retaining the eucalypt forest which borders it; . retaining these in as good quality as possible; . maintaining the native forest setting for screening of the Precinct, and to maintain the natural views from the Bower proper and north up the track to Silver Falls towards the south end of kunanyi/Mount Wellington.

______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

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Views and Vistas Because of the mature forest nature and setting of the Bower Precinct the dominant views are of fringing native forest (from the tracks in the area). The open winding nature of the tracks also provides vegetation fringed and canopied rustic track vistas. These views and vistas are recognised in the City of Hobart Planning Scheme MWSS Pipeline Track Significant Landscape (see MWSS Water Supply Infrastructure, above) and in the aesthetic and social values described in the Conservation Management Plan (North 2012). The management requirements of these two plans in relation to views and vistas need to be respected. The Bower Precinct will also be a part of views down from/off the Mountain. Given the management goals of the Wellington Park Management Plan, the apparent naturalness of this area from above should be retained, and no major clearings created. The only view out from the Bower Precinct is the view up the south flank of kunanyi/Mount Wellington from the Bower proper and north up the track to Silver Falls. This significant view contributes to the scenic tourism values of the Bower Precinct and should be conserved, at least with respect to human changes (see ‘Natural Setting’, above). Other Elements of Social Significance Significant attributes of the precinct identified by the community include the following: . the scenic and aesthetic values (primarily due to the quality of the native vegetation (the rainforest type vegetation, the large trees, the maturity of the forest), but also due to the water features, in particular Silver Falls and the rocky, natural mountain creek with clear waters); . the recreational values (primarily walking, and also peaceful escape/solitude, family outings, running, bicycle riding, and picnicking); . the historical nature of the Bower, and the historical character engendered by the MWSS and the remnant scenic tourism structures (including the mundane and locally used such as the former toilets); . the historical events that have occurred (such as the Strawberry feasts, the 1960 flood, and the lighting of the MWSS Pipeline Track between Fern Tree Park and the Bower proper); and . the continuation of permanent flow (note – reasonable flow, not trickle) over Silver Falls (for both nature conservation (catchment) and aesthetic reasons). These characteristics are all of historical significance and the retention of these characteristics has been largely provided for in the above advice. They should however also be taken into account as social and contributory heritage values in making future planning, water supply and development decisions. Proposed changes to the present character in relation to the above attributes should be subject to community consultation and approved changes should reflect community values. ______

______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

9

FTH06 / Reservoir – Pillingers Drive Road

FTE05 / Fern Glade Tk – Pillingers Drive Link

FTH03 / Reids Track FTH05 / Reservoir – Pillingers Drive Track Pillingers Drive FTH02 / Fern Glade Track

Fern Glade Creek

FTH04 / Silver Falls – Reservoir Track

FTB03 FTB06 FTH07 / Reservoir FTE09 FTB04 FTE08 FTB05 FTE07 FTE06 FTB07 FTB09 Upper Browns River FTE03 FTE02

FTB01 / Bower Track FTE01 FTH02 / Middle Track FTE04 Stephenson Pl

FTB06

FERN TREE PARK – SEE FIG BC BOWER AREA – SEE FIG 2C FTB29 FTB02 / MWSS Pipeline Track FTB32 FTB30 FTB31

Huon Road Clegg Rd Summerleas Rd

Figure 5 Bower Precinct Boundary (brown line), also showing the MWSS (blue).

______The Fern Tree Entry Area Historic Heritage Assessment, McConnell, A. (Sept 2014) A Wellington Park Management Trust Report

From: Hickie, Jill To: Schmidt, Martin Subject: TRIM: FW: Application for an Aboriginal Heritage Desktop Assessment Date: Tuesday, 1 May 2018 9:14:57 AM

HI Martin - Please add this to TRIM planning application file. Thanks Jill Jill Hickie | Senior Park Planner| Parks & City Amenity 6238 2887 | 0408 382878

From: Hickie, Jill Sent: Tuesday, 1 May 2018 9:14 AM To: Hickie, Jill Subject: FW: Application for an Aboriginal Heritage Desktop Assessment

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Monday, 10 November 2014 11:14 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Application for an Aboriginal Heritage Desktop Assessment

RE: ABORIGINAL HERITAGE DESKTOP ASSESSMENT

Fern Tree Park Entry Node Master Plan – Wellington Park

Dear Axel and John,

Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania (AHT) has completed a search of the Aboriginal Heritage Register (AHR) regarding the proposed master plan at Fern Tree Park and can advise that there are no Aboriginal heritage sites recorded within or close to the property. Due to a review of previous reports it is believed that the area has a low probability of Aboriginal heritage being present.

Accordingly there is no requirement for an Aboriginal heritage investigation and AHT have no objection to the project proceeding.

Please be aware that all Aboriginal heritage is protected under the Aboriginal Relics Act 1975. If at any time during works you suspect Aboriginal heritage, cease works immediately and contact AHT for advice. Attached is an Unanticipated Discovery Plan, which you should have on hand during ground disturbing works, to aid you in meeting your requirements under the Act.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact AHT.

Kind Regards,

Samuel Dix

Archaeologist

Natural Values Assessment

For the Fern Tree Park Visitor Node in Wellington Park

For Hobart City Council

June 2018

2 Edward Street, Glebe. www.enviro-dynamic.com.au Natural Values Assessment for Fern Tree Park Visitor Node.

1. Introduction

This report outlines the findings of a natural values assessment for the ‘Fern Tree Park Visitor Node’ redevelopment in Wellington Park. The assessment has been undertaken at the request of the Hobart City Council to ensure no significant natural values are impacted by the implementation of the plan.

Project proposal – The Fern Tree Park redevelopment includes the construction of a new ‘nature-based’ playground to replace the existing playground. The old picnic shelter and toilets will be demolished and converted to a sitting area. A new shelter will be constructed on the level below along with barbecues, picnic tables and benches. The old septic tank serving the old toilets will be decommissioned. The existing double- storeyed picnic shelter on the Pipeline Track will also be demolished to allow for new seating. The council work shed on the northern park boundary will also be demolished and the site revegetated.

The existing bus shelter on Huon Rd will be demolished and a new combined bus shelter and toilet block will be constructed on this site. The bus shelter will be located on the lower level accessed from Huon and three toilets will be located on the upper level accessed from the Pipeline Track.

The Fern Glade Car Park will be upgraded to provide for 15 vehicle parking spaces. The existing shelter, pergola and rock fence will be removed in the redevelopment. A pedestrian path will be constructed along the edge of Huon Road from the car park to the Pipe Line Track entrance.

Methods - A field survey was undertaken on the 6th June 2018. The survey covered the area containing the existing Fern Tree playground, shelters, toilet block and facilities, and the Fern Glade car park. The vegetation communities occurring within the site were classified; and vascular plants recorded with an emphasis on detecting threatened flora species; potential fauna habitat; and declared weeds.

2. Natural Values Assessment

2.1 Vegetation Communities

The site is classified as Extra-urban miscellaneous (FUM) under TASVEG 3.0. It is modified land containing existing facilities including a toilet block, shelters, playground, paths, gardens, and car park. The vegetation has been landscaped and includes a mixture of ornamental plantings and native plants. There are several large gumtopped stringybark (Eucalyptus delegatensis) around the existing playground, and a few native shrubs such as Tasmanian blanketleaf (Bedfordia salicina), musk (Olearia argophylla), and dogwood

1

Natural Values Assessment for Fern Tree Park Visitor Node.

(Pomaderris apetala) remaining in the gardens. There are also rows of rough tree ferns (Dicksonia antarctica) and sagg (Lomandra longifolia) which have been planted.

The vegetation surrounding the development footprint is classified as Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest over broadleaf shrubs (WOB). The canopy consists of stringybark (Eucalyptus obliqua) and gum stopped stringybark (Eucalyptus delegatensis) with the occasional giant ash (Eucalyptus regnans). The tall shrub layer is dominated by musk (Olearia argophylla), Tasmanian blanketleaf (Bedfordia salicina), dogwood (Pomaderris apetala), cheesewood (Pittosporum bicolor), stinkwood (Zieria arborescens), and satinwood (Nematolepis squamea). The ground layer is sparse and includes variable sword sedge (Lepidosperma laterale), mother shield fern (Polystichum proliferum) and bracken (Pteridium esculentum).

Two large E. delegatensis in playground E. obliqua wet forest (WOB) behind to be removed. the old toilet block.

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Natural Values Assessment for Fern Tree Park Visitor Node.

2.2 Conservation status of the vegetation communities

None of the vegetation communities within the development area are listed as threatened under Schedule 3A of the Nature Conservation Act 2002.

2.3 Flora Values

27 native plant species were recorded within the vicinity of the development site during the survey (Appendix 1). Whilst every effort was made to compile a complete list of native plant species, limitations of the survey technique and factors such as seasonality and absence of identifying features of some plants means that some species may have been overlooked.

No threatened flora species listed under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 or the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 were recorded during the survey. There is a historical record of wispy clubsedge (Isolepis habra) within 500 m of the site according the NVA, but the spatial accuracy of this record is poor (+/- 300 m). This is a distinctive species and is unlikely to have been overlooked during the survey.

Several other threatened plants have previously been recorded within a 5 km radius but none of these are likely to occur within the site. This includes conical sheoak (Allocasuarina duncanii), and narrowleaf westringia (Westringia angustifolia) which are known from the Fern Tree - Neika area but are both distinctive species and are unlikely to have been overlooked. The wet forest surrounding the site is potential habitat for fairy lanterns (Thismia rodwayi) but this species is unlikely to occur within the development footprint due to the highly modified condition of the site. No other threatened flora species are likely to occur based on habitat.

2.4 Introduced Plants

Three introduced species were recorded during the survey, including san isolated occurrence of English broom (Cytisus scoparius) in the Fern Glade car park behind the existing shelter. English broom is a declared weed under the Weed Management Act 2002. A single plant of Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) was also recorded in the playground which can proliferate after disturbance.

English broom in carpark

3

Natural Values Assessment for Fern Tree Park Visitor Node.

There are also ornamental trees and shrubs which have been planted but have not naturalised and are not including in the plant list.

2.5 Fauna Habitat Assessment

No threatened fauna habitat was observed during the survey. The site is too small and urbanised to provide important foraging habitat for eastern quoll or Tasmanian devil, both of which have been recorded within 500 m of the site (NVA 2018). No important habitat features for devils and quolls such as potential den sites, including large fallen logs or tree stumps were recorded during the survey. The site provides marginal foraging habitat for eastern barred bandicoot but there is no potential breeding/nesting habitat for bandicoots within the site.

There is no potential habitat for mount magana stag beetle (i.e. no large fallen logs) and no potential foraging habitat for swift parrot within the site (i.e. no blue gums). No raptor nests have been recorded within 2 km (NVA 2018) and no nests were observed during the survey. There are several large trees within the site, however no hollows suitable for masked owl were observed during the survey.

3. Impact Assessment and Planning Implications

The proposed upgrade of Fern Tree Park will be contained to the footprint of the existing playground and facilities. The site is already highly modified and no intact native vegetation communities will be impacted. There are a few native shrubs and ferns within the site which will need to be removed, but some may be retained or transplanted e.g. tree ferns. No threatened flora species were recorded during the survey and it is highly unlikely that any threatened species occur within the site based on habitat. The risk to threatened fauna is minimal given the absence of important habitat features such as den sites, large fallen logs, or tree hollows.

Two large gumtopped stringybark trees (E. delegatensis) will be removed in the playground for safety reasons (refer to arborist report). A visual inspection from the ground did not detect any hollows suitable for hollow nesting species such as masked owl. There are no mechanisms for offsetting the loss of trees in the Hobart Interim Planning Scheme 2015. A few native shrubs (i.e. musk, Tasmanian blanket leaf, dogwood and myrtle beech) will also be removed from around playground and carpark.

English broom should be controlled in Fern Glade car park prior to works commencing to minimise the risk of spread. Top soil from this area should be stockpiled within the carpark and not used elsewhere within the

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Natural Values Assessment for Fern Tree Park Visitor Node.

site to prevent the spread of English broom. Machinery should be washed down prior to entering the site to prevent new weed introductions as per standard weed hygiene protocols. The development site should be monitored for weeds on a regular basis during and after works, especially English broom and foxglove.

3.1 Hobart Interim Planning Scheme

The site is within a Biodiversity Protection Area and is zoned Environmental Management under the Hobart Interim Planning Scheme 2015. The development must satisfy the requirements of the Biodiversity Code (E.10) as outlined below.

The vegetation is classed as ‘Low Priority Biodiversity Values’ under Table E10.1 of the Biodiversity Code. The site does not contain any threatened vegetation communities and it does not provide important habitat for threatened species.

The proposal must therefore meet the performance criteria for buildings and works under E10.7.1. as outlined below. A response to each of performance criteria is provided in bold.

P1 (b) if low priority biodiversity values:

(i) development is designed and located to minimise impacts, having regard to constraints such as topography or land hazard and the particular requirements of the development;

Response: The development will be contained within the footprint of the existing playground facilities and car park. Impacts will be limited to the removal of a few native shrubs and two large gumtopped stringybark trees. No intact native vegetation will be impacted. Measures will be put in place to protect the root zone of large trees.

(ii) impacts resulting from bushfire hazard management measures are minimised as far as reasonably practicable through siting and fire-resistant design of habitable buildings;

Response: Not applicable as there are no habitable buildings. No additional bushfire hazard management measures are proposed.

3.2 Wellington Park Management Plan

The proposal must also satisfy the Standards for Development and Use under Table 5 of the Wellington Park Management Plan. Only Issue 2 is relevant to this report as it relates specifically to natural values. Responses to criteria are provided in bold.

5

Natural Values Assessment for Fern Tree Park Visitor Node.

Issue 2: Flora and Fauna Conservation, Geoconservation and Natural Processes

A2.1 Native Vegetation – The proposal does not involve removal or damage to aquatic or terrestrial vegetation which a) is listed as significant in this Management Plan or any planning strategy or Trust endorsed scientific assessment prepared in accordance with this Management Plan; or is a threatened vegetation community under the NCA; b) supports or form habitat for threatened species listed under the TSPA or EPBCA.

Response: The proposal can meet Acceptable Solution A2.1. The site does not contain any threatened vegetation communities or threatened species habitat.

A2.2 Threatened Species – The proposal does not impact on any threatened species listed under the TSPA or EPBCA.

Response: The proposal can meet Acceptable Solution A2.2. No threatened species or important habitat features were recorded during the survey. No records in NVA which suggest that threatened species may occur in the site but were overlooked due to the survey method.

4. Recommendations

The following recommendations are provided to minimise impacts of the proposed development:

Recommendation 1 – Development activities to be contained within existing footprint of Fern Tree Park. Disturbance or clearance of peripheral native vegetation (WOB) to be avoided.

Recommendation 2 - Erect temporary barriers around the site to prevent disturbance to peripheral native vegetation.

Recommendation 3 – Minimise disturbance to the root zone of large trees within the existing playground and park entrance precinct.

Recommendation 4 – Control English broom at the Fern Glade car park prior to site development.

Recommendation 5 - Best practice hygiene measures should be implemented to ensure contaminated soil is not transported into the area i.e. wash-down machinery and equipment prior to entering the site.

Recommendation 6 – Area to be monitored an ongoing basis to ensure declared weeds are effectively managed.

6

Natural Values Assessment for Fern Tree Park Visitor Node.

Appendix 1 – Cursory Species list for Fern Tree Park Visitor Node

Recorder: J. Quarmby Date: 6th June 2018 i = introduced d = declared weed e = endemic

Dicotyledonae

Family name Species name Common name

ASTERACEAE e Bedfordia salicina Tasmanian Blanket Leaf i Hypochoeris radicata

Olearia argophylla Musk

Olearia lirata Snowy daisy bush

Senecio minimus Shrubby Fireweed

EPACRIDACEAE

Monotoca glauca Golden Wood e Richea procera Lowland Richea

FABACEAE d Cytisus scoparius English broom

FAGACEAE

Nothofagus cunninghamii Myrtle Beech

LAMIACEAE

Prostanthera lasianthos var. lasianthos

MIMOSACEAE

Acacia dealbata silver wattle

Acacia melanoxylon blackwood

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Natural Values Assessment for Fern Tree Park Visitor Node.

MYRTACEAE

Eucalyptus delegatensis gumtopped stringybark

Eucalyptus obliqua stringybark

Eucalyptus regnans

OLEACEAE

Notelaea ligustrina native Olive

PITTOSPORACEAE

Pittosporum bicolor cheesewood

PLANTAGINACEAE i Digitalis purpurea foxglove

RHAMNACEAE

Pomaderris apetala subsp. apetala Dogwood

ROSACEAE

Acaena novae-zelandiae Buzzy

RUBIACEAE

Coprosma quadrifida Native Currant

RUTACEAE e Nematolepis squamea subsp. squamea Lancewood

Zieria arborescens subsp. arborescens

THYMELAEACEAE

Pimelea drupacea Cherry Rice-flower

Monocotyledonae

CYPERACEAE

Gahnia grandis Cutting Grass

8

Natural Values Assessment for Fern Tree Park Visitor Node.

Lepidosperma laterale Variable Sword-sedge

GRAMINEAE

Ehrharta stipoides weeping grass

Rytidosperma sp. wallaby grass

LILIACEAE

Lomandra longifolia sagg

Pteridophyta

BLECHNACEAE

Blechnum wattsii Hard Water-fern

DENNSTAEDTIACEAE

Pteridium esculentum Bracken

DICKSONIACEAE

Dicksonia antarctica Tree-fern

DRYOPTERIDACEAE

Polystichum proliferum Mother Shield Fern

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2 March 2015

Fern Tree – Natural Values Overview This document summarises the natural values of the Fern Tree Park area. This will include general values of the forest vegetation within the region, information about the dominant vegetation community at the site, any threatened species including flora and fauna known from the area and a brief summary of their habitat and likelihood of occurrence within the sites that have been proposed for upgrades. The natural landscape surrounding the Fern Tree Park area is dominated by wet and dry forest vegetation communities that adjoin the Wellington Park Trust. The vegetation here provides an extensive area of natural habitat which connects to Wellington Park and continues west through reserved land out into the South West National Park. In this sense, Fern Tree Park can be considered as a gateway to the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The Fern Tree/ Wellington Park region is a well- documented refuge for a range of plant and animal species including some Wet Eucalyptus globulus with broadleaf shrubs unusual, rare and threatened species. The vegetation community which extends south-west from the Fern Tree Park entry along the pipeline track to the Silver Falls junction and north-east of the Fern Tree Park entry to the quarry is mapped as Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest (WOU) according to TASVEG. This mapping unit is comprised of three sub-communities and the area of interest falls into the category of Eucalyptus obliqua over broadleaf shrubs (WOB). This community is characteristic of many sites of moderate to high fertility throughout Tasmania and is not confined to any particular substrate. Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest is well represented within the reserve system and is not listed as a vulnerable community. Eucalyptus obliqua wet forest is often found in pure stands, however this example contains intermittent mature Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian blue gum). Eucalyptus globulus is associated with the endangered Lathamus discolor (Swift parrot) as foraging habitat. Eucalyptus globulus was quite abundant on the lower slope of the pipeline track walking out to the junction of the Silver Falls track. At the Silver Falls turn off, Eucalyptus globulus dominates the forest behind the row of planted Fern trees on the left. The understorey of this vegetation community is comprised of broadleaf shrubs, predominantly Bedfordia salicina (Blanket-leaf), Olearia argophylla (Musk), Pomaderis apetala subsp. apetala (Common dog wood), Monotoca glauca (Goldey wood) and Nematolepis squamea subsp. squamea (Satin wood). There is also a high proportion of ground ferns. The wet forest here is a relatively species poor community though the forest is quite tall. There are four threatened species records from the area. Distribution of the species’ and habitat requirements are covered below with an indication of likelihood of occurrence. Isolepis habra (Whispy clubsedge) – rare (State legislation) The distribution of the species is limited to wet montane and riparian habitats on Mount Wellington and see level in various parts of the State. The record was from 1974 and location information states “the pipeline track”. The species may be easily overlooked as the plant is only between 5 and 20 cm tall. It is recommended that a target survey be conducted to determine if this species occurs within the site. Senecio velleioides (forest groundsel) – rare (State legislation) In Tasmania, forest groundsel is widespread and found in moist places on hills, particularly after disturbance by fire. The record from this area was collected in 1967 and the accuracy is 1500 metres, so the plant could have been located anywhere in the immediate Fern Tree vicinity. It is unlikely that this plant will be found in the wet forest within the study area, particularly given its preference for disturbance. Lissotes menalcas (Mount Mangana stag beetle) – vulnerable (State legislation) This stag beetle inhabits rotting logs on the forest floor in wet forests, and its primary threat is clearing of forest habitat and the removal of rotting logs, through fire wood collection or burning. The distribution of the species is patchy within areas of suitable habitat. The proposed upgrade as part of this master plan is unlikely to affect the species given the minimal disturbance of vegetation that will be required. Perameles gunii (Eastern barred bandicoot) – vulnerable (Commonwealth legislation) The relatively recent record of the species in the area is likely to have been from the more open woodlands and forest with grassy understorey nearby. The wet forest in the study area is not considered suitable habitat for this species. Eucalyptus globulus (Tasmanian blue gum) as foraging habitat for Lathamus discolor (Swift parrot) – endangered (State & Commonwealth legislation) During the breeding season, nectar from Tasmanian blue gum and black gum flowers is a primary food source for the species. Swift parrot’s nest into hollows of mature trees within foraging range of a flower source. The main threats to this species is a loss of foraging and nesting habitat. This proposal does not involve removal of trees, so no impact assessment is required. There are records along the pipeline track of Hieracium aurantiacum (orange hawkweed) which is a declared weed species in Tasmania. Its distribution is currently from a limited number of sites in southern Tasmania, one being Fern Tree and Neika. This weed has been targeted as part of an eradication effort by Hobart City Council. It is a serious invader of alpine and highland areas and it is recommended that if any plants are detected they should be eradicated and disposed of before any soil disturbance commences.

Fern Tree Park trees.

January 2018

Jerry Romanski Arborist / Consultant B.Sc (Hons), For: Ass. Dip. App. Sc.(Hort/Arb)

29 Winston Avenue Emma Sheppard-Simms Seven Mile Beach TAS. 7170 Inspiring Place Pty. Ltd. m: 0419 363 011 e: jerry@treeinclined

5 January 2018

1

CONTENTS

1. Scope ...... 3

2. Fern Tree Park Trees – Overview ...... 3

3. Redevelopment plan and existing trees ...... 4

4. Inspection data and notes ...... 5

Table 1. Type of Data collected for individual trees or landscape units...... 5

Table 2. Inspection data ...... 7

5. General tree protection notes ...... 12

6. Images ...... 13

2

1. SCOPE  This tree inspection and survey was prepared for Emma Sheppard-Simms of Inspiring Place Pty Ltd. This is a preliminary assessment of selected trees to complement the implementation of the Fern Tree Master Plan.

o Ground-based inspection of the trees was completed on 2/01/2018. Inspections were limited to selected trees or copses, as requested by E. Sheppard-Simms.

 Data collected during the inspections relates to the general condition of the trees and their potential for maintenance within the scope of the works proposed by the Master Plan and discussed with E. Sheppard-Simms.

 The report also identifies works considered necessary for maintenance of the trees in a low risk condition and provides some guidance for their long-term management and protection during the park re-development.

2. FERN TREE PARK TREES – OVERVIEW

A total of 23 trees are included in this evaluation.

The park is dominated by very mature native and exotic trees, giving it a unique character and aesthetic. Despite their advanced age, majority of the large trees have the potential to provide decades of further service. Some additional investigation of the structural integrity of a few (trees 11, 13, 20 and 21) is needed to ensure long-term safety of park users.

The re-development provides an opportunity to renew some short lived or structurally defective minor specimens.

3

3. REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND EXISTING TREES

4

4. INSPECTION DATA AND NOTES

The trees were visually assessed from the ground. The type of data collected for individual trees and landscape units is outlined in Table 1.

TABLE 1. TYPE OF DATA COLLECTED FOR INDIVIDUAL TREES OR LANDSCAPE UNITS.

TREE Number assigned to individual trees or landscape units.

SPECIES Botanic name of the tree

HGT Estimated height of trees in meters

DAB Trunk diameter above base or root flare, necessary for structural root zone calculations

DBH Diameter at breast height (DBH -1.4 m above the ground) in meters, necessary for tree protection zone calculations. Where more than one stem was

preset, DBH is a derived number based on the diameters of individual stems

H/S Assessment of tree health / structure. The categories are: Poor, Fair, Good

COMMENTS Notes about the tree or surroundings relevant to the proposed development and land use.

* - indicates that an image of this tree is included in section 6 Images.

5

LIFE Estimated remaining landscape life in years: <10, 10-25, 25-50, 50+

Ret. Potential for retention within the scope of proposed works (Y – yes, N – no)

RECS List of recommended works. Specified works are required to mitigate hazard or improve the landscape life expectancy of the tree. Where possible, terms specified in Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees are used.

SRZ Structural root zone – radial distance (m) from tree centre calculated using formula in AS 4970-2009 Protection of trees on development sites – minimum required for tree stability

TPZ Tree protection zone – radial distance (m) from tree centre calculated using formula in AS 4970-2009 Protection of trees on development sites – recommended distance of root and soil protection to reduce long-term impacts of development on individual trees.

Notes Comments to consider during detail design stage and construction.

6

TABLE 2. INSPECTION DATA TREE SPECIES HGT DAB DBH H/S Comments LIFE Ret. RECS SRZ TPZ Notes 1 Acacia dealbata 16 0.71 0.56 F/F Growing on steep bank, 10-25 Y Deadwood 2.9 6.7 exposed roots, large dead wood above path 2 Nothofagus 10 0.52 0.47 G/F Growing on steep bank, 10-25 Y Monitor decay 2.5 5.6 cunningahmii exposed roots, lopped development before at 2.2m, decay in lower trunk* 3 Bedfordia salicina 6 0.49 0.28 G/F Growing on steep bank, 10-25 Y 2.5 3.4 exposed roots, twin- leader from ground 4 Nothofagus 11 0.77 0.75 G/F Growing on steep bank, 10-25 Y Remove low dead material 3.0 9.0 Avoid root damage cunningahmii multi-leader from ground, to improve aesthetics if modifying the decay in lower trunk, shelter nearby - 3.4m from shelter works have potential to impact on SRZ. 5 Bedfordia salicina 7 0.57 0.36 G/F Growing on steep bank, 10-25 Y 2.6 4.3 multi-leader from ground 6 Dicksonia 4 4 mature tree ferns 25-50 Y 0.0 0.0 Ferns could be antarctica transplanted if necessary (cool months of the year) to facilitate path construction. 7 Rhododendron sp. 3 0.27 0.27 G/G Growing in raised bed, 25-50 Y 1.5 3.2 Avoid root damage edge of existing path during low stone 0.9m to E, mature fern wall disassembly. trees nearby Cover exposed roots and maintain moist.

7

TREE SPECIES HGT DAB DBH H/S Comments LIFE Ret. RECS SRZ TPZ Notes 8 Abies 24 1.03 0.91 F/G Historic adelgid damage 25-50 Y Consider deadwooding to 3.4 10.9 Care needed to nordmanniana improve aesthetics. avoid damage to large roots during construction of the boulder wall to the west. Consider using shallow toe-in only for footings and be prepared to modify construction to bridge over large roots. 9 Abies 23 0.73 0.64 F/G Historic adelgid damage 25-50 Y Consider deadwooding to 3.5 13.4 nordmanniana improve aesthetics. 10 Abies 25+ 1.16 1.12 G/G Historic adelgid damage 25-50 Y Consider deadwooding to 4.2 19.3 nordmanniana improve aesthetics. 11 Eucalyptus 25+ 1.8 1.61 F/F Picnic area and HV lines ? ? Aerial inspection required - 4.2 19.3 delegatensis below crown, multi-leader consider tomography if from 2.5m - brown rot in decay extensive 2 of the leaders* 12 Eucalyptus 25+ 1.28 0.97 F/F HV below crown, trees 12 ? ? Deadwood 3.7 11.6 delegatensis and 13 form a landscape unit 13 Eucalyptus 25+ 1.7 1.37 F/F HV below crown, trees 12 ? ? Aerial inspection required 4.1 16.4 delegatensis and 13 form a landscape (scaffold to NE)- consider unit, very large scaffold branch removal if decay is branch to NE with decay extensive on tension side* 14 Eucalyptus obliqua 25+ 1.06 0.84 G/G Some moderate size dead 25- Y Deadwood 3.4 10.1 branches in upper crown 50

8

TREE SPECIES HGT DAB DBH H/S Comments LIFE Ret. RECS SRZ TPZ Notes 15 Bedfordia salicina 4 0.42 0.19 G/F Decay in lower trunk <10 Consider early removal 2.3 2.3 16 Pomaderis aspera 8 0.25 0.28 F/F Growing in raised bed, <10 N 1.8 3.4 Within footprint bifurcation includes of the proposed bark - Structure boulder wall. The predisposed to site offers ample splitting*, central scope for planting leader has died of replacement trees. 17 Pomaderis aspera 8 0.3 0.26 G/F Bifurcation includes <10 Y 2.0 3.1 Consider early bark - Structure replacement of predisposed to trees 17, 18 and splitting* 19 in a different location - short remaining life. 18 Bedfordia salicina 6 0.41 0.24 G/F Twin from ground, <10 Y 2.3 2.9 decay in leader to SE 19 Bedfordia salicina 4 0.26 0.12 G/F Poor tree form - OK as 10- Y 1.9 2.0 part of a group only. 25

9

TREE SPECIES HGT DAB DBH H/S Comments LIFE Ret. RECS SRZ TPZ Notes 20 Eucalyptus obliqua 25+ 1.82 1.48 G/G Possible decay in mid- 25-50 Y Aerial inspection 4.3 17.8 The proposed trunk*, moderate size required (mid-trunk), deck should be dead branches deadwood permeable and throughout crown any substrate deposition near the trunk must provide for ready drainage away from the tree trunk. Facilitate passive run off from the path over soil below the deck to maintain root function in this area. 21 Eucalyptus obliqua 25+ 1.31 0.99 G/F Lanky crown, large 25- Y Remove hanger, check 3.7 11.9 hanger above track, 50 volume of decay in mid- decay in mid-trunk trunk

22 Eucalyptus obliqua 25+ 1.57 1.44 G/G Large root by edge of 25- Y Deadwood 4.0 17.3 path*, large dead 50 branches in mid and upper crown

10

TREE SPECIES HGT DAB DBH H/S Comments LIFE Ret. RECS SRZ TPZ Notes 23 Eucalyptus obliqua 25+ 1.68 1.42 G/G Large exposed roots in 25- Y Deadwood, consider 4.1 17.0 Particular care path*, unbalanced 50 reducing length / weight required to avoid crown - biased to S*, of mid-crown branches. damage to large moderate size dead shallow roots branches in mid and during path upper crown, tall (8m) construction. stump nearby Consider an elevated boardwalk above the exposed roots.

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5. GENERAL TREE PROTECTION NOTES

 The considerable number of large trees throughout the site means that tree protection zones (TPZ) essentially cover a majority of the park, making standard tree protection measures, such as exclusion from the TPZ impractical. I recommend that the structural root zone radii are defined and access to these areas is strictly limited and discussed with an arborist to prevent damage to structurally important roots and trunks.

 The proposed terracing of the currently steeply sloping areas dominating the park will improve their utility, but may potentially impact on roots of the large existing trees if cut and fill methods are used to achieve the new surface profiles. Excavation throughout the site should be minimized wherever possible and discussed with an arborist. Construction of soil retaining structures and filling over the existing grade is preferable to extensive excavation. o The soil surface in many areas of the park is compacted by years of foot traffic. Existing soil should be lightly scarified before depositing any overfill to improve water infiltration below the overfill layer and more ready colonization of the overfill by tree roots.

 It is likely that occasional input of an arborist will be required during the detail design and construction stages to minimize detrimental impacts on nearby trees.

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6. IMAGES

Tree 13. Large upright scaffold branch extending over the road is damaged by decay. Further investigation

is necessary.

Tree 2. Decay in lower trunk. Tree 11. Two of the leaders are damaged by decay. Further investigation is necessary.

Tree 16. Bark included between leaders – predisposed to splitting. 13

Tree 20. Investigate possible decay in Tree 22. Large buttress root extending into the mid-trunk. current path. Damage of the root must be avoided.

Tree 17. Bark included between leaders – predisposed to splitting.

Tree 23. Far left and left - large buttress roots over the path surface. Damage of the roots must be avoided; Right – unbalanced crown form with long and heavy branches.

14

Fern Tree Park trees.

Development impact assessment

Jerry Romanski Arborist / Consultant B.Sc (Hons), For: Ass. Dip. App. Sc.(Hort/Arb)

29 Winston Avenue Jill Hickie Seven Mile Beach TAS. 7170 Senior Park Planner m: 0419 363 011 City of Hobart e: jerry@treeinclined

12 June 2018

1

CONTENTS

1. Scope ...... 3

2. Fern Tree Park Trees – potential impact overview ...... 4

3. Assessment data and notes...... 5

Table 1. Type of Data collected for individual trees or landscape units...... 5

Table 2. Evaluation data and impact assessment ...... 7

4. Tree protection notes...... 13

Cut and fill plan / Sections – Fern Tree Park ...... 15

Fern Glade Car park ...... 16

2

1. SCOPE  This report was prepared for Jill Hickie, Senior Park Planner at the City of Hobart.  This is an arboricultural assessment of potential impact by the proposed works at Fern Tree Park. This assessment builds on the preliminary survey of the trees completed and reported on in January 2018 by Tree inclined. The report also includes an assessment of potential impact of proposed improvements at the nearby Fern Glade car park.

o Ground-based inspection of the trees was completed on 2/01/2018 and 1/06/2018. Aerial inspection of selected trees was completed on 10/01/2018. Sonic tomography of tree 11 was completed on 6/04/2018.

 The report identifies which trees will be removed or retained as part of the proposed project and indicates the potential level of impact by the works on tree vitality. The report also includes notes on tree protection and maintenance.

 Drawings used in this assessment are:

Fern Tree Park Redevelopment, by Inspiring Place, Sheet L-10 Landscape plan, Sheet L-20 Levels plan, Cut and fill diagram / sections,

Fern Tree Park visitor node master Plan Implementation, by City of Hobart, Civil works – Fern Glade Car Park

Electronic copies on the Cut and fill diagram and the Fern Glade car park indicating the trees’ and their protection zones are attached to this report.

3

2. FERN TREE PARK TREES – POTENTIAL IMPACT OVERVIEW

The site is dominated by large trees with interwoven root zones that impose limitations on methodologies for completion of tasks at all stages of the proposed project.

A total of 28 trees / landscape units are included in this evaluation. Retention of 16 trees is recommended. The re-development of Fern Tree Park and improvement of the Fern Glade car park are expected to have a low impact on 9 trees, moderate impact on 6 trees and may highly impact 1 tree – fir 8. Additional attention to the tree 8 and the neighbouring firs following completion of the project will promote their continued contribution to the Fern Tree landscape.

Removal of 12 individuals / landscape units is recommended. This includes units 6 and 24, together made up of 6 tree ferns that will be replanted within Fern Tree Park. The remaining trees are predominantly poorly structured individuals with hazardous characteristics and / or short remaining landscape life.

Tree protection notes (Section 4, pg. 13) and Notes in Table 2 (pg. 7) highlight some of the challenges imposed by the site and recommend steps necessary to reduce potential damage to the trees and soil during the build.

4

3. ASSESSMENT DATA AND NOTES

TABLE 1. TYPE OF DATA COLLECTED FOR INDIVIDUAL TREES OR LANDSCAPE UNITS.

TREE Number assigned to individual trees or landscape units.

SPECIES Botanic name of the tree

HGT Estimated height of trees in meters

DAB Trunk diameter above base or root flare, necessary for structural root zone calculations

DBH Diameter at breast height (DBH -1.4 m above the ground) in meters, necessary for tree protection zone calculations. Where more than one stem was

preset, DBH is a derived number based on the diameters of individual stems

H/S Assessment of tree health / structure. The categories are: Poor, Fair, Good

COMMENTS Notes about the tree or surroundings relevant to the proposed development and land use.

LIFE Estimated remaining landscape life in years: <10, 10-25, 25-50, 50+

Ret. Potential for retention within the scope of proposed works (Y – yes, N – no)

5

RECS List of recommended works. Specified works are required to mitigate hazard or improve the landscape life expectancy of the tree. Where possible, terms specified in Australian Standard AS 4373-2007 Pruning of Amenity Trees are used.

SRZ Structural root zone – radial distance (m) from tree centre calculated using formula in AS 4970-2009 Protection of trees on development sites – minimum required for tree stability

TPZ Tree protection zone – radial distance (m) from tree centre calculated using formula in AS 4970-2009 Protection of trees on development sites – recommended distance of root and soil protection to reduce long-term impacts of development on individual trees.

Notes Comments to consider during planning and construction.

Encroachment The nature of encroachment into the tree’s TPZ.

Impact Evaluation of potential of the proposed development to detrimentally impact on long-term vitality of individual trees (Low, Moderate or High). The evaluation considers the current condition of the area, the condition of individual trees, the proposed works, the level of encroachment and assumes adherence to Tree Protection Notes (Section 4) during the development.

6

TABLE 2. EVALUATION DATA AND IMPACT ASSESSMENT TREE SPECIES HGT DAB DBH H/S Comments LIFE Ret. RECS SRZ TPZ Notes Encroachment Impact 1 Acacia 16 0.7 0.56 F/F Growing on steep 10- Y Deadwood 2.9 6.7 New toilet Low dealbata bank, exposed 25 block roots, large dead wood above path 2 Lophozonia 10 0.5 0.5 G/F Growing on steep 10- N Removal of this decay cunningahmii bank, exposed 25 damaged tree will roots, lopped provide opportunity before at 2.2m, to shift the new toilet decay in lower block away from tree trunk 4. 3 Bedfordia 6 0.5 0.28 G/F Growing on steep 10- Y 2.5 3.4 Low salicina bank, exposed 25 roots, twin-leader from ground 4 Lophozonia 11 0.8 0.75 G/F Growing on steep 10- Y Remove low 3.0 9.0 Avoid root damage New toilet Low cunningahmii bank, multi-leader 25 dead when dismantling the block (over from ground, decay material to existing shelter- works footprint of in lower trunk, improve have potential to existing 3.4m from shelter aesthetics impact on SRZ. If shelter) necessary, consider shifting the new toilet block west to avoid damage to visible large roots. 5 Bedfordia 7 0.6 0.36 G/F Growing on steep 10- Y 2.6 4.3 Low salicina bank, multi-leader 25 from ground 6 Dicksonia 4 1 mature tree fern 25- N To be transplanted to antarctica 50 another area of the park.

7

TREE SPECIES HGT DAB DBH H/S Comments LIFE Ret. RECS SRZ TPZ Notes Encroachment Impact 7 Rhododendron 3 0.3 0.27 G/G Growing in raised 25- Y 1.9 3.2 Avoid root damage Re-profiling - Moderate sp. bed, edge of 50 during stone wall fill to 400mm; existing path 0.9m disassembly - steps to E, mature fern potential to impact on reconstruction trees nearby structural roots. (over existing Cover exposed roots path) and maintain moist. 8 Abies 24 1 0.91 F/G Historic adelgid 25- Y Consider 3.4 10.9 Boulder wall to north- Removal of High nordmanniana damage 50 deadwooding west to be existing play to improve constructed on re- and picnic aesthetics. profiled surface. equipment; Sandpit encroaches Re-profiling - on SRZ - feasibility of fill to 600mm, construction needs to cut to 400mm; be assessed during Sandpit; paths build by an arborist. 9 Abies 23 0.7 0.64 F/G Historic adelgid 25- Y Consider 3.5 13.4 Boulder wall to north Removal of Moderate nordmanniana damage 50 deadwooding to be constructed on existing play to improve re-profiled surface. and picnic aesthetics. Exposed aggregate equipment; path to be built up on Re-profiling - re-profiled surface - fill to 200mm, excavation for base cut to 600mm; may not be possible - paths to be assessed on site by an arborist.

8

TREE SPECIES HGT DAB DBH H/S Comments LIFE Ret. RECS SRZ TPZ Notes Encroachment Impact 10 Abies 25+ 1.2 1.12 G/G Historic adelgid 25- Y Consider 4.2 15.0 Exposed aggregate Removal of Moderate nordmanniana damage 50 deadwooding path to be built up on existing play to improve re-profiled surface - and picnic aesthetics. excavation for base equipment; may not be possible - Re-profiling - to be assessed on site fill to 200mm, by an arborist. Beware cut to 600mm; of possible large roots paths; dry when excavating for creek bed the dry creek bed - presence of an arborist on site advisable. 11 Eucalyptus 25+ 1.8 1.61 F/F Extensive decay in <10 N delegatensis leaders 12 Eucalyptus 25+ 1.3 0.97 F/F HV below crown, <10 N and delegatensis trees 12 and 13 13 form a landscape unit 1.7 1.37 F/F Very large scaffold <10 N branch to NE with decay on tension side 14 Eucalyptus 25+ 1.1 0.84 G/G Some moderate 25- Y Deadwood 3.4 10.1 Re-profiling - Low obliqua size dead branches 50 fill to 400mm, in upper crown cut to 200mm 15 Bedfordia 4 0.4 0.19 G/F Decay in lower <10 N Poor structure and salicina trunk maintenance prospects.

9

TREE SPECIES HGT DAB DBH H/S Comments LIFE Ret. RECS SRZ TPZ Notes Encroachment Impact 16 Pomaderis 8 0.3 0.28 F/F Growing in raised <10 N Poor structure and apetala bed, bifurcation maintenance includes bark - prospects. Structure predisposed to splitting, central leader has died 17 Pomaderis 8 0.3 0.26 G/F Bifurcation includes <10 N Poor structure and apetala bark - Structure maintenance predisposed to prospects. splitting 18 Bedfordia 6 0.4 0.2 G/F Twin from ground, <10 N Poor structure and salicina decay in leader to maintenance SE prospects. 19 Bedfordia 4 0.3 0.12 G/F Poor tree form - OK 10- N Poor structure and salicina as part of a group 25 maintenance only. prospects. 20 Eucalyptus 25+ 1.8 1.48 G/F Decay in mid-trunk, 10- Y Deadwood 4.3 15.0 Deck to be Re-profiling - Moderate obliqua moderate size dead 25 permeable, footings fill to 600mm, branches to be dug by hand; cut to 400mm; throughout crown bark mulch over fill deck below to be fine hardwood chip.

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TREE SPECIES HGT DAB DBH H/S Comments LIFE Ret. RECS SRZ TPZ Notes Encroachment Impact 21 Eucalyptus 25+ 1.3 1 G/F Lanky crown, large 25- Y Remove 3.7 11.9 Footings for Path Low obliqua hanger above 50 hanger bridge/path to be dug resurfacing; track, decay in by hand - bridge bridge/path lower and mid- design needs to be construction trunk flexible enough to accommodate likely need to adjust location of piers during the build. 22 Eucalyptus 25+ 1.6 1.44 G/G Large root by edge 25- Y Deadwood 4.0 15.0 Footings for Path Low obliqua of path, large dead 50 bridge/path to be dug resurfacing; branches in mid by hand - bridge bridge/path and upper crown design needs to be construction flexible enough to accommodate likely need to adjust location of piers during the build. 23 Eucalyptus 25+ 1.7 1.42 G/G Larges exposed 25- Y Deadwood, 4.1 15.0 Footings for Re-profiling - Moderate obliqua roots in path, 50 consider bridge/path to be dug cut to 1.3m; moderate size dead reducing by hand - bridge branches in mid length / design needs to be and upper crown, weight of flexible enough to tall (8m) stump mid-crown accommodate likely nearby branches. need to adjust location of piers during the build. 24 Dicksonia 5 mature tree ferns N To be transplanted to antarctica another area of the park. 25 Eucalyptus 18 0.5 0.42 G/G 2.4 5.0 Low obliqua 26 Eucalyptus 18 0.5 0.40 G/F 2.4 4.8 Low delegatensis

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TREE SPECIES HGT DAB DBH H/S Comments LIFE Ret. RECS SRZ TPZ Notes Encroachment Impact 27 Agonis 6 0.3 0.15 G/F Juvenile tree N Excessive damage to High flexuosa structural roots expected 28 Eucalyptus 22 0.5 0.45 G/G 2.5 5.4 Moderate obliqua 29 Acacia 12 0.6 0.52 G/F Bifurcation includes N In footprint of car melanoxylon bark - Structure park driveway predisposed to splitting

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4. TREE PROTECTION NOTES

TPZ – “A specified area above and below the ground and at a given distance from the trunk set aside for the protection of a tree’s roots and crown to provide for the viability and structural stability of a tree... (AS 4970-2009).”

Such areas generally exclude:

Access by heavy machinery Machine excavation including trenching Storage of building materials Preparation of chemicals, including preparing cement products Parking of vehicles and plant Refuelling Dumping of waste Wash down and cleaning of equipment Placement of fill Lighting of fires Soil level changes Temporary or permanent installation of utilities and signs

 This is a difficult site. The overlapping TPZs of the large trees that dominate Fern Tree Park means that any works at this site will need to occur in areas important for the trees’ long-term vitality and stability. The proposed project includes cut and fill operations and construction of new paths, play areas and lawns over active root zones of the surrounding trees. It is essential that an arborist is closely involved at all stages of site preparation, removal of the existing equipment and infrastructure and construction of the proposed improvements. Some points for consideration during the build are provided in Notes, Table 2.

 The recommended tree maintenance works or removal should be completed at the start of the project by qualified arborists.

 The SRZ of trees must be clearly marked and excluded from the activities listed above. Fixed barricading should be erected around the SRZ periphery wherever possible. Dimensions of individual SRZ are included in Table 2.

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 Access to the site should be limited to light machinery only to prevent excessive soil compaction. Movement of machinery needs to be planned with the project arborist and soil protection measures adopted wherever necessary.

 Movement and storage of debris and building materials needs to consider potential impact on tree roots and follow methodology discussed with the project arborist.

 Some areas of the site are already compacted by years of foot traffic. Such areas should be lightly scarified before any fill operation to ensure that any future irrigation and natural precipitation easily penetrate into the profile and the existing roots are able to colonise the overfill. It is likely that some soil rehabilitation will be necessary in the final stages of the project.

 The firs 8, 9 and 10 may require additional care following completion of the project. The trees periodically suffer from adelgid damage which has the potential to substantially reduce their amenity value. Adelgid damage is best prevented with attention to soil quality and moisture, but may also require chemical intervention, if the insect population is particularly great.

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CUT AND FILL PLAN / SECTIONS – FERN TREE PARK

SRZ – red circles TPZ – yellow circles 15

FERN GLADE CAR PARK

SRZ – red circles TPZ – yellow circles

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MichaelSrnall Consulting Pty Ltd ABN7o 1502A1 2r3

Making EnvironmentsAccessible

Ms JillHickie SeniorPark Planner HobartCity Council GPO Box 503 Hobart Tasmania7001

11 January2017

Dear Ms Hickie Fern Tree Park access ln 2015 | was approachedto providea reportincluding: 1. An assessmentof the relevantdiscrimination and buildinglaw impactingon the proposeddevelopment and in particularin relationto accessibletoilet facilities. 2. An assessmentof the safest and most effectiveways of providingthe best accesspossible given the topographicaland technicalconstraints on the site. ln September 2015I provideda draft report,which *""ih" subjectof furtherdiscussions with Councilstaff, design consultants and members of the HobartAccess Advisory Committee. Throughout2016a numberof optionsfor improvingaccess were consideredand a draft proposalwasreleased for publiccomment. Followingthe releaseof a draftproposed approach community feedbackindicated that therewas littlesupport for a proposalthat would relocatetoilets to a site in the nearbyFern Tree Taverncarpark primarilydue to safetyconcerns for pedestrians(particularly children) crossingHuon Road. As a resultof thesedevelopments, I havefurther considered the issue and provideyou belowwith my final advice. Relevant legislative context HobartCity Council has a responsibilityto ensureequitable and dignifiedaccess for peoplewith disabilityto any buildings,spaces or facilitiesmade availableto the publicat FernTree Park.

PO Box 330 SandyBay 7006 T: 0400577 991 E: [email protected] ln this sectionI will brieflyreview legislative requirements applicable to the use of FernTree Park and considerany relevantguidelines and good practicestandards. Application of discriminationlaw The two relevantlaws that set out responsibilitiesin relationto non- discriminatoryuse of Fern Tree Parkfacilities for peoplewith disability are the FederalDisability Discrimination Act 1992 andthe Anti- DiscriminationAct 7998 (Tas). Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) The DDA providesprotection against discrimination for peoplewith disabilitythroughout Australia. Peoplewith disabilitywho experiencediscrimination because of their disabilitycan makea complaintof discriminationto the Australian HumanRights Commission (or undersimilar state and territorylaws to stateand territorybodies). The most relevantprovision of the DDA underwhich complaintsin relationto the use of FernTree Park could be made is sdction23 'Accessto Premises'that statesl: It is unlawfulfor a personto discriminateagainst another person on theground of theother person's disability: (a) by refusingto allowthe other person access to, or the useof, anypremises that the publicor a sectionof the publicis entitledor allowedto enteror use(whether for paymentor not);or (b) in theterms or conditionson whichthe first mentioned personis preparedto allowthe otherperson access to, or theuse of, any such premises; or (c) in relationto the provisionof meansof accessto such premises;or (d) by refusingto allowthe other person the useof anyfacilities in suchpremises that the public or a sectionof thepublic is entitledor allowedto use(whether for paymentor not);or (e) in theterms or conditionson which the first mentioned personis preparedto allowthe other person the useof any suchfacilities: or

' http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C20 13C00022 (0 by requiringthe otherperson to leavesuch premisesor ceaseto use such facilities. Thedefinition of 'premises'in the DDAis: premisesincludes: (a) a structure,building, aircraft, vehicle or vessel;and (b) a place(whether enclosed or builton or not);and (c) a partof premises(including premises of a kindreferred to in paragraph(a) or (b)). In my opinionpublic toilets, footpaths, trails, picnic areas, play areas, viewingplatforms, shelters or otherfacilities made availableto the publicwould come within the definitionof 'premises'andwould thereforebe covered by section 23 of the DDA. Whilethe questionof accessto toiletsand sheltersis addressedbelow, there are no mandatorycompliance standards in relationto the services and facilitiesoffered in FernTree Park such as trails,outdoor picnic areas,play areasor viewingareas. As a result,if a personwith disabilityexperienced a barr.ierto the use of servicesand facilitiesa complaintcould be lodgeddirectly against the authorityresponsible for the park. ln the first instance,the AustralianHuman Rights Commission would attemptto conciliatean agreementbetween the partiesto the complaint.lf agreementwere not possiblethe complainantwould be able to take their complaintto the FederalCourt for determination. lf a complaintproceeded to the court,any personor organisation subjectto a complaintmay have a defenseif the removalof the barrier wouldcause an unjustifiablehardship. A courtconsidering a defenseof unjustifiablehardship in relationto a complaintcould consider all relevantfactors. ln relationto servicesor facilitiesthis mightinclude, among other factors: . the natureof the benefitor detrimentlikely to be experiencedby any personconcerned, . the estimatedcosts involvedin removingan accessbarrier, . any exceptionaltechnical factors including gradient topography, . the effecton any essentialheritage feature, . evidenceof effortsmade in goodfaith to complyincluding consultingwith relevant parties, and . anymeasures undertaken to ensuresubstantially equal access2. Tasmanian Anti-DiscriminationAct 19983 The TasmanianAnti-Discrimination Act 1998requires that a person mustnot discriminate against another person on thegrounds of a prescribedattribute, including disability. Section 22 of theAct specifies the areasof activitywhere discrimination is prohibited: (1) Subjectto the exceptionsand exemptionsspecified in Part5, this Act appliesto discriminationand prohibitedconduct, other than inciting hatred,by or againsta personengaged in, or undertakingany, activity in connectionwith any of the following: (a)employment; (b)education and training; (c) provisionof facilities,goods and services; (d)accommodation; (e) membershipand activitiesof clubs; (0 administrationof any law of the Stateor any Stateprogram; (g) awards,enterprise agreements or industrialagreements. Section 3 lnterpretationdefines'services' as:

servicesincludes services- (a) relatingto accessto, and the use of, any placethat membersof the publicare permittedto enter;or (b) relatingto banking,insurance, superannuation or the provisionof grants,loans, credit or finance;or (c) relatingto entertainment,refreshment or recreation;or (d) relatingto transportationand travel;or (e) relatingto any profession,trad€ or business;or (f) providedby a Stateauthority or a council;or

' Cl-ur" 11 of the DDA http:/iwww.comlaw.qov.auiDetails/C2013C00022and section 4.1 of the Disability(Access to premises- buildings)Standards 2010 http.//www.comlaw.Eov.aulSeriqs/F20 10L00668

3 http://www5.austlii.edu.eu/aullegislta$/co 04/ 's,iflF'':' !.-,;.'i."";.-.'....,.'....> i.;r':

(g)relating to selling,buying, leasing, assigning or disposingof an interestin land; The Anti-DiscriminationAct also includesa general defence of unjustifiablehardship in section48. In my opinionpublic toilets, footpaths, trails, picnic areas, play areas, viewingplatforms or otherfacilities made availableto the publicwould come withinthe definitionof 'any placethat membersof the publicare permittedto enter'or'seryices',and would thereforebe coveredby section22 of the Anti-DiscriminationAct. Building law and the Premises Standards The Nafrbnal Construction Code Volume 1: Building Code of Australia C/ass 2 to Class 9 Buildings (BCA) and the Disability (Access fo a premises- buildings) Standards2010 (PremisesStandards) apply to new buildingsand new buildingwork upgradesto, or extensionsof, existingbuildings including buildings such as offices,retail centres, theatres,libraries, visitor centres or holidaycabins. The BCA alsocovers Class 10 buildings,which are eithernon-habitable buildingsor structuressuch as stand-alonepublic toilets or shelters (10a)or swimmingpools (10b). Table D3.1 of the BCA (and PremisesStandards) specifies particular typesof Class10a buildings where access is required, Non-habitablebuilding located in an accessib/earea intendedfor use by the publicand containinga sanitaryfacility, change room facilityor shelter. To and within: (a) an accessrb/esanitary facility; and (b) a changeroom facility; and (c) a publicshelter or the like ln this case,the existingand any proposednew toiletfacilities and shelterwould in my viewbe consideredto be Class10a buildings.

4 http://www.comlaw. qov. au/Deleils/F20 10L00668 Michael 'Emall' i:',-',.i'.'i ;..',..:...,

Are the facilities'in an accessiblearea' The BCAand PremisesStandards under Table D3.1 require that facilitiessuch as newtoilets and shelters meet the accessibility standardsif 'locatedin an accessiblearea'. The Guidelineon the appticationof the PremisesStandards5 provides someguidance on the intendedinterpretation of theterm 'located in an accessiblearea'on page 73 as follows: Class10 buildings Class10a buildings; A Class10a building is a non-habitable building.Certain Class 10a buildings are required to be accessibleif theyare located in an accessiblearea. Examples of Class10a buildings to whichthe Access Code may apply are a toiletblock in a parkor at the startof a trail,a structureused to provideshelter, and change rooms associated with a sportsfield or swimmingpool. Generally,if the buildingis locatedat a pointwhere it wouldbe relativelyeasy for a personwith disability to gettb, suchas wherethere is a carparknext to the buildingor a formedpathway or drop-offpoint at the beginningof a walkwayor trackthe PremisesStandards will apply. However,in somecircumstances, a Class 10a building may be locatedwhere it maynot be possibleto providean accessible pathof travel,such as a considerableway intoa naturewalk. In suchcases, the Class10a buildings need not be accessible. Clearlythere will be manyvariations on the locationof Class10a buildingsand certifiers and developers will need to make decisionsabout the applicationof the PremisesStandards on a case-by-casebasis. The importantquestion in relationto existingor anyproposed new toiletsand shelteris whetheror notthey are located'in an accessible area'.

5 https:/lwww.humanrights.qov.au/quidelines-application-premises-standards ..'..1;1!|...... '..>

Clearlyif newtoilets and shelter were located in thecarpark on or at the roadedge they would be in an accessiblearea and access requirementswould apply. Forvarious reasons, including community views, safety, cost, engineeringand heritage area considerations, the prevailingview is to retainthe currenttoilet block and shelter in the currentlocation. Giventhe naturaltopography of the areain myview it couldbe argued thatthe existing toilets and shelter are not'located in an accessible area'andthat under Table D3.1 of the BCAor PremisesStandards they would,therefore, not be requiredto be accessible. As I havepreviously indicated the final decision about the applicationof the BCAand Premises Standards access requirements to the existing toiletand shelter under Table D3.'l is onefor thecertifying authority to make,and I recommenddiscussions be heldwith an appointedbuilding certifierto clarifythe scopeof accessrequirements. Would refurbishmentof the existingfacilities trigger access WhileI am of theview that it couldbe arguedthat the existing facilities are not'located in an accessiblearea', and therefore would not be requiredto be accessible,a certifyingauthority may have a different view. lf a certifyingauthority were of theview that the facilities are in an accessiblearea the questionthen becomes, would the refurbishmentof theexisting facilities trigger access upgrades if the refurbishmentwork requiredbuilding approval. The PremisesStandards apply to newbuildings and a newpart of a buildingand Subsection 2.1(4) defines the term 'new part' of a building as anyextension to, or modifiedpart of, an existingbuilding for which an applicationfor building work approval is require. Generallyspeaking if newbuilding work is undertakenin an existing buildingsuch as buildinganother level, extending office space outside the buildingenvelope or constructinga new toilet block this would requirebuilding work approval and the newwork would be requiredto meetcurrent accessibility req uirements. In somesituations this would also trigger a requirementto upgradethe accessibilityof the pathof travelfrom the entrance to the buildingto the area of the new work - referredto in the PremisesStandards as the 'affectedpart'. The questionhere would be, if Councilwereto proceedwith maintenancework and refurbishingthe existingtoilet and shelterby providingnew fixturessuch as replacementtoilet bowls and sinks,taps, walls coverings,shelter roof and new parkfurniture and barbecue, would that constitutean extensionto or a modifiedpart of a buildingo? Duringthe firstfew yearsof implementationof the PremisesStandards these triggersraised some importantinterpretation questions. For example,if an owner neededto replacea brokenwashbasin in an existingstaff kitchenand approvalwas requiredwould that triggeran upgradeof the 'affectedpart'? Similarly, would the replacementof carpetsor awnings,which mightin some statesrequire building approval,also triggeraccess improvements? The Guideline on the application of the Premises Standards offered some guidanceon this question.On page 27 the guidelinestates: Note on upgrades to existing buildings where-the nature of the upgrade work does not require approval Some renovationsand upgradesto existingbuildings would not requirean applicationfor building/constructionapproval because the work being undertakendoes not requireapproval, or becausein some statesand territoriesit is exemptdevelopment. For example,a shop owner may redecorateor re-arrangetheir displaystands or the ownersof an officeblock may replace damagedroof tiles. In these situations,where stateand territory buildingregulations do not requirea building/construction approvalfor work to be undertaken,the PremisesStandards are not triggered.

6 In otherjurisdictions such as lrelandthe equivalentregulations refer to the requirementfor accessupgrades being required when thereis an 'extensionto or a materialalteration' to a buildingother than a repairor renewal. Similarlyimprovements to a buildingsuch as painting,re-wiring or replacementof a heaterare unlikelyto requirebuilding approvaland hence the PremisesStandards would not apply in thosecases. Thoseresponsible for the design,construction, certification and managementof upgradesor renovationsshould check with their state/territorygovernment to determinewhether or notan applicationfor a building/constructionapproval is requiredand whatmight be consideredexempt development. Theguideline goes on the state: Noteon changesto existingbuildings that may require buildingapproval, but wherethe changesmay not be considered'an extensionto the buildingor a modifiedpart of a building' Theremay be situationswhere the certifyingauthority would needto considerwhether or notan upgradeshould be viewedas 'anextension to thebuilding or a modifiedpart ofa building'even thougha buildingapproval may be requiredfor firesafety or otherreasons not related to accessissues. Forexample, in somejurisdictions a building approval may be requiredto replaceemergency exit signage, installfire-fighting services,construct a newawning to a shopfront or replacea carpetif therewere fire safetyissues involved, Ordinarilysuch changes would not be regardedas an extension to or modificationof a buildingsufficient to warrantthe applicationof the PremisesStandards (ineluding the 'affected part'provisions) and in somecases building certifiers might be calledupon to exercisesome discretion on thisquestion. ln my viewit couldbe arguedthat the repairand renewal of features suchas toiletpans and washbasins, wall coverings and seating fixtures as envisagedat FernTree Park toilets and shelter would not constitute an extensionto or modifiedpart of the building. Michael

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Other considerations In providingthis adviceI have considereda numberof other issuesas relevant: . Councilhas made genuineefforts to identifyall reasonable actionsit couldtake to improveaccess within budgetary constraints. . lmprovementswill be madeto allowfor assistedaccess to the Park and shelter. . The AccessAdvisory Committee recognised the very complex and difficultissues the site presents. . The Park is very small,has low usageand is locatedin an area of difficulttopographical features which would not be easy for peoplewith mobilitydisability to visit. . Plansare beingdeveloped to providemore extensiveaccess facilitiesand opportunitiesin the nearbyre-developed Springs site includingaccessible toilets, accessible paths and possibly the availabilityof a Trailriderall-terrain wheelchairT. Advice The existingFern Tree Park and associatedfacilities are subjectto anti- discriminationlaws, both Federaland state,however, iri-rny view it is likelythe toiletsand shelterwould not be requiredto be accessible underthe PremisesStandards and BCA if constructedtoday. ln my view it is also likelyrepair and renewalof the existingtoilet facilitieswould not triggera requirementto upgradethe buildingto provideaccessible facilities under the PremisesStandards and BCA. Giventhe above,the technicaland topographicalproblems of the site and the plansto provideaccessible facilities and inclusiveopportunities at the nearbySprings site, my adviceis to: . Resolvematters regarding waste managementsolutions for an upgradedtoilet and picnicfacility in the park . Confirmwith the buildingapproval authority the effectof repair and renewalof the toiletand shelterfacilities on requirementsfor access, . Followingfurther discussions with the AccessAdvisory Committeeproceed with the repairand renewalof the existing toiletfacilities and shelter.

/ http://www.naiionalparks. nsw. qov. au/access-friend ly/trai l-rider

10 . providefor assistedaccess to the site,and . establisha timetablefor upgradingfacilities and opportunitiesfor peoplewith disabilityat the Springssite. Proceedingin this way would meanthat Councilremains vulnerable to potentialdiscrimination complaints, however, given the circumstances and the effortsmade by Councilto find reasonablesolutions I am of the view that there would be substantialgrounds for a defenceof unjustifiablehardship should a complaintarise. Yours sincerely

MichaelSmall

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