Buangor TOWNSHIP PLAN

BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN Prepared For Ararat Rural City Council

FINAL REPORT June 2016 PROJECT CONTROL Checked Checked Date Status Version PM PD released FINAL 2 DF JLR 30/06/2016

1 INTRODUCTION 1 6 PUBLIC REALM 24 1.1 Brief 1 6.1 Des Brennan Park & Recreation Reserve 24 1.2 About Buangor 2 6.2 Billy Billy Creek 24 1.3 Economy and Tourism 4 6.3 Access and Transport 26 1.4 Western Highway Duplication 6 6.4 Public Realm 28 1.5 Strategic Context 8 6.5 Landscape & Urban Design Guidelines 30 1.6 Planning Controls 10 7 IMPLEMENTATION 32 2 BUANGOR’S HERITAGE 14

3 CONSULTATION 16 3.1 Consultation Results 18

4 A VISION FOR BUANGOR 19

5 ECONOMIC & TOURISM DEVELOPMENT 20 5.1 Tourism 20 5.2 Township Economic Activity 22 5.3 Land Use 22 5.4 Sense of Place 22

to Adelaide Avoca River

Wimmera River Bendigo Wine Region

Pyrenees Wine Region PYRENEES HIGHWAY

STAWELL 5 0 k AVOCA m Pyrenees Ranges WESTERN HIGHWAY HALLS GAP ELMHURST PYRENEES HIGHWAY 2 0 k m WARRAK Mount Cole Langi Ghiran State Forest ARARAT State Park 1 0 k Grampian Ranges Mount m National Park Buangor State SUNRAYSIA HIGHWAY Grampians Wine Region Park

Challicum BUANGOR Hills Wind

Farm BEAUFORT

0 1

WESTERN HIGHWAY

Hopkins River

WILLAURA

k BALLARAT

0 2

to Hamilton

GLENELG HIGHWAY

LAKE BOLAC

0 5 Woady Yaloak River Figure 1. REGIONAL SETTING OF BUANGOR

The Buangor Township Plan has been prepared 1.1 BRIEF to respond to the opportunities that will arise following completion of the Western Highway The objectives of the Buangor Township Plan are duplication and bypass of Buangor. It has to: been developed by conjunction Ararat Rural ▪▪ Provide a future vision for the town City Council through consultation with the community. ▪▪ Identify economic and tourism opportunities Buangor is a small rural village located on the ▪▪ Strengthen community facilities Western Highway approximately 24km east of ▪▪ Plan streetscape improvements Ararat and 75km west of Ballarat. ▪▪ Build on Buangor’s landscape and heritage The township is currently divided by the Western character Highway, which is the main interstate transport route between Melbourne and Adelaide. ▪▪ Build on the urban design elements outlined VicRoads is currently in the process of duplicating in the Ararat Sustainable Growth Future and upgrading the highway, and part of the (2014), and on the actions identified in the Existing signage at the eastern entrance to Buangor duplication project includes the bypass of Community Action Plan (2015-2018) Buangor. Removal of this major transport corridor will see the amenity, safety and character of Buangor increase significantly as freight and through traffic is diverted north of town.

The Western Highway, a major truck route, divides the town with a 90km speed limit.

© 2016 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN 1 1.2 ABOUT BUANGOR Buildings within Buangor are all single storey, except for the Cobb & Co Changing Station Buangor has a high level of visual amenity, with which is a three storey bluestone building that the backdrop of Mount Buangor/Mount Cole has a commanding presence on the built form and Mount Langi Ghiran rising to the north, a character of Buangor. Buildings are modest and rolling pastoral landscape scattered with remnant many retain a consistent historic character. river red gums to the south, and a long ridgeline supporting the Challicum Hills wind farm to the The broader community is supported by east. predominantly farming industries, including wool, cattle, cropping, hay and vineyards. The timber The focus of the town is centred around industry has established plantations to the north community facilities located within the Des of the town which are currently in the process of Brennan Park recreation reserve. The most being harvested. prominent of these is the heritage listed Cobb & Co Changing Station, a bluestone building that The Challicum Hills wind farm has been operating is now used for community functions. Beyond on a ridgeline that overlooks Buangor to the that is a sports oval and pavilion that serves as a south-west since 2003. gathering place for the community, a new BMX Sports Pavilion at the Recreation Reserve track, tennis courts, a children’s playground and adult exercise station. To the east of Des Brennan Park a winding path crosses the Billy Billy Creek and leads up to the primary school, which has a current enrolment of around 30 students. On the opposite side of the road the Buangor Hotel and Wine Tasting/Gallery business are no longer in operation. There is currently no commercial activity in the town. The Avenue of Honour is a key feature of the town’s streetscape. It was planted in 1918 to commemorate those who enlisted and served in the First World War. It is comprised of a mix of English elms, golden elms and silver poplars. Of the original 50 trees that were planted, 30 remain.

Former Cobb & Co Changing Station

Avenue of Honour and adjacent service road Challicum Hills Wind Farm Former Wine and Art Gallery

© 2016 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN 3 1.3 COMMUNITY There is a close alignment between the goals of the Community Action Plan and this Township Buangor has a strong and active community Plan. Both will be implemented through a that is heavily involved in a variety of voluntary collaboration between community groups, activities. Ararat Rural City Council and relevant State The Buangor Community Sports Committee, Government agencies and authorities. Primary School Council, Country Fire Authority and Landcare Group provide focal points for community activity for people living within 1.4 ECONOMY & TOURISM Buangor and throughout the surrounding Buangor is nested between Mount Langi Ghiran agricultural district. and Mount Cole State Parks which form part of There is a particularly close relationship between the lower Pyrenees and have been recognised as Buangor Primary School and the recreation part of the South-West Landscape Study (2013). reserve. The school plays an important role Mount Cole and Mount Langi are popular nature Mt Langi Ghiran in retaining and attracting residents. This is based attractions and are well-used for camping (Image source: www.winebof.com) complemented by the Sports Committee, and recreation. which provides sporting, social and recreational opportunities for both children and adults. Challicum Hill to the south west of Bunagor is home to one of Victoria’s first wind farms and The recreation reserve and primary school provides a scenic route to Ararat. precinct has emerged as the central meeting place for the local district, with the pavilion and The district is home to a number of wineries Cobb and Co Hall catering for a wide range of and vineyards, for example Mt Langi Ghiran at activities and events. The vision contained in the foothills of the mountain and Wineworks at the Buangor Community Action Plan 2015-18, Warrak, which form part of the Grampians Wine highlights the value placed on this precinct: region and have access to the Pyrenees to the north. Our community will strive to provide: Agriculture is the largest part of the local ▪▪ A central meeting place for functions and economy with cropping, grazing and farming to town activities the south of Buangor. There are also vineyards, horse studs and pastures between Buangor and ▪▪ Improvements to existing infrastructure Mountainside Wines north of Buangor Warrak. ▪▪ Opportunities to attract funding from external (Image source: www.about-australia.com) sources to improve Buangor’s sustainability ▪▪ Improved services to encourage tourists and residents to the area.

5 0 k m

Pyrenees Ranges WESTERN HIGHWAY

ELMHURST To Pyrenees

PYRENEES HIGHWAY

2 0 k m

WARRAK Mount Cole State Forest

ARARAT

1 Mount Langi Mount 0 k Cole m Diversification of rural agriculture (vineyards) Grampians

Wine Region Challicum Hills Wind Farm BUANGOR

BEAUFORT

0 1

Hopkins River

Figure 2. ECONOMY & TOURISM2

0 5 1.5 WESTERN HIGHWAY the Buangor township. More detailed information can be found on the DUPLICATION VicRoads webpage, including Environmental The Western Highway is the main interstate Effects Statements and Technical Appendices: transport route between Melbourne and Adelaide, https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/planning-and- and is one of Victoria’s busiest rural highways. projects/regional-road-projects/western-highway- VicRoads is in the process of duplicating and upgrades/western-highway-duplication-beaufort- upgrading the highway as it is expected to see an to-ararat increase of traffic volumes in the future. A 6 kilometre bypass is being constructed around Buangor between Andersons Road and Pope Road (see Figure 2 opposite). It is expected to be completed by the middle of 2016. BMD Constructions Pty Ltd has been contracted to construct the bypass.

The bypass will lie to the north of the town, and Overpass and interchange at Peacocks Road under construction. access will be available via the service road and interchange at a new overpass on Peacocks Road. Works include: ▪▪ Realignment and regrading of the existing Western Highway carriageway. ▪▪ Three new bridges over Billy Billy Creek. ▪▪ New service roads to maintain local access and road connections to the township of Buangor. ▪▪ New interchange and highway overpass at Peacocks Road, with ramps connecting to the eastbound lanes. ▪▪ Two new roundabouts at key access points to

Highway under construction at Buangor - Ben Nevis Road.

BUANGOR - BEN NEVIS ROAD Western Highway Buangor Bypass Service Road New overpass and interchange on Peacocks Road New roundabouts at town entrances

WESTERN HIGHWAY FUTURE WESTERN HIGHWAY SERVICE ROAD FUTURE WESTERN HIGHWAY ALIGNMENT

Primary School

Recreation ROAD PEACOCKS

Reserve ANDERSONS ROAD ANDERSONS

BUANGORROAD MAIN

Railway Station

CHALLUCIM ROAD

CHALLUCIM ROAD Buangor Cemetary

Billy Billy Creek DIP ROAD DIP

0 500 1000

Figure 3. WESTERN HIGHWAY BY-PASS metres

© 2016 1.6 STRATEGIC CONTEXT connections between the north and south MUNICIPAL STRATEGIC STATEMENT sides of the highway. SETTLEMENTS (CLAUSE 21.03-1) STRATEGIES AND PLANS The plan recommended the following actions for the expansion of residential land: The Ararat Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) identifies Buangor as a Rural Village. Rural Villages ARARAT SUSTAINABLE GROWTH FUTURE ▪ Rezoning of lots fronting Challicum Road from ▪ support small populations and provide a focal STRATEGY (2014) Farming Zone to Township Zone to reflect point for the surrounding rural community. their use and subdivision size The Ararat Sustainable Growth Future Strategy Access to services such as education and retail (ASGFS) was prepared to provide an integrated ▪▪ Rezoning of lots west of town from Township are available and connections to reticulated water land use strategy for managing the future Zone to Rural Living Zone vary. growth of the municipality, and to provide high level strategic direction to inform the update of ▪▪ Investigating Rural Living Zone opportunities Council’s Municipal Strategic Statement. to the north and north east of town following BUANGOR (CLAUSE 21.07-7) completion of the bypass project The strategy was incorporated into the Ararat The MSS also includes an objective and strategies Planning Scheme in March 2015 through that are specific to Buangor: COMMUNITY ACTION PLAN 2015-2018 Amendment C34. Objectives: The Community Action Plan was produced The changes include a Framework Plan for To encourage Buangor to attract people who by the broader community of Buangor in Buangor (see Figure 3 opposite). The zoning enjoy a rural lifestyle. recommendations from the ASGFS, including conjunction with Ararat Rural City Council. The Strategies: proposed additional rural residential land, have vision outlined in the Plan is to provide: yet to be included in the Ararat Planning Scheme. ▪▪ A central meeting place for functions and ▪▪ Support residential uses in close proximity to the town centre and existing community The need for a Township Plan for Buangor was town activities infrastructure and services. raised in the ASGFS. Included in the Future ▪▪ Improvements to existing infrastructure Growth Recommendations section of the report ▪▪ Investigate potential for rural living ▪ Opportunities to attract funding from external for Buangor (p. 92) is the action: ▪ opportunities to the north and north-east of sources to improve Buangor’s sustainability the township boundary in the longer term, Prepare an Urban Design Framework for ▪ Improved services to encourage tourists and once the bypass is in operation. Buangor to provide direction on potential ▪ residents to the area. improvements to the design of the streetscape ▪▪ Ensure rural residential growth occurs in areas following construction of the Bypass, The actions outlined in the Community Action where it will not impact on the viability of including strengthening visual and physical Plan to achieve the above vision have been productive agricultural land, and minimises incorporated in this township plan. potential land use conflict. ▪▪ Encourage a wider range of businesses, services and activities that take advantage of Buangor’s Heritage assets, nearby wineries and proximity to Mount Buangor and Mount Langi Ghiran.

8 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN © 2016 LEGEND Township boundary Billy Billy Creek Railway line Proposed Buangor Bypass Main Access Road (following construction of the Bypass) Township Entry Point Avenue of Honour tree planting Public open space / recreation WESTERN HIGHWAY BUANGOR - BEN NEVIS ROAD Community Uses Township Residential Town centre core Farming Area to be rezoned to the Township Zone Area to be rezoned to the Rural Living Zone Buangor

Primary School Rural living investigation area PEACOCKS ROAD PEACOCKS Oval

COBBS ROAD Cobb & Co Hall

BUANGOR ROAD STREET MAIN The Buangor Framework Plan may be found at Clause 21.07 (Local Areas) of the Ararat Buangor Station Planning Scheme.

CHALLUCIM ROAD

CHALLUCIM ROAD Buangor

Cemetery Billy Billy Creek DIP ROAD DIP

0 500 1000

metres

Figure 4. BUANGOR FRAMEWORK PLAN © 2016 1.7 PLANNING CONTROLS to subdivide land and a minimum lot size of 40ha ARARAT SUSTAINABLE GROWTH FUTURES LEGEND generally applies. Ararat Sustainable Growth Future (2014) Existing township boundary ZONES recommends changes to the following zones: Future township boundary PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATION ZONE Billy Billy Creek The Ararat Planning Scheme applies zones that (PPRZ) ▪▪ Township Zone Railway line affect the way land in Buangor may be used and ▪ Farming Zone Western Highway Buangor Bypass developed. The current zoning map from the The PPRZ designates areas for public recreation ▪ Farming Zone Ararat Planning Scheme is shown in Figure 4 and open space. Land within this zone should ▪▪ Rural Living Zone opposite. Following is a summary of the current be conserved and protected from development. Public Park & Recreation Zone Refer to Figure 2: Framework Plan on the zones that apply to the township. The PPRZ applies to the recreation reserve and Township Zone the Cobb & Co Changing Station (which is also previous page. Public Use Zone WESTERN HIGHWAY BUANGOR - BEN NEVIS ROAD subject to the Heritage Overlay). A small number Road Zone 1 TOWNSHIP ZONE (TZ) These zone changes are yet to be implemented of uses are permitted within the PPRZ including through the planning scheme. The Township Zone applies to residential land an office, retail premises and a store, subject to a along the Western Highway and within the number of conditions. existing township boundary. The TZ allows for a range of residential, commercial and some PUBLIC USE ZONE (PUZ) industrial uses as well as other educational, Buangor religious and community developments. All The Public Use Zone sets aside land for utilities, Primary School services and facilities. In Buangor, the PUZ development within the TZ must respect the ROAD PEACOCKS Oval existing neighbourhood characteristics of the applies to the Primary School, the cemetery and township. A permit is required for some forms of the railway reserve. Land within the PUZ is not privately owned and any use or development Cobb & Co accommodation, office and commercial uses, Hall industry uses and a place of assembly. of the land must be referred to the Minister or relevant public land manager. FARMING ZONE (FZ) Buangor Station ROAD ZONE 1 (RDZ1) The Farming Zone applies to the majority of CHALLUCIM ROAD land outside the existing township boundary. The RDZ applies to the Western Highway which The primary purpose of the FZ is to encourage runs through the township. The application of and retain land for farming and agricultural uses. the RDZ1 recognises that the road is significant All non-agricultural uses, including residential and any development application to built into the road reserve will be referred to VicRoads. Some CHALLUCIM ROAD developments, must not affect or interfere with Buangor Billy Billy Creek the use of the land for farming purposes. For forms of development are required to be set back Cemetery example, only one dwelling is permitted per 40ha a minimum distance (as specified in the schedule lot. Most land uses, particularly those which are to the zone) to the RDZ1. not related to agricultural uses, require a planning 0 500 1000 permit. Additionally, a planning permit is required metres

10 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN © 2016 LEGEND Existing township boundary Future township boundary Billy Billy Creek Railway line Western Highway Buangor Bypass Farming Zone Public Park & Recreation Zone Township Zone Public Use Zone WESTERN HIGHWAY BUANGOR - BEN NEVIS ROAD Road Zone 1

Buangor

Primary School PEACOCKS ROAD PEACOCKS Oval

Cobb & Co Hall

Buangor Station

CHALLUCIM ROAD

CHALLUCIM ROAD Buangor Cemetery Billy Billy Creek

0 500 1000

metres

Figure 5. ARARAT PLANNING SCHEME ZONE MAP © 2016 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN 11 OVERLAYS VEGETATION PROTECTION OVERLAY the largest reserves of native vegetation, and play LEGEND SCHEDULE 1 (VPO1) an important role in linking fragmented remnant The planning scheme applies overlays to address Existing township boundary habitats. specific environmental, heritage and design Areas of vegetation in Buangor have been Future township boundary issues. Figure 5 (opposite) shows the existing identified as significant because: In the Buangor region, VPO2 has been applied Billy Billy Creek along the following roads: Railway line overlays that apply to land in Buangor. ▪▪ The vegetation comprises important Western Highway Buangor Bypass biodiversity links and corridors between larger ▪▪ Andersons Road (Grassy Woodland, high Public Aquisition Overlay PUBLIC ACQUISITION OVERLAY public land blocks of forest. degree of naturalness, wildlife corridor) SCHEDULE 1 (PAO1) Bushﬁre Management Overlay ▪▪ The vegetation forms a link between a major ▪▪ Challicum Road (Grassy woodland) Vegetation Protection Overlay The Public Acquisition Overlay was introduced in block of vegetation and smaller remnant areas. Schedule 1 WESTERN HIGHWAY 2013 to give VicRoads authority over land to be ▪▪ Firewood Road (Grassy woodland) BUANGOR - BEN NEVIS ROAD Vegetation Protection Overlay ▪▪ The areas consolidate remnant corridors along Schedule 2 used for the Western Highway Bypass of Buangor. ▪ Peacocks Road (Grassy woodland, Stringybark/ streams. ▪ Candlebark woodland) Heritage Overlay ▪▪ Areas are considered to be of high BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT OVERLAY (BMO) ▪ Mile Post Lane (Grassy woodland) conservation significance containing diverse ▪ The BMO is applied to areas that have the highest flora and fauna and/or threatened species or A permit is required to remove, destroy or lop bushfire risk and are likely to be particularly communities. any native vegetation in the area covered by the exposed to the impact of bushfire. The suitability overlay. Buangor

of new development in these areas must be fully In the Buangor region, the vegetation is Primary School PEACOCKS ROAD PEACOCKS considered before it proceeds, and appropriate significant because of the remnant stands Oval bushfire protection measures will be required. are of high quality and contain depleted and HERITAGE OVERLAY (HO) COBBS ROAD endangered ecological vegetation classes (EVCs). The heritage overlay applies to the parcel of land The current BMO is based on existing tree Included are areas of Themeda grassland and Red Cobb & Co BUANGOR ROAD Hall plantations that currently have an uncertain occupied by the Cobb & Co Changing Station STREET MAIN Gum regeneration. The area provides important which includes to the oval and recreation reserve. future as a result of the proposed bypass. Bushfire habitat for the Powerful Owl and Square-tailed constraints to the north are likely to reduce once Kite. Buangor Station the bypass has been constructed, effectively ARARAT SUSTAINABLE GROWTH FUTURES

A permit is required to remove, destroy or lop CHALLUCIM ROAD providing a barrier to any fire front from the north. Ararat Sustainable Growth Future (2014) did not any native vegetation in the area covered by the recommend any changes to the current overlays overlay. that apply to the township.

VEGETATION PROTECTION OVERLAY CHALLUCIM ROAD SCHEDULE 2 (VPO2) Buangor Cemetery Billy Billy Creek

VPO2 is applied to vegetation contained within ROAD DIP roadside reserves throughout the Shire. Many of these contain rare or threatened species or 0 500 1000 communities and they contribute to the visual quality of the area. Roadsides represent some of metres

12 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN © 2016 LEGEND Existing township boundary Future township boundary Billy Billy Creek Railway line Western Highway Buangor Bypass Public Aquisition Overlay Bushﬁre Management Overlay Vegetation Protection Overlay Schedule 1 WESTERN HIGHWAY BUANGOR - BEN NEVIS ROAD Vegetation Protection Overlay Schedule 2 Heritage Overlay

Buangor

Primary School PEACOCKS ROAD PEACOCKS Oval

COBBS ROAD Cobb & Co

BUANGOR ROAD Hall MAIN STREET MAIN

Buangor Station

CHALLUCIM ROAD

CHALLUCIM ROAD Buangor

Cemetery Billy Billy Creek DIP ROAD DIP

0 500 1000

metres

ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE buildings in various states of repair contribute to the built form character of the town. Buangor is located on the traditional lands of the Tjapwurong Aboriginal peoples. The most prominent of these is the Cobb & Co changing station which is a landmark bluestone The Billy Billy Creek corridor is identified as having building fronting onto the Western Highway. It potential cultural heritage sensitivity. VicRoads has been attributed a state significance rating undertook a detailed cultural heritage study as by the National Trust. The building, surrounding part of the Environmental Effects Statement for property and adjacent sports oval are covered by the Western Highway duplication. The study area the Heritage Overlay. included all land within 200m of the alignment options. Other identified heritage places are: Two scarred trees of moderate significance were ▪▪ Buangor Park Farm Complex identified within the Buangor Township area. ▪▪ Peacocks Road House Ruins One (Ch. 17455) lies to the east of town near Former Buangor Public Hall the intersection of Peacocks Road, and Western ▪▪ Buangor Primary School Highway 4. The other (Ch.18400) is located to ▪▪ Former Buangor Public Hall the north in an area of remnant vegetation on Billy Billy Creek. ▪▪ Buangor Railway Station & Railway House Construction will extend to within 2m of one ▪▪ Buangor Post Office & General Store of the trees, however if the proposed design is ▪▪ Buangor Cemetery - Resting place of General adhered to it is not expected to have any impact Sir Cyril Bingham Brudenell White (1876 – on the tree. 1940), a celebrated figure in Australian military Source: VicRoads Environmental Effects history. Statement (EES) 14: Cultural Heritage. ▪▪ Former Hotel ▪▪ Avenue of Honour EUROPEAN HERITAGE The history of Buangor has been compiled into Buangor contains numerous sites that have been a book titled ‘Coaches Called Here – A History identified as having heritage value. Scattered of Buangor and Surrounding Districts’ (1996), Church at the corner of Dip Road and Challicum Road, now in authored by Tim Allender and Des Brennan. private ownership.

14 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN © 2016 LEGEND Existing township boundary Future township boundary Billy Billy Creek Railway line Western Highway Buangor Bypass Heritage Overlay Heritage site Area of aboriginal cultural sensitivity Scarred tree (approximate location) WESTERN HIGHWAY BUANGOR - BEN NEVIS ROAD Peacocks Road House Ruins

Buangor Primary

School PEACOCKS ROAD PEACOCKS

Avenue of Honour Cobb & Co Church Changing Station Former Hotel Old Gaol

Railway House Former Post Office & Buangor Station General Store

CHALLUCIM ROAD

Former Public Hall CHALLUCIM ROAD Buangor Cemetery Church

Billy Billy Creek

Buangor Park Farm Complex 0 500 1000

metres

Buangor TOWNSHIP PLAN

The community of Buangor and District has BUANGOR TOWNSHIP VISION Buangor will continue to provide a strong community focus for the broader played an active role in the development of this Following the community consultation undertaken in December the Draft rural area and maintain excellent connections to its wider landscape context. Buangor Township Plan has been developed. Some of things you told us you would like to see in the plan included: The town will become an attractive option for ‘tree changers’ or people wanting plan. a rural lifestyle within easy commuting distance of Ararat or Ballarat, with the ▪ ‘Improvement and expansion of the Cobb and Co facility for functions in order to opening up of new rural residential opportunities. attract more to use it.’ Young families will continue to be attracted to Buangor for it’s active primary Engagement was designed to inform the ▪ ‘Great idea to do more with beautiful Buangor!Buangor Keep up the good work.’ school, recreation facilities and safe, walkable town centre. TOWNSHIP PLAN ▪ ‘Safe crossing over or under the road needed to connect two sides of the road.’ The north and south sides of the highway will be united through improved community of the initiation of the plan, to seek ▪ ‘Need drinkable water in the town.’ visual and physical connections. Improvements to the town centre will build on the existing landscape and historical character of the town. ▪ ‘Re-zoning to allow for expansion of rural living zones.’ Opportunities for economic and tourism development will see local activity in ideas on what it should contain, what their ▪ ‘It would be great to see the Railway Station restored and used by the community the town strengthened. in some way.’ Buangor will become a convenient and attractive place to break up the aspirations for Buangor are, and to discuss what ▪ ‘Greater emphasis on Mount Buangor, Mount Cole and Mount Langi Ghiran long drive between from Melbourne to Adelaide, with facilities for rest and connection would be good.’ refreshment being readily available. projects or ideas should be prioritised in the ▪ ‘Retain the trees along the Avenue of Honour.’ The history of Buangor and the surrounding district will be preserved and ▪ ‘Install toilets at the pavilion and consider a coffee shop and other forms of celebrated through preservation, restoration and promotion of historical future. entertainment at the Cobb and Co.’ buildings and features. ▪ Buangor‘More festivals, markets and community based activities to promote tourism and Engagement was aimed to reach the people who TOWNSHIPeconomic opportunities.’ PLAN We are now seeking feedback on the Draft Township Plan and would welcome work in or visit the township. Actions included: your comments. ▪ Publication and distribution of a postcard/flyer ▪ A future vision for Buangor after the Bypass at the outset of the project. ▪▪ Establishment of a project Facebook page which was updated with invitations to Buangor participate, and to keep the community TOWNSHIP PLAN informed of the Plan’s progress. HAVE YOUR. ▪▪ A community photographic exercise (via the SAY.. Facebook page) HOW TO BE INVOLVED Copies of the report will be available online at ▪▪ An online survey http://council-services.ararat.vic.gov.au/planning-building/reformed-residential-zones www.facebook/BuangorTownshipPlan ▪▪ A community workshop/drop in session which or at the Buangor Recreation Reserve Pavilion was held in conjunction with a VicRoads/BMD HAVE YOUR SAY Fill out an Online Survey or Feedback Form: Buangor community barbecue and opening of the BMX www.surveymonkey.com/r/BuangorTownshipPlan TOWNSHIP PLAN track. The plans will be available for comment until April 15th Buangor ▪▪ Follow up telephone conversations with key TOWNSHIP PLAN If you would like more information please contact: stakeholders. SUBMISSIONS CLOSE Joel Hastings on 53550222 or [email protected] or Please provide your thoughts and ideas by Friday15 April 2016 Robyn Hemley on 5355 0257 or [email protected]

CONTACT COUNCIL Ph: (03) 5355 0222

Email: [email protected]

Buangor TOWNSHIP PLAN Community workshop 10-12-2015 Numerous members of the community have expressed a desire A wetlands and picnic area on Billy Billy Creek was noted as a to see the old train station restored. high priority project.

Community workshop 10-12-2015 Heritage buildings and the landscape setting are highly valued by A greater connection to Langi Ghiran and Mount Buangor State the community. Parks was desired.

© 2016 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN 17 3.1 ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS ▪▪ Improvements to town entry and exit points ▪▪ Re-zoning to allow for expansion of rural living ranked as a medium priority zones Thirteen responses to the online survey were collected. The questions asked and a summary of ▪▪ Increase in protection from bush fires to the ▪▪ It would be great to see the Railway Station responses are provided below: north ranked as a medium to high priority restored and used by the community in some way. What do you like most about Buangor and the Projects outlined in the Community Action Plan surrounding region? that residents would like to see prioritised include ▪▪ Greater emphasis on Mount Buangor, Mount are summarised in the graph below. Cole and Mount Langi Ghiran connection ▪▪ Community spirit and gatherings. would be good. When asked if they have any other contributions ▪▪ Beautiful landscape, heritage buildings, great to add to the plan, respondents replied: ▪▪ Retain the trees along the Avenue of Honour tight-knight community. ▪▪ Improvement and expansion of the Cobb ▪▪ Install toilets at the pavilion and consider a ▪▪ Community spirit, fantastic serenity and and Co facility for functions in order to attract coffee shop and other forms of entertainment historic buildings. more to use it at the Cobb and Co. ▪▪ The people and the beautiful buildings ▪▪ Great idea to do more with beautiful Buangor! ▪▪ More festivals, markets and community based ▪▪ The trees, access to the Mt Buangor and Mt Keep up the good work. activities to promote tourism and economic opportunities. Cole parks, proximity to Beaufort. ▪▪ Safe crossing over or under the road needed ▪▪ Rural living in close proximity to Ballarat and to connect two sides of road. Need drinkable Ararat. Central to most things Victoria has to water in the town. offer. Strong community presence. Participants were asked to prioritise the issues Landscaping of Des Brennan Park (61.5%) that should be dealt with through the Township Township historical museum display (53.8%) Landscaping of Des Brennan Park (61.5%) Plan. The following responses were received: Car park installation west of Cobb & Co Township historical museum display (53.8%) ▪▪ Increased town amenity and safety ranked as a Changing Station (30.8%) medium to high priority Car park installation west of Cobb & Co Changing Station (30.8%) Wetlands and picnic area adjacent to Billy ▪▪ Opportunities to build on the identity of BillyWetlands Creek (76.9%) and picnic area adjacent to Billy Billy Creek (76.9%) Buangor ranked as a medium priority BetterBetter public public transport transport connections connections (61.5%) (61.5%)

▪▪ Streetscape improvements ranked as a BikeBike and walkingand walking paths (30.8%)paths (30.8%) medium to high priority ImprovedImproved street street furniture furniture (15.4%) (15.4%) ▪▪ Opportunities for residential expansion ranked as a medium to low priority ▪▪ Tourism and economic expansion ranked as a medium to high priority 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Buangor will continue to provide a strong community focus for the broader rural area and maintain excellent connections to its wider landscape context. The town will become an attractive option for ‘tree changers’ or people wanting a rural lifestyle within easy commuting distance of Ararat or Ballarat, with the opening up of new rural residential opportunities. Young families will continue to be attracted to Buangor for it’s active primary school, recreation facilities and safe, walkable town centre. The north and south sides of the highway will be united through improved visual and physical connections. Improvements to the town centre will build on the existing landscape and historical character of the town. Opportunities for economic and tourism development will see local activity in the town strengthened. Buangor will become a convenient and attractive place to break up the long drive between from Melbourne to Adelaide, with facilities for rest and refreshment being readily available. The history of Buangor and the surrounding district will be preserved and celebrated through preservation, restoration and promotion of historical buildings and features. Source: Ararat Sustainable Growth Future (2014)

5.1 TOURISM the region. Buangor has many heritage buildings ▪▪ Investigate scenic tour around Mt Langi Ghiran and features that are at risk of decline without and State parks and connection to Warrak and management action. Ararat via Pyrenees Highway. ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES Buangor lacks public toilets. Consultation has ▪▪ Identify locations for a Buangor Heritage Buangor is located on the Great Southern Touring revealed that many people stop in town seeking Museum. Possibilities include the Cobb & Co Route which is a widely promoted road journey. these facilities and have to travel on. The Building or the Railway Station (if restored). It loops from Melbourne to Ararat via Ballarat, configuration of the Bypass limits the impetus for ▪▪ Develop a self-guided Heritage Tour that then through the Grampians, down to the coast traffic from Adelaide to stop in Buangor. and along the Great Ocean Road past the Twelve explores various buildings and places. Provide Apostles and Otway Ranges. interpretive signage at key locations and ACTIONS pamphlet style guidebook. To the south, the Glenelg Highway is a major highway that links Melbourne to Mount Gambier ▪▪ Generate a marketing and branding plan for ▪▪ Investigate sites for provision of public toilets. and the limestone coast region of South Australia. Buangor that promotes existing and potential These may potentially be linked into existing This is popular route for caravans. future tourism attractions. Include the facilities such as the sports pavilion at the generation of a strong web presence. recreation reserve or the Cobb & Co building. Buangor’s location at the foothills of the Mount Buangor/Mount Cole and Mount Langi Ghiran ▪▪ Advocate to VicRoads to include signage ▪▪ Develop a wetland / picnic area on Billy Billy positions it as a gateway to these significant advertising attractions in the Buangor region Creek to link into existing recreation facilities landscape and recreational assets, and to the and rest facilities to encourage travellers in and potential public toilets. from the highway. Pyrenees and Grampians Wine Regions. A diverse ▪▪ Investigate options for an RV parking area range of agriculture also exists around Buangor ▪▪ Promote Buangor as a coffee break and rest to encourage travellers to stay overnight. including cropping, timber production and stop between Melbourne/Ballarat and the Candidate locations include on the western vineyards. Grampians, or South Australia and Adelaide side of the oval, within the service lane on The local community support the Challicum (pending local business growth). Western Highway, or to the east of the Cobb Hills Wind Farm, and have indicated that nobody ▪▪ Develop a ‘wind farm tour’ that highlights the and Co. opposed its development or has issues with its production of renewable energy in Victoria. ▪▪ Provide a regional wayfinding or tourism ongoing operation. Maximise the Challicum Hills position as map close to any rest or picnic facilities that The wide service lane to the south of the Western one of the first wind farms in the area. Tie highlights key points of interest such as Mt Highway provides ample space to develop a RV/ this into the existing tourist drive around Langi Ghiran, Mt Cole, the heritage trail and caravan stop. the wind farm, and other wind farms in the local wineries. region. On a broader scale, this may be linked There is currently no accommodation in Buangor, into promotion of south west Victoria for its ▪▪ Consider Rural Activity Zone around Mt Cole though it is well positioned to attract visitors to contribution to renewable energy. and Mt Langi. 20 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN © 2016 Figure 8. PROPOSED HERITAGE TRAIL

WESTERN HIGHWAY

Buangor Primary School

Avenue of Honour Church

COBB ROAD BUANGOR ROAD Cobb & Co Changing Station Old Gaol

Railway House Former Post Office & General Store Buangor Station

Billy Billy Creek

Former Public Hall

CHALLUCIM ROAD Buangor Cemetery Church © 2016 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN 21 5.2 TOWNSHIP ECONOMIC goals which in the long term may generate 5.4 SENSE OF PLACE employment opportunities. ACTIVITY ▪▪ Promote business opportunities in Buangor 5.5 ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES such as a weekend market, gourmet food ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES production or events such as music festivals or The former Railway Station has not been conferences. maintained since its closure in the 1980s, and is Currently there is no commercial activity in town. now in a state of disrepair. Despite this there is The owner of the hotel closed the business and is ▪▪ Support development of accommodation a strong desire within the community to see the using the building as a dwelling. options within the region such as bed and building restored. There is no general store or convenience store, breakfasts, a school camp or a caravan park facilities. The Western Highway will be diverted to the and residents have to travel to Beaufort (20km north of town which will create an opportunity to east) or Ararat (24km west) for basic supplies. ▪▪ Advocate for public transport options and the rename the main road to something that reflects Recently, the “Off The Beaten Track” wine potential of the old rail way station. the local character of the area. tasting and gallery business closed, however the buildings and facilities remain in good condition. 5.3 LAND USE ACTIONS A community committee manages the The ▪▪ Support restoration of the former Railway Cobb & Co building, and it is available for local ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES Station by the local community. Suggestions functions. This may be positioned for more for the project include formation of a local commercial activity, including events such as Opportunities for rural residential expansion have committee or inclusion of a “Men’s Shed” type conferences or weddings. been identified in the ASGFS. of group, sourced either locally or from Ararat. The broad service road on the southern side of Future rural residential allotments may provide ▪▪ Involve local residents in renaming the section the Western Highway is an ideal space to host a space for hobby farming or boutique food of the Western Highway that runs through weekend market. production. Buangor when the bypass is complete. There are a limited number of public transport Consolidation of the town centre is constrained ▪▪ Continue to support and enhance existing services through Buangor. A V/Line coach service by the absence of reticulated de community facilities and various community runs from Stawell to Ballarat from Tuesday to groups, clubs and associations as a key asset Friday once daily. A coach service also operates ACTIONS of the township. daily between Melbourne and Ararat via Buangor. ▪▪ Promote Buangor for the development of ▪▪ Work closely with Government and other lifestyle properties within commuting distance service providers (e.g. Bush Nursing Centres) ACTIONS of Ararat and Ballarat. to promote and develop opportunities for ▪▪ Support initiatives to establish service business improvement e.g. provision of a community ▪▪ Support small scale agricultural ventures in Buangor. bus service, shared partnership development on future rural living allotments, including around home and community care (HACC) ▪ Develop a business plan to promote the allowing farm gate sales. ▪ services, and nursing infrastructure. Cobb & Co building as an events space. This ▪▪ Further investigate the merits of rezoning land may include marketing and management for rural lifestyle purposes.

22 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN © 2016 Owners of the nearby Ampitheatre Hotel have turned it into a Talbot Farmers Market attracts thousands of visitors. Image: The music festival at Meredith raises funds that are invested back B& B and gourmet ice creamery. www.visitvictoria.com into the local community.

The Old General Store and Post Office. The “Off The Beaten Track” facilities are still in excellent Public toilet facilities and a picnic area on the Billy Billy Creek condition. corridor will create better amenities for people needing a break on the Highway..

6.1 DES BRENNAN PARK & ▪▪ Remove weedy tree growth and old post and 6.2 BILLY BILLY CREEK wire fence from the southern boundary of Des RECREATION RESERVE Brennan Park. ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES The park, recreation reserve and creek environs ▪▪ Formalise car parking west of the Cobb & are an important focus for the town centre and Co building. Use surface treatments and The Billy Billy Creek retains a naturalistic community activity. low, native planting to define spaces. Where character and the importance of the vegetation A number of the potential improvements to possible, accommodate the planting of shade is recognised through the application of the VPO. this area are illustrated Buangor Public Realm trees. The creek environs is currently managed by the Concept Plan, see Figure 25. Department of Environment, Land, Water and ▪▪ Support the proposed extension of the Planning (DELWP). ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES pavilion kitchen to improve flexibility of use. Access to the creek is provided via a scenic Vegetation on the southern boundary of Des ▪▪ Install lighting to the west of the Cobb and Co. path that connects the Sports Pavilion up to the Brennan Park is weedy growth from suckers that building to improve pedestrian safety. school. have sprouted from the Avenue of Honour. This ▪▪ Provide access to the BMX track via formalised The community has indicated that the creek growth and an old post and wire fence currently path around the oval. corridor needs more maintenance as it is often create a visual and physical barrier between the overgrown and inaccessible. town centre and the recreation reserve. ▪▪ Incorporate an informal native landscape theme around the perimeter of the oval that Access to the new BMX track is undefined. assists to define spaces. For example, the area ACTIONS Concerns have been raised that users will drive adjacent to the cricket nets that is used for car ▪▪ Develop a picnic and wetlands area along Billy across the oval rather than access it from the parking, or for bounding new path networks. sides. Billy Creek that connects to the existing sport Provide additional seating and shade trees and recreation facilities, potential future toilet The sports oval is exposed to strong winds from around the oval. facilities and the Cobb & Co building. the south east. ▪ Design a formal garden such a rose garden ▪ ▪▪ Retain the ecological focus of the creek The Cobb & Co Changing Station is an excellent with clipped box hedges to improve the corridor. feature building that would benefit from a setting of the Cobb & Co building. formalised garden setting. ▪▪ Advocate to DELWP for more regular ▪▪ Assist in removal of rubbish dumped behind maintenance of the creek corridor, and/or the sports pavilion. support the reinstatement of a local Land Care ACTIONS ▪▪ Install bands of vegetation or earth mounding group to assist with ongoing maintenance. ▪▪ Prepare a landscape masterplan for the to provide a wind break at the south western recreation reserve and Western Highway. corner of the oval.

24 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN © 2016 Entry to Des Brennan Park recreation reserve, adjacent to the BMX track on the north west side of the oval. The Cobb & Co building could benefit from a .formal garden Cobb & Co building. setting.

Sucker vegetation that blocks visual and physical access Space where cars park informally next to the cricket nets. Existing path connects the Primary School to the recreation between the recreation reserve and the main road of town. reserve across the Billy Billy Creek corridor. The edges of the oval are undefined.

© 2016 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN 25 6.3 ACCESS AND TRANSPORT ▪▪ The pathway that connects Des Brennan Park, Billy Billy Creek and the Primary School could be improved through an expanded network. ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES This may include a southern loop from the Reduction in heavy freight traffic through the Cobb & Co building, across the Creek to the centre of town will result in a much safer and Primary School, and a northern path across more pleasant environment to walk and cycle. to the BMX track that returns to the Western Highway down the western side of the oval. Currently there is no footpath along the Western Highway and concerns about safety and amenity ▪▪ Advocate for improved frequency of have been raised, particularly for children walking accessible transport services to Ararat, Ballarat to school or to the bus stop. and Melbourne, particularly for the elderly and youth of the community. The school bus stop on the corner of the Western Highway and Main Road lacks definition, ▪▪ Explore reopening of train station in the long shelter and connections to other parts of the term. Existing train station and railway line town. A Vline Bus service connects Buangor to Melbourne, Ballarat, Ararat, Ouyen, Stawell and Nhill.

ACTIONS ▪▪ Encourage overflow parking from events at Des Brennan Park to locate within the service road on the south side of the Western Highway. ▪▪ Provide a footpath along the north side of the Western Highway to encourage and facilitate walking to school. ▪▪ Install a pedestrian crossing across the Western Highway at the intersection of Main Road to connect the school bus stop on the south side to the primary school and recreation reserve to the north. ▪▪ Provide shelter at the school bus stop.

Oval

Refer to Detailed Masterplan SCHOOL ROAD

School bus route

COBBS ROAD PEACOCKS ROAD PEACOCKS BUANGOR ROAD Hotel Potential truck stop

Weekend V Line bus community stop market

WESTERN HIGHWAY

Train Station MAIN ROAD MAIN

Restore train Reseal Main Street, station enhance streetscape and formalise street tree planting

Town entrance signage (see concept diagram) Town entry point

6.4 PUBLIC REALM Buangor Primary School BMX Track ISSUES & OPPORTUNITIES The Avenue of Honour is a significant feature of the main road into town, however some trees are showing signs of senescence, and there is evidence that dead trees have been removed.

The bypass project will provide opportunities Plant shade trees around the to strengthen gateway moments for Buangor. perimeter of the oval The former Land Care group that was active in Oval Dam the area has access to funding for new gateway signage. School Dam

Remove weed growth ACTIONS and fencing from boundary of park. Open Oval up space to road reserve ▪▪ Commission a professional arboricultural as a “village green.” Use Extend assessment of the Avenue of Honour. Develop low scale native plating to Kitchen assist in defining spaces a maintenance and replacement planting program to retain the integrity of the avenue. Timber seating around oval Existing path ▪▪ Develop gateway signage to Buangor. Sports Pavilion

Billy Billy Creek Playground Potential WESTERN HIGHWAY RV Site Detailed landscape masterplan Exercise station

Potential new path

Formalise car park Remove fence, weeds andCricket trees nets area & improve New path along drainage Avenue of Honour Western Highway

Potential wetlands and picnic area on Billy Billy Creek

Formal Light gardens COBBS ROAD Information Redgum Tree 28 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN © 2016 board Lighting Potential new path network to maximise access around Des Brennan Park, Billy Billy Creek & Figure 10. BUANGOR RESERVE Primary School. DETAILED MASTERPLAN

Buangor Primary School BMX Track

Plant shade trees around the perimeter of the oval Oval Dam

School Dam

Remove weed growth and fencing from boundary of park. Open Oval up space to road reserve as a “village green.” Use Extend low scale native plating to Kitchen assist in defining spaces

Timber seating around oval Existing path Sports Pavilion

Billy Billy Creek Playground Potential WESTERN HIGHWAY RV Site Detailed landscape masterplan Exercise station

Potential new path

Formalise car park Remove fence, weeds andCricket trees nets area & improve New path along drainage Western Highway

Potential wetlands and picnic area on Billy Billy Creek

Formal Light gardens COBBS ROAD Information Redgum Tree © 2016 board Lighting 29 6.5 LANDSCAPE & URBAN ▪▪ A consistent landscape and planting theme should be applied to any new kerb outstands, DESIGN GUIDELINES pavement or street edges and traffic islands/ nature strips. ▪▪ Any new pavements should be designed to appear as a neutral ground plane, with an even ▪▪ Ensure all streetscape works take into colour palette and limited detail (people, street consideration the safety and efficiency activities and planting provide colour and of roads and intersections, including attraction within the streetscape). maintenance of sight lines. ▪▪ A consistent suite of materials that reflect the ▪▪ Support the rural character of the town by character of the town and local area should retaining unsealed road edges, minimising or be used for any streetscape and urban design consolidating signage and keeping built form improvements. For Buangor this may include: to a low scale. -- Bluestone that ties into the Cobb & Co ▪▪ Sensitively design future subdivisions to building and location at the edge of the minimise impacts on natural and landscape Western Volcanic Plain. values -- Red gum or natural wooden finishes ▪ Ensure that any new development respects Formally designed gardens would enhance the setting of the ▪ Cobb & Co building. reflective of the surrounding red gum the landscape and township character of woodlands Buangor. Avoid: -- Granite or rock boulders that tie into the -- Buildings painted in bright colours or character of Mount Langi Ghiran and covered in text Mount Buangor. -- Housing development that is suburban in -- Old railway sleepers may be recycled into nature street furniture, planter boxes and picnic -- Commercial buildings that present inactive facilities. frontages to the street -- Grape vines that connect to the nearby -- Build form that does not respect the wine regions heritage character of existing buildings. ▪▪ An informal native planting palette should be used to define edges and spaces in the recreation reserve. ▪▪ Granitic sand paths should be used that visually tie into the bush environment surrounding Buangor, particularly around the Granite that references the outcrops on nearby mountains Billy Billy Creek corridor and edges of the oval. may used in landscape treatments. Above: Hargreaves Mall in Bendigo uses granite sourced from nearby Harcourt.

30 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN © 2016 Example of low scale, informal native vegetation used to define Township gateway signage concept. Bluestone is iconic material of western Victoria. paths and spaces (Woodend Children’s Park).

Grape vines line shop awnings in Ararat, creating a connection Discarded railway sleepers near Buangor Station building may Example of furniture made from recycled railway sleepers. between the town and nearby wine regions. be recycled for furniture for the street, recreation reserve and picnic facilities or for landscape elements such as planter boxes or garden edges.

ACTION PRIORITY TOURISM Generate a marketing and branding plan for Buangor that promotes existing and potential future tourism attractions. Include the generation of a strong web SHORT TERM presence. Advocate to VicRoads to include signage advertising attractions in the Buangor region and rest facilities to encourage travellers in from the highway. SHORT TERM Promote Buangor as a coffee break and rest stop between Melbourne/Ballarat and the Grampians, or South Australia and Adelaide (pending local business MEDIUM TERM growth). Develop a ‘wind farm tour’ that highlights the production of renewable energy in Victoria. Maximise the Challicum Hills position as one of the first wind farms in MEDIUM TERM the area. Tie this into the existing tourist drive around the wind farm, and other wind farms in the region. On a broader scale, this may be linked into promotion of south west Victoria for its contribution to renewable energy. Identify locations for a Buangor Heritage Museum. Possibilities include the Cobb & Co Building or the Railway Station (if restored). MEDIUM TERM Develop a self-guided Heritage Tour that explores various buildings and places. Provide interpretive signage at key locations and pamphlet style guidebook. SHORT TERM Investigate scenic tour around Mt Langi, Warrak and through to Pyrenees Highway. SHORT TERM

Investigate sites for provision of public toilets. These may potentially be linked into existing facilities such as the sports pavilion at the recreation reserve or the MEDIUM TERM Cobb & Co building. Develop a wetland / picnic area on Billy Billy Creek to link into existing recreation facilities and potential public toilets. LONG TERM Investigate options for an RV parking area to encourage travellers to stay overnight. Candidate locations include on the western side of the oval, within the service MEDIUM TERM lane on Western Highway, or to the east of the Cobb and Co. Provide a regional wayfinding or tourism map close to any rest or picnic facilities that highlights key points of interest such as Mt Langi Gherang, Mt Cole, the SHORT TERM heritage trail and local wineries. TOWNSHIP ECONOMIC ACTIVITY Support initiatives to establish service businesses in Buangor. MEDIUM TERM Develop a business plan to promote the Cobb & Co building as an events space. This may include marketing and management goals which in the long term may SHORT TERM generate employment opportunities. Promote business opportunities in Buangor such as a weekend market, gourmet food production or events such as music festivals or conferences. MEDIUM TERM Support development of accommodation options within the region such as bed and breakfasts, a school camp or a caravan park facilities. MEDIUM TERM Advocate for connection of Buangor to the wireless National Broadband Network SHORT TERM - ONGOING

SHORT TERM = 1 TO 3 YEARS | MEDIUM TERM = 3-5 YEARS | LONG TERM = 5-10 YEARS

32 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN © 2016 ACTION PRIORITY LAND USE Promote Buangor for the development of lifestyle properties within commuting distance of Ararat and Ballarat. SHORT TERM Support small scale agricultural ventures on future rural living allotments, including allowing farm gate sales. MEDIUM TERM Further investigate the merits of rezoning land for rural lifestyle purposes. LONG TERM SENSE OF PLACE Support restoration of the former Railway Station by the local community. Suggestions for the project include formation of a local committee or inclusion of a MEDIUM TERM “Men’s Shed” type of group, sourced either locally or from Ararat. Involve local residents in renaming the section of the Western Highway that runs through Buangor when the bypass is complete. SHORT TERM Continue to support and enhance existing community facilities and various community groups, clubs and associations as a key asset of the township. SHORT TERM Work closely with Government and other service providers (e.g. Bush Nursing Centres) to promote and develop opportunities for improvement e.g. provision of a SHORT TERM community bus service, shared partnership development around home and community care (HACC) services, and nursing infrastructure. DES BRENNAN PARK & RECREATION RESERVE Strengthen the connection between Buangor Primary School and the recreation reserve. SHORT TERM Prepare a landscape masterplan for the recreation reserve and main street. SHORT TERM Remove weedy tree growth and old post and wire fence from the southern boundary of Des Brennan Park. SHORT TERM Formalise car parking west of the Cobb & Co building. Use surface treatments and low, native planting to define spaces. Where possible, accommodate the MEDIUM TERM planting of shade trees. Support the proposed extension of the pavilion kitchen to improve flexibility of use. SHORT TERM

Install lighting to the west of the Cobb and Co. building to improve pedestrian safety. SHORT TERM Provide access to the BMX track via formalised path around the oval. SHORT TERM Incorporate an informal native landscape theme around the perimeter of the oval that assists to define spaces. For example, the area adjacent to the cricket nets SHORT TERM that is used for car parking, or for bounding new path networks. Provide additional seating and shade trees around the oval. Design a formal garden such a rose garden with clipped box hedges to improve the setting of the Cobb & Co building. MEDIUM TERM Assist in removal of rubbish dumped behind the sports pavilion. SHORT TERM Install bands of vegetation or earth mounding to provide a wind break at the south western corner of the oval. SHORT TERM BILLY BILLY CREEK Develop a picnic and wetlands area along Billy Billy Creek that connects to the existing sport and recreation facilities, potential future toilet facilities and the Cobb LONG TERM & Co building. Retain the ecological focus of the creek corridor. SHORT TERM

© 2016 Ararat Rural City Council | BUANGOR TOWNSHIP PLAN 33 ACTION PRIORITY Advocate to DELWP for more regular maintenance of the creek corridor, and/or support the reinstatement of a local Land Care group to assist with ongoing SHORT TERM maintenance. ACCESS & TRANSPORT Encourage overflow parking from events at Des Brennan Park to locate within the service road on the south side of the Western Highway. SHORT TERM Provide a footpath along the north side of the Western Highway to encourage and facilitate walking to school. MEDIUM TERM Install a pedestrian crossing across the Western Highway at the intersection of Main Road to connect the school bus stop on the south side to the primary school MEDIUM TERM and recreation reserve to the north. Review location of the school bus stop. SHORT TERM The pathway that connects Des Brennan Park, Billy Billy Creek and the Primary School could be improved through an expanded network. This may include a MEDIUM TERM southern loop from the Cobb & Co building, across the Creek to the Primary School, and a northern path across to the BMX track that returns to the Western Highway down the western side of the oval. Advocate for improved frequency of accessible transport services to Ararat, Ballarat and Melbourne, particularly for the elderly and youth of the community. MEDIUM TERM PUBLIC REALM Commission a professional arboricultural assessment of the Avenue of Honour. Develop a maintenance and replacement planting program to retain the integrity MEDIUM TERM of the Avenue. Develop gateway signage to Buangor. SHORT TERM