Gosling Creek Reserve - Orange City Council...6 Orange City Council Gosling Creek Reserve Masterplan July 2001 2.2 Background Gosling Creek was named after Jonathon W. Gosling, a free

Gosling CreekReserveMaster Plan Report

July 2001

May 2001May 2001May 2001May 2001May 2001Prepared for:Prepared by:

Environmental Partnership (NSW) Pty Ltd

Landscape Architects and Urban Planners2 River Street Birchgrove NSW 2041Phone: (02) 9555 1033 Fax: (02) 9818 5292Email: [email protected] ABN 53 088 175 437

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of Contents

1 . 01 . 01 . 01 . 01 . 0 INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

1.1 Generally

1.2 Consultation

2 . 02 . 02 . 02 . 02 . 0 ReviewReviewReviewReviewReview

2.1 Context

2.2 Background

2.3 Previous Studies

2.4 Site Appraisal

2.5 Usage

2.6 Pressures and Opportunities

3 . 03 . 03 . 03 . 03 . 0 Master PlanMaster PlanMaster PlanMaster PlanMaster Plan

3.1 Masterplanning Principles

3.2 Concept Master Plan Options

3.3 Preferred Master Plan

3.4 Typical treatments

4 . 04 . 04 . 04 . 04 . 0 Staged Works Action PlanStaged Works Action PlanStaged Works Action PlanStaged Works Action PlanStaged Works Action Plan

4.1 Priorities

4.2 Works Action Plan

4.3 Costing

5 . 05 . 05 . 05 . 05 . 0 BibliographyBibliographyBibliographyBibliographyBibliography

6 . 06 . 06 . 06 . 06 . 0 AppendixAppendixAppendixAppendixAppendix

A. Stakeholder Reference List

B. Press Releases / Flyers

C. Community Workshop Notes

Orange City Council 3

1.0 Introduction1.0 Introduction1.0 Introduction1.0 Introduction1.0 Introduction

1.1 Generally

This Master Plan Report presents the outcomes of the master plan study for Gosling CreekReserve undertaken for Orange City Council by Environmental Partnership (LandscapeArchitects) over May – July 2001. The master plan is intended to guide the ongoingenhancement of Gosling Creek Reserve for the development of a recreational facility andnature reserve. The plan aims to reflect the site’s individual character whilst extending therange of recreational opportunities available to the population of Orange.

The master plan recommendations balance provision of a sustainable level of recreationaluse on the site with environmental management objectives relating to flora and fauna habitatenhancement and water management.

Through workshop consultation with community stakeholders, the resolution of the mosteffective balance of these “uses” has been developed. A preferred master plan was developedfrom the review of a series of concept options which explored varied approaches to theintegration of recreational and environmental goals.

Uses and activities catered for in the preferred master plan include:

- recreational walking, jogging, and cycling;

- passive recreation (informal play, games, family picnics);

- connections to district cycle and pedestrian trail network;

- connections to district horse bridle trail network;

- recreational fishing;

- nature and historical interpretation / education;

- bush regeneration and management;

- creek line rehabilitation and management;

- overflow sports field use (Bloomfield Park); and

- junior competition cycling and triathalon (incorporating event day management).

The master plan and related implementation programme offers a unique opportunity to rehabilitate the reservoir area to achievemultiple environmental and recreational objectives. To the Bloomfield Park / Gosling Creek east zone of the reserve conservationand enhancement of positive cultural and natural character features will consolidate the quality of the existing open space as acommunity resource.

With the support of the community and external funding sources (such as the State Government) the plan can be implementedover a staged programme. High priority environmental strategies such as revegetation and weed management will be incorporatedinto initial phases of development to establish a landscape setting suitable for recreational pursuits.

The long term realisation of the master plan in it’s entirety will provide a major legacy to the community of Orange, enhancing thediversity of landscape settings and recreational activities available, and securing the environmental conservation of an significanthabitat resource for both flora and fauna.

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Native TreeRegeneration

ZoneCleared Pine Plantation

Mixed Forest

Cottage

Wetland

Dam Wall

Gosling Creek

Picnic Area

Bush RegenerationFarm DamPlaying Field's

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GOSLING CREEK RESERVOIR

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Northern foreshores of rerservoir

following harvest of pine plantation

Historic dam wall

Bushland regeneration area (Bloomfield

Park)

The Gosling Creek Reserve: Existing Site

Orange City Council4

Gosling Creek Reserve MasterplanJ u l y 2 0 0 1J u l y 2 0 0 1J u l y 2 0 0 1J u l y 2 0 0 1J u l y 2 0 0 1

1.2 Consultation

As part of the master plan study a series of consultation processes were undertaken.

Consultation with the local community was integrated with the concept development phase, involving liaisonwith a community stakeholder group derived through direct contact with organised groups. Contact withcommunity stakeholders was by mailout, which was supplemented by local press releases to encourageinterested local residents to be involved.

The consultation programme incorporated two community workshops held at key phases during the masterplan development. Meeting notes from each of the workshops are included in Appendix C.

The general focus of the community workshops are identified below:

Workshop No. 1 Monday 21st May, 2001

9 participants

Workshop review of issues and opportunities

Workshop No. 2 Wednesday 13th June, 2001

11 participants

Workshop review of concept master plan options

Several project coordination sessions were also undertaken with Council’s Project Officer Group to confirmproject direction and progress.

Aerial view of Gosling Creek Reservoir


2.0 Review2.0 Review2.0 Review2.0 Review2.0 Review

2.1 Context

Orange City is located on the Mitchell Highway approximately 3.5hour’s drive away from Sydney and has a population of 36000. Thecity is renowned for its many fine parks and gardens with spectacularAutumn colours.

Gosling Creek Reserve is located approximately five minutes drivesouth of the city centre on Forest Road. The surrounding area hasbeen earmarked for continued rural and agricultural use due to qualitybasalt based soils. The site is bordered by Forest Road to the west,Bloomfield Road to the north, Huntley Road to the east, and GoslingCreek to the south. Bloomfield Hospital incorporating a park-like settingis located near the northern boundary of the site. Other adjacent landuses include agriculture and pine plantation. Gosling Creek Reserveis dissected by Bargwanna Road into two distinct land parcels, theGosling Creek Reservoir and Bloomfield Park.

Although the main access to the site from Orange CBD is currently bycar, there are plans to link the site to the CBD with a shared pedestrian/ cycle path. At present an off-road path extends down Forest Road,adjoining Bloomfield Golf Course and Hospital sites and terminatesat the entry to the Orange Agricultural Research Station. There areplans to extend this path south along Forest Road in the immediatefuture, effectively linking the CBD with the site. It is envisaged thatfuture extension of the pathway could incorporate the alignment ofthe historic Gnoo Blas Race circuit continuing access through GoslingCreek Reserve (roughly parallel to Bloomfield Road) to Huntley Road,and turning to the north and following Huntley Road, providing a looproute back to the CBD.

There are also opportunities to develop access links with open spaceareas in the surrounding district. Lake Canobolas to the west and theCanobolas State Forest and Mount Canobolas State Recreation Areato the southwest already provide a wide range of recreational facilitiesand would be suitable destinations that could be linked via a districtnetwork of trails for pedestrian, cycle and horse / bridle use. The figurebelow indicates the relationship of Gosling Creek Reserve to the othersite’s and the potential for linkage.

Elm specimen in Bloomfield Park is

characteristic of Orange’s Autumn colour

display

Aerial photograph of the site and adjacent

rural properties

Rural character of neigbouring properties

as viewed from Forest Road

District map identifies potential access to trail connections through open space corridors and disused street alignments

GOSLING

CREEK

RESERVE



2.2 Background

Gosling Creek was named after Jonathon W. Gosling, a free settler who arrived in Australia by ship in1827. The Gosling Creek Reservoir provided the first Orange town water supply and was officiallyturned on by Governor Charles R. B. Carrington on October 8, 1890. When the prospect of seweragewas addressed in 1917, the Director General of Public Works turned down the idea of having tworeservoirs on the water shed.

Gosling Creek Reservoir was not abandoned altogether, it was later used as water supply for the nearbyBloomfield Hospital and the Agricultural Veterinary Research Station. During this time the Reservoirwas subject to rapid depletion during peak usage periods, and it was necessary to top up the reservoirwith water pumped up from the lower catchment. (Orange Agricultural College: 1987)

The Gosling Creek Reservoir is no longer drawn from directly for town water supply, it is the thirdreservoir in the Summer Hill Creek catchment behind Spring Creek Reservoir (2.4km downstream) andSuma Park Dam.

2.3 Previous Studies

The following summaries identify the findings of previous studies on the reservoirand related open space relevant to the master plan.

Orange Agricultural College Associate Diploma of Environmental

Control – Land Management II Project – “A Proposal for the use of

Gosling Creek & Spring Creek Reservoirs for Recreation” (1987)

Background

• This report was written by students from OAC prior to the decision to logthe Pine plantation areas.

Summary

• Recommended recreational activities are integrated with the primary aimof supplying clean, safe and reliable water to the city of Orange. [Note:Water supply function no longer applicable]

• The “incorporated” Bloomfield Park – Gosling Creek Reservoir area wasdivided into three stages of proposed development. The developmentproposals include:

- general upgrades of facilities already present at Bloomfield Park;

- fencing off the dam wall – so that people don’t fall off the top of it;

- a bush walking track to link the two areas;

- relocation of the city nursery to allow for a picnic area;

- provision for a horse trail; and

- stocking the dam with fish allowing fishing along the northern shore.

• In contrast to Gosling Creek Reservoir it was found that Spring Creek Reservoir does not present a great dealof recreational potential.

• This report recommends that Spring Creek Reservoir be managed as a waterbird sanctuary because of itsrange of excellent waterbird habitats and the general lack of such habitats in the Central Tablelands of NSW.

Investigation of the potential for recreational use of Gosling Creek Reservoir

Site Description

• Topography – general terrain surrounding Gosling Creek is flat to undulating and approximately 950 metresabove sea level.

• Soil Type – predominantly basalt derived soils

• Climate – annual precipitation 865mm. Mean temperatures January 19.4 degrees C, July 5.4 degrees C. Frostin April & September. Infrequent snow falls between May and August.

• Depth of Reservoir – deepest section is 5-6 meters in front of the dam wall, however most of the area variesfrom 2-3 meters

• Length of dam wall is 240m

Historic dam wall structure

Reservoir wall design (circa 1890)



Flora & Fauna (report incorporates full listing)

Proposed recreational development for Gosling Creek

a) Recommended Activities

• Bushwalking

• Picnicking

• Fishing

• Horse Riding

b) Prohibited Activities

• Trail bike riding – noise, fire hazard, conflicting user oftrails, etc.

• Swimming – would impact on water quality by stirringup silt/sediment, not compatible with fishing due tolimited size of reservoir

• Boating (powered and non-powered) – due to pollutionfrom engine, stirring up silt/sediment, vehicle accessrequired to shore line, 60% of public not in favour of it

• Camping – pollution, fire risk, would then need toprovide additional facilities

• Hunting – dangerous, pollution’s from left overcarcasses, conflict with wildlife habitat

Orange City Council – BLOOMFIELD PARK – Plan of

Management (POM) 15/2/96

1.0 Introduction

Background

• Park covers and area of 21.18 hectares, comprising ofboth “Crown” and “Community” land.

• Bloomfield Park identified as ‘Community District Park’under the OCC Open Space Policy Report (May 1986)and the park is intended to provide residents with anarea for activities on a district basis, including sportsand playing fields.

Objectives

• Develop and support diverse and enriching sport andrecreational pursuits in response to community needs.

• Achieve an informed and positive attitude towards theenvironment.

Category

• Bloomfield Park is categorized as a “sportsground” inaccordance with section 36 of the Local GovernmentAct 1993.

2.0 Land Characteristics

Geography

• Area to the west of Brandy Creek including playingfields, amenities block and barbecue identified as the‘active recreation area’.

• Area to the east of Brandy Creek identified as ‘passiverecreation area’

Features

• Playing field 1 (closest to the car park) was used forbaseball

• Playing field 2 was used for junior cricket, and has aconcrete cricket pitch

• Picnic areas: - two main areas, one west of playingfield 1, the other north east of playing field 2 (on thehigh ground near Bloomfield Road). The second picnicarea contains a weather shelter [Note: must have beendemolished]

2.2 Urban Context

• Access to Bloomfield Park restricted mostly to peoplewith motor vehicles

• Active component of the park is not developed to thesame standard as Orange’s major sports grounds, asthe park is out of town and does not warrant suchdevelopment. Despite this it is used for cricket andbaseball, and also serves to take pressure off the majorsports grounds.

• The passive area contains many trees, some areremnant and others are planted natives and exotics.

• Passive area used for activities such as horse riding,walking, exercising dogs, and picnics.

3.0 Management and Maintenance Issues

• Current management of Bloomfield Park is aimed atmaintaining the park at its current level of development.

• Although there is potential to develop the park further,there is insufficient demand to do this.

• Bloomfield Park has no permanent maintenance staff.Mowing is carried out every 2-3 weeks by Council’s“Mowing and Refuse Crew”. Trimming, spraying,picking up rubbish and other maintenance is done byCouncil’s “Other Parks Maintenance Crew”, who alsocarry out any necessary tree planting in the winter. ACouncil employee responsible for all Council toiletscleans the amenities block.

3.1 Future Issues for Consideration

• Encourage users to the western end of the park, whichhas better facilities (toilets, etc). It is proposed that theprovision and maintenance of facilities be concentratedin this area, and that facilities in the eastern section,such as the second bbq area, be gradually removedas their useful life is expended.

• Maintenance problem – irrigation of playing fields. Lackof water pressure. Despite the close proximity of theGosling Creek Water Reservoir, the park suffers froman inadequate water supply due to very low pressurein heavily rusted pipes. The dam is also heavily silted,only holding a fraction of its former capacity. Threesuggested options to rectify situation:

1. Bore and Pump ($50 000 including extendingpower supply)

Previous Studies (continued)



2. Connection to Gosling Creek Reservoir (mightnot have required water capacity as it is usedfor passive recreation - fishing)

3. Connection to town water supply (not really anoption due to high cost)

• Inadequate drainage on Field No. 1 (Baseball Field).Subsoil drainage required

• Development of passive area, especially in the form ofwalking and riding trails. This should focus on theenvironmental aspects of the area, using the naturalfeatures as the focal point. Opportunities for Bushregeneration / tree planting. Conflict with attempts toencourage park use in western end of site

• Additional seating required around Field No. 1

3.2 Strategies and Actions

• Ensure upkeep and topdressing of Field No. 1 on aregular basis

• Implement strategies to direct the bulk of park userstoward the Western section of Bloomfield Park

• Develop plans for upgrading the water supply, includingthe establishment of a water bore and irrigation systemin Bloomfield Park ending 1997

• Carry out a subsoil drainage program on the playingfields by 1997

Orange City Council – GOSLING CREEK RESERVOIR –

Plan of Management (POM) 14/7/96

1.0 Introduction

Background

• Gosling Creek Reservoir is no longer used as a townwater supply

• The dam is used for recreational fishing, stocked withboth rainbow and brown trout

• The majority of the area surrounding the dam wasdesignated for Monterey Pine plantations (Pinusradiata) [Note: subsequently harvested]

• There was also a small nursery located in the northeast

part of the site (adjacent to the cottage)

Objectives

• Further development of the reservoir as a recreationaluse area whilst maintaining responsibility for thepreservation of the natural environment

• Consider the most viable strategy in relation tomanagement of the Monterey pine plantations

3.0 Recreation

• “As a disused water supply, the GOSLING CREEKRESERVOIR encompasses a large area of open spaceand provides and excellent habitat for various species

of wildlife and plant life. The natural surroundings ofGOSLING CREEK RESERVOIR provide anaesthetically pleasing environment and is an area thatthe general public should be encouraged to utilize. Ithas been proposed that various types of recreationalactivity be explored, both in terms of suitability and thelevel of water degradation, as a result of recreationalactivity, that may affect the quality of the water supplyin the reservoir.”

Recommended and prohibited activities

RECOMMENDED PROHIBITED

ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES

Fishing Swimming

Bush walking Boating – (powered and unpowered)

Orienteering Trail Bike Riding

Picnicking Camping

Horse Riding Hunting

Trial Fishing

• In December 1993, a Plan of Management was adoptedin relation to a trial fishing period to be carried out atthe Gosling Creek Reservoir.

• The trial fishing was for four months, and its successwas to determine the future of fishing as a recreationalactivity.

• Fishing was restricted to the foreshores

• 2000 brown trout and 3000 rainbow trout were released,these joined an already large redfin population in thedam

4.0 Water Quality

• Following the line of creek flow, the Gosling CreekReservoir is located 2.4 km upstream from the SpringCreek Reservoir [town water supply]

• Whilst the reservoir is a disused water body in terms ofhuman consumption water quality testing is essential,as any problems that arise in the Gosling Creek Systemmay be detrimental to the quality of the water furtherdownstream at the Spring Creek Reservoir

• At present, bacteriological tests are performed on amonthly and three monthly basis at a number of sitesthroughout the catchment, both by Council and theWater Filtration Plant Superintendent. Whilst the testshave aided in identifying levels of bacterialcontamination in creeks such as the Gosling CreekReservoir, issues relating to siltation and eutrophicationhave not been addressed.

• It has been suggested that siltation of the Gosling CreekReservoir may still be a problem. Without clear recordsto indicate the level of nutrients, salt and soils withinthe catchment, it becomes increasingly difficult toidentify sources of nutrients and any other pollutantsthat may enter the dams.




• Consideration has been given to the alteration of the test program for the monitoring of water supply and quality assurance.Proposed monitoring procedures for such locations as the Gosling Creek Reservoir would include the performing of chemicaland pesticide tests complemented by a reduction in the overall number of bacteriological tests that are presently beingperformed at various sites.

• The main objective of the new monitoring program is to identify the sources of nutrients that may enter the system and allowfor the development of control strategies. The easiest strategies to implement are in relation to “identified point sources”.Examples may include the discharge from septic tanks, intensive rural industries and runoff from land integrated withtreated sewerage effluent. Nutrients may also be derived from “non-point sources” including runoff from grazing land,nutrient release from sediment washed into creeks from disturbed ground and the disturbance and polluting of creeks bystock.

• Sites such as the Gosling Creek Reservoir can be monitored for nutrients, salts and solids with follow-up tests in the casewhere problems are identified.

5.0 Forestry

• This section of report focus’ mainly on what to do with pine plantation timber

• Suggests planting native species “such as Black Sally and Snow Gum”

• and “Apart from the self funding of such a project, Council may seek financial assistance through government grants and jobskills programs.”

6.2 Risk Management

As of the 6th December 1993, the Gosling Creek Reservoir was incorporated under the Maintenance Service Level classification“C”. The following criteria relates to this category:

• The reservoir is to be inspected and maintained on a weekly basis

• Rubbish and other deleterious materials to be removed as necessary

• Spraying to be carried out where applicable around trees, along drains, pits, fence lines and/or as directed

At present, the dam is not used to the degree that it would warrant weekly inspection, etc. But it is anticipated that expansion ofrecreational activities would increase the level of public demand for the area.

7.0 Future Consideration Issues

Pine Forest Areas

Council needs to adopt a plan in relation to the future of the timber areas. Consideration needs to be given to encouraging theplanting of native trees within the area.

Water Quality

Consideration need to be given to providing a more expansive water testing program, beyond that of bacteriological testing forwater bodies such as the Gosling Creek Reservoir. Future testing should include an analysis of the content and source of nutrient,salt and solids within the creek.

Recreational Activity

Council needs to investigate the possibility of expanding recreational activities within the site of the Gosling Creek Reservoir.

Recreational Activity

Consideration may need to be given to the issue of access and parking within the Gosling Creek Reservoir. This would depend onthe choice to expand recreational activity, affecting the level of public use of the area




2.4 Site Appraisal

The diagram above summarises the key physical and cultural influences acting on the site that need to be taken into account inopen space planning. Landscape units summary on the following page describes the continuous zones that can be identified onthe site and which also provide cues for the development of open space and natural area management recommendations.

The Reservoir foreshores were formerly dominated by a plantation of pine trees which have recently been harvested, leaving thenorthern part of the site barren except for a protected regeneration area where remnant copses of native trees have been fencedoff. The southern side of the reservoir contains pine trees that are not suitable for commercial use, and which provide a visualbuffer to adjoining rural lands.

Bloomfield Park is an existing site for bothpassive and active recreation. The park is alinear corridor bordered by Gosling Creek andBloomfield Road. The playing field areaadjoining Bargwanna Road is characterisedby ‘cultural’ landscape plantings incorporatingmown grass areas and deciduous trees. It isused for social cricket games and picnics aswell as bush walking and off-leash dog use.To the east Bloomfield Park is typified by remnant tree canopy with a varied understorey of mown and native grasses andregenerating native understorey east of the existing small dam.

Physical site features that affect future open space development of the site include:

- ridge lines;

- high points;

- views;

- slope;

- existing vegetation;

- isolated areas; and

- limited width of thesite at some points

Vegetation character is diverse including the Pine Plantation adjoining the reservoir (cleared to the northern side – southern sidepredominantly incorporating timber not viable for harvesting). Stands of remnant tree canopy increase along the creek line to theeast. Cultural planting’s of deciduous trees are present in Bloomfield Park and around the old caretakers cottage near the damwall.

Site Analysis Diagram

View accross Bloomfield Park from the existing picnic area

View accross Gosling Creek Reservoir from a high point to the west of the site, adjacent to Gosling Creek



Adjoining road reserve area

Cleared pine plantation

Native tree copses

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Cleared Pine Plantation

Mixed Forest

Cottage /FormerNursery

Dam Wall Wetland

Dam Wall

Gosling Creek (west)

ExistingPicnicArea Bush Regeneration

Bush RegenerationFarm Dam

Playing FieldNo.1

Playing FieldNo.2

Bush Clearing

Open Space

Open Space

Brandy Creek

Gosling Creek (east)RESERVOIR

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Landscape Units Diagram

Gosling Creek

Landscape Units

The Gosling Creek Reserve site can be described as a series of precincts defined bysimilar landscape characteristics such as: topography, vegetation, and existing use. Thisassists to identify the extent of various issues and opportunities, and the feasibility of usesthat may be suitable for particular physical areas.

Precincts identified on the Landscape Units Diagram are as listed:

Adjoining Site (Road Reserve Area -Corner of Bloomfield and Forest Road)

Topography – Generally flat

Vegetation – Scattered mature native trees

Existing Use – Parking for recreational fishermen

General – Formerly Forest Road prior to realignment

Cleared Pine Plantation

Topography – Ridge line running through centre, gently sloping towards Bloomfield Roadand the reservoir, steeper slopes adjoining waters edge

Vegetation – Minimal due to clearing

Existing Use – Harvested Pine Plantation

General – Priority for revegetation

Native Tree Revegetation Zone


Vegetation – Significant stands of remnant Eucalyptus tree species and native grasses

Existing Use – Fenced off for regeneration

General – Good habitat for wildlife

Gosling Creek (west)

Topography – Gently sloping to steep banks

Vegetation – Basket Willow (Salix sp.), Cumbungi Reeds

Existing Use – Wetland, waterfowl habitat

General – Overgrown with exotics and weeds



Playing Fields

Cottage

Dam wall

Mixed forest

Picnic Area

Dam wall wetland

Reservoir

Landscape Units (continued)Mixed Forest

Topography – Sloping towards reservoir

Vegetation – Radiata Pines (Pinus radiata)

Existing Use – Wind break and visual screen toadjacent agricultural land

General – Currently difficult to gain access toand through due to denseunderstorey, fallen trees, etc.

Reservoir

Topography – Gentle to steep sloping banks

Vegetation – Cumbungi reeds, Pine trees,Eucalyptus trees, exotic trees

Existing Use – Fishing and water catchment

General – Water storage capacity is limited dueto reservoir depth of 2-3 metres

Dam Wall

Topography – Height varies, approx. 1-8 metres

Vegetation – n/a

Existing Use – Water retention

General – Heritage structure - late 19th Century

Dam Wall Wetland

Topography – Sloping at spillways and towardsGosling Creek

Vegetation – Mixture of exotic plants, weeds andnative trees

Existing Use – Bank stabilisation

General – Untidy and unsafe area due to slopes/ reservoir drainage / age of dam wall

Cottage / Former Nursery

Topography – Generally flat to sloping towardsGosling Creek and Bargwanna Road

Vegetation – Mixture of exotic and native species

Existing Use – Leased from Council for privateresidence

General – Cultural landscape character

Existing Picnic Area (Bloomfield)

Topography – Sloping towards playing fields andcreeks

Vegetation – Remnant native vegetation, maturedeciduous trees, and mown grass

Existing Use – Picnic/BBQ facilities provided

General – Good views over village green /playing fields area

Playing Field’s 1 & 2

Topography – Flat

Vegetation – Mown grass

Existing Use – Field No.1 - formerly baseball, FieldNo.2 - social cricket

General – No.2 oval has better drainage and isthe preferred of the two playing fields



Open Space

Bush clearing

Bush regeneration

Brandy Creek

Farm dam

Gosling Creek

Open space

Landscape Units (continued)Brandy Creek

Topography – Steep channelised banks

Vegetation – Mown grass, exotic tree species

Existing Use – Drainage

General – Unstable environment due to exoticvegetation on steep creek banks

Open Space (adjoining Brandy Creek)

Topography – Flat


Existing Use – Off leash dog area

General – May be prone to flooding

Bush Regeneration Area

Topography – Sloping from Bloomfield Roadtowards Gosling Creek

Vegetation – Mixed native trees and grasses

Existing Use – Bush regeneration

General – Varied quality of understorey andrelated level of weed impact

Gosling Creek (east)

Topography – Gently sloping to steep banks

Vegetation – Exotic trees, weeds, native trees

Existing Use – Drainage, water supply

General – Cultural character to southernbanks

Bush Clearing (former picnic area)



Existing Use – Secondary picnic facilities

General – Former vehicle access to site

Farm Dam

Topography – Generally flat to sloping

Vegetation – Reeds, mown grass

Existing Use – Water retention

General – Not well used for recreation orwildlife purposes

Open Space (adjoining Huntley Road)

Topography – Sloping towards Gosling Creek

Vegetation – Pasture grass, Basket Willows inGosling Creek

Existing Use – Pipe easement under part of site

General – Distinctly different visual characterto adjacent bush regeneration zone



2.5 Usage

A range of uses have been identified in previous studies and through the community workshop process as being desirable forconsideration on the Gosling Creek Reservoir Site. In order to provide a master plan direction for the site that integrates harmoniousrecreation use with sustainable environmental management, an evaluation must be made of the compatibility of potential uses forthe site.

The matrix below provides an evaluation of the potential uses/activities for the site against several key criteria aimed at determiningthe most appropriate and compatible range of uses.

Use Description of Facilities Required

Potential Impacts/ Constra ints

Advantages/ Oppor tun i t i es

Significance Compatible Uses

Potential for Staging of Imp lementa t ion

1. Picnic/BBQ

• Mown grass areas• Tree planting foreshore• Gas or electric bbq's• Picnic benches• Picnic shelter's• Desirable to have related playground

• Mown grass maintenance is labour intensive• Availability of electricity take-off limited

• Existing facilities Bloomfield Park located in area with high landscape value (mature trees and established grass cover)

• Picnic facilities in a predominantly natural setting are not provided at Lake Canobolas

• Generally compatible with all other uses• Consider safety issues related to cycle/horse access

• Potential to upgrade facilities at existing picnic/bbq area at Bloomfield Park• Potential to stage installation of new facilities such as bbq's, picnic benches, picnic shelters. Priority to establish vegetative grass cover

2. Recreational Fishing / Fish stocking

• Deck/jetty desirable

• Certain fish species may reduce water quality

• Fishing and fish stocking has been on trial for the last couple of years

• Already provided at Lake Canobolas

• Compatible with all other uses

• Potential to stage installation of decks for fishing/casting

3. Fly fishing / Casting

• Deck/jetty desirable

• Certain fish species may reduce water quality• Fly Casting requires clear zone around casting area and is incompatible with all other uses within this zone

• Fishing and fish stocking has been on trial for the last couple of years

• Already provided at Lake Canobolas

• Compatible with all uses outside the clear zone

• Potential to stage installation of decks for fishing/casting

4. Swimming

• Deck/jetty or beach desirable to provide entry into the water

• May generate impact on water quality by the stirring up of sediments from the bottom of the reservoir• Evaluation required of the silt at the bottom of the reservoir

• Opportunity to construct a multi-purpose jetty adjacent to the existing cottage. This could also allow water access for swimmers• Opportunity to construct swimming beach adjacent to multi-purpose jetty

• There are limited facilities available in the district for open water swimming• Junior triathlon potential use


• Swimmers could enter the water from the multi-purpose jetty• Potential to construct beach area for swimming at later stage

5. Walking/ running

• Walking trails • Excessive path provision may detract from the natural setting of the park. Depends on path width and surface type• Potential conflict with horse riding and off leash dog use

• Paths are useful in defining maintenance areas

• Potential link to district path system

• Compatible with recreational cycling

• Potential to stage path installation, main paths in early stages, secondary paths in later stages

6. Recreational cycling

• Cycle paths - asphalt preferred

• Excessive path provision may detract from the natural setting of the park. Depends on path width and surface type• Potential conflict with horse riding and off leash dog use

• Opportunity to link to district cycle paths connecting with the City of Orange, Lake Canobolas, etc.

• There are limited facilities available in the district for recreational cycling

• Compatible with walking/jogging• Compatible with picnic/bbq's etc if safety issues addressed

• Potential to stage path installation, main paths in early stages, secondary paths in later stages



Conclusions

The site provides potential to cater for a range of recreational pursuits some of which are not adequately catered for in the Orangedistrict. Ultimately the uses to be promoted on the site must balance community benefit with responsible environmental management.Stakeholders may also have to settle for compromise solutions in some cases which maximise the recreational diversity of the site,and minimise potential user conflicts.

The uses resolved for inclusion in the master plan are listed below with any relevant qualifications:

1. Picnic / BBQ / Passive Recreation

- relate to areas of the site accessible by car

- relate to path network

- gas BBQ provision in the short term

2. Recreational Fishing

- recreational fishing decks located away from other uses

- construction of decks a long term priority

3. Fly Casting

- long term provision on site with construction of decks

- fly casting competitions on Lake Canobolas

4. Swimming

- undertake sampling of reservoir sediment

- long term provision of deck access for canoes, etc incottage precinct

- consider beach as a long term possibility subject tosediment quality

5. Walking / Running

- major potential for through / loop path system

- develop links to district network

6. Recreational Cycling

- cater for through site access connecting to distantnetwork

- define pedestrian / cycle path surfaces

7. Event Cycling

- potential use of cycle track for event use with closureof Bloomfield Road at event times

- the development of a dedicated cycle loop and use forevent purposes is not believed to be sustainable withinthe park area, and with the range of other uses proposedfor the site

8. Horse Riding

- through paths only connecting to district network

- no formed hard surface - slash native grasses to defineroute

- Consider long term provision of minor facilities (tyingrails, watering troughs) subject to use

9. Active Sports

- maintain current active sports use of Bloomfield Park

10. Off leash dog use

- retain current extent of off leash dog access toBloomfield Park

- Consider provision of dog waste bins

Use Description of Facilities Required

Potential Impacts/ Constra ints

Advantages/ Oppor tun i t i es

Significance Compatible Uses

Potential for Staging of Imp lementa t ion

7. Event cycling

• Dedicated cycle paths or roads temporarily closed to other users

• Impacts on other park users - safety/event noise and numbers

• Opportunity to stage Junior triathlon events

• If triathlons for children are contained to the site, marshalling of roadways would not be required

• Potential conflicts with most other park users/uses on event days - noise, monopolization of space

• Potential is dependent on path construction (see walking/running & recreational cycling)

8 .Horse riding

• Parking facilities for horse floats• Horse tying rails & watering trough• Separate path with unpaved surface

• May cause minimal erosion (dependant upon path construction)• Nutrient run-off may effect water quality• Potential conflicts with other path users

• Opportunity to provide path dedicated for horse use only• Opportunity to link to district cycle paths connecting with the City of Orange, Lake Canobolas, etc.

• There are limited facilities available in the district for this use

• Equestrian facilities • Path system would be relatively simple and cheap to construct• Other horse facilities may be provided later if use is high enough to justify their provision (tying rails, watering troughs)

9 .Active sports

• Mown grass area with cricket pitch / playing field

• Playing field maintenance is relatively labour intensive

• Cricket field already exists on site

• Facilities are not of the same standard that are provided elsewhere in Orange


• n/a

10 .Off leash dog use

• Open mown grass areas

• Potential conflict with most other users of site

• Opportunity to retain existing off leash dog area adjacent to Brandy Creek and playing fields

• Existing off leash area is one of three designated areas in the City of Orange

• Active recreation • n/a



2.6 Pressures and Opportunities

Pressures and Opportunities are specific factors to which management and planning strategies must respond,whilst recognising and maintaining the identified values and roles of the site.

Pressures include impacts on the land or environment and potential conflicts between users or usage andother qualities of the site. Opportunities are inputs at the site’s physical and cultural character that will assistor promote the realisation of objectives.

The pressures and opportunities summary following is related to the landscape units identified in section 2.4

Pressures OpportunitiesAdjoining Road Reserve Area• Not part of Gosling Creek Reserve land parcel • Include in study area

• Potential site for car parking• Park entry signage

Cleared Pine Plantation• Barren area, no existing vegetation• Poor wildlife habitat• Uneven ground surface• South-facing aspect at reservoir foreshores (shade)

• Revegetation (full community where possible)• Open grassed areas• Picnic/BBQ facilities• Trail network

Native Tree Regeneration Zone• High value due to lack of native vegetation in adjoining parts of the site

• Regeneration• Revegetation (between existing copses)• Interpretation/Education

Gosling Creek (west)• Water quality• Siltation• Dumping/contamination• Weeds

• Waterfowl/wildlife habitat• Boardwalk to southern side of reservoir• Environmental management (rehabilitation/weed control)

Mixed Forest• Poor landscape quality (weed encroachment)• Pine trees screen ridgeline (short term retention required)• Dense understorey blocks human access• Limited/difficult access to this area from northern side of reservoir

• Clear trees and understorey on lower slopes for revegetation• Retain trees on ridgeline as screening (short term)• Open grassed areas• Trail network

R e s e r v o i r• Water quality• Siltation (shallow 2-3m depth)• Cumbungi reed encroachment

• Continue fish stocking• Fishing (angling/fly casting)• Test silt for contaminants• Non-powered boating• Swimming• Potential to dredge reservoir to increase water depth and quality

Dam Wall• Aged condition - need for ongoing maintenance• Safety - no railing on existing boardwalk, timber rotten

• Restoration of boardwalk• Connect walking trail to southern side via steel/timber boardwalk controlled access• Good views over site• Interpretation/education

Dam Wall Wetland• Safety - personal (visibility), structural (dam wal l )• Narrow part of site• Drainage - ground water logged• Untidy - machinery, concrete pads, chainwire fence

• Restrict access • Environmental management (rehabilitation/ weed control / revegetation)



Pressures OpportunitiesCottage/Former Nursery• Private residence (leased from Council) • AC power supply

• Potential caretakers cottage• Potential to enable information / interpretation centre• Café/restaurant• Toilet facilities

Existing Picnic Area (Bloomfield)• Deteriorated facilities• Vehicle access• Anti-social behavior

• Mature park character• Focal point of reserve site• Rationalisation of existing parking• Restrict vehicle access (park management)• Improve existing facilities /amenities

Playing Field's 1 & 2• Low grade sporting facility - distance from CBD, no lights or irrigation

• Existing 'village green' cultural character (Elm & Poplar tree planting)• Sporting club use• Social cricket games• Off leash dog use

Brandy Creek• Water quality• Erosion of banks• Weeds• Location of crossing points

• Improve/replace existing creek crossings• Environmental management (rehabilitation/weed control)

Open Space (adjoining Brandy Ck)• Maintenance/mowing areas not properly defined• Prone to flooding

• Reduce size of maintained grass area• Revegetate part of area• Retain majority for continued off leash dog use

Bush Regeneration Area• Good native bush regeneration area• Personal safety (visibility)

• Expand extent of existing regeneration• Trail network

Gosling Creek (east)• Water quality (nutrients)• Erosion of banks• Weeds• Flooding• Property boundary - dual ownership

• Access corridor for tail network• Swamp deck across flood prone areas• Interpretation/education• Environmental management (rehabilitation/weed control)

Bush Clearing (former picnic area)• Bloomfield Park POM suggests de-emphasis on this picnic area (repetition of facilities)

• Improve/replace existing picnic facilities with emphasis on horse/bridle use

Farm Dam• Poorly designed• Occupies a large area in a part of the site which is quite narrow• Maintained grass

• Revegetation around dam - stop maintaining grass

Open Space (adjoining Huntley Road)• Pipe easement underground• Site exposure to Huntley Road

• Revegetation• Park entry point• Interpretation signage

Pressures and Opportunities (continued)


3.0 Master Plan3.0 Master Plan3.0 Master Plan3.0 Master Plan3.0 Master Plan

3.1 Masterplanning Principles

Based on the study teams analysis of the site and the inputs from the community workshop forums thesegeneral principles have been established to guide the development of a master plan for the site.

• Promote recreational uses that are compatible with the sites physical characteristics and with eachother.

• Provide a sustainable level of facilities to adequately cater for recreational use.

• Develop and integrate an internal path network catering for pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, and horse /bridle use.

• Link internal path system with a future regional network of paths.

• Extend areas of native vegetation to native revegetation areas; provide full vegetation communitywhere possible.

• Maintain existing exotic planting’s not responsible for environmental conflicts and explore opportunitiesfor refinement of deciduous planting where appropriate.

• Limit and define extent of maintained grassland.

• Cater for vehicular access to reserve and an appropriate level of car parking without compromisingnatural and recreational values

3.2 Concept Master Plan Options

With the Masterplanning Principles in mind, three separate master plan options were prepared, and presentedat Community Workshop No.2. The variations in the three options relate principally to path / trail alignment,extent of maintained grassland, and the arrangement of car parking. Features and elements common to allthree options include:

• Path connections catering for a variety of users – walking, jogging, recreation cycling, minor competitioncycling, horse / bridle trails (connection to regional network).

• Typical trail network characteristics – direct linkages between activities where possible, practicalsurfaces, maximise accessibility by elderly / disabled users, desire lines, treatment of path junctions,use of paths to define maintenance zones

• Vegetation / Maintenance types include

- maintained grass with tree planting for shade / shelter

- trees in native grass (slashed 1-2 times per year to maintain visual site lines under treecanopy)

- full native revegetation

- deciduous accent / shade tree planting’s

• Interpretive signage explaining: site development and staging, Gosling Creek Reserve trails, districtnetwork of trails, historical information, etc.

• Picnic facilities – benches, bbq’s, shelters, developed over staged programme

• Viewing platforms / observation areas

• Boardwalks over sensitive / inaccessible areas – steel / timber construction including seating, andinterpretative signage

• Car parking provided to serve recreation areas – can be developed in stages as park use grows

• Public art opportunities

• Horse facilities (as destination for stop over on district horse trails)

• Habitat protection areas and creek rehabilitation – restriction of access

• Creek line foreshore zone – enhanced natural ecosystem

• Visual buffer to south of reservoir – retain ridge line pine planting in short term until revegetation isestablished

The stakeholders were asked to comment on the Options (refer Workshop notes in Appendix). Most commentsrelated to the various features in the plans, and these comments were taken into consideration for thedevelopment of the preferred Master Plan.



Option 1

Key Characteristics

Paths - Provision of pathways to define maintenance areas and cater to user desire lines

Vegetation - Extensive areas of revegetation including open space area adjoining Brandy Creek

Vehicle Access - Drop off area and short term / disabled parking area adjacent to cottage and dam wall

- Removal of access in Bloomfield Park

Car Parking - Adjacent to reservoir access road / cottage

- Intersection of Forest and Bloomfield Road including horse float parking

- 90 degree parking along Bloomfield Road adjacent to horse picnic area and trail heads

Option 2

Key Characteristics

Paths - Reduction in pathway length relative to Option 1

Vegetation - Less areas of revegetation than Option 1

- Increased areas of mown grass relative to Option 1

Vehicle Access - As per Option 1

Car Parking - As per Option 1

- Additional 90 degree parking along Bargwanna Road adjacent to trail heads

Concept Master Plan Options (continued)



Option 3

Key Characteristics

Paths - Path configuration similar to option 1, but with varied alignment on southern side of thereservoir including access to Forest Road

Vegetation - Extensive areas of revegetation including around the farm dam and open space area adjoiningBrandy Creek

Vehicle Access - Drop off area and short term / disabled parking area adjacent to cottage and dam wall (asper Option 1)

- Rationalisation and realignment of car parking at Bloomfield Park to reduce its impact on theexisting picnic area

Car Parking - As per Option 1 but with parking retained in Bloomfield Park

Community Comments

Park features - Potential provision of playground to serve passive recreational areas

- Potential fitness equipment provision spread along length of path system

- Cycle related facilities – cycle racks, activities for younger cyclists

- Potential jetty to cater for canoe launching, etc incorporating disabled water access

- Potential integration of a beach foreshore area with the boardwalk / jetty

- Provision of activities along path system – fitness, signage, etc

- Cottage might be used as caretaker’s residence and/or kiosk in the future

Paths - Avoid conflicts between different path users where possible

[Note: Ultimately if the site is to be developed for passive recreational use it may not be large

enough to sustain senior competition cycling and other events. Provision for junior events

can be integrated, but only where able to be part of a shared system (maximising use) that

may require some event day management]

- Horse trail use at Gosling Creek Reserve only works as part of a wider network – could bea good destination in the network – this would require provision of horse facilities ie. tying rail,watering trough, etc

- Potential for future Cycle Path along Forest Road

- Continue cycle / horse trails north along Huntley Road

- Too many paths currently proposed

- Provide a path loop to the southern side of the reservoir – using asphalt paths

Concept Master Plan Options (continued)



Vegetation - Avoid disturbing mature native trees during path development

- Retain flat open grassed area west of Brandy Creek as part of the off leash dog area

- Allow native vegetation regeneration around farm dam

- Potential grass or beach area to south side, to maximise northern aspect

- Retain a sustainable amount of deciduous trees in parkland and to reflect Orange’s character as Colour City

Vehicle access - Preference for Bloomfield Reserve to have no internal vehicle access – parking to be kept to external roadway’s(Bloomfield and Bargwanna Road)

- Potential closure of Bargwanna Road to through traffic to be considered to enable reserve to be one continuousland parcel

[Note: road closure issue would need to be evaluated by Council separately]

Car parking - Angle parking along Bargwanna Road would be a good use of space

Park - Strategies for night access / management required

Management - Off leash dog area defined as the area between the above mentioned location and Bargwanna Road

- Prevent illegal vehicle access on pathways

3.3 Preferred Master Plan

The list below describes the design features proposed for inclusion in the preferred MasterPlan. The numbered items correspond with the circled numbers on the Plan.

1. Path type 1 - Shared pedestrian / cycle path

This is the primary path type on the site. Its alignment will run approximately east-west andmake connections with the district pathways including links to the CBD, Lake Canobolas,and Canobolas State Forest. It is intended that this pathway will be four metres wide with anasphalt surface and a path alignment that allows for the maximum path gradient to be nomore than 1:14 (to enable disabled access). Refer typical treatments for examples.

2. Path type 2 - Horse / bridle path

A route along the northern site boundary is proposed that limits conflicts with other parkusers and reduces nutrient runoff into the reservoir. It is envisaged that the trail would beapproximately five metres wide with a native grass surface, to be slashed on a regularbasis. The trail should connect with a district network of linking trails in the future.

3. Path type 3 - Shared pedestrian / cycle path

Secondary shared pedestrian / cycle paths which provide access on alignments wherepath gradient is no greater than 1:14. Typically 2.5m wide asphalt surface with timber edge.

4. Path type 4 - Pedestrian path (unsealed)

Tertiary paths which provides pedestrian access to park users. Path gradient may be steeperthan 1:14. Typically 1.5m wide stabilised gravel surface with timber edge.

5. Main car park (access via Bargwanna Road)

A 6.5m wide road is proposed to provide vehicle access between the dam wall / cottagearea and Bargwanna Road. Car parking is proposed to either side of the road, typically in90 degree bays with ten car spaces. Parking bays may be paved in a stabilised road basesurface. It is proposed that a first stage development may include the asphalt access roadand turning circle, short term parking and two parking bays (20 parking spaces).

6. Secondary car park (corner of Forest and Bloomfield Road)

A car park including horse unloading area and horse float parking is proposed to occupy theForest Road road reserve area adjacent to the site. Designed to cater for park users withhorses and those who wish to gain access to the western end of the site, it will provide 30car spaces and 10 horse float/trailer spaces.

Shared pedestrian / cycle path

- asphalt pavement 2.5m wide

Car park



7. Horse rest area car park

Proposed as a long term strategy subject to park use by people with horses, the car parkwill provide ten 90 degree car spaces to service the horse rest / picnic area.

8. Maintained grass areas adjoining dam foreshores

Mown grass areas will provide areas for passive recreation around the dam foreshoresincluding picnic/bbq use, and general family informal play use.

9. Upgraded picnic area (Bloomfield Park)

It is anticipated that increased use of the park will justify upgrading the existing picnic areaat Bloomfield park including: picnic benches, bbq’s and amenities. The established planting,‘village green’ character, and central location will make this area of the park an attraction atGosling Creek Reserve.

10. Steel or timber boardwalk through reed beds

Boardwalks will provide access through ecologically sensitive areas and act as observation/interpretation areas for the surrounding environment.

11. Steel or timber boardwalk to top of dam wall

A boardwalk along the top of the dam wall will provide access to the southern side of thereservoir and give the park users a unique perspective from which they can view theirsurrounding environment.

12. Native revegetation (full community)

Native revegetation will stabilise the disturbed site soil, provide a visual screen and windbreak, and attract native fauna to the area. It will create indigenous plant communities withfull vegetative strata including grasses/groundcovers, shrubs and trees and will develop anatural environment on the site which will be an attraction to park users.

13. Native grassing

Open areas of native grass will provide a low maintenance alternative to traditional mowngrass, and contribute to the ‘native character’ of the site.

14. Native grassing with native tree canopy

This style of revegetation has similar benefits to full community native revegetation, butmaintains sight lines underneath the tree canopy to enable surveillance.

15. Gosling Creek

Environmental management of Gosling Creek should include the removal of weeds andstaged removal of exotics. Bank stabilisation works will be carried out in coordination withnative revegetation techniques, designed to improve the native environment and encouragewaterfowl and other native fauna.

16. Dam foreshore

It is intended that around most of the reservoir margins where the banks are quite steep,there will be a zone of native reeds, grasses, groundcovers and shrubs to stabilise theedge and prevent access to the reservoir.

17. Existing Cottage

The existing cottage located adjacent to the dam wall has power supply (unique to the site)and is typified by its “cultural” landscape character. In future stages of park developmentwe recommended that it be adapted for use as an interpretation centre / kiosk / toilets.Related courtyard area with deciduous shade tree planting would complement this use.

18. Jetty

The proposed jetty will be accessible from a boardwalk running parallel to the dam wall. Itwill be used for launching canoes, fishing, and also provide water access to swimmers viaa submerged deck.

19. Canoe / gear drop-off turning circle

An access road with asphalt surface typically 6.5 metres wide provides vehicle access todam wall / cottage area. Short stay / disabled parking will be provided adjacent to turnaround circle.

Preferred Master Plan (continued)

Picnic benches

Native revegetation

Dam foreshore

Jetty



20. Regional shared cycle / pedestrian pathway

A shared cycle/pedestrian pathway is a separate initiative by Orange City Council and willbe included in a network of trails linking the district in the future. At present the pathwayextends down Forest Road to the Agricultural Research Station, however there are plansto extend this to meet the Gosling Creek Reserve. When this connection is made it will bemuch easier to reach the site without a car.

21. Park facilities information sign

Park signage will be provided at the main entries to the site. It will describe the staging ofthe site construction including revegetation, path construction and park elements / features.There will be a map that shows park users their location relative to the site, and also thelocation of the park in relation to the district open space network.

22. Viewing / landmark tower

A viewing landmark tower is proposed for construction on one of the sites high points infuture stages of the project. It will provide a unique view of the site, and will also act as alandmark for the site when viewed from Forest Road.

23. Fly casting / angling deck

Unlike the casting decks at Lake Canobolas, these decks are proposed to be multipurposeand provide recreational opportunities for passive recreational users too.

24. Existing pine plantings to ridgeline

A vegetative buffer of existing pine trees approximately 40-50 metres wide will be retainedin the short term until native vegetation is established on the lower slopes. This strip ofexisting planting will screen wind and act as a backdrop to views across the reservoir.

25. Southern foreshores and lower slopes

The pine trees and weed understorey will be removed from the southern foreshores andlower slopes and replaced with native revegetation.

26. Wetland area below dam wall

This part of the site is unsafe due to uneven ground surface, spillways, and lack of visualsurveillance. It should kept off limits to general park users, and undergo extensiveenvironmental management in order to remove weeds, and exotic plantings and reinstatenative vegetation to stabilise banks.

27. Sandy beach for swimmers

It is intended that a beach area be provided for swimmers at a later stage if there is ademand for this activity and if swimming proves to have minimal effect upon the waterquality in the reservoir.

28. Maintained grass area (North facing)

Native grass areas will provide areas for passive recreation around the dam foreshore’s.The location of these areas on the southern side of the reservoir offers a north facingorientation (solar passive), however it is harder to gain access for the maintenance ofthese areas.

29. Bargwanna Road

During the later stages of construction Bargwanna Road should be sealed with asphalt toimprove access by park users and local residents. It may also be possible to closeBargwanna Road to through traffic, although this is unnecessary as the through trafficvolumes are relatively low and the physical barrier of the road has only limited effect onpark use as it separates two distinctly different character’s and uses of the park.

30. Relocated amenities block

In the later stages of park construction the existing amenities block in Bloomfield Park willbe replaced with a composting toilet to reduce environmental impact. Its new locationadjacent to a path junction will increase accessibility to park users and encourage passivesurveillance.

31. Maintained grass area (horse rest area)

This existing grass area will be maintained and improved as a seperate picnic area forpark users with horses. It is anticipated that there will be an increased demand for thesefacilities when the district open space trail network becomes more established.


Park facilities information sign

Composting toilet

Bargwanna Road



32. Maintained grass areas in Bloomfield Park

This area includes the existing playing fields and grass area adjacent to Brandy Creek. Itwill be maintained in its current condition with increased definition of the boundaries of thisarea. Use will include active recreation on the playing fields and passive recreation in otherareas. This section of the park is designated for off-leash dog use.

33. Playground

A playground is proposed at a major path junction adjacent to the main car park, and willprovide a stimulating play experience for children at the Gosling Creek Reserve.

34. Fitness Stations

Fitness stations consisting of hard wearing equipment suitable for exercises and interpretiveinformation will be placed along path type 1 at regular intervals.

35. Bargwanna Road Parking

Parking bays that provide 90 degree parking for five cars are proposed for several locationson Bargwanna road adjacent to trail heads. Parking bays may typically be paved in astabilised road base surface.

36. Bird Hides

Timber bird hides are proposed in future stages of park development for construction onthe southern side of the reservoir adjacent to Gosling Creek. They will blend in with thenatural surroundings and provide park users with the opportunity to view water fowlundetected.

37. Reservoir viewing / rest area

A landscape feature area is proposed at a relative high point on the north western side ofthe reservoir, with good views over the reservoir and dam wall. The viewing / rest area(refer Typical Treatments page 28) occurs at a major path junction and offers park users anopportunity for passive recreation. It is envisaged that basalt would be used in theconstruction of low walls and flagstone paving.

38. Bird Refuge Islands

Construction of bird refuge islands in the reservoir close to the entry of Gosling Creek willimprove the wildlife habitat for water fowl and encourage nesting. The islands should bevegetated with native reeds, grasses, shrubs, and trees to offer protection from the south-westerly winds and create an attractive nesting habitat for birds and water fowl. The islandsshould be constructed so that there is a stretch of water approximately 6-7 metres widebetween the island and reservoir shore line to prevent predators such as feral cats andfoxes from gaining access.


Playground

Fitnes station



3.4 Typical Treatments

The following typical treatments develop in further detail aspects of the master plan proposals and/or provide examples of thematerials and design treatments suitable for use in development of Gosling Creek Reserve.

Car Park / Cottage Area

We envisage that this area will provide a focal point of activity on the site. It is located in the approximate centre of the site adjacentto the existing dam wall and has an established cultural landscape character due to the mixture of exotic and native plantings.There is also the provision of services including power and water which are currently unavailable elsewhere on the site. An accessroad is proposed in the early stages that will provide the only vehicle access to the site including a turn around / drop off areaincorporating short term parking and bays of 90 degree angle parking to the sides of this road.

��

��

��

��

��

��

0 10 20 30m

Detail plan showing park nodal area including proposed main car park and existing cottage

Gravel pavement, timber bollard, gravel pavement

Typical edge treatments to car park

Road base pavement,

partial concrete kerb

Timber bollards set in

concrete edge

R

OA

D

BA

RG

WA

NN

A

Shared path type 1 - 4mwide asphalt path with timberedge

Shared path type 3 - 2.5mwide asphalt path with timberedge

Pedestrian path type 4 -1.5m wide stabilised gravelpath with timber edge

Pavement node at pathjunction

Playground

Existing dam wall

Steel or timber boardwalk

Jetty

Deciduous shade trees

Paved courtyard

Existing cottage

Mown grass area

Car park

Car park

AC

CE

SS

RO

AD



Typical Treatments (continued)

Landscape features / elements

Landscape features and elements are the proposed facilities provided to park users as required for various types of active andpassive recreation. These facilities include viewing areas, interpretive signage, fitness stations, park benches, picnic tables, bbq’sand picnic shelters.

0 10m5

Section AA (n.t.s.)

Detail plan of viewing/rest area

Picnic shelter Picnic bench Fitness equipment

A A

Native bushlandregeneration area

Shared path type 1 - 4mwide asphalt path withtimber edge

Shared path type 3 - 2.5mwide asphalt path withtimber edge

Pedestrian path type 4- 1.5m wide stabilisedgravel path with timberedge

Lower level

Ramp

Open native grassedarea

Deciduous shade treesproviding Autumn colourto park focal point

Viewing / rest area

Lower level

Open native grassedarea

Deciduous shade treesproviding Autumncolour to park focalpoint

Native bushlandregeneration area

Viewing / rest area



Typical Treatments

(continued)

Boardwalks

Boardwalks are proposed for use at GoslingCreek Reserve to gain access to areaswhere an on-ground path connection wouldnot be possible. Proposed steel or timberboardwalk along the top of the dam wall andat a point on Gosling Creek west of thereservoir will provide pedestrian access topark users wanting to reach the southernside of the reservoir. A proposed low deckwill provide “year round” access to floodaffected areas in Bloomfield Park adjacentto Gosling Creek.

As well as providing access, boardwalksoffer facilities for recreation such as fishingand swimming, and path users theopportunity to view their surrounds from anelevated perspective.

Boardwalks used for passive recreation

Boardwalks used to gain access to hard to reach areas

Proposed boardwalks provide recreation opportunities including fishing and

swimming

Typical section through proposed boardwalk

over the top of the existing dam wall




Vegetation types

Revegetation of the Gosling Creek Reserve site is of highimportance primarily due to the large extent of cleared areason the northern side of the reservoir. Revegetation should becarried out in the early stages of the project to stabilise theground surface and prevent runoff into the water supply. It isproposed that native plants which are indigenous to the siteand / or surrounding area should be used because they willattract native birds and animals.

Principles

• Revegetate barren areas of the site with predominantlynative planting

• Regenerate understorey of existing bushland areas(Bloomfield Park)

• Reduce weed infestation of creeks and supplement withnative planting

• Provide mown grass and native grass areas for passiverecreation

• Define maintenance types with path system wherepossible

• Provide deciduous planting, limited to high use areaswhere winter sun is required and autumn colour isappropriate.

Vegetation types:

• Maintained grass with tree planting

• Native tree canopy with native grass understorey

• Full native revegetation

• Deciduous accent / shade plantings

• Wetland weed management

Revegetation Techniques

Virocell prior to planting Revegetation area shortly

after planting

Revegetation area one year

after planting

Revegetation area two years

after planting

Vegetation Types

Mown Grass Areas Native Grass Areas

Trees in Native Grass

Full Native Community




Path treatments

As vehicle use on site is limited to the cottage area,access through the site is predominantly via pathwaysfor pedestrians, cyclists and horses.

Park users are encouraged to use alternative formsof transport (other than cars) to reach the site such asbicycles and/or horses, via the proposed network oflinking pathways connecting to the CBD andthroughout the district.

Pathways are a source of passive and activerecreation on the site and cater to a variety of uses -walking, jogging, recreation cycling, minor competitioncycling, horse bridle trails.

Pathway types are categorised by path user, surfacetype and width.

Pathways follow desire lines and guide user movement between site features as well

as in, out of the reserve

Pathways define vegetation maintenance types

Raised thresholds make drivers aware of path users at points where conflict could

occur such as roadway crossings


4.0 Staged Works Action Plan4.0 Staged Works Action Plan4.0 Staged Works Action Plan4.0 Staged Works Action Plan4.0 Staged Works Action Plan4.1 Priorities

Consideration must be given to the phasing of reserve development as Council will not have sufficient funding to construct thewhole park in one stage. It is suggested that elements constructed in the first stage would address high priority environmentalissues such as revegetation of the former pine plantation to the north of the reservoir, definition of parking areas, signage, andcritical path development.

4.2 Works Action Plan

The Works Action Plan (commencing below) identifies tasks and areas of work which need to be addressed in order to implementthe park development works and management requirements.

No. Item PriorityIndicative

Cost Estimate

Action Type Possible

Funding Sources Activities Required Comment

PREPARATORY / PRELIMINARY ACTIVITIES

a.

Test reservoir sediments to determine contamination

High $5,000.00 Investigation Council

• Carry out exploratory investigations • Review outcomes, incorporate into detailed design brief

b.

Develop brief for detailed design / documentation incorporating consultation

HighPlanning / Design Council

• Prepare detailed design / documentation brief to incorporate staged implementation works

c. Site survey High $15,000.00 Planning / Design

Council • Prepare site ground survey for construction design stages

d.Design development and documentation

High5% of agreed cost budget

Planning / Design

• Carry out detailed design / documentation of staged implementation works incorporating Consultation

STAGE ONE WORKS - Northern foreshore revegetation of former pine plantation area and basic facility provision

a. Site clean up High $2,000.00 Capital works Council

• Carry out site works including: - remove piles of wood chips from revegetation area (and stockpile for re-use on site if required) - removal of remaining tree stumps - surface trimming (grading)

b. Weed eradication High $71,610.00 Capital worksCouncil / NationalHeritage Trust

• Remove weeds from revegetation area• Apply pre-emergent spray prior to planting

c. Temporary paths High $178,640.00 Capital works Council

• Carry out works to construct base courses to pedestrian and cycle paths (excluding horse / bridle paths) to include: - setout of paths - grading of path alignment and adjoining areas - preparation of path base course to required width

Temporary path provision through construction of sub base to facilitate construction and maintenance access and recreational use

d. Mass planting High

Recreational grassing$302,100.00Native grassing$57,000.00Native revegetation$776,975.00Foreshore planting$12,550.00

Capital worksCouncil / NationalHeritage Trust

• Carry out revegetation works to including: - native grassing to planting zone - recreational grassed surface to grassed areas - tree & shrub planting - macrophyte / edge planting to reservoir margins - plant establishment / maintenance

e. Formalize existing car park

High $113,400.00 Capital works Council

• Carry out works to improve existing car park (located adjacent to the intersection of Forest Road and Bloomfield Road) by defining entrance/exit, roadway and parking bays including: - grading - pavement construction - barriers - re-establishment of grassed areas disturbed during construction

f.Entry / interpretive signage Medium $5,000.00 Capital works Council

• Install interpretive signage at entry to the Gosling Creek Reserve adjacent to the existing car park on Forest Road

STAGE TWO WORKS - Southern foreshore clearing and revegetation

a.Clearing of pine trees on lower slopes

High $2,000.00 Capital works Council

• Cut down and remove trees on the lower slopes of reservoir foreshores• Retain and protect native trees• Retain existing pine trees along ridgeline (to better views of adjoining rural properties)

b. Site clean up High $3,000.00 Capital works Council

• Carry out site works including: - removal of remaining tree stumps - surface trimming (grading)

c. Temporary paths High $71,785.00 Capital works Council

• Carry out works to construct base courses to pedestrian and cycle paths (excluding horse / bridle paths) to include: - setout of paths - grading of path alignment and adjoining areas - preparation of path base course to required width

Temporary path provision through construction of sub base to facilitate construction and maintenance access and recreational use



Works Action Plan (Continued)


Cost Estimate



STAGE TWO WORKS (CONTINUED) - Southern foreshore clearing and revegetation

d. Weed eradication High $80,180.00 Capital works Council

• Carry out works to remove weeds from revegetation area and from area where pine trees are to be retained• Apply pre-emergent weed treatment prior to planting

e. Mass planting High

Native grassing$4,500.00Native revegetation$573,578.00Foreshore planting$6,200.00


• Carry out revegetation works to including: - native grassing - tree & shrub planting - macrophyte / edge planting to reservoir margins - plant establishment / maintenance

STAGE THREE WORKS - Gosling Creek environmental management

a. Restrict access High $6,750.00 Capital works/ Management

Council

• Carry out works to prevent recreational access to wetland area below the dam wall including: - installation of appropriate fencing - installation of signage

b.Environmental management High

Western arm$10,790.00Below dam wall$23,940.00


• Carry out works to improve creek environment to both the eastern and western side of the reservoir including the wetland area adjacent to the dam wall to include: - removal of weeds and exotic vegetation (basket willow) - revegetation with native tree and shrub planting - stabilisation of creek banks

STAGE FOUR WORKS - Reservoir car park and northern foreshores path finalisation

a. Path network High $188,440.00 Capital works Council

• Finalise with wearing surface all pedestrian and cycle paths (excluding horse/bridle paths) to the northern side of the reservoir including: - any make good works required to sub base - asphalt surface installation - re-establishment of grassed areas disturbed during finalisation works

b. Main site carpark High $82,580.00 Capital works

• Construct access road to reservoir, turning circle, short term parking, and two parking bays (ten cars each bay located close to the existing cottage) including: - grading - pavement construction - re-establishment of grassed areas disturbed during construction - landscape works - pavement threshold

c.Timber access jetty Medium $70,000.00 Capital works Council

• Design timber jetty to cater for canoe and junior triathlon water access• Integrate disabled water access provision

d.Bargwanna Road car parking bays Medium $9,875.00 Capital works

• Construct four car parking bays (five car parks per bay) along Bargwanna Road adjacent to trail heads including: - grading - pavement construction - barriers - re-establishment of grassed areas disturbed during construction

STAGE FIVE WORKS - Reservoir, boardwalk and southern foreshores path development

a. Boardwalk High $140,000.00 Capital works

• Construct steel or timber boardwalk over Gosling Creek (west of the reservoir) to provide pedestrian and cycle access to the southern side of the reservoir incorporating a observation/seating deck centered over the creek

b. Path network High $62,075.00 Capital works Council

• Finalise with wearing surface all pedestrian and cycle paths (excluding horse/bridle paths) to the northern side of the reservoir including: - any make good works required to sub base - asphalt surface installation - re-establishment of grassed areas disturbed during finalisation works


4.0 Staged Works Action Plan4.0 Staged Works Action Plan4.0 Staged Works Action Plan4.0 Staged Works Action Plan4.0 Staged Works Action Plan

Works Action Plan (Continued)


Cost Estimate



STAGE SIX WORKS - Bloomfield, path establishment and planting

a. Path network High $252,780.00 Capital works

• Construct pedestrian and cycle path links (asphalt and gravel) to Bloomfield Park including: - grading - path construction (sub base and surface) - re-establishment of grassed areas disturbed during construction

b. Mass planting High $208,000.00 Capital works

• Carry out revegetation works to Bloomfield Park including: - native grass planting - tree & shrub planting - plant establishment

c. Environmental management

High $98,120.00 Capital works

• Carry out works to improve Gosling and Brandy Creek adjacent to Bloomfield Park including: - removal of weeds and exotic vegetation (basket willow) - revegetation with native tree and shrub planting - stabilisation of creek banks

STAGE SEVEN WORKS - Dam wall boardwalk access link

a.Dam wall boardwalk Medium $267,000.00 Capital works

• Construct steel or timber boardwalk over the top of the existing dam wall incorporating heritage deck remains where possible• Construct observation/seating deck centred over midpoint of dam wall

STAGE EIGHT WORKS - Gosling Creek Reserve, Bridle trail

a. Bridle trail MediumCouncil day labor

Capital works/ Maintenance

• Setout trail alignment through native grass reve

Documents

Gosling Creek Reserve - Orange City Council...6 Orange City Council Gosling Creek Reserve Masterplan July 2001 2.2 Background Gosling Creek was named after Jonathon W. Gosling, a free