MID-WESTERN REGIONAL COUNCIL...2016/03/16 · DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 JANUARY 2016 COMMUNITY: OPEN SPACES LAWSON PARK, MUDGEE MID-WESTERN REGIONAL COUNCIL PAGE 3 OF 16 Table of Contents

11 JANUARY 2016

MID-WESTERN REGIONAL COUNCIL

COMMUNITY: OPEN SPACES

LAWSON PARK, MUDGEE

PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

COMMUNITY: OPEN SPACES LAWSON PARK, MUDGEE

PAGE 2 OF 16 MID-WESTERN REGIONAL COUNCIL

THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN PREPARED BY JENNIFER NEELY, FIELDS AND PARKS TECHNICIAN FOR MID-WESTERN REGIONAL

COUNCIL. ANY QUESTIONS IN RELATION TO THE CONTENT OF THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO: [email protected] OR (02) 6378 2850 DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 JANUARY 2016

mailto:[email protected]


MID-WESTERN REGIONAL COUNCIL PAGE 3 OF 16

Table of Contents

1. PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN ...................................................................................................... 4

2. LAND COVERED UNDER THIS PLAN OF MANAGEMENT ............................................................. 4

3. CATEGORY OF THE LAND .................................................................................................... 4

4. OWNER OF THE LAND ......................................................................................................... 4

5. CONDITION OF THE LAND, BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES ............................................ 5

5.1. Turf ............................................................................................................................................. 5

5.2. Buildings and other structures .................................................................................................... 5

5.2.1. Toilets .......................................................................................................................................................5 5.2.2. Pool ..........................................................................................................................................................5 5.2.3. Playground and Exercise Equipment .......................................................................................................5 5.2.4. Barbeque areas ........................................................................................................................................5 5.2.5. Park Furniture ...........................................................................................................................................5

5.3. Trees........................................................................................................................................... 6

6. MANAGEMENT OF THE LAND ............................................................................................... 6

6.1. Core Objectives .......................................................................................................................... 6

6.2. Issues, performance targets, means of achievement of objectives/performance targets, manner of assessment of performance .................................................................................................... 7

6.2.1. Use ...........................................................................................................................................................7 6.2.2. Landscaping .............................................................................................................................................7 6.2.3. Tree management ....................................................................................................................................8 6.2.4. Pesticide Use Notification .......................................................................................................................10 6.2.5. Turf management ...................................................................................................................................10 6.2.6. Equipment and facilities ..........................................................................................................................10 6.2.7. Irrigation ..................................................................................................................................................13

6.3. Proposed Upgrades ...................................................................................................................15

7. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................... 16



1. PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN

The purpose of this plan is to assist with the management of Lawson Park for the next five years. This plan will be reviewed in the fourth year to identify future works required with in the park. This will include tree planting and/or removal, furniture replacements, pathways and improvements.

2. LAND COVERED UNDER THIS PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

Under section 36 of the Local Government Act 1993 it states that public land in the care and control of Council classified as community land is subject to a plan of management.

This park includes

Parkland providing the opportunity for passive enjoyment (including landscaping, gardens and non sporting equipment and facilities in the park).

Linkage for pedestrians or bicycles access Riparian zone (land along creek banks) to protect watercourse edges, water quality, flora and fauna Wildlife corridors to connect one area of parkland with another thereby providing greater habitat range with

increased wildlife safety Land set aside for drainage or road purposes

The parcel of land covered under this plan is listed below.

Park Name Property Number DP Lot Section

Lawson Park 11116 DP758721 1 74

1 54A 1320 DP787930 1

Lawson Park West

2340 DP589395 1 2143 DP325087 1 2143 DP1096619 1

3. CATEGORY OF THE LAND

The land is classified as community land under the Local Government Act 1993. This land is classified as ‘park’.

4. OWNER OF THE LAND

Lawson Park (property no: 1116 & 1320) is Crown land with the additional section (Lawson Park West) to the west of Church Street owned by Mid-Western Regional Council.



5. CONDITION OF THE LAND, BUILDINGS AND OTHER STRUCTURES

Lawson Park is located along the banks of the Cudgegong River. The land is mainly undulating.

5.1. Turf The park has a good covering of turf throughout the park. The section of park from the Short Street and Church Street intersection to the pool car park is watered via an automatic irrigation system. This irrigation is programmed to come on automatically, however parks and gardens staff are permitted to change the watering program to suit the weather and any booked event in the park.

The lower section of the park (from adjacent to the toilets the Lawson Street gate is watered via a turf valve (buckner connection) and an automatic irrigation system. The buckner system is operated from the grassed area on the river side adjacent the toilets to the open space just past the undercover BBQ area. The automatic irrigation system is located in the large open space behind the pool to the Lawson Street gate. This is only around the undercover barbeque area. Lawson Park West is completed with automatic irrigation.

5.2. Buildings and other structures

5.2.1. Toilets There are public toilets located near the pool. The toilets were constructed in 2007/08 financial year. They replaced the original toilets in the park.

5.2.2. Pool The Mudgee Pool is located on the edge of the park along Short Street, near the intersection of Lewis Street. The pool does not come under the function of the park or this plan.

5.2.3. Playground and Exercise Equipment During 2005/06 and 2006/07 the playground was renovated and is now equipped with Australian Standards equipment. The playground is fully fenced with 2 access gates due to the close proximity to the Cudgegong River.

An existing small play area located between the BBQ area and the new playground is outdated and requires removal.

Exercise equipment is strategically placed along the walking track in through Lawson Park and Lawson Park West. This equipment is regularly used by members of the public. Age limits apply to the equipment and it is the responsibility of the public to determine their fitness levels and ability to use this equipment.

5.2.4. Barbeque areas There are three sets of barbeques located in Lawson Park. In the top section of the park (west of the pool) there is a shelter with one barbeque. In the lower section of the park there is a fully covered barbeque and eating area with two barbeques. This structure was rebuilt in 2014. The third BBQ facility is located in Lawson Park West.

5.2.5. Park Furniture There are several seats and picnic tables located around the park.

Signs are erected around the park for the public safety and information.



A stone fence boarders the park along Short Street and Church Street. The stone fence was erected during the depression in the 1930’s. In recent times the fence has suffered some damage; however this has been rectified by stone masons.

Due to ground movement and other factors the fence has been moving over the years. The fence is now leaning over (mainly towards the footpath). Regular surveys will be undertaken to determine the amount of movement thus the stability of the wall.

A stone entrance was created in the newer section of Lawson Park West to mirror that of the stone work on the existing Lawson Park.

5.2.6. Park Sculptures There are several sculptures installed in Lawson Park West, these are strategically placed throughout the park. Further installations will assessed individually as required.

Maintenance of each sculpture will be undertake in line with the recommendations from the artist.

5.3. Trees Lawson Park hosts a variety of trees. Currently the main feature to the park is the river red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). Some of these trees have been estimated at being over 250 + years old. Several of these trees have declined in health over the years due to climatic conditions. Some of the river red gums were removed for safety reasons in 2009. Remaining trees will require assessment to ensure their health and stability with trimming and/or removal undertaken if required.

Other trees within the park include bunya pines, poplar trees, silky oaks, kurrajongs and a variety of elms to name a few. It is important that these trees receive attention when required (such as crown lifting and dead wooding).

The bunya pines drop their cones on a yearly basis, although Councils have erected signage warning the public of this occurrence, to minimise any risk to the public these trees will require additional funding on an annual basis to remove the cones or trees will require removal.

6. MANAGEMENT OF THE LAND

The land is managed and maintained by Mid-Western Regional Council. The objectives and methods as set out below.

This park is located within the conservation zone of Mudgee and is a local heritage listed park under the Mid-Western Regional Local Environmental Plan 2012. Any tree removal or structural modification to the park must be approved by the MWRC Planning Department. However, tree maintenance (e.g. pruning) will not incur approval from the Planning Department of MWRC prior to work commencing.

6.1. Core Objectives

The core objectives for the management of community land as categorised as a park under the Local Government Act 1993 – section 36G is:

To encourage, promote and facilitate recreational, cultural, social and educational pastimes and activities, and; To provide for passive recreational activities or pastimes and for the casual playing of games, and; To improve the land in such a way as to promote and facilitate its use to achieve the other core objectives for its

management.



6.2. Issues, performance targets, means of achievement of objectives/performance targets, manner of assessment of performance

6.2.1. Use

6.2.1.1. PERFORMANCE TARGETS The use of the land shall accord with its classification as community land, category ‘park’, being for the informal casual use by the general public.

6.2.1.2. MEANS OF ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVES/PERFORMANCE TARGETS The community land including any buildings situated on the land, category ‘park’, being for the informal casual use by the general public.

Any planned improvements to the park by Mid-Western Regional Council must be approved by MWRC Planning Department due to the heritage conservation zone.

The land (including any buildings) contained in this plan may be used for a variety of uses in accordance with Council approval or consent. Such uses may include monthly community markets, community events, low key parties or weddings.

Personal trainers are not to exclusively use regular areas and create damage due to wear spots. All fitness trainers are to book the park, pay an annual fee as per Council’s fees and charges and provide Council with all relevant documentation and insurances

The following maintenance activities are scheduled in Lawson Park:

Landscaping Tree management Pesticide use notification plan Turf management Park furniture (seating, bins, barbeques, shelters and fences) Playgrounds Public lighting Access (including road and footpath) Public amenities Irrigation

6.2.1.3. MEANS OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE This park has one role which is to provide a passive environment to the public. This park will be used and continued to be developed to the level appropriate for its role.

6.2.2. Landscaping

6.2.2.1. PERFORMANCE TARGETS Landscaping will be planned to:

Provide shade and beautification to the area Enrich the planted environment with existing and additional vegetation Act as a visual screen Be regularly maintained to control weeds and litter



Be compatible with the park role or equipment (planned or present) Continue to maintain existing planting and program for replacement of plants

6.2.2.2. MEANS OF ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVES/PERFORMANCE TARGETS This park has several garden beds with boarders. Some of these garden beds are becoming overcrowded and declining in health and will require renovation.

These gardens include: 3 rose gardens and 5 mixed species gardens.

Rose gardens: there is no set variety in these gardens. Some of the roses are old and diseased, which is leading to them declining in health. It will be necessary to start replacing some of the roses within the next year with new healthy roses.

The border around the rose garden in the top section of the park (which contains 3 beds) is deteriorating and is not serving the purpose to stop the turf from invading the garden bed.

TARGETS:

WITHIN THE NEXT 5 YEARS

Replace existing border with new edging material (larger bricks) in top section of Lawson Park Old and diseased roses to be remove in winter and replaced with new roses Continue mulching roses with wood chips Fertilising roses every 2 months during growing season to promote new healthy growth and prolong the flowering Deadhead and thin centre of roses on a weekly to fortnightly basis to prolong flowering and reduce overcrowding

leading to disease problems Managing pests and disease problems when they develop Correctly pruning roses in July to maintain new growth for growing season

Mixed gardens: there are several mixed garden beds through the park. Most of these gardens are overcrowded and declining in health. It is becoming necessary to remove some of the plants within the gardens to make way for replacement planting and to de-clutter the existing gardens.

TARGETS:


Start to remove the plants which have become invasive or are old and declining in health within the gardens Identify plants which require replacement now and in the future Update the gardens with new plantings Prune plants on a regular basis to maintain shape and health Forward planning for future plants

6.2.2.3. MEANS OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Undertake regular inspection of garden areas to identify future works or problems. Reduce the number of works requests and act on works requests as they are received.

6.2.2.4. MANNER OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Identify plants that may require removal and replanting in future years. Ensure regular tree trimming program in undertaken. Act on works requests as they are received.

6.2.3. Tree management



6.2.3.1. PERFORMANCE TARGETS Provide shade Create a visual screen Wildlife corridor

6.2.3.2. MEANS OF ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVES/PERFORMANCE TARGETS

This park is host to a variety of trees which include but are not limited to River Red Gums, Plane Trees, Kurrajongs, Peppercorns, Claret Ash, Callistemons, Pine Trees, Poplar Trees, Bunya Pines and Silky Oaks. All the trees within the park require regular attention for crown lifting and directional pruning. It is necessary that this work is undertaken on a yearly basis preferably in winter. However, with the weight of the foliage during the growing season, it is necessary for additional trimming when required.

The Bunya Pines are a spectacular tree. However these trees drop very large cone without warning at certain times of the year. These are located in the park next to a main loop road and parking area. It is necessary to remove the cones on a yearly basis to reduce possible injury from falling cones or remove the tree.

There are several trees which are declining in health. These trees need succession plantings to be planted prior to the removal of them. Approval from the MWRC Planning department needs to be obtained as per the MWRC Tree Removal and Pruning Public Places Policy.

The line of grevillea robusta (Silky Oaks) and brachychiton populneus (Kurrajong) are showing their age and declining in health in the top end of the park. They need replacing within the next 5 years. It is recommended that succession planting occur before these trees are removed.

An assessment of the existing River Red Gums will be required to ensure the health and safety of these trees within the park with trimming and/or removal undertaken if required.

Additional plantings will be planted as and when needed.

TARGET:

Replace the line of silky oaks and kurrajongs in the top end of the park. Yearly pruning program to crown lift and directional prune or deadwood trees as required. Additional summer

pruning program as required. Yearly remove bunya pine cones from tree or removal of trees Assessment of existing river red gums Yearly fertilising program for all trees Additional plantings of trees throughout the park Removal of diseased, damaged or dying trees which pose a risk the public Identify trees which pose a risk to the public and seek approval to remove them

6.2.3.3. MANNER OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Identify trees which may require removal in future years. Ensure regular tree trimming program in undertaken. Act on works requests as they are received.

6.2.3.4. MANNER OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Identify trees which may require removal in future years. Identify area for future plantings Ensure regular tree trimming program in undertaken. Act on works requests as they are received.

http://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/apni?taxon_id=9680



6.2.4. Pesticide Use Notification All spraying in the parks has to abide by the Mid-Western Regional Council - Pesticide Use Notification Plan. This will allow Parks and Gardens staff to spray and treat weeds, insects and fungal infestations within the parks and gardens in the Local Government Area.

The treatment of noxious weeds will also be covered under this notification (in conjunction with the noxious weeds act 1993).

6.2.5. Turf management

6.2.5.1. PERFORMANCE TARGETS Provide high standard of grassed areas Be regularly maintained to an appropriate height and control weeds

6.2.5.2. MEANS OF ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVES/PERFORMANCE TARGETS This park has a large area of turf. Regular mowing is carried out on the turf areas which are irrigated by the automatic irrigation system.

TARGET:

Maintain a regular mowing program manage turf weeds as required Yearly fertilising program

6.2.5.3. MANNER OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Ensure turf maintenance is kept to a high standard. Act on works requests as they are received.

6.2.6. Equipment and facilities

6.2.6.1. PERFORMANCE TARGETS Park furniture: fencing, seats, tables, and rubbish bins Children’s play equipment Fitness equipment Lighting Buildings Access (including roads and footpath)

6.2.6.2. MEANS OF ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVES/PERFORMANCE TARGETS Mid-Western Regional Council staff will continue to ensure regular inspections are carried out to allow condition assessments are completed. This is to reduce any customer concerns within the park.

6.2.6.2.1. PARK FURNITURE I. FENCING

The park hosts three types of fencing. The boundary stone wall, the boundary fence around the swimming pool and the other is playground fencing

Stone fence: as previously mentioned this fence was built in the 1932. Over time environmental and other factors have changed the look of the fence. It is currently leaning outwards from the park and has several large cracks through it. A report from Baker Saran dated 3 July 2001 details works required for the fence. In 2014 the fence was surveyed and showed minimal movement, continued surveys will be undertaken to ensure structural integrity of the wall.



A new stone wall was erected in the newer section of Lawson Park West in Church Street in 2013.

The boundary fence at the swimming pool consists of security fencing.

Playground fencing: the fence surrounding the playground was erected in 2006. This fencing is maintained when required. The gates are inspected on a regular basis for any repairs which may be required.

FUTURE PLANNING

STONE WALL

Continue monitoring the stone wall

FUTURE PLANNING

FENCES

Conduct regular inspection of all fences for damage and repairs

II. SEATING/PICNIC TABLES There are numerous picnic seats and tables located around the park.

FUTURE PLANNING

Regular inspections of all seating to identifying repairs or replacements Identify areas for additional seating or tables and program installation

TARGETS:


Replace any seats which are damaged with painting as required.

III. RUBBISH BINS There are numerous rubbish bins scattered throughout the park. These bins are the sulo type to stop the possums and other animals from getting into the bins and putting rubbish everywhere. Vandal proof bins have been placed in Lawson Park west to reduce vandalism to the bins.

FUTURE PLANNING

Identify the areas for additional bins and program to install over the next 3 years Installation of new bins that include dog waste bags

6.2.6.2.1.1. MEANS OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Mid-Western Regional Council staff will continue to ensure regular inspections are carried out to allow condition assessments are completed. This is to reduce any customer concerns within the park.

6.2.6.2.1.2. MANNER OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Identify park furniture that require renewing Ensure park furniture is maintained and regular inspections are carried out Act on works requests as they are received

6.2.6.2.2. PLAYGROUNDS



The new playground was installed during the 2006/07 financial year. The playground equipment and the softfall are to the Australian Standards. A regular inspection of the playground is necessary to ensure the safety of the users of the park.

FUTURE PLANNING

Weekly visual inspections of the playground (equipment and softfall) Maintain equipment and softfall to the Australian Standards.

6.2.6.2.2.1. MEANS OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Mid-Western Regional Council staff will continue to ensure regular inspections are carried out on playground equipment and the immediate surrounding area. This is to reduce any community concerns within the playground.

6.2.6.2.2.2. MANNER OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Identify any damage to the playground and arrange for repairs. Ensure regular soft fall maintenance is programmed and undertaken with top ups as required Act on works requests as they are received.

6.2.6.2.3. FITNESS EQUIPMENT There is a variety of outdoor fitness equipment located around the park both in the new section and in the old section. The equipment is set along the walking track for the public to use whilst using either the park of the walking track.

FUTURE PLANNING

Regular visual inspections of the playground (equipment and softfall) Maintain equipment and softfall to the Australian Standards.

6.2.6.2.4. PUBLIC LIGHTING

There is minimal lighting in and around the park. The main locations for lights are the barbeque areas, toilets and the playground.

Additional lights to continue around the walking track.

FUTURE PLANNING

Ensure the lights are maintained to a high standard.

6.2.6.2.4.1. MEANS OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Regular inspection of lighting to be undertaken to ensure security within the park

6.2.6.2.4.2. MANNER OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Regular inspection of lights to identify any faults Act on works requests as they are received

6.2.6.2.5. BUILDINGS I. PUBLIC AMENITIES

New toilets were built in 2007/08. These toilets are maintained to a high standard.

II. BARBEQUES AND SHELTERS The 3 BBQ located around the park are cleaned on a regular basis. The 2 in the older section of Lawson Park run off mains power while the other in the newer section runs off gas (as no power was available). All BBQ’s are checked and cleaned on a regular basis. The large undercover area has recently been rebuilt after vandalism destroyed the previous structure in 2013.

FUTURE PLANNING



Ensure the barbeques and shelters are maintained to a high standard yearly maintenance is undertaken on shelters

6.2.6.2.5.1. MEANS OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Mid-Western Regional Council staff will continue to ensure regular inspections are carried out. This is to reduce any customer concerns within the park.

6.2.6.2.6. ACCESS (INCLUDING ROADS AND FOOTPATH) The main area of Lawson Park has two vehicle access points and several pedestrian access points. Most of the internal paths are bitumen with only a few concrete paths.

There are several speed humps located around the parking areas which require regular painting to delineate to motorists and pedestrians. The car park will require upgrading in the near future.

Vehicle access to the park by the general public is permitted only along the designated roads and car parks as mentioned above. Vehicle access across the parkland is not permitted as such access may harm the quality of the landscaping. However, special permission for driving and parking in the top section is given to the monthly markets. Usage of this area may be denied if heavy rain is experienced prior to the set day.

There is no vehicle access to Lawson Park West. Permission has to be obtained to gain access to the site

A granite fitness track has been installed around Lawson Park. This path is predominantly along the river.

FUTURE PLANNING

Continue monitoring for maintenance. Maintenance will be carried out as and when needed. Concrete additional paths to allow for better access

6.2.6.2.6.1. MEANS OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Mid-Western Regional Council staff will continue to ensure regular inspections are carried out. This is to reduce any community concerns within the park.

6.2.6.2.6.2. MANNER OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Identify any damage to footpaths or roads which need repairing urgently. Regularly maintain footpath and road surfaces within the park to avoid build-up of leaves, grass clippings and

any other loose covering which may pose a danger to the public Act on works requests as they are received

6.2.7. Irrigation

6.2.7.1. Performance Target To maintain turf to a high standard

Most of the park has irrigation installed. The top section of the park is fitted with an automatic turf irrigation system. Part of the lower section of the park at the eastern end is watered via a turf valve (buckner connection). This is only around the undercover barbeque area.

A new irrigation system was installed in 2013 in behind the pool. This area is fitted with an automatic irrigation system

There is still need to complete the automatic irrigation around the BBQ area and playground, and other areas along the river.

FUTURE PLANNING

Regular systems check of the current irrigation



Complete the remainder of the irrigation in the park within the next 5 years.

6.2.7.2. MEANS OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Mid-Western Regional Council staff will continue to ensure regular inspections are carried out. This is to reduce any community concerns within the park.

6.2.7.3. MANNER OF ASSESSMENT OF PERFORMANCE Undertake a weekly irrigation systems check, record the check and report any damage Repair damaged sprinklers or pipes Act on works requests as they are received



6.3. Proposed Upgrades

CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAM

PROJECT COST Construction on the drain in the kangaroo cage behind the pool into a permanent water path

$22,000

Removal and replacement of trees $5,000 Creating a concrete footpath from the river side carpark to the eastern gate at the playground

$10,000

Concrete path from pool carpark to the BBQ $14,000 Concrete path from BBQ area to road southern side $7,000 Upgrade of walking path $52,000 Continue the lighting through Lawson Park West $150,000 Bunya pines – Remove for safety reasons $12,000 River Red Gums – removal and trimming $18,000 Renewing edging of rose gardens in the top section of Lawson Park $20,000 Renewing roses in garden beds $5,000 Removal of willows from Lawson Park $10,000 Sealing up to the bollards around the drive way $32,000



7. REFERENCES Websites

www.metrotrees.com.au

www.flemings.com.au

The Mid- Western Regional Local Environmental Plan 2012.

Local Government Act 1993 – sect 35 & 36 A to N

MWRC Policy - Pesticide Use Notification Plan

MWRC Policy – Tree Removal and Pruning Public Places Policy

MWRC Policy – Street Tree Pruning Policy

State wide trees and roots management best practices, version 2, may 2003

Noxious weeds act 1993

Books

Gardening Australia – flora

Botanica – 1997

Ornamental flowering trees in Australia – Raymond J. Rowell

http://www.metrotrees.com.au/

http://www.flemings.com.au/

Documents

MID-WESTERN REGIONAL COUNCIL...2016/03/16 · DATE OF PUBLICATION: 11 JANUARY 2016 COMMUNITY: OPEN SPACES LAWSON PARK, MUDGEE MID-WESTERN REGIONAL COUNCIL PAGE 3 OF 16 Table of Contents