FEDERATION HILL MASTERPLAN

PLANNING FOR THE WODONGA HILLS

OCTOBER 2017

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Federation Hill .............................................................................................................................................. 3

2. THE VISION 2.1 Federation Hill – Local Leisure and Fitness ........................................................................................ 5

2.2 Specific actions ........................................................................................................................................... 6

3. APPENDIX

4.1 Objectives and guiding principles ......................................................................................................11

4. LIST OF FIGURES

Fig. 1 - Federation Hill Masterplan .................................................................................................................10 Fig. 2 - Federation Hill Masterplan – detail .................................................................................................11

> Master planning for the Wodonga hills has been guided by the eight management objectives and related set of guiding management principles applying to all the hills. See Appendix 1. These establish the preferred approach or “decision framework” to management and use of the hills.

> The actions identified in this masterplan have been formulated in accordance with these objectives and guiding principles, as well as in recognition of the hill’s particular values and other characteristics (notably proximity to residential areas and accessibility, management track network, terrain, usage patterns, current facilities, biodiversity values, fire hazard management, and management regime).

> Together the site-specific actions and the overall actions identified for all the Wodonga hills, will guide the planning, use, enhancement and management of the Wodonga hills.

> Individual actions are described in Section 2.2, and shown in Figures 1 to 3 (along with “typical” or “example” images illustrating each action).

READING THIS MASTERPLAN

3 Federation Hill Masterplan

Federation Hill is located approximately 4km from the town centre of Wodonga. It forms the south-east border to the Wodonga suburbs

At present, Federation Hill has the largest and closest number of adjacent or nearby homes..

It is an “everyday” destination offering a natural setting with views over both the Wodonga urban area to the north and north-east, and the rural valleys and hills to the south and south-east.

Exceptional old trees, as lone trees or in groups, are a feature of Federation Hill’s gently rounded ridgeline.

The site is wholly council-managed land except for a small inholding at the water tank in the north east sector (which is not included in the plan).

A READILY ACCESSED, CONVENIENT, NATURAL SETTING FOR EVERY DAY

LEISURE AND RECREATION USE.

1.1

FEDERATION HILL

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Within the context of the overall Planning for the Wodonga Hills Strategy, this masterplan for Federation Hill is founded on the hill’s distinctive situation as an easily accessible attraction on the edge of suburbia convenient for short duration leisure, recreation and fitness activities.

Several measures are identified to improve access to Federation Hill from the adjoining residential areas, through better directional signposting and more effective connections to the suburban pathway or open space network.

A central proposal of the masterplan, and a key initiative to encourage and support leisure and recreation use of Federation Hill, is the provision of a major activity area and trailhead on the hill’s northern margin. Wattle Park, located centrally along the hill’s northern residential edge, is well situated for such an activity and entry node. It is the only sizeable, flatter area along the hill’s base and is also easily accessed from the present road network (including existing parking along McCulloch Crescent). Now managed only as grassed open space, this site is envisaged as a “day-use” location with picnic and other facilities that would also serve as a key focal point and gateway to Federation Hill.

To diversify the experiences offered by Federation Hill, the masterplan envisages an extended walking track midway up the hill’s northern and eastern slopes. Such a link passes through more diverse or better timbered terrain and would offer an alternative, more intimate or personal scale, walking experience compared to use of the management track network. It would also offer more frequent, and less interrupted,

views. Such a track would also enable a less challenging but longer means of accessing the hill’s ridgeline. Along the ridgeline, on the existing management track network, the masterplan proposes upgraded or new low-key rest stops and vantage points at two locations.

Mountain biking (on dedicated tracks) is not intended as a primary activity on Federation Hill. This is in recognition of the proximity of residences, the area’s established usage patterns, large vegetation offset sites,, the lack of varied or challenging terrain, and the probability of user conflicts or safety issues (as well as the availability of established mountain biking, downhill or technical riding, destinations and facilities elsewhere in the Wodonga hills). However, mountain biking can occur on the hill’s extensive management track network.

In addition to the overall biodiversity management objectives identified in the strategy, and continued management of several large offset sites, this masterplan targets specific areas for the regeneration, or active revegetation. In places, notably in the Lily Valley, these measures are targeted to build on past revegetation efforts and to connect these vegetated areas to the adjacent Wodonga Retained Environment Network (WREN) lands. Elsewhere, new enhancement measures are proposed, often also providing for erosion repair or stabilisation along minor creeklines. As described in the overall actions for all the Wodonga hills (in the main strategy document), the council will liaise with the Country Fire Authority regarding mitigating bushfire risks around revegetation and biodiversity enhancement areas.

2.1THE “LOCAL LEISURE AND FITNESS” VISION

THE VISION

5 Draft Federation Hill Masterplan

This masterplan proposes 16 actions to enhance the enjoyment, conservation, landscape value and management of Federation Hill over the short to mid-term.

These actions and directions are specific to Federation Hill, however, the 45 overall actions applicable to all the Wodonga hills - as described in the strategy - will also apply.

Figures also include a “typical” or “example” image to further illustrate the intent, appearance or scale of each of the proposed actions.

ACTION 1 IMPROVED DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE

Improve directional signage to Federation Hill - especially to the major entry points - from the surrounding open space and pathway network along the hill’s northern and eastern edge.

ACTION 2 SIGNPOST MINOR ACCESS/ENTRY POINTS

Signpost minor access and entry points to the northern and eastern edge of Federation Hill within the surrounding residential street network - especially those that may be mistaken for (or presented as) private land.

ACTION 3 NORTH SIDE URBAN PATHWAY CONNECTIONS

Extend and complete the urban pathway network (as shared paths, for use by both walkers and cyclists) through two existing drainage reserves - at the east end of Barton St (in the east) and between Bambric and Kirner courts (in the west) - to connect to the northern Perimeter Fire Trail.

ACTION 4 NORTHERN-EASTERN “MID-SLOPE” WALKING TRACK

Establish a “mid-slope” walking track along the better timbered north-east and eastern face of Federation Hill - from the Kangaroo Track to the end of the Perimeter Fire Trail. The alignment between the Kangaroo and Tussock tracks must be carefully chosen to avoid impacts on vegetation in accordance with the relevant offset management plan.

2.2SPECIFIC ACTIONS FOR FEDERATION HILL

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ACTION 5 WATTLE PARK ACTIVITY AND ENTRY NODE

Provide a formal entrance point and activity node in the eastern end of Wattle Park off McCulloch Crescent. This location would provide a leisure and recreation space on the hill’s margin and the main access point to and from the hill and its wider track and trail network and attractions. Provide shelters, picnic tables, barbecues, seating, water, and toilets (set among screening trees) including all-abilities facilities. Provide a trailhead(s) and orientation information and detailed information for those tracks/trails radiating from this location. Enhance amenity and shade, and soften views onto proposed facilities through landscaping and plantings. Expand the existing parking along the south side of McCulloch Crescent to offer additional capacity, up to 20 vehicles depending on demand analysis. The potential of this site to be occasionally used (by approval) for events will be limited in type, size and frequency in recognition of its residential setting.

ACTION 6 SHARED PATH, WATTLE PARK TO SUNDEW TRACK

Provide a shared path (for both walkers and cyclists), through the proposed Wattle Park Activity and Entry Node (action 5) - initially as a sealed path, and then linking to the Sundew Track (and the tracks/trails beyond) as an unsealed path.

ACTION 7 NEW LOW-KEY PICNIC SITE - CAREX TRACK (EAST)

Provide limited low-key rest/picnic facilities (platform tables or seating) at the top of the Carex Track’s eastern descent, to take advantage of the attractive low-level views over the Wodonga urban area. Pedestrian and cyclists access only. Include screening tree and shrub plantings - selected and sited and designed to limit fire hazard - flanking the Carex Track (descending from the ridgeline to Ballara Drive).

ACTION 8 ADDITIONAL REVEGETATION MEASURES - LILY VALLEY

Expansion and re-establishment of the endangered Grassy Woodland community and other native vegetation along the Lily Valley - via promoting regeneration (through grazing management, weed control, fire regime, etc.) supported by revegetation targeted to increase diversity, boost wildlife habitat, and reinforce existing revegetation. Connect to the Wodonga Retained Environment Network (WREN) lands and protected private bushland towards Huon Creek Rd. To occur in consultation with the Country Fire Authority and in accordance with relevant fire management plans.

ACTION 9 SMALL LOW-KEY ENTRY NODE - WESTERN END OF PERIMETER FIRE TRAIL

To disperse the concentration of users and provide access to the hill’s western trails, improve the existing entry with seating and orientation - at the western end of the Perimeter Fire Trail, just inside the junction of McGaffin and Drewett roads.

ACTION 10 UPGRADE EXISTING LOW-KEY LOOKOUTS - CAREX TRACK

Minor upgrading of the existing informal lookouts - just east of the junction of the Carex and Tussock Tracks and north east of Bluebell and Carex Tracks junction - with additional seating and possibly a low-key shade shelter, with orientation and interpretation information. Retain the low-key character of these locations, with facilities sited to avoid detracting from the skyline. Additional shade and amenity plantings should be incorporated.

ACTION 11 REVEGETATION AND EROSION REMEDIATION/CONTROL MEASURES - SOUTH-WEST

Expansion and re-establishment of endangered native vegetation communities via promoting regeneration (through grazing management, weed control, fire regime, etc.) and supported by targeted revegetation to increase diversity and boost wildlife habitat. Revegetation priority to eroded creeklines and the existing fenced-out revegetation and remnant patch. These works are in addition and complementary to existing offset managemetn requirements and are to occur in consultation with the Country Fire Authority and in accordance with relevant fire management plans.

7 Draft Federation Hill Masterplan

ACTION 12 REVEGETATION AND CREEKLINE STABILISATION - NORTH-WESTERN CREEK

Revegetation to stabilise an eroded and erodible section of a minor north-west flowing creekline line and build on earlier revegetation measures. Altered grazing management may also be warranted. These works are in addition and complementary to existing offset managemetn requirements and are to occur in consultation with the Country Fire Authority and in accordance with relevant fire management plans.

ACTION 13 REVEGETATION AND CREEKLINE STABILISATION - SOUTHERN CREEK

Revegetation to stabilise an eroded and erodible section of a minor south flowing drainage line on the southern face of Federation Hill. Altered grazing management may also be warranted. To occur in consultation with the Country Fire Authority and in accordance with relevant fire management plans.

ACTION 14 BUSH SETTING ACTIVITY AREA

A potential location for a “bush setting activity area” on a gentler lower slope with scattered trees, adjoining Wattle Park. Activities here would have an emphasis on those requiring or benefiting from a bushland or natural setting - such as a nature-based adventure playground or bush fitness course. Such an area could function in conjunction with the nearby Wattle Park site, making use of the facilities provided there. To be sited outside existing offset area.

ACTION 15 LILY VALLEY WALKING TRACK

A new longer walking track possibly running along the southern slope of the Lily Valley - from the Carex Track in the north-west, to link into existing perimeter fire tail and the WREN lands or anticipated residential development adjoining the hill’s south-east. Such a route could, ultimately, form an entry point to Federation Hill - for walkers only - for residents of future subdivisions along the hill’s south-east margin (Cambourne Park and Huon Creek Rd).

ACTION 16 LOW-KEY ENTRY NODE - WILSONS RD

To provide a point of access to the hill from the south, the existing management access should be formalised for public use. Measures to limit impacts on management and residential access should be implemented along with amenity and screening plantings. This access should not be promoted beyond the immediate local residential catchment.

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FIGURE 2Federation Hill Masterplan - detail

10

APPENDIX 1

OBJECTIVES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Master planning of the Wodonga Hills has been guided by the seven management objectives and related set of guiding management principles applying to all the Wodonga hills.

As described in the strategy, the eight objectives that shape planning for the Wodonga Hills encompass:

1. Sustainable management and enjoyment;2. Biodiversity and habitat values;3. Aboriginal cultural heritage values;4. Visitor, neighbour and community safety;5. Landscape and scenic values;6. Accessibility, connection and integration;7. Leisure, recreation and tourism; and,8. Awareness, appreciation and understanding.

Each of these eight objectives, supported by a set of guiding principles, establish the preferred approach or “decision framework” to management and use of the hills.

A set of overall actions provide directions and guidelines for key planning and management challenges or issues that are likely to be common across all hills.

These are detailed in full in the strategy.

11 Federation Hill Masterplan

This Planning for the Wodonga Hills - Federation Hill Masterplan for the City of Wodonga was prepared by Gondwana Consulting Pty Ltd.

Prepared by: Alan Ginns and Pamela Fletcher

Specialist MapInfo, design, mapping & graphics input by: Pamela Fletcher, Registered Landscape Architect

Masterplan preparation by: Pamela Fletcher, Registered Landscape Architect

Masterplan images: Gondwana Consulting and City of Wodonga (other than 5 [top] - www.wildwalks.com.au; 5 [middle] - www.outdoorstructures.com.au; 5 [bottom] - www.tascoblocksandpavers.com.au; and 7 - Walking SA)

Masterplan Detail images: City of Wodonga (other than 5 [top to bottom] - NSW NPWS, Brisbane City Council, NSW NPWS, www.tascoblocksandpavers.com.au and Google Earth)

Reviewed by: Andrew Ginns and Alan Ginns

Issued by: Alan Ginns