PLAN OF MANAGEMENT KNAPSACK RESERVE

ar

Knapsack Park Reserve Trust Blue Mountains City Council

Department of Lands Roads & Traffic Authority

State Rail Authority

DRAFT 2006 KNAPSACK RESERVE

PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

Knapsack Reserve DRAFT Plan of Management 30 January 2007 1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The development of the Knapsack Reserve Plan of Management (PoM) has been a team effort involving the following Council staff and stakeholder groups. The future involvement of staff from across the whole of Council will be essential in order to ensure that Knapsack Reserve is managed appropriately and sustainably. Council Staff

• Councillor Kevin Frappell (Ward 4 Councillor); • Patricia Gonzalez (Recreation Development Officer); • Elizabeth Dudley-Bestow (Team Leader – Recreation); • Adrian Birkbeck (Sports & Recreation Officer) • Matthew Chambers (Environmental Scientist); • Soren Mortensen (Bushland Management Officer); • Eric Mahony (Bushland Management Officer); • Elton Menday (Strategic Planner – Heritage); • Janne Yardy (Principal Recreation & Cultural Planner); • Peter Belshaw (Bushfire Technical Officer); • Nathan Summers (Bushcare Officer); • David Hewetson (Principal Strategic Planner); • Glen Sherlock (Road Safety Officer); and • Graham Green (Investigation & Traffic Engineer).

Land Owners / Managers

• Ian Ferguson (Department of Lands); • Ken Durie & Amanda White (Sydney Water); • Anthony Kambouris (SRA); and • Ian Kirby, Ross Walker & Palitha Manamperi (RTA).

Stakeholder Groups

• Local Residents; • Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council; • Darug Tribal Aboriginal Council; • Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation; • Gundungarra Tribal Council; • Glenbrook & District Historical Society; • Glenbrook Rotary Club; • Glenbrook – Blaxland Cricket Club; • Blue Mountains Soccer Club; • Blue Mountains Dog Training Club; • Western Sydney Mountain Bike Club; • Western & Hills Orienteering Club; and • Knapsack Creek Gully Bushcare.

Others

• Fiona Leslie (Archaeological Heritage Management Solutions); and • Nick Kamula (University Western Sydney).


TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 1 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 5 FORWARD 7 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 8 1.0 Introduction to this PoM

1.1 Statement of Significance 10 1.2 Vision 10 1.3 General Description of Knapsack Reserve 10 1.4 Timeline of events within Knapsack Reserve 10 1.5 Purpose of the Plan of Management 11 1.6 Preparation of the Plan of Management 12 1.7 Structure of the Plan of Management 12 1.8 Research Methods and Community Consultation 13

1.8.1 Community Liaison Group 13 1.8.2 Community Information Days 14 1.8.3 Visitor Surveys of Knapsack Park 14

2.0 Legislation & Policy Framework 2.1 Legislative Requirements 16

2.1.1 Crown Lands Act 1989 (CL Act) 16 2.1.2 Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act) 17 2.1.3 Land Management under both CL Act & LG Act 18 2.1.4 Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) 18 2.1.5 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) 19 2.1.6 Transport Administration Act 1998 (TA Act) 19 2.1.7 Transport Administration Amendment Act 2003 20 2.1.8 Heritage Act 1977 (H Act) 20 2.1.9 National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act) 20 2.1.10 Roads Act 1993 21 2.1.11 Native Vegetation Act 2003 & Regulation 2005 21

2.2 Local Environmental Planning Controls 21 2.2.1 Current Zoning – Local Environmental Plan 1991&2005 21 2.3 Council Policies & Requirements 26

2.3.1 Council’s 25 year Strategy – Map for Action 27 2.3.2 Blue Mountains Recreation & Sports Strategy 2002 28 2.3.3 Local Sporting Trends 28 2.3.4 Population Forecast & Australian Bureau of Statistics 29 2.3.5 Local Social and Economic Trends 30 2.3.6 Effects of Population Forecast on Sportsgrounds in Lower Mts 31

3.0 Description of Knapsack Reserve 3.1 Site Description 32 3.1.1 Lands covered by this Plan of Management 33 3.2 Cultural Heritage Values 38

3.2.1 History of Use at Knapsack Reserve 38 3.2.2 Aboriginal Heritage 40 3.2.3 European Heritage 40

3.3 Existing Uses & Visitor Nodes 42 3.3.1 Organised recreational uses 42 3.3.2 Non sporting recreation uses 43 3.3.3 Visitor nodes & links 44 3.4 Natural Heritage Values 46

3.4.1 Visual and Residential Amenity 46 3.4.2 Topography & Drainage 46 3.4.3 Flora 47 3.4.4 Fauna 47 3.4.5 Weeds Infestation 50


3.4.6 Bushfire Hazards 52 4.0 Basis for Management (Management Direction) Knapsack Park Sportsgrounds Precinct 4.1 Provision of Organised Sporting Facilities 54 4.2 Maintenance Matters 55 4.3 Traffic, Parking & Access 55 4.4 Residential & Visual Amenity 56 Knapsack Reserve Bushland Area 4.5 Walking & Bike Tracks 56 4.6 Passive & Informal Recreation Uses 57 4.7 Visitor Nodes & Links 58 4.8 Bushland / Water Management 59 4.9 Fire Management 60 Heritage Related Matters within Knapsack Reserve

4.10 Protection of sites of Aboriginal significance 61 4.11 Protection of Historic Sites 61 Former Sewerage Treatment Plant & State Rail Authority Land 4.12 Future Use of Sewerage Treatment Plant 62 4.13 State Rail Authority Land 63 Other 4.14 Leases & Licenses 64 4.15 Fees 65 4.16 Tenure 65

5.0 Master Plans & Land Categorisation

5.1 Land Categorisation of Knapsack Reserve 67 5.2 Knapsack Park Sportsgrounds Masterplan 72 5.3 Knapsack Reserve Visitor Nodes & Links Concept Plan 74 5.4 Bicycle Links to Knapsack Reserve 77

6.0 Action Plan 79 References 93 Appendix A Community Consultation for Knapsack Reserve Plan of Management 94 B Summary of Comments: Information Day 29

th July 2006 96

C Visitor Survey for Knapsack Reserve 99 D Results of Visitor Survey for Knapsack Reserve 101 E Asset Inventory for Knapsack Reserve 103 F Water Quality of the Knapsack Catchment 110 G Flora species recorded within Knapsack Reserve 112 H Fauna species recorded within Knapsack Reserve 113 I Bushfire History of Knapsack Reserve 115 J Asset Protection Zones (APZ) within Knapsack Reserve 116 K Fire Trails within Knapsack Reserve 117


GLOSSARY OF TERMS ABS: Australian Bureau of Statistics Action A practical, achievable and measurable thing to be done to implement a management strategy. AHIMS: Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System Basis A section of the Plan of Management that identifies the role of the reserve, Management: existing conditions and values, and issues relating to the subject land. BMCC: Blue Mountains City Council CL Act: Crown Lands Act 1989 CLG: Community Liaison Group DCAC: Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation DEC: Department of Environment Conservation DLALC: Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council DPoM: Draft Plan of Management DTAC: Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation EEC: Ecologically Endangered Community EPA Act: Environmental Planning & Assessment Act GTC: Gundungarra Tribal Council Ha: Hectare (1ha is equal to: 10,000sqm) H Act: Heritage Act 1977 HNCMA: Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (Responsible for regulation of the Native Vegetation Act 2003) Issues: Problems and opportunities relating to management of the subject land. Issues may be a point of conflict between stakeholders or may impact on the land itself. LEP: Local Environmental Plan LG Act: Local Government Act 1993 NPW Act: National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 NV Act: Native Vegetation Act 2003 PAD: Potential Archaeological Deposit PoM: Plan of Management RTA: Roads and Transport Authority


Strategy: A statement on how to achieve a desired outcome. SHI Form: State Heritage Inventory Form SRA: State Rail Authority TA Act: Transport Administration Act 1998 TSC Act: Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 Values: The qualities of the Crown or community land that are significant, special or important, and that we wish to protect or enhance. Vision: A short, over-riding statement that encapsulates the ideal to be achieved.


FOREWARD

This Plan of Management (PoM) has been prepared by Blue Mountains City Council to resolve issues surrounding the multiple and competing uses within Knapsack Reserve. These competing demands include protection of the bushland, conservation and protection of sites of Aboriginal and historic significance and the numerous recreation uses within the Reserve. The PoM has been prepared to comply with the relevant legislation such as the Crown Lands Act 1989 and Local Government Act 1993 and to protect and enhance the community, natural and cultural values associated with the Reserve. This PoM covers forty two (42) parcels of land owned by four (4) different organisations. In writing this PoM, all forty two parcels of land are collectively referred to as ‘Knapsack Reserve’. The PoM has been completed with funds provided by Blue Mountains City Council. This money has contributed to the commissioning of external consultants whom provided expert advice through environmental and heritage reports and a land survey. Blue Mountains City Council would like to thank the Department of Lands, State Rail Authority, Roads and Transport Authority, Sydney Water and the Knapsack Reserve Community Liaison Group for their time and assistance during the completion of this PoM. Please note: for a full list of staff, stakeholder groups and consultants that contributed to this PoM, please refer to the ‘Acknowledgements’ page at the beginning of this document.


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Knapsack Reserve Plan of Management (PoM) covers forty two (42) parcels of land owned by four (4) different agencies including: Department of Lands, State Rail Authority, Roads & Transport Authority and Blue Mountains City Council. In writing this PoM all parcels are referred to as ‘Knapsack Reserve’. The key reasons for a PoM were:

• To find a balance between the competing demands on the Reserve; • To guide current and future management of the Reserve; • To provide for the future of the Reserve and the protection of its natural and cultural

heritage; • To reflect community and stakeholders’ needs and expectations; and • To improve the quality of the Reserve for the local community, community of greater

western Sydney and people of New South Wales. The PoM Process: This included extensive research and public consultation including the following:

• Review background files / studies; • Commissioning of Environmental and Heritage studies from external consultants; • Consult with other relevant agencies including all owner and managers; • Establishing a Knapsack Community Liaison Group (CLG); • General public consultation carried out throughout the development of the PoM; • Hold a public information day during the preparation of the PoM and review sixteen

(16) submissions and other comments received as a result of this day. Summary of Issues: Issues raised were obtained through the process detailed above and a summary of these matters (listed under broad topic areas) are listed below: Knapsack Park Sportsgrounds Precinct

• Clubhouse is in a poor conditions; • Senior and mini fields are smaller than standard size; • Cricket is interested in becoming summer user group – pitch needs to be installed; • Irrigation system in a poor condition; • Traffic congestion, unsafe driving and unsafe parking conditions are generated on busy

sporting weekends; and • Lack of community / residential facilities available at sportsgrounds. Knapsack Reserve Bushland Area

• Extensive duplication of walking tracks; • Number of old disused downhill bike tracks; • Conflicts caused between walkers and bike riders occasionally experienced; • Existing dog off leash are is poor located; • No interpretation regarding Aboriginal, cultural or environmental values of the Reserve;

and • Presence of Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest an Ecologically Endangered Community. Heritage Related Matters within Knapsack Reserve

• Evidence of vandalism at sites of Aboriginal significance; • Possibility that some sites may have objects of archaeological value hidden by leaf litter; • Seven (7) out of fifteen (15) recorded sites of Aboriginal significance are affected by

visitor impacts, these impacts are considered low to moderate; • Lack of consistent management of sites as they are located on parcels owned various

agencies and organisations; • General erosion and degradation of sites through pedestrian and vehicle impact; and • Little to no interpretation of the Reserve’s Aboriginal and European heritage values


Former Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) & State Rail Authority (SRA) Land

• STP site has been used as a sewerage treatment plant for past 32 years; • There is some potential for contamination on site; • Weeds are a problem in the area adjacent to the sewerage treatment plant; • Access to site is across SRA owned land part of which is leased to mushroom growers; • Ownership of SRA land & tunnel is likely to change in the near future as they are surplus

to rail needs; and • Mushroom farm building is stretching beyond the leased lands and encroaching on

adjacent lands. Other

• Limited resources / funding to carry out works within the Reserve; • The Crown Land portion of Knapsack Reserve is designated as a Reserve for Public

Recreation. This is in conflict with the need to preserve bushland, the presence of Endangered Ecological Communities; and

• There are four (4) unformed ‘paper’ roads within the Reserve that should be reintegrated into the Reserve as the need to open them to vehicular traffic no longer exists.

Summary of Recommendations / Actions: There are a total of seventy two (72) actions within the PoM across 16 broad management areas. Note: Some of the 72 actions have been repeated if they related to more than one (1) management area e.g.: develop & implement an interpretation plan occurs within ‘Walking & Bike Tracks’, ‘Passive & Informal Recreation Uses’ and ‘ Protection of Heritage Sites’. The total estimated costs of all works contained within the PoM are: $1,896,000 • Projects that Council would fund are estimated to be: $1,006,500; • Projects funded in partnership with sporting clubs are estimated to be: $889,500; • There are twenty six (26) projects that need to be included in existing staff resources; and • There are nine (9) projects that require further investigation prior to determining the most

appropriate action. Note: Many of the above action may attract a grant which would assist in funding the project.


Section 1

INTRODUCTION This section introduces the Knapsack Reserve Plan of Management (PoM) document, its purpose, how it was prepared and its structure; it also details how research was carried out. 1.1 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE The major values of Knapsack Reserve are considerable, with its prime attractions being its natural and scenic setting, quiet atmosphere and ease of access to the lower Blue Mountains and Western Sydney residents. The Reserve is historically significant as the site where early explorers crossed the Mountains and where the railway crossed the Mountains towards the west, requiring major works which are considered to be great achievements of engineering. The major attraction today is its use for passive recreation including bushwalking, viewing of heritage items, bike riding and active sport at Knapsack Park. It is a highly valued bushland Reserve set adjacent to a highly populated area of Sydney providing a link with the early history of New South Wales. 1.2 VISION The management of Knapsack Reserve is based on a vision statement that is shared by Blue Mountains City Council (the Reserve Trust Manager), the wider community and endorsed by the Department of Lands. The vision for the Reserve is intended to inspire the reserve trust, provide a long-term ideal and focus for all future decisions affecting the reserve. The vision for Knapsack Reserve is:

“Knapsack Reserve is an important bushland reserve that is highly valued by the local Blue Mountains community and residents of greater Western Sydney. The Reserve will be

managed to protect and enhance the visitor experience of the Reserve with particular attention placed on retaining the bushland setting, heritage significance and providing safe and

sustainable sporting and recreation opportunities. The Reserve’s management will ensure that it is protected for members of the local, regional and statewide communities, whilst having

minimal impacts on the local residents”. 1.3 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF RESERVE Knapsack Reserve is located within the town of Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains of NSW, approximately 55km north of Sydney. It is situated on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Mountains west of the Nepean River. The Reserve is valued for its natural and cultural heritage and its abundance of recreation opportunities. Knapsack Reserve comprises of approximately 140 hectares mostly made up of bushland, a number of creeks and tributaries run through the Reserve and it has some areas of modified land such as the lookouts and sportsgrounds. The Reserve contains a number of facilities including picnic tables, amenities block, shelters and a number of heritage items. For further information regarding the Reserve, its land parcels and its natural and cultural heritage please refer to Section 3.0 of this document. 1.4 TIMELINE OF EVENTS WITHIN KNAPSACK RESERVE STUDY AREA

Date Subject Event Pre 1788 Aboriginal

Life Known Aboriginal occupation in this region dates back more than 10,000 years.

Post 1788 Aboriginal Life

Aboriginal traditional life was broken during the course of the 19th

century. Early accounts from 1813 – 1827 indicate that Aboriginal people continued to occupy the Mountains during contact & post contact periods.

1790’s Early Explorers

First Europeans to utilise area were explorers, hoping to discover routes over the Mountains as well as escaped convicts hiding out amongst


Date Subject Event shelters in the area.

1810-1820 Drought Drought, insect plague and deterioration of native grasses in the Cumberland Plain led to a desperate need for pasturage to graze cattle

1

11th

May 1813

Early Explorers

Three explorers (Blaxland, Lawson & Wentworth) looking for greener pastures out west mounted an expedition across the Blue Mountains to find suitable grazing land

29th

May 1813

Early Explorers

The expedition party arrived at Mt York and descended into Hartley Valley where they found suitable grazing land.

18th

July 1814

ROADS (Cox’s Road)

Work on the first road over the Blue Mountains commenced under the supervision of William Cox. The road was completed in six (6) months.

1820 ROADS (Cox’s Road)

The first large scale improvements to Cox’s Road are made and as the traffic across the Mountains increases reports that new lines (road alignments) emerge.

1832 ROADS (Mitchell’s Pass)

Major Thomas Mitchell decided to build a new road (Mitchell’s Pass) through Lapstone / Glenbrook as the existing route was extremely difficult to traverse and considered unsatisfactory.

November 1832

BRIDGES (Lennox Bridge)

David Lennox was commissioned to build a bridge across Lapstone Creek. Using 20 convict labourers quarrying near the creek begun and by 1834 the bridge was completed and become the centerpiece of Mitchell’s Pass.

1840-1860 ROADS (Mitchell’s Pass)

Mitchell’s Pass continued to be used by people traveling to and from Bathurst and in 1851 following the discovery of gold in Bathurst, became a very busy with many camped along the way in caves Mitchell’s Pass.

1860 RAILWAY (Lapstone Zig Zag)

A survey for the proposed railway line begins. The line will extend the railway line from Penrith. The ascent of Lapstone Hill however, posed a significant challenge to railway engineers.

1862 ROADS (Cox’s Road)

Very little of Cox’s original road was still in use and small sections that were had become impassable & difficult to maintain.

1865 BRIDGES (Knapsack Viaduct)

Viaduct over the Knapsack Gully (part of Lapstone Zig Zag) is completed and becomes the largest bridge in the colony featuring five arches rising more then 120ft (28m).

1867 RAILWAY (Lapstone Zig Zag)

The Zig Zag opens and becomes an instant tourist attraction. Visitors take day trips from Redfern Station to experience the railway and visit the Mountains beyond, returning late afternoon.

1891 RAILWAY (Lapstone Deviation)

Work on Lapstone Deviation begins as the Zig Zag becomes to slow and the need to reverse direction becomes a hindrance, it is also limited to small strains only.

1892 RAILWAY (Lapstone Tunnel)

Lapstone Tunnel 660m long (part of the Lapstone Deviation) is completed and opened to traffic. Lapstone Zig Zag is closed.

1912 RAILWAY (Glenbrook Deviation)

Problems with the Lapstone Deviation (in particular the Tunnel) soon arose and work on the new Glenbrook Deviation began. Knapsack Bridge (1912) was constructed as part of this deviation and this line is still in use today.

1926 ROADS (Highway)

New road up Lapstone Hill (over Knapsack Viaduct – old railway) diverts traffic from Mitchell’s Pass & Lennox Bridge, although both are still in use today.

1962 GAZETTE (Knapsack Reserve)

Knapsack Reserve is gazetted 21 September 1962 as a ‘Public Recreation Reserve’.

Early 1970’s

BUILDINGS / SPORTS (Clubhouse)

Sportsgrounds developed in area now known as Knapsack Park. Current clubhouse is transported to its current location from Leonay Golf Club.

1993 ROADS (Highway)

Knapsack Viaduct the road is relieved of road traffic as the new highway alignment up Lapstone Hill is opened. Viaduct has a pedestrian / cycle path installed.

Table 1. Timeline of Events within Knapsack Reserve For a more information on the cultural heritage values within Knapsack Reserve, please refer to Section 3.2 of this document. 1.5 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

1 King in Karskens, 1988


Council’s aims for this Plan of Management are to: • Provide a framework for the effective use and sustainable management of the land and

future park maintenance; • Address the management and use of the land to reflect the community’s vision, and

aspirations for the land; • Be consistent with the 25 year vision for the City; • Protect and enhance the significant natural and cultural heritage of Knapsack Reserve;

and • Provide a strategy for the future maintenance and capital works for the Reserve. 1.6 PREPARATION OF THE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT Over the previous year Council has made two (2) separate commitments to developing a Plan of Management (PoM) for Knapsack Reserve. These commitments are summarised below: 2005/6 Management Plan A “Looking after People” milestone in Council’s 2005/6 Management Plan is the completion of “recreational facility Plans of Management for Lapstone Oval (Tunnel Gully Reserve) and Knapsack Park”. Please note: the Tunnel Gully Reserve PoM was adopted by Council 13 December 2005. Blue Mountains Nature Based Recreation Strategy Council’s second commitment to developing a PoM for Knapsack Reserve is within the Nature Based Recreational Strategy 2005 – 2015, which states under Outcome 1: that “a Plan of Management be prepared for the “Eastern Escarpment Lands [including Knapsack Reserve] and other natural areas managed by BMCC in Area 4 and 5 (including mountain biking facilities management guidelines)”. As a result of the above commitments a report was sent to Council (13 December 2005) with a proposal to include Knapsack Reserve (part only), its contiguous parcels of land and the former Glenbrook sewerage treatment plant (subject of a Notice of Motion (31 May 2005) into a Plan of Management to be called Knapsack Reserve Plan of Management. The recommendations adopted by Council are noted below: “28. H01442. Knapsack Reserve Draft Plan of Management - Revision of Management Plan Objectives & Glenbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant Options for Future Uses The Meeting was addressed by Tony Adamski. RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY on the MOTION of Councillors Frappell and Creed: 1. That the draft Plan of Management consultation and research commence during 2005/06 with completion of the Management Plan milestone extended from 2005/06 to 2006/07. 2. That options for the future use of the Management Plan milestone of land occupied by the Glenbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant are considered as part of the Plan of Management process for Knapsack Reserve. This is to occur in liaison with Sydney Water during the preparation of their Decommissioning Environmental Plan. 3. That a report on options of the future use of the Glenbrook Sewerage Treatment Plan site be prepared for Council.” (Minute No. 432)

PLEASE NOTE: Due to time constraints, complexity of issues and number of land managers / owners / stakeholders surrounding the future use of the Glenbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant and State Rail Land at 37 Great Western Hwy these items have been included as DEFERRED ITEMS in this version of the Knapsack Reserve Plan of Management. The future use and management of these lands are expected to be resolved by end of 2008 and once completed this Plan of Management will be amended to reflect these findings. 1.7 STRUCTURE OF THE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT This PoM is structured into six (6) different sections and has tables, maps and figure throughout. The sections contained within this PoM are: Section 1 – Introduction to this PoM: This section introduces the document and sets out how it was prepared, who was involved and its background;


Section 2 – Legislation & Policy Framework: This section sets out the relevant legislation and policy framework that gives direction to the PoM such as Council’s strategic documents and the Crown Lands and Local Government Acts; Section 3 – Description of Knapsack Reserve: This section gives a description of the PoM lands including the Reserve’s natural, cultural and recreational values; Section 4 – Basis for Management: The section sets out the basis for management for the Reserve and reviews the issues affecting the use and management of Knapsack Reserve and provides direction for addressing them in the future; Section 5 – Master Plans & Land Categorisation: This section contains Master Plans and land categorisations of Knapsack Reserve which indicates the physical distribution of management actions across the Reserve; and Section 6 – Action Plan: This section contains the Action Plan for implementing the PoM and indicates how performance will be measured. The PoM also contains a reference and appendix section that contributes to the readers’ understanding of the values, issues, priorities and actions associated with Knapsack Reserve. 1.8 RESEARCH METHODS AND COMMUNITY CONSULTATION The project to date has included a mixture of research methods including working with consultants, meeting with stakeholders and conducting community consultation. Community consultation plays an important role in the formulation of any Plan of Management (PoM) and provides Council with a sound understanding of the relevant issues from people who are familiar with the use and site. For details on research methods and community consultation carried out during the preparation of this PoM please refer to Appendix A - Community Consultation for Knapsack Reserve Plan of Management.

1.8.1 Community Liaison Group (CLG) The Community Liaison Group (CLG) was created to provide a forum for discussion amongst community representatives, stakeholders and Council, during the development of the Plan of Management. The aim and objectives of the CLG are as follows: Aim: Provide advice on matters of relevance to the Reserve, to ensure they are considered in the PoM. Objectives:

• Ensure that all values of Knapsack Reserve are protected through the PoM; • Ensure stakeholder views are provided during the planning process; • Provide advice and feedback on the Masterplan and PoM process; • Ensure all interested community members are informed of CLG role; and • Discuss options for the further management of the Reserve. Interested community members were invited to show their interest in joining the CLG through a flyer distributed to all 2200 Lapstone / Glenbrook residents and advertisements placed in the Blue Mountains Gazette. The CLG includes: • Interested Residents; • Glenbrook – Blaxland Cricket Club; • Blue Mountains Soccer Club; • Blue Mountains Dog Training; • Glenbrook & District Historic Society; • Western Sydney Mountain Bike Club; • Western & Hills Orienteering Club; • Knapsack Creek Gully Bushcare;


• Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC); • Darug Tribal Aboriginal Council (DTAC); • Gundungarra Tribal Council (GTC); • Ward Councilor; and • Blue Mountains City Council Staff. 1.8.2 Community Information Days The first of the public information days was held Saturday 29

th July 2006 at Knapsack Park

sportsground between 12noon and 4pm. The day was an opportunity for all local residents and any other interested communities members to come along and: • Comment on the information sheets (PoM Process, Potential Enhancements, Flora & Fauna, Heritage and Recreation) detailing the known values & issues of the Reserve; • As questions / raise queries with Council staff; • Make a written response on the day or at a later date if you wish; and • Walk through the ex Glenbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant. As a result 16 submission forms were received (10 from residents & 6 from stakeholder groups). We also encouraged visitors to the information day to make comment on ’comments sheets’ placed near the display board, a total of 20 comments were received via this system. To accommodate residents who were unable to attend the information day or those who wished to review the information in the comfort of their homes, the information was made available on Council’s website from 29

th July to 4

th August 2006.

For further information on the comments received please refer to Appendix B – Summary of Comments: Information Day 29

th July 2006.

1.8.3 Visitor Surveys of Knapsack Reserve A visitor survey was carried out by Nick Kamula a university student from the Land Management & Conservation course of the University of Western Sydney. This partnership helped provide a student with practical experience in working for Council on a real project as part of their university studies and provided Council with useful information that has contributed to this Plan of Management. The efforts by Nick Kamula and input by his supervisor are appreciated by Council staff. A brief summary of the survey are detailed below: Aim: The primary aim of the Knapsack visitor survey was to gather information for the Knapsack Reserve Plan of Management. The survey was designed to address the following three points: • What type of people visit the Reserve; • Where to do people come from to visit the Reserve; and • What do people think about the Reserve. Methodology: People were asked to respond to a series of questions and their responses were recorded on individual survey sheets. Surveys were undertaken on all days of the week and at different times during the day. A number of different areas within the Reserve were targeted, in an attempt to target a portion of all user groups. Any person within the Reserve boundary and who appeared to be over the age of fifteen (15), was asked to complete a survey. Results: A total of 100 surveys were completed over 10 days in a four week period during August 2006. 10 days consisted of three visits on Sundays, two visits on Saturdays and one visit on each weekday. The number of visitors surveyed at each targeted location is indicated below.


Map 1. Knapsack Reserve study area showing number of surveys conducted at each site.

For a copy of the ‘Visitor Survey’ please refer to Appendix C - Visitor Survey for Knapsack Reserve and for results of the ‘Visitor Survey’ please refer to Appendix D - Results of Visitor Survey for Knapsack Reserve. The findings of this survey have been reviewed by Council staff and have contributed to the actions found within the Action Plan, Section 6.0 of this Plan of Management.


Section 2

LEGISLATION & POLICY FRAMEWORK The section outlines the basis for management, giving direction provided by legislation such as the Crown Lands Act and Local Government Act and Council’s strategic documents. The legislation summarised below is in no way exhaustive but includes those of most relevance to the management of Knapsack Reserve. 2.1 LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS Land covered by this PoM is governed by a number of different agencies; they are also governed by a number of different legislations as indicated below: Land Legislation

Crown Lands Crown Lands Act 1993; and Roads Act 1993.

State Rail Authority Transport Admin Act 1988; and Transport Admin Amendment Act 2003.

Roads & Transport Authority Transport Admin Act 1998; and Roads Act 1993.

Blue Mountains City Council Local Government Act 1989; and Roads Act 1993.

All Land Parcels

Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979; Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995; Heritage Act 1977; Native Vegetation Act 2003 & Regulation 2005; & National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974.

This document therefore has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of all relevant legislation with the Crown Lands Act 1993 dominating the majority (88.4%) of the lands whilst the Local Government Act 1989 only governing 1.2% of the lands; will be used as a management tool (only) for other lands within the Reserve.

2.1.1 Crown Lands Act 1989 (CLA) Crown lands within the PoM study area are indicated in the below table: Address & Land Classification

31 Great Western Hwy, Knapsack Reserve Public Recreation Reserve 19A Surveyor Abbot Dr Vacant Land - Quarry 140A Olivet St Vacant Land 15-17 Great Western Hwy, Skarratt Park Public Recreation Reserve

Table 2. Land governed by the Crown Lands Act 1989 All of the above lands are reserved Crown land and the Crown Lands Act 1989 is the primary act applying to their management. The Crown Lands Act 1989 governs the planning, management and use of Crown land, including reservation or dedication for a range of public purposes, and leasing and licensing. The Department of Lands, together with Reserve Trust/s appointed by the Minister, in this case Blue Mountains City Council, is responsible for management of the Crown Reserve. The Trust Manager together with the Department of Lands ensure that “Crown land is managed for the benefit of the people of New South Wales” (S10, CLA). Requirements under the Crown Lands Act 1989 for a Crown Reserve PoM. This PoM has been prepared according to the requirements of the Crown Lands Act 1989 by addressing the following key sections of the Act. Please note a short summary of the section has been provided, for full details of the section please refer to the Act, which can be found at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au.


• Objects of the Act (s.10): ensures that the Crown land is managed for the benefit of all people of New South Wales;

• Principles of the Crown land management (s.11): underpins how the Crown lands will be managed:

o Environmental protection principles are observed in the management and administration of Crown land;

o Natural resources of Crown land (including water, soil, flora, fauna and scenic quality) are conserved, wherever possible;

o Public use and enjoyment of appropriate Crown land is to be encouraged; o Multiple use of Crown land is to be encouraged, where appropriate; Crown land

should be used and managed so its resources are sustained in perpetuity, where appropriate; and

o Crown land is to be occupied, used, sold, leased, licensed or dealt with in the best interests of the State, consistent with the above principles.

• Public Purpose (s.87): gives the Minister the power to reserve land for a public purpose. In preparing a plan of management for a Crown reserve it is essential that the public purpose of the reserve be identified and used as a basis for planning and management;

• Reserve Trust Management (s.92-95): indicates how the Minister has appointed the Knapsack Park Reserve (R.83996) Trust as trustee of the reserve. The trust is responsible under the oversight of the Minister for the care, control and management of the reserve and Blue Mountains City Council has been appointed to manage the affairs of the trust;

• Leases and Licenses (s.102): describes the process and requirements for permitting and consenting to a lease or a license within part or the whole of the Reserve;

• Proceeds (s.106): Any proceeds generated by a trust lease or license must be spent within the Reserve; and

• Preparing Draft Plans of Management (s.112): The Minister for Lands may initiate the preparation of a draft plan of management for the reserve or the Minister’s may consent to a reserve trust preparing a draft plan. The draft plan must be placed on public exhibition (not less than 28 days) to allow the community representations. The reserve trust must take comments from the department into account before finalising the plan and requesting that the Minister adopt the plan under the CL Act.

2.1.2 Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act)

Council owned and managed lands within the PoM study area are indicated in the below table: Address & Land Classification 2 Great Western Hwy, Whitton Memorial Place Council Community Land All of the land are owned and managed by Council and the primary act applying to the management of this land is the Local Government Act 1993. The Local Government Act 1993 governs the planning, management and use of Council lands. Council as the owner and manager of this land has sole responsibility for the management of the land. The Act requires all land vested in the Council to be classified as either ‘community’ or ‘operational’ land. The purpose of classification is to determine land to be used for public purposes (community) or not (operational). The land governed by this Act is classified “community”. Requirements under the Local Government Act 1993 for Community land PoM. This PoM has been prepared according to the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 by addressing the following key sections of the Act. Please note a short summary of the section has been provided, for full details of the section please refer to the Act, which can be found at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au. • What governs the use and management of Community Land? (s.35): highlights that

PoM’s, any law permitting the use of the land for a specified purpose or otherwise regulating the use of the land and the Division 2 of the Local Government act 1993 are the only factors that govern the use of Community lands;

• Preparation of a PoM for Community Land (s.36): this section covers the following requirements of a PoM:


o All community land must have a Plan of Management; o The land must be categorised into one or more of the following: natural area,

sportsgrounds, park, area of cultural significance & general community use. Land categorised natural area must then be further categorised as one or more of the following: bushland, wetland, escarpment, watercourse & foreshore;

o The PoM must have objectives for the management of the land; o The PoM must include performance targets; o The PoM must contain a means of achieving objectives and performance targets;

and o The PoM must contain a means for assessing achievement of objectives and

performance targets. • Location of places and items of Aboriginal significance may be kept confidential

(s.36D): this section applies keep confidential places and items of Aboriginal significance throughout the plan of management process.

• Public exhibition and adoption of PoM (s.39 & 40): these sections underpin the processes involved in exhibiting and adopting the PoM.

Please note: Land categorisations is a requirement under the Local Government Act only however, this PoM applies land categorisations to Crown Lands as a management tool to guide Council and the community in understanding how the land will be managed in the future. It does not have any legal control over Crown Lands that have been categorised as part of this PoM, but still provides direction once adopted by Council.

2.1.3 Land Management under Crown Lands Act & Local Government Act. As Knapsack Reserve PoM contains lands which are governed by both the Crown Lands Act 1989 and the Local Government Act 1993, it is essential that the statutory requirements of both Act are addressed in the PoM. As this is an essential component driving the success of this PoM, the basic steps in land management under both Acts are detailed below:

Figure 1. Land Management under both Crown Lands Act & Local Government Act

2.1.4 Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) covers all parcels of land and establishes the statutory planning framework for environmental and land use planning in NSW. This is done though State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP), Regional Environmental Planning Policies (REPP) and Local Environmental Plans (LEP). The EPA Act 1979 also sets out processes for approving development applications for structures and works as set out in Blue Mountains LEP 2005. • Objects of the Act (s.5): ensures that the Act carries out the following:

a) Encourage:

Crown Lands Act 1989

Local Government Act 1993

Objects & Principles

Charter

Identification & classification

Land assessment

Community land

Reservation / dedication

Public purpose Categorisation

Plans of Management

Operational Land

Land for sale, lease or license


i) The proposed management, development and conservation of natural and artificial resources, including agricultural land, natural areas, forest, minerals, water, cities, towns and villages for the purpose of promoting the social and economic welfare of the community and a better environment, ii) The promotion and coordination of the orderly and economic use and development of land; iii) The protection, provision and co-ordination of communication and utility services;

iv) The provision of land for public purposes; v) The provision and co-ordination of community services and facilities;

vi) The protection of the environment, including the protection and conservation of native animals and plants, including threatened species, populations and ecological communities, and their habitats; and

vii) Ecologically sustainable development. b) To promote the sharing of the responsibility for environmental planning between the different levels of government in the State; and c) To provide increased opportunity for public involvement and participation in environmental planning and assessment.

SEPP’s and REP’s are not relevant to the parcels of lands covered by this PoM, however the Local Environmental Plan (LEP), written by Blue Mountains City Council, does play a big part in regulating the future use and management of the land. Council’s LEP will be reviewed in detail in the subsequent section, under ‘Council Policies Requirements’, Section 2.3.

2.1.5 Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) covers all threatened species and their habitats. • Objects of the Act (s.3): ensures the following:

a) To conserve biological diversity and promote ecologically sustainable development;

b) Prevent the extinction and promote the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities;

c) To protect the critical habitat of those threatened species, populations and ecological communities;

d) To protect the critical habitat of those threatened species, populations and ecological communities that are endangered;

e) To eliminate or manage certain processes that threaten the survival or evolutionary development of threatened species, populations and ecological communities;

f) To ensure that the impact of any action affecting threatened species, populations and ecological communities is properly assessed; and

g) To encourage the conservation of threatened species, populations and ecological communities by the adoption of measures involving co-operative management.

2.1.6 Transport Administration Act 1988 No. 109 Lands within the Knapsack Reserve study area that are covered by the Transport Administration Act (TA Act) are indicated below: Address & Land Classification 37 Great Western Hwy (including Lapstone Tunnel) State Rail Authority Land A short summary of the sections relating to lands within the Knapsack Reserve PoM is provided below, for full details of the section please refer to the Act, which can be found at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au • Schedule 6A – Powers relating to rail infrastructure facilities and land: details the

following: o Changes in ownership of rail infrastructure facilities arising from changes to areas

(c.2C);


o Powers relating to railway land, railway buildings and rail infrastructure facilities (c.2E); and

o Entry on to land, buildings or facilities (c.3). • Schedule 8 – State Rail Authority: details the following:

o Constitution and functions of State Rail Authority including: objectives and functions of the SRA (Part.2);

o Management of State Rail Authority including ministerial control and delegation of functions under the SRA (Part.3); and

o Financial provisions including: financial and SRA fund management (Part. 4).

2.1.7 Transport Administration Amendment (Rail Agencies) Act 2003 Lands within the Knapsack Reserve study area that are covered by the Transport Administration Act (TA Act) are indicated below: Address & Land Classification 37 Great Western Hwy (including Lapstone Tunnel) State Rail Authority Land A short summary of the sections relating to lands within the Knapsack Reserve PoM is provided below, for full details of the section please refer to the Act, which can be found at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au • Schedule 2 – Amendments relating to dissolution of Rail Infrastructure Corporation:

details the following: o Omit “Rail Infrastructure Corporation” from the definition of rail authority. 2.1.8 Heritage Act 1977 No. 136 (H Act)

All sites of cultural significance within the Knapsack Reserve study area, listed on the State Heritage Register, as well as any relics (items older than 50 years) are protected by the Heritage Act 1977. For a list of the heritage items located within the Reserve and noted on the State Heritage Register, please refer to Section 3.2.3 of this document. Please note: a short summary of the relevant sections of the Act are provided below, for full details, the Act can be reviewed at: www.legislation.nsw.gov.au • Part 3A – State Heritage Register: details who, how and why the State Heritage

Register is kept and also lists how to make a recommendation and removal for listing. • Part 6, Division 5 – Maintenance and repairs: details minimum standards for

maintenance and repairs, and the Heritage Council’s ability to order remedy of an item.

2.1.9 National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act)

All sites of Aboriginal significance within Knapsack Reserve are protected under the National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974. The NPA Act states that it is an offence to damage deface or destroy an Aboriginal site or object without the written permission of the Director-General (Dept Environment & Conservation). Please be aware that sites of Aboriginal significance within Knapsack Reserve have been found but their details are kept confidential in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 (S.36D – Location of places and items of Aboriginal significance may be kept confidential). The objects of the NPW Act are listed below, for further information regarding this Act, please refer to: www.legislation.nsw.gov.au • Objects of the Act (S.2A): states the following: (1)The objects of this Act are as follows: (a) the conservation of nature, including, but not limited to, the conservation

of: (i) Habitat, ecosystems and ecosystem processes, and (ii) Biological diversity at the community, species and genetic levels, and (iii) Landforms of significance, including geological features and processes, & (iv) Landscapes and natural features of significance including wilderness and

wild rivers, (b) The conservation of objects, places or features (including biological

diversity) of cultural value within the landscape, including, but not limited to: (i) Places, objects and features of significance to Aboriginal people, and


(ii) Places of social value to the people of New South Wales, and (iii) Places of historic, architectural or scientific significance, (c) Fostering public appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of nature and

cultural heritage and their conservation, (d) Providing for the management of land reserved under this Act in

accordance with the management principles applicable for each type of reservation.

(2) The objects of this Act are to be achieved by applying the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

(3) In carrying out functions under this Act, the Minister, the Director-General and the Service are to give effect to the following:

(a) The objects of this Act, (b) The public interest in the protection of the values for which land is

reserved under this Act and the appropriate management of those lands. 2.1.10 Roads Act 1993 The Roads Act covers all formed and unformed roads, of which there are a number within Knapsack Reserve. The objects of the Act are noted below, whilst the entire Act can be viewed at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au • Objects of the Act (Part 1 S.3) states the following: (a) To set out the rights of members of the public to pass along public roads, and (b) To set out the rights of persons who own land adjoining a public road to have

access to the public road, and (c) To establish the procedures for the opening and closing of a public road, and (d) To provide for the classification of roads, and (e) To provide for the declaration of the RTA and other public authorities as roads

authorities for both classified and unclassified roads, and (f) To confer certain functions (in particular, the function of carrying out road work) on

the RTA and on other roads authorities, and (g) To provide for the distribution of the functions conferred by this Act between the

RTA and other roads authorities, and (h) To regulate the carrying out of various activities on public roads. 2.1.11 Native Vegetation Act 2003 & Regulation 2005 Native Vegetation Act 2003 & Regulation 2005 are designed to regulate the clearing of native vegetation in NSW. The Act in the Blue Mountains is regulated by the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (HNCMA). Under the Act it is an offence to clear native vegetation without approval. Native vegetation is defined as trees, groundcovers, understorey plants, groundcover and wetland plants. Clearing is defined as cutting, thinning, logging, poisoning, uprooting and ring barking etc. There are some exemptions permitted under this Act, where approval is not required such as the removal of re growth native vegetation where re growth is defined as vegetation that has re grown since 1 January 1990. For additional information on this Act please refer to www.legislation.nsw.gov.au or www.nativevegetation.nsw.gov.au 2.2 LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING CONTROLS A Local Environmental Plan (LEP) is a statutory planning tool that sets controls over development in the area to which it applies. It contains zoning controls as well as controls for heritage conservation areas and protected areas, amongst other matters. These controls are applied to land within the study area and determine where and to what extent development may occur. 2.2.1 Current Zoning – Local Environmental Plan 1991 & 2005 Parcels of land covered by the Knapsack Reserve PoM are covered by both the Local Environmental Plans (LEP) 1991 & 2005. LEP 2005 covers the urban areas of the Blue Mountains and recognises the intrinsic environmental constraints and current issues facing


land use in the Mountains, such as avoiding adverse impacts on the natural and physical environment, recognising character and heritage, amongst other matters. LEP 1991 applies generally to the non urban areas and is anticipated to be reviewed progressively over a number of years to provide consistency with the land management framework established under LEP 2005. The current zoning for the Knapsack Reserve study area is indicated on ‘Knapsack Reserve Study Area Zoning Map’ overleaf.


Map 2. Knapsack Reserve Study Area Zoning Map

For zoning of tunnel, please see note below.


Note: Lapstone Tunnel inherits the zoning of the land above as there is no sub stratum zoning for tunnels. Therefore the Lapstone Tunnel is partly zoned: Living – General, Living – Bushland Conservation, Regional Transport Corridor (Road) and Recreation – Open Space. Unfortunately, the zoning is not clearly shown on the above map due to the scale of the image.

The objectives for each of the above noted zonings and protected areas are described below. Please note: Council’s LEP 2005 & LEP 1991 can be viewed on Council’s website under: www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au

Recreation – Open Space (R-OS) – LEP 2005 The objectives for the Recreation—Open Space zone are as follows: (a) To enhance the quality of life of residents and visitors and improve the amenity of the villages in the Blue Mountains through the provision and management of open space. (b) To identify and provide public land to be used for open space and public recreational purposes. (c) To provide for a range of recreational settings to cater for the needs of local residents and visitors. (d) To promote improved recreational facilities on publicly owned land. (e) To improve the environmental quality of the area and ensure that recreational development is environmentally sensitive and site responsive. (f) To identify privately owned land that should be acquired for recreational purposes. (g) To ensure that the development of land is consistent with any plan of management applying to the land. Environmental Protection – Private (EP-P) – LEP 2005 The objectives for the Environmental Protection—Private zone are as follows: (a) To protect land that is environmentally sensitive or has high scenic value from development, where that land is privately owned or is not intended to be used as public open space. (b) To encourage land restoration works on disturbed bushland areas. (c) To allow bush fire hazard reduction that is in a form consistent with the protection of natural ecological values. (d) To restrict development on part of land that is inappropriate by reason of physical characteristics or high bush fire hazard, but only where less restricted development is allowed by this plan elsewhere on the land due to its different zoning. (e) To contribute to the maintenance of bio-diversity in the Blue Mountains. (f) To allow for low impact nature-based recreational activities that are consistent with the protection of the land’s natural ecological significance. Environmental Protection – Open Space (EP-OS) – LEP 2005 The objectives for the Environmental Protection—Open Space are as follows: (a) To ensure conservation and facilitate management of environmentally sensitive land and areas of high scenic value in the City. (b) To provide a buffer around areas of natural ecological significance. (c) To restrict development on land that is inappropriate by reason of the physical characteristics or the high bush fire hazard of the land. (d) To allow bush fire hazard reduction that is in a form consistent with the protection of natural ecological values. (e) To provide for nature-based recreational opportunities that are compatible with the land’s natural, cultural and aesthetic values and to foster an appreciation of those values. (f) To encourage land restoration works on disturbed bushland areas. (g) To ensure that the development of land is consistent with any plan of management applying to the land. (h) To identify privately owned land that should be acquired for environmental protection and open space purposes.


Regional Transport Corridor (RTC) – LEP 2005 Rail; and Road The objectives for the Regional Transport Corridor are as follows: (a) To clearly identify land for the provision of major transportation networks and facilities. (b) To recognise corridors of existing railway and classified road lands and to identify future road and railway alignments. (c) To ensure that development within the zone is integrated with the surrounding natural, physical or built environment. (d) To ensure that all works contribute to the safe and effective operation of classified roads for pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and motorists. (e) To identify land that is required for widening of the corridor and to enable its acquisition by the relevant authority. Living General (LG) – LEP 2005 The objectives for Living General are as follows: (a) To allow for residential development primarily in the form of detached single dwelling houses in a variety of types, designs and tenures. (b) To promote residential development in locations that are accessible to services and facilities, thereby encouraging use of transport modes other than private motor vehicles. (c) To ensure that residential and non-residential development maintains and improves the character of residential areas, in a manner that minimises impacts on the existing amenity and environmental quality of those areas. (d) To allow a range of non-residential land uses that are consistent with the predominant scale and height of adjoining buildings and do not unreasonably detract from the amenity of adjoining or adjacent residents. (e) To ensure that development responds to the environmental characteristics of the site. Living Bushland Conservation (LBC) – LEP 2005 The objectives for the Living—Conservation are as follows: (a) To retain and enhance the character of residential areas that are formed by larger allotments and single dwelling houses within a prominent traditional garden setting. (b) To enhance the landscape character and setting along roads of heritage significance where the road forms a visually significant entrance to a village or a linkage/pathway between major visitor destinations. (c) To ensure development, including development within adjoining road reserves, retains the prominence of landscape elements and traditional garden settings. (d) To ensure that established gardens are retained or landscape settings are re- established as part of any development of land, including development involving major alterations and additions. (e) To allow for a limited range of non-residential land uses where these are conducted in association with a predominantly residential land use and are consistent with the retention of a residential character based on a landscape or open space setting. Proposed Road Closure (PRC) – LEP 2005 There is no objective for this particular provision; however it can be described as applying to certain land that is presently a vested road as a consequence of subdivision (often vested to Council) that is proposed to be closed under the Roads Act. Recreation Environmental Protection (R-EP) – LEP 1991 The objectives for Recreation Environmental Protection are as follows: (a) To ensure protection of environmentally sensitive land and areas of high scenic value in the City. (b) To provide a buffer around areas of natural ecological significance. (c) To restrict development on land that is inappropriate by reason of physical characteristics or high bushfire hazard.


(d) To encourage the restoration of disturbed bushland areas. (e) To provide for passive recreational activities that are compatible with the land's environmental characteristics. Escarpment Area (EA) – LEP 1991 The objectives for Recreation Environmental Protection are as follows: (a) To preserve and enhance the natural environmental and visual significance of the escarpment system of the Blue Mountains. (b) To limit the presence of buildings and works in the escarpment area and to limit the impact of buildings on the perception of the escarpment as a significant natural feature. (c) To limit the proportion of hard surfaces in the escarpment area and to provide for the restoration of all degraded areas and their return to a natural habitat.

The below table indicates all parcels within the Knapsack Reserve study area, their classification and zoning:

Address Owner Classification Zoning No Parcel

Area (ha)

Knapsack Reserve Crown Public Recreation Reserve

R – OS; EP – OS; R – EP; & EA

10 89.31

19A Surveyor Abbot Dr Crown Quarry EP – OS 1 4.42

140A Olivet St Crown Vacant R – OS & EP – OS

1 7.09

Skarratt Park Crown Public Recreation Reserve

EP – OS; R – EP & EA

4 22.28

Whitton Memorial Park BMCC Council Community Land

R – OS; EP – OS; & PRC

5 1.74

4 Great Western Hwy RTA Vacant EP – P 2 1.02

6-8 Great Western Hwy RTA Vacant EP – P 2 9.32

Part Old Great Western Hwy

BMCC Local Road RTC (Road) N/A 3.13

37 Great Western Hwy SRA Railway Purposes RTC (Rail) 1 2.34

Disused Railway Tunnel

SRA Railway Purposes LG; LBC; R-OS; &

RTC (Road)

12 0.37

Forbes St Crown Unformed Crown Rd PRC 1 0.25

Railway St Crown Unformed Crown Rd PRC 1 0.17

Walker’s Crescent BMCC Unformed Public Rd PRC 1 0.09

Lover’s Walk Crown Unformed Crown Rd PRC 1 0.85

TOTAL 42 142.33

Table 3. Current Zoning & Classifications of Knapsack Reserve Study Area

For further information on land parcels contained within the study area, please refer to Section 3.1.1 of this document.

2.3 COUNCIL POLICIES & REQUIREMENTS Blue Mountains City Council over the years has developed a number of strategic documents and policies to guide Council’s direction on a variety of issues including: social matters, the environment and land use / management matters. A number of Council’s policies and strategies are relevant in guiding the future of this Reserve and these are summarised below.


2.3.1 Council’s 25 year Strategy – Map for Action In developing a framework for the use and management of Knapsack Reserve, it is vital that the PoM fulfils Council’s ‘City Vision’ and key directions, which are contained within Council’s Map for Action 2000 – 2025. These key directions are detailed below: The City Vision

• In 2025 we live in vibrant, healthy communities. Our towns and villages are distinctive and contained. • We have maintained the bush between our settlements and protected the World heritage environment that surrounds us. • Our local economy is strong and diversified, providing employment and educational opportunities appropriate to our location in a World Heritage area. • We promote safe accessible and environmentally responsible ways for people to get where they need to go. • Caring for each other, we sustain our communities. We recognize all Blue Mountains people especially our children and young people in whom we inspire the values that will create a more sustainable future. • We use our available resources wisely, ensuring their fair distribution. • We celebrate the rich creativity, culture and heritage of the Blue Mountains. • People of all cultures and backgrounds are respected and enjoy equal rights. We acknowledge the Aboriginal presence in the Blue Mountains. • We have enhanced our Blue Mountains identity while forging strong regional partnerships. Our civic and community leadership and governance are inspirational – at one with community. • The Blue Mountains is recognised nationally and internationally as a centre of excellence for learning about sustainable living and sustainable communities.

Key Directions

Looking after the Environment: We value our surrounding bushland and the World Heritage National Park. Recognising that the Blue Mountains natural environment is dynamic and changing, we look after and enjoy the healthy creeks and waterways, diverse flora and fauna and clean air. Living in harmony with the environment, we care for the ecosystems and habitats that support life in the bush and in our backyards. We conserve energy and the natural resources we use and reduce environmental impacts by living sustainably.

Looking after People: We value our strong connected communities that support people throughout their lives from childhood to old age. We have safe, healthy environments in which people can live, work and play. Blue Mountains people have access to an appropriate range of services and facilities. Housing that is relevant to our population is available. Young people in the Blue Mountains have hope for the future. We nurture our sense of community through interacting and helping each other. Using land for Living: We use our land to live in harmony with the environment. We have created vibrant live able places and spaces for people of all ages and abilities to meet and play. We value the distinct identities of our villages and towns and the bushland between them. Our cultural and built heritage is important. Within the capacity of our natural and built environments, we have encouraged development in larger town centres where there is access to public transport. Through innovative urban design and planning, the Blue Mountains has become a place renowned for its live able and beautiful spaces. Moving Around: We value safe and accessible pathways of travel that improve our connections with our destinations and each other. We have choices for safe and environmentally friendly transport, including networks of walkways and cycle ways integrated with reliable and accessible public transport. Through better management and creative urban design, the Great Western Highway is a safe and beautiful space that adds to our amenity and World Heritage identity. Working and Learning: We value business and industries that are in harmony with our World Heritage environment. We are recognised as a centre of excellence for sustainability that creates significant employment and educational opportunities. Through responsible economic development we have strengthened our local


economy. We are a leader in sustainable tourism practices. Young people are attracted to work, live and study in the Blue Mountains. Building on our rich cultural landscape and inspirational natural environment, we are an exciting centre of culture and creativity.

2.3.2 Blue Mountains Recreation & Sports Strategy 2002

The Blue Mountains recreation and Sports Strategy 2002 is a citywide report, which provides Council with clear objectives, principles and rationale on which to base the provision of recreation and sport services and facilities across the entire local government area. Council’s Recreation & Sports Vision is highlighted in this document to be:

“Our vision is that residents of the Blue Mountains will have access to a diverse range of quality sport and recreation facilities, which are safe, sustainable, attuned to community

needs, have minimal impact to the natural environment, which are provided equitably and efficiently adding significantly to the quality of life of residents.”

One of Council’s primary roles is the provision of recreation and sporting facilities and it aims to ensure the following: • A diversity of recreation opportunities are available to residents that provide the greatest

public benefit; • That the greatest number of people can obtain the benefits of recreation and

sport if desired; • The provision of facilities and to some extent services that would probably not be

supported by private providers; and • The provision of facilities that allow for flexible use of space by a wide range of

individuals and community groups. In 1974 Council adopted standard of 2.8 hectares (ha) of useable recreation space per 1,000 people. This standard is defined as 1ha of parkland per 1,000 people and 1.8ha of sportsground per 1,000 people. The Blue Mountains Recreation & Sports Strategy 2002 demonstrates that both the city and Glenbrook figures for parkland and sportsground hectares are below average. The figures for both Glenbrook and the City are indicated in the below table: Town Parkland ha +/- standard

of 1ha Sportsground ha

+/- standard of 1.8ha

Total +/- standard of 2.8ha

City Wide 1.1 +0.1 0.5 -1.3 1.6 -1.2 Glenbrook 1.4 +0.4 0.6 -1.2 2.0 -0.8

Table 4. Hectares of Open Space per 1,000 people – Glenbrook & City Wide

2.3.3 Local Sporting Trends In order to review local sporting trends and their affect on Knapsack Park sportsgrounds, it is considered important to review all sporting codes that are played throughout Planning Area 5. This approach allows us to review the sporting codes involved, the membership numbers per code and the level of usage these sportsgrounds receive compared to Knapsack Park. The sportsgrounds and sporting codes within the area are as follows: • Warrimoo Oval, Rickard Rd Warrimoo; • Blaxland Oval, St John’s Rd Blaxland; • Knapsack Park, Barnet St Glenbrook; • Glenbrook Park, Park St Glenbrook; • Glenbrook Oval, Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook; and • Lapstone Oval, Explorers Rd Lapstone. The codes these seven (7) sportsgrounds support include: • Soccer; • Touch Football;


• Rugby League; • Rugby Union • Junior Australian Football; • Little Athletics; and • Cricket. Other sporting codes played within Planning Area 5 not using sportsgrounds include: • Netball – 11 hard courts & 6 grassed courts at Explorers Rd, Lapstone; • Tennis – 10 courts located at Glenbrook Community Tennis Club (3), Lapstone Tennis

Courts (2), Lennox Park Tennis Courts (2) and Warrimoo Tennis Courts (3); and • Basketball – 2 at Blaxland (St Johns) Oval. The below table provides a breakdown of the Area 5 sportsgrounds, the sporting codes they support and hours of usage per week per field as at 2006.

Club W

arr

imo

o

Oval

Bla

xla

nd

O

val

Kn

ap

sack

Park

Gle

nb

roo

k

Park

Gle

nb

roo

k

Oval

Lap

sto

ne

Oval

Blue Mts Lower Touch (s) 20 12 Glenbrook/Blaxland Cricket (s) 49 37 35 49 Glenbrook Little Athletics (s) 8 Blue Mts Lower Rugby (w) 55 Blaxland Soccer (w) 43 Blue Mountains Soccer (w) 65 Christian Soccer (w) 9 Blue Mts Kangaroos AFL (w) 5 Blue Mts Rugby Union (w) 30

Summer Total per Week 20 49 12 37 43 49 Winter Total per Week 55 43 65 5 9 30

Carrying capacity to maintain grounds in ‘moderate’ condition

Recommended use per Week 13.5 13.5 13.5 15 13.5 13.5 (s): Summer, (w): Winter

Note: These are ‘booked’ hours not necessarily ‘actual’ hours of use per week. Table 5. Area 5 Sportsgrounds – User Groups & Hours of Use per Week.

Through the recently completed “Assessment of Carrying Capacity” on our Council’s sportsgrounds it was identified that our sportsgrounds are taking greater amounts of use than they are capable of sustaining. It was found that if fields were expected to be kept at a ‘moderate’ condition i.e.: “Moderate Field Conditions, surface coverage thinning in centre of soccer fields, development of localised wear areas apparent, in particular soccer in-goal areas” our field on average should take 700hours per annum. Please note: that this is based on the assumption that the maintenance of the fields does not vary considerably from past practices. The above table clearly indicates that our sportsgrounds in the Lower Mountains are used well above recommended hours per week to maintain in a moderate condition. This is proving to be a problem across most of the Mountains with a few exceptions in the Upper Mountain sportsgrounds. 2.3.4 Council’s Population Forecast & Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Council’s population forecast tool enables Council staff to analyse and understand how townships will change over time and therefore assists Council officers in knowing what infrastructure and services will need to be planned for in the future. The population forecast tool uses information provided by ABS, a number of assumptions based on migration, development and fertility rates to determine the population forecasts. These assumptions and the population forecast interactive tool itself can be viewed on Council’s website under: www.id.com.au/bluemountains/forecastid


Blue Mountains Population Forecast The below table indicates the citywide forecasts for population and average household numbers, it shows that population is expected to increase by an annual growth rate of 0.08%.

Forecast Year Summary data

2001 2011 2021

Total Population 76,940 77,505 �� 78,521 �� Households 29,846 30,935 �� 32,319 �� Dwellings 33,144 34,362 �� 35,812 �� Average households size 2.51 2.44 �� 2.36 ��

�� increase from previous year �� decrease from previous year

Table 6. Population forecast 2006 to 2021 – Blue Mountains The age structure of the Blue Mountains over the following fifteen (15) years will change with an overall trend leaning towards an ageing population. The number of people • Aged 50 to 74 years is expected too increase from 23.9% (18,439) in 2001 to 33.2%

(26,051) in 2021; • Age group 5 to 39 (traditionally those more likely to participate in organised sports and

active recreation) is predicted to decrease from 46.5% (35,822) in 2001 to 41.2% (32,328) in 2021.

The below graph indicates the expected changes in the age structure of the Blue Mountains population over the next twenty years.

Figure 2. Age structure forecast 2006 to 2021 – Blue Mountains

2.3.5 Local Social and Economic Trends The key social and economic trends expected across the Blue Mountains likely to impact on the long-term provision of recreational services are: • Housing stress (those paying more than 30% of income in housing costs) is an increasing

burden on many people and families of the Blue Mountains; • Council’s operating costs (particularly employment costs) are growing at a faster rate than

both the CPI and annual rate pegging increases; • The share of the population employed or seeking work (the labour force) increased

between 1996 and 2001; • The unemployment rate decreased between 1996 and 2001 in Blue Mountains City; • Blue Mountains City featured a lower percentage of the population born in non-English

speaking countries compared to those born in mainly English speaking countries in 2001; • Increasing levels of single parent families and reducing numbers in family units; • 30% greater income in the Lower Mountains, resulting in greater disposable income to

spend on leisure activities;


• Greater single parent families in the Upper Mountains; • Lower car ownership in the Upper Mountains; • Under half the catchment population in the Upper Mountains compared to the Lower

Mountains; and • Greater housing stress in the Upper Mountains (i.e. median monthly mortgage divided by

median family income. 26% in the Upper Mountains and 20% in the lower Mountains). 2.3.6 Effect of population forecast on sportsgrounds in lower mountains. The effects of the Blue Mountain’s population on the demand for sportsgrounds and recreation can be summaries as follows: • Population numbers across the city and the lower Mountains will increase, if only slightly; • The trend across the Mountains is for an ageing population ie: 50 to 74 years olds placing

a greater demand for low impact recreation such as croquet, tennis, walking trails etc; • The number of people aged 5 to 39 year in Glenbrook / Lapstone (those more likely to

participate in sport) will decrease only slightly. This decrease however will not be sufficient to reduce demand on our already overused sportsgrounds; and

• Using the standard of 1.8ha of sportsground per 1,000 the township of Glenbrook (population approx 6000) should have 10.8ha of sportsgrounds or approximately nine (9) sportsgrounds. It currently has three (3): Glenbrook Oval, Glenbrook Park & Knapsack Park.


Section 3

DESCRIPTION OF KNAPSACK RESERVE

This section provides a description of Knapsack Reserve, outlining the natural, cultural and recreational values of the Reserve. 3.1 SITE DESCRIPTION The land covered by the Knapsack Reserve is predominantly Crown Land reserved for public recreation for the people of New South Wales (NSW). The study area is located in the lower Blue Mountains in the town of Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains, NSW. The Reserve is situated in the section of the Local Government Planning Area referred to as ‘Area 5’ (Area 5 includes the townships of Warrimoo, Blaxland, Glenbrook and Lapstone). The Reserve is on the eastern escarpment of the Mountains and overlooks the Cumberland Plains across to Sydney. The northern boundary of the Reserve is the remaining portion of Knapsack Reserve (subject to a yet to be written Plan of Management), the Great Western Highway adjoins the study area on its east and south whilst residential properties and bushland adjoin the Reserve on the west. Location maps depicting the Reserve’s placement in terms of the city of Blue Mountains and the area of Glenbrook are shown below.

Map 3. Knapsack Reserve on Citywide Map

Knapsack Reserve

Katoomba

Glenbrook

Springwood

Blackheath

Mt Victoria

Penrith LGA Lithgow LGA


Map 4. Knapsack Reserve on Local Map (shaded area depicts study area)

The study area comprises of: • Modified land – which is made up of Knapsack Park sportsgrounds (south west),

decommissioned sewerage treatment plant (south west), disused quarries (north west) and fire trails and lookouts; and

• Natural Bushland – which is used regularly by local residents and the greater Sydney community for bush walking, mountain bike riding and other nature based recreation.

The land referred to as Knapsack Reserve in the PoM is highly valued by residents and visitors alike for its natural, cultural and recreational values. These values will be further explored in Section 3 of this PoM.

3.1.1 Land covered by this Plan of Management This Plan of Management (PoM) has been written to cover more than the minimum area of land legally requiring a PoM. The Plan has been written to guide the management of the contiguous parcels of land known as a whole; for the purpose of this PoM as Knapsack Reserve. The study area (Knapsack Reserve) includes parcels owned by a number of agencies and servicing different purposes. The below maps (Maps 5 & 5) indicate the following: 1) The various land owners; and 2) The various land parcels covered by this study area.


Map 5. Land Ownership within the Knapsack Reserve Study Area.

Crown Land (Dept Lands) Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)

Council Land (BMCC) State Rail Authority (SRA)

Map 6. Parcels of land within the Knapsack Reserve Study Area.


These lands can be summarised in accordance with the below: • Crown Land – sixteen (16) parcels of land, owned by the state of New South Wales as

Crown Land administered by the Department of Lands under Crown lands Act 1989 and managed by a Council Reserve Trust (Knapsack Park Reserve Trust), 86.4% of total lands covered by the PoM;

• Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) Land – four (4) parcels of land owned and managed by the RTA, these lands make up 7.4% of total lands covered by PoM;

• Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC) Land – five (5) parcels of land owned and managed by Council plus part of the Old Great Western Highway, a total of 3.4% of total lands covered by this PoM; and

• State Rail Authority (SRA) Land – thirteen (13) land parcels (including the Lapstone Tunnel), owned and managed by the SRA and comprising of 1.9% of lands covered by the PoM.

• Unformed Roads – four (4) unformed roads exist within the study area; these are Lovers Walk, Walker’s Crescent and Forbes & Railways Streets, these roads make up 0.98% within the PoM. All roads except Walkers Crescent are owned by Crown Land. Walkers Crescent is owned by BMCC.

Please note: The Tunnel Gully Reserve Plan of Management (PoM) adopted by Council 2005 covers lands directly south of the Knapsack Reserve and can be read in conjunction with this document to provide a greater understanding of the eastern escarpment lands. Greater detail on each of the above parcels of land is given on the following table.

19A Surveyor Abbot Dr – Crown Land 140A Olivet St – Crown Land Knapsack Reserve – Crown Land Lover’s Walk – Crown Road 37 Great Western Hwy – State Rail Lapstone Tunnel – State Rail Whitton Memorial Park – BMCC

Walker St - BMCC Part Old Great Western Hwy – RTA 4 Great Western Hwy – RTA Forbes & Railway Sts – Crown Land 6-8 Great Western Hwy – RTA Skarratt Park – Crown Land


Reserve / Land Title Reserve

No. Tenure Owner Manager Classification Address Gazetted Parcel No.

Area (Ha)

Lot 29 DP 751662 2.34 Lot 7010 DP 751662 30.24 Lot 7057 DP 751662 0.02 Lot 276 DP 751662 1.33 Lot 63 DP 751662 5.52 Lot 7012 DP 1055090

41.90

Lot 299 DP 751662 1.64 Lot 7012 DP 751662 5.97 Lot 7012 DP 94193 0.33 Lot 7041 DP 1055096

0.02

Knapsack Park Reserve Trust

83996 Crown

Reserve Dept

Lands BMCC

Public Recreation Reserve

31 Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook

21 September

1962

TOTAL 89.31

Part Lot 101 DP 774018

4.42 Part Crown Reserve 25949

25949 Crown

Reserve Dept Land

No Trust Manager - BMCC

Quarry 19A Surveyor Abbot

Drive, Glenbrook 15 May,

1897 TOTAL 4.42

Unnumbered Lot in DP 751662

7.09 Crown Reserve

1011448 1011448

Crown Reserve

Dept Land

Dept Lands

For the public purpose of future public requirements

140A Olivet St, Glenbrook

31March 2006

TOTAL 7.09

Lot 7017 DP 1055084

8.86

Lot 7017 DP 1055091

0.70

Part Lot 85 DP 751662

11.93

Lot 156 DP 30433 0.79

Skarratt Park (eastern & western

section of Great Western Hwy)

62317 Crown

Reserve Dept Land

No Trust Manager – BMCC

Public Recreation Reserve

15-17 Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook

31 October 1930

TOTAL 22.28

Lot 1 in DP 581049 -

Lot 1 in DP 432993 - Land Misc Plan of Subdivision 1539

-

Land Misc Plan of Subdivision 3146

-

Land Misc Plan of Subdivision 3475

-

Whitton Memorial Place

N/A N/A BMCC BMCC Council Community

Land 2 Great Western Hwy,

Glenbrook N/A

TOTAL 1.74

Part Old Great Western Hwy

N/A Public Road

BMCC BMCC Local Road Road Reserve

Great Western Hwy, Glenbrook

N/A N/A 3.13

Lot 2 DP 581049 0.68 No # Lot DP 570899 0.34


N/A N/A RTA RTA Vacant 4 Great Western Hwy,

Glenbrook N/A

TOTAL 1.02

Lot 9 DP 815108 2.69 Lot 10 DP 815108 6.61


N/A N/A RTA RTA Vacant

{DP 815108 indicates lots to be disposed of}


N/A

TOTAL 9.32 State Rail

Authority Land N/A

Part of land

State Rail

Part Mushroom

Railway Purposes 37 Great Western Hwy,

Glenbrook 24

September Lot 1 DP 196131

2.3


Reserve / Land Title Reserve

No. Tenure Owner Manager Classification Address Gazetted Parcel No.

Area (Ha)

(Leased Area for Mushroom Cultivation to Mushroom Biotech (Australia) P/L)

0.5

leased - 231480

Authority Biotech (Aust) P/L

1901

TOTAL 2.3

Lot 1 DP 230145 0.0316 Lot 2 DP 230145 0.0013 Lot 3 DP 230145 0.0218 Lot 4 DP 230145 0.0218 Lot 5 DP 230145 0.0228 Lot 6 DP 230145 0.0354 Lot 7 DP 230145 0.0152 Lot 8 DP 230145 0.0215 Lot 9 DP 230145 0.0095 Lot 1 DP 564376 0.0702 Lot 2 DP 564376 0.0215 Lot 3 DP 564376 0.0095

Disused Railway Tunnel

N/A Leased 231480

State Rail

Authority

Mushroom Biotech

(Aust) P/L Railway Purposes


21 October 1966

TOTAL 0.3710

Forbes St N/A Crown Road

Dept Lands

Dept Lands

Unformed Crown Road

Within the area known as Whitton Memorial Place

N/A TOTAL 0.25

Railway St N/A Crown Road

Dept Lands

Dept Lands

Unformed Crown

Road

Within the area known as Whitton Memorial Place

N/A TOTAL 0.17

Walker’s Crescent N/A Public Road

BMCC BMCC Unformed

Public Road Within the area known as Whitton Memorial Place

N/A TOTAL 0.09

Lover’s Walk N/A Crown Road

Dept Lands

Dept Lands

Unformed Crown Road

The link road from Olivet St/High Street/Barnet

Street to Lennox Bridge passes through this lot known as Lover's Walk.

N/A TOTAL 0.85

GRAND TOTAL 142.33

Table 7. Lands to which the Plan of Management applies.

Knapsack Reserve DRAFT Plan of Management 30 January 2007

38

3.2 CULTURAL HERITAGE VALUES This section of the PoM reviews the cultural heritage values of the Reserve which includes both sites of Aboriginal significance and items / or sites of significance to our European heritage. The Reserve is highly valued for its cultural heritage and this is evident in the number of sites / items listed on local, state and national heritage registers. As part of the development of this PoM, Council commissioned a Heritage Assessment of the Knapsack Reserve study area. The aim of this study was to provide background information on both Aboriginal and European heritage sites as well as provide details on the history of the Reserve. Archaeological and Heritage Management Solutions (AHMS) Pty Ltd of Sydney carried out the assessment and the findings in their final report have guided the development of this PoM. 3.2.1 History of Use at Knapsack Reserve The following provides a brief outline of the history of use of Knapsack Reserve from Aboriginal life prior to European settlement through to the use of Knapsack Reserve by early NSW railway engineers. The below is only a summary and further information regarding the history of the area can be obtained through the Blue Mountains local studies library section. Aboriginal Life The Sydney Basin was occupied and used by Aboriginal people for thousands of years prior to European settlement. Aboriginal occupation in this region dates back more than 10,000 years ago, to date the earliest undisputed date for Aboriginal occupation of the Hawkesbury-Nepean is from a rock shelter site situated at Shaw’s Creek near Springwood. A date of 14,700 years before present was recovered from this site. Aboriginal Contact After 1788 Aboriginal traditional life in the Sydney area was changed through the course of the 19

th century.

The impacts of small pox and influenza decimated the Aboriginal population. Despite this, the low number of European settlement west of Parramatta and the isolation of the Blue Mountains seem to support the likelihood that the area became a refuge for Aboriginal groups during the 19

th

century. A number of early explorers such as Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson in 1814 encountered numerous groups of Aboriginal people living within the Mountains. European Exploration The Lower Blue Mountains were initially seen as ruggered terrain that had to be crossed to access areas where the land was more fertile. The first Europeans to use the area were explorers and escaped convicts hiding out amongst shelters in the areas. The first of these attempts was unsuccessful in 1789, additional unsuccessful attempts were made and it was not until 1813 that another attempt was made. The attempt in 1813 was carried out due to a desperate need to find pastures to graze cattle. This successful expedition was lead by Gregory Blaxland, Lieutenant William Lawson and William Charles Wentworth and good pastures were found around Bathurst. Crossing the Mountains In 1814 Governor Macquarie appointed William Cox as Superintendent of Works for a road over the mountains. Cox began his ascent up Lapstone Hill near the present day Leonay Golf Course and had the road to Bathurst complete in six months. This road built by Cox was used between 1815 and 1830, sections of which are believed to be within the Knapsack Reserve study area. In 1826 new lines emerged from the original Cox’s road as the traffic increased and improvements to Cox’s road were required. In 1832 a new road was built through Lapstone and Glenbrook as the existing Lapstone Hill were extremely difficult to traverse and considered unsatisfactory. Plans for the road were drawn up and it became known at Mitchell’s Pass with Lennox Bridge (1832) the first stone bridge built in NSW constructed across Lapstone Creek. This road is still in existence today. In 1926 a new road up Lapstone Hill was created over the Knapsack Viaduct – (by now disused railway bridge) along the Lapstone Zig Zag. In 1993 this road was relieved of road traffic as the new highway alignment up Lapstone Hill is opened. The Knapsack Viaduct is retained and a pedestrian / cycle path installed. The Railway In 1867 the railway arrived with the first trains running across the Knapsack Viaduct (1865) and the Lapstone Zig Zag. The Zig Zag became a tourist attraction but had its limitation and in 1891construction on the on an alternate ‘Lapstone Deviation’ commenced. This route included the Lapstone Hill Tunnel (1892) made famous by the Australian artist Arthur Streeton in his painting ‘Fire’s On’. Problems soon arose with the Tunnel and in 1913 a new deviation was found through

Knapsack Reserve DRAFT Plan of Management 30 January 2007

39

Glenbrook Gorge. This deviation required a new viaduct, Knapsack Bridge (1912) and since 1914 the railway from Sydney to Lithgow has remained on this route.

Lennox Bridge (1832) - (date unknown – BMCC Local History Section)

“The Viaduct over Knapsack Gully on the Zig Zag Railway” 1878 (Museum Victoria: mview.museum.vic.gov.au)

Lapstone Hill Zig Zag from ‘bottom points showing lower & middle lines (date unknown – BMCC Local History Section)

Lapstone Tunnel train returning from Katoomba leaving southern portal (date unknown – BMCC Local History Section)

Lennox Bridge today

Knapsack Viaduct today

The top point of Zig Zag today (original 1864 – left & 1886- to the right) along hill-slope below Lapstone Hill. (AHMS)

Lapstone Tunnel southern portal today – this portal is actually in Tunnel Gully Reserve, Lapstone (not in study area)


3.2.2 Aboriginal Heritage Knapsack Reserve has sites of Aboriginal significance that are greatly valued by the local Aboriginal communities, it is also valued as a place once frequented by the local Aboriginal communities. The study area is located within the boundary of the following four (4) Aboriginal groups: • Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC); • Gundungarra Tribal Council (GTC); • Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation (DTAC); and • Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation (DCAC). Representatives from all four (4) organisations were asked to participate in a field survey of the Reserve with Archaeological and Heritage Management Solutions (AHMS) to assist in determining the identification of sites. All groups except GTC participated in the field survey and all were consulted to determine the cultural significance of the Reserve. During the survey fifteen (15) sites of Aboriginal significance were located as indicated in the below table:

Site Type No

Shelter with Potential Archaeological Deposits (PAD) 13 Axe Grinding Groove Site 1 Isolated Artefact 1

Total 15

Table 8. Sites of Aboriginal significance within Knapsack Reserve A search of the Department of Environment Conservation (DEC) Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) for a ten (10) kilometer radius around the Reserve indicates that there is a moderate density of Aboriginal sites that have been recorded. A total of 108 sites have been recorded within the search area; four (4) of which were recorded within the Reserve. The site types and frequency are as follows:

Site Type No

Open Camp Site 56 Shelter with Deposit 14 Shelter with Art 11 Axe Grinding Grooves 10 Scarred Tree 5 Shelter with Art & Deposit 3 Stone Arrangement 3 Axe Grinding Groove, Shelter with Deposit 2 Rock Engraving 2 Open Camp Site, Stone Arrangement 1 Shelter with Art, Stone Arrangement 1

Total 108

Table 9. AHIMS results for a 10km radius of Knapsack Reserve The Heritage Assessment carried out by Council with the support and assistance from local Aboriginal groups has helped to uncover an additional eleven (11) sites of Aboriginal significance which will be registered with the AHIMS. It is considered that a number of actions need to be implemented to ensure the protection and conservation of the above noted Aboriginal sites. The location of these sites will however be protected by Council in accordance with Section 36DA of the Local Government Act (LG Act). The issues surrounding sites of Aboriginal significance are considered in detail in Section 4.0 of this document.

3.2.3 European Heritage Knapsack Reserve is highly valued for its sites of European heritage most of which is associated with early NSW railway history and crossings by early explorers.


The Heritage Assessment carried out by Archaeological and Heritage Management Solutions (AHMS) reviewed the sites of European heritage with a representative of the Glenbrook District Historical Society who participated in the field survey to assist in determining the identification and cultural significance of the sites. During the survey thirty nine (39) sites of European significance were identified as indicated in the below table. The table also indicates whether the item is listed on national, state and / or local heritage listings.

No Site Type Owner Manager Blue Mts Heritage Inventory

State Heritage Register

Register of the National

Estate

1 Lennox Bridge Crown BMCC G027 5045255 2991 2 Surveyor’s Mark Crown BMCC - - - 3 Small Quarry Crown BMCC - - - 4 Retaining Wall & Culvert Crown BMCC - - - 5 Large Quarry Crown BMCC - - - 6 Railway Cutting SRA SRA - - - 7 Lapstone Hill Tunnel SRA SRA G014 - - 8 Small Quarry Crown BMCC - - - 9 Railway Cutting Crown BMCC - - - 10 Railway Sleepers Crown BMCC - - - 11 Former line of Cox’s Road Crown BMCC - - - 12 Breakfast Point Station Crown BMCC - - - 13 Smith’s Property Crown RAAF - - - 14 Stone Culvert No. 1 Crown BMCC - - - 15 Lucasville Station Crown BMCC G029 - - 16 Lucas’ Property Crown BMCC - - - 17 Lapstone Zig Zag Crown BMCC G024 - - 18 Stone Culvert No. 2 Crown BMCC - - - 19 Stone Culvert No. 3 Crown BMCC - - - 20 Stone Culvert No. 4 Crown BMCC - - - 21 Large Quarry Crown BMCC - - - 22 Points man’s Cottage Site Crown BMCC - - - 23 Mine Shaft Crown BMCC - - - 24 Knapsack Viaduct 1865 BMCC RTA G023 - 3000 25 Knapsack Bridge 1912 SRA SRA G025 - - 26 1866 / 1892 Railway Crown BMCC - - - 27 Stone Culvert No. 5 Crown BMCC - - - 28 Stone Culvert Crown BMCC - - - 29 Former Pathway Crown BMCC - - - 30 Large Quarry Crown BMCC - - - 31 Mile Post Crown BMCC BX004 - - 32 Mitchell’s Pass Crown BMCC - - - 33 Marge’s Lookout Crown BMCC G2 - - 34 Surveyor’s Mark Crown BMCC - - - 35 Elizabeth’s Lookout Crown BMCC G1 - - 36 Surveyor’s Mark 1 Crown BMCC - - - 37 Surveyor’s Mark 2 Crown BMCC - - - 38 Knapsack Marshalling Yards BMCC BMCC G031 - - 39 Gatekeepers Cottage BMCC BMCC G026 - - * Whitton Memorial BMCC BMCC G026 - - * Lapstone Monocline All

parcels Various

L001 - -

* Lapstone Hill Railway & Landscape Area

Various parcels

Various G014 - 18228

Table 10. Sites of European significance within Knapsack Reserve SRA – State Rail Authority, RTA – Roads and Traffic Authority, BMCC – Blue Mountains City Council. * Indicates sites within Reserve not reviewed as part of Heritage Assessment (2006).


Prior to the Heritage Assessment carried out at Knapsack Reserve Council was aware of fifteen (15) heritage sites, all of which were listed on either the local, state or national heritage registers. Since the completion of the survey we are now aware of forty one (41) sites, some of which have been recommended for listing on the state heritage register. There have also been a number of recommendations on the conservation and management of these items / sites and these will be explored further in Section 6.0 of this document. The historic sites noted on the above table are indicated on the below map.

Map 7. Historic Sites / Items within Knapsack Reserve Creek Walking Tracks Historic Site / Item 3.3 EXISTING USES & VISITOR NODES Knapsack Reserve is highly valued for its diversity of organised and passive recreation purposes, as well as the visitor nodes scattered throughout the Reserve. A full description of the facilities / assets of the Reserve are summarised in Appendix E – Assets Inventory.

3.3.1 Organised Recreational Uses Knapsack Reserve contains Knapsack Park which is used for organised recreation and is highly valued by the Blue Mountains Soccer Club and local residents / community groups alike. The sportsgrounds were established in the late 1970’s and has been home to the Blue Mountains Soccer Club ever since. The club has contributed to the development of the sportsgrounds and continues to do so. The facilities available at the sportsground include: • 2 senior size sportsgrounds (not to standard size); • 2 mini sportsgrounds (not to standard size);

1


• Amenities block; • Clubhouse; • Floodlighting; and • Car parking. Other members of the local community, who use this sportsground facility on a causal basis with or without making a booking through Council, may include: • Local schools (including: pre, primary & high schools); • Social clubs (including: SES, orienteering clubs etc); and • Community groups (including: church or youth groups). Currently the only sporting club that uses this sportsground is: • Blue Mountains Soccer Club with a membership of 400 people (2005 figures). Please note: Other clubs have used the sportsgrounds in the past, including Lower Mountains Touch Football (2005) and some years ago Glenbrook-Blaxland Cricket Club, who used a synthetic cricket wicket in the centre of the field which no longer exists. For further detail on the use of the Knapsack Sportsgrounds and local sporting trends please refer to Section 2.3.3 of this document.

3.3.2 Non Sporting Recreational Uses Knapsack Reserve is used extensively for passive non active recreational uses; these activities are carried out by local residents, their friends and families and members of the wider Blue Mountains community and beyond. Some of the activities both organised and non-organised undertaken within the Reserve include: • Anti Social Behaviour There are signs throughout the Reserve of antisocial behaviour such as burnt out cars, broken bottles and fire scars especially at Marge’s & Elizabeth’s lookouts. • Bushcare Group The Knapsack Creek Bushcare Group work within the Reserve and their efforts are concentrated on the Knapsack Creek area (between Knapsack Viaduct and Knapsack Bridge). The bushcare group is made up of volunteers from the local area and coordinated and resources by Blue Mountains City Council. Other sites throughout the Knapsack catchment are targeted throughout the year and may include Whitton Memorial Park or specialised activities for events such as ‘Clean up Australia Day’ or Streamwatch activities which are held twice a year. • Bushwalking / Walking Tracks The local community highly value Knapsack Reserve for its bushwalking opportunities. Throughout the Reserve there is a large network of walking tracks, many of which are level and easily accessible with some regarded as medium to hard grades. Walking tracks are well sign posted (in most areas) and track names, track length and grade are usually noted on the signage. Track heads and visitor nodes traversed by the walking tracks are further explored in Section 3.3.3 of this document. • Cross Country Bike Riding The Reserve is frequented by Mountain Bike riders who use the land within the study area as a site to ride around and through on their way to the popular Bathurst Rd, Blaxland downhill Mountain Bike site (north of the PoM study area). Existing fire trails throughout the Reserve are used for Mountain Bike riding as well as other single tracks that are scattered throughout the Reserve. • Dog Off Leash / Dog Walking Local residents and their dogs highly value this Reserve for the opportunities it provides to dog owners. The Reserve has the only dog off leash exercise area in the lower Mountains and is located south of Lennox Bridge and is opened Monday to Sunday 24 hours a day. The rest of the Reserve is also dog friendly, although dogs must be on a leash to comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act. • Dirt Jump Bike riding The Reserve is greatly valued by a number of local youth for the dirt jump bike sites which exist within the Reserve. There are two (2) known sites (near to Olivet St, Glenbrook), one of which is an interim site endorsed by Blue Mountains City Council. The other site is illegal and


its construction has involved considerable earthworks and disturbance within bushland areas. It is Council’s aim to restore illegal sites to bushland. • Historic site visitation / experience The Reserve is highly valued for its cultural heritage and many of these sites and locations are often sought after by visitors. An example of this is the Lapstone Zig Zag complex (dating from 1865) which has a number of important historic items registered on the state heritage register; some of these sites include: Knapsack Viaduct (built 1865), Knapsack Bridge (built 1912) and the Gatekeepers Cottage at Whitton Memorial Park (built 1867). The visitor survey conducted at Knapsack revealed that 30% of those surveyed were at the Reserve to view items of cultural heritage. • Informal Games / Exercise Opportunities The Reserve and in particular Knapsack Park sportsgrounds are highly valued as a spot for informal games such as ball sports and kite flying. The sportsground is also popular with locals during the winter time as it provides an opportunity to exercise / walk dogs under lights close to home. • Picnicking The Reserve provides the opportunity to picnic within bushland areas. There are a number of sites with picnic facilities and some of these include: Elizabeth’s Lookout and Lennox Bridge. These picnic facilities provide bushwalkers with a spot to rest and enjoy whilst overlooking the Cumberland Plains or viewing the heritage items within the area. • Religious Service The Reserve is used on an annual basis for an Easter dawn service which has been conducted at Elizabeth’s Lookout over the past 25 years. This service is highly valued by members of the Glenbrook Interchurch Group which represents Catholics, Baptists, Anglicans and Uniting Church parishioners and attracts over 100 people. • Spotlighting & Bird Watching There is an opportunity throughout the Reserve to observe wildlife in a natural setting; these activities are highly valued by locals and visitors alike. Blue Mountain City Council (through the Knapsack Creek Bushcare Group) offers locals an opportunity to take part in bird watching & spotlighting activities that are held on an annual basis and available for all to attend. • Mushroom Growing Lapstone Tunnel (1892) has been used for mushroom growing from 1913 (with a short break during the war whilst it was used to store ammunition); since the tunnel was made redundant to railway traffic and the Glenbrook Gorge deviation became operational. Mushroom growing continues today under lease by the State Rail Authority. Please note: the future use, ownership and management of this land together with Lapstone Tunnel are subject to further investigation. The findings will be put into a future version of this Plan of Management.

• Orienteering The Reserve is used for orienteering by the Western & Hills Orienteering Club who hosts an event, on average every two (2) years. The event utilises the tracks within the Reserve and amenities building at Knapsack Reserve. Events are usually held between April and September, attracting between 50 to 130 people depending on the event. • Sewerage Treatment Plant From 1973 to 2005 the Glenbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant operated within the southwest area of Knapsack Reserve in an area of approximately 1.5ha. It has recently been decommissioned and its potential future use, although discussed as part of this PoM process will be further explored in the near future through a feasibility study. Please note: the future use of this land together are subject to further investigation. The findings will be put into a future version of this Plan of Management.

3.3.3 Visitor Nodes & Links There are a number of visitor nodes scattered throughout the Reserve that provide visitors with a starting point and / or a resting / picnic spot. These visitor nodes complement a number of activities within the Reserve such as bushwalking, historic site visitation, bike riding and other specialised activities such as the annual religious service held at Elizabeth’s Lookout. The visitor nodes with Knapsack Reserve include:


• Whitton Memorial Park Whitton Memorial Park is currently used as a starting point for walks and bike rides within the Knapsack Reserve area. It has a well designed, formalised car park which provides parking for approximately 15 cars over looking the Gate Keepers Cottage (1867). There is little other infrastructure at this visitor node but is popular with particular appeal to residents in the Penrith LGA. Access to site: Site is easily accessible by car and is adjacent to residents in the Penrith LGA • Marge’s Lookout Marge’s Lookout is a popular site within the Reserve, providing views across the Cumberland Plains towards Sydney. It also provides a rest / picnic spot for users of the Reserve. The infrastructure of the site is limited to fencing to protect visitors from the cliff edge. Access to site: by fire trails, there is no vehicular access currently available to the site. • Elizabeth’s Lookouts Elizabeth’s Lookout is a popular spot within the Reserve and, like Marge’s Lookout, provides views across the Cumberland Plains out towards Sydney. It is a popular spot for resting whilst walking / riding in the Reserve and is used annually for a dawn religious service attracting over 100 people. The infrastructure at the lookout include a shelter shed, picnic table with garbage bin and fencing. Access to the site: by fire trails, there is no vehicular access currently available to the site. • Knapsack St Knapsack St is a little used / known starting point for walking along the Lapstone Zig Zag and viewing historic items such as Knapsack Viaduct (1867) and Knapsack Bridge (1912). There is sufficient parking (unformalised) for two to three cars, with no other infrastructure at the site. Access to the site: is by car at the end of Knapsack St, it is walking distance to nearby local residents & RAAF employees. • Lennox Bridge The area adjacent (west) of the Lennox Bridge, Mitchell’s Pass is utilised as a resting / picnic spot as many visitors are interested in viewing Lennox Bridge (1832) the first and oldest stone bridge in NSW. Existing infrastructure includes a picnic table and interpretive signage detailing the importance of the bridge. Access to the site: is via car or walking for local residents via fire trails. • Barnet St / Lovers Walk This entrance to the Reserve is popular with locals who live in the Glenbrook area and provides easy access to level walks (fire trails) along ridge tops to both Marge’s & Elizabeth’s lookouts. The infrastructure at this node consists of one (1) gate to block vehicular access and one (1) reserve signage detailing walks in the area their length / grade. Access to site: Easy walking access to many north side Glenbrook residents and users of the sportsground. Car access is also possible with parking available on Barnet St, Glenbrook. • Water Reservoir Precinct (near Governors Dr underpass) This area within Skarratt Park (southern side of the Great Western Hwy) is not a well known spot for starting walks however provides easy access to walks in Lapstone (Tunnel Gully Reserve) and Knapsack Reserve. Existing infrastructure includes informal parking for approximately 5-6 cars. Access to site: Site is easily accessible by car off Governors Dr, Lapstone and by local Lapstone residents.

Whitton Memorial Car Park

Marge’s Lookout

Elizabeth’s Lookout

Lennox Bridge

Reserve signage at Lovers Walk

Interpretative Signage Lennox Bridge


Issues surrounding the above noted uses of Knapsack Reserve and visitors nodes within the Reserve will be explored in Section 4.6 of this document. 3.4 NATURAL HERITAGE VALUES The natural heritage of the Reserve is greatly valued by people from the local area, city and state wide. It is widely recognised as the ‘gateway’ to the Blue Mountains and appreciated as a bushland reserve adjacent to the highly urbanised area of Western Sydney. 3.4.1 Visual and Residential Amenity Knapsack Reserve is valued for its bushland setting and its close proximity to residential developments in the lower Blue Mountains and greater western Sydney. The Reserve contributes to the bushland character of Glenbrook / Lapstone and the escarpment provides a unique entry into the Blue Mountains. 3.4.2 Topography & Drainage The Reserve is located on the eastern escarpment the lower Blue Mountains approximately one (1) kilometer from the Nepean River. Its location is highly significant due to its association with the Lapstone Monocline. The Lapstone Monocline is of significance for its part in the geological formation of the Sydney Basin. It was created by an unfolding of the sedimentary start of the Sydney Basin and runs for some 150kms from the Colo River in the north to the area near Bargo in the south, and has caused rocks on the western side to rise over 500m relative to those on the east.

2 This occurred somewhere between 15 and 22 million years

ago. The topography of the area is varied and there are a number of undulating and rolling hills dissected by shallow creeks that flow eastwards. The creeks include the Knapsack and tributaries of the Lapstone Creek which deeply dissect the gullies to form steep sided slopes. These steep slopes and deep gullies together with level land are indicated on the below slope constraints map. Blue Mountains City Council staff carries out comprehensive sampling of all creeks within the LGA. The annual audit includes collecting microinvertebrates from the water as they are widely recognised as a key indicator of water quality as their presence or absence represents the water quality over their lifespan. The results of the annual audit indicates that the water quality at Lapstone Creek and Knapsack Creek (both within the Reserve) are consider poor to very poor. For more information on the results of these audits and how the audits are carried out, please refer to Appendix F – Water Quality of the Knapsack Catchment.

2 Lapstone Monocline SHI Form – State Heritage Office 2004


Map 8. Slope Constraints of Knapsack Reserve

0-20% 20-33% 33+% Contour 10m 3.4.3 Flora The Reserve is valued for its vegetation not only by those who use the bushland area for recreation but also by the wider community for the buffer it provides between the eastern edge of the Blue Mountains and the Cumberland Plains. It also creates a corridor for wildlife stretching north to south along the eastern escarpment. The vegetation of Knapsack Reserve is diverse with a total of 202 species recorded (including weed species discussed further in Section 3.4. 5) during the flora study, consisting of 164 native species and 38 introduced species. For a full list of flora species detected within the Reserve, please refer to Appendix G – Flora Species recorded within Knapsack Reserve. The main vegetation communities present include: • Eucalyptus piperita / Angophora costata – Open Forest (Map Unit 58);

• Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest – Open Forest (Map Unit 81); • Eucalyptus piperita / Angophora costata – Open Forest / Woodland (Map Unit 80);

• Corymbia eximia / Corymbia gummiferia – Woodland / Open Forest (Map Unit 125); • Corymbia gummifera / Eucalyptus sparsifolia – Woodland / Open Forest (Map Unit 122);

and • Modified Area (Map Unit 26).

The STIF vegetation community is an Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) and is protected by state and national legislation under the Native Vegetation Act 2003 and the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. This vegetation is located along the eastern side of the sportsgrounds and its removal, like any other native vegetation requires permission from the Nepean Hawkesbury Catchment Management Authority who administers the Native Vegetation Act.


Map 9. Knapsack Reserve Vegetation Map

No threatened species were detected during the surveys, which were undertaken, although there is habitat for a range of threatened flora species and their potential presence needs to be recognised. It should also be noted that Knapsack Reserve is highly valued by the Knapsack Creek Gully Bushcare group who carry out regeneration works within the Reserve. The group is made up of local volunteers and are coordinated and resourced by Blue Mountains City Council. 3.4.4 Fauna Fauna within the Reserve is highly valued with a number of species found within the Reserve identified on the threatened species list. The study area provides a range of habitats for a range of fauna species and during the fauna survey carried out April 2006 a total of 62 fauna species were detected, six (6) of which were introduced. The survey detected the following threatened species: • Tiger Quoll; • Powerful Owl; and • Glossy Black Cockatoo.

The survey also detected habitats that have potential of hosting the following threatened species, even though they were not sighted during the surveys: • Red-Crowned Toadlet – potential habitat through the creek and gully lines; and • Broad-headed Snake – potential habitat through the creek and gully lines as well as the

sandstone outcropping for winter sheltering.


Some of the introduced species detected within the Reserve include foxes and feral cats, both of which pose a threat to native fauna. Fox tracks were found to be in high levels along walking tracks and near water pooled in the creek lines, whilst feral cat were found in lower numbers. Further details on the threatened species are provided below:

TIGER QUOLL Scientific name

Dasyurus maculatus

Analysis This species was sighted in Lapstone Gully during a spotlighting transect. The habitat is available however its numbers are likely to be low due to the relatively high numbers of disturbances and bushfires in area.

VU

LN

ER

AB

LE

Listing Listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the

Threatened Species List.

POWERFUL OWL

Scientific name

Ninox strenua

Analysis This species was detected in Knapsack Gully area. It responded to playback however roost/nest sites were not located. It is obviously utilizing the study area for foraging and likely to use area for nesting/ roosting. V

UL

NE

RA

BL

E

Listing Listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the Threatened Species List.

GLOSSY BLACK COCKATOO Scientific name

Calyptorhynchus lathami

Analysis Some signs of this species were detected during the surveys. It appears that the study area represents a foraging and potential nesting area for this species.

VU

LN

ER

AB

LE


RED-CROWNED TOADLET

Scientific name

Pseudophryne australis

Analysis This species was not detected during the surveys however there is potential habitat present. Surveys were carried on dry days (no rain) and this lessens the potential to detect this species.

VU

LN

ER

AB

LE



BROAD-HEADED SNAKE

Scientific name

Hoplocephalus bungaroides

Analysis Species not detected. It would have been changing from its tree roosts (summer) to its rock shelters (winter) during period of surveys. It is almost certain that this species would occur within the study area as it has north facing slopes and good rock shelters. E

ND

AN

GE

RE

D

Listing Listed as ‘endangered’ on the

Threatened Species List.

The habitat features within Knapsack Reserve that are important for the above threatened species include: • The abundant Allocasuarina trees (food source of Glossy Black Cockatoo); • Hollows in large, old eucalyptus and angophora trees (potential nest or roosts sites for

tiger quolls and powerful owls); • The upper, less weedy creek lines (potential sites for the Red-Crowned toadlets); and • North facing rock shelters (habitat for broad headed snake). For information regarding the bushland management actions for the reserve, please refer to Section 6.0 of this document. For a full list of fauna species detected within the Reserve, please refer to Appendix H – Fauna Species recorded within Knapsack Reserve 3.4.5 Weed Infestation Weed infestation within the Knapsack Reserve study area is a problem with the weeds of most concern being Privet, Lantana and Blackberry. Weeds appeared to be the most abundant in gullies and along the edge of the urban interface. A complete list of weeds found within the Reserve and their classifications as noted on the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 are detailed in the table below:

Botanical Name Common Name Classification Ageratina adenophora Crofton Weed Noxious Weed (Class 4) Ageratum houstonianum Floss Flower - Amaranthus quitensis Ataco - Anthemis cotula Mayweed - Arundo donax Giant Reed - Avena fatua Wild Oat - Axonopus affinus Carpet Grass - Axonopus compressus Broad-leaf carpet grass - Brizia maxima Quaking grass - Chloris virgata Black seed grass - Cinnamonum camphora Camphor laurel Noxious Weed (Class 4) Conyza albida Fleabane - Coreopsis lanceolata Lanceleaf Bush Invader Euphorbia peplus Milk Weed - Genista monspessulana Cape Broom Noxious Weed (Class 3) Hypochoeris radicata Flat Weed - Ipomaea indica Morning Glory Bush Invader Juncus acutus Sharp Rush - Lantana camara Lantana Noxious weed (Class 5) Ligustrum lucidium Large-leaf Privet Noxious Weed (Class 4) Ligustrum sinense Small-leaf Privet Noxious Weed (Class 4) Lilium formosanum Formosa Lily Bush Invader Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle Bush Invader Morus ruba Red Mulberry - Onopordum acanthium Scotch Thistle - Paspalum dilatatum Dallis Grass - Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu Grass Bush Invader


Botanical Name Common Name Classification Phyllostachys sp. Bamboo Noxious Weed (Class 3) Plantago lanceolata Narrow leaf plantain - Rhynchelytrum repens Natal Grass - Rubus fruticosus Blackberry Noxious Weed (Class 2) Senecio madagascariensis Fire Weed - Solanum mauritianum Wild tobacco bush - Tages minuta - Taraxacum officinale Common dandelion - Trifolium repens White Clover Bush Invader Verbena bonariensis - Westeria floribunda Japanese Wisteria -

Table 10. Weeds of Knapsack Reserve The Noxious Weeds Act of 1993 declares and classifies plants which are a danger to human health, serious economic pests, and invaders of natural systems. Owners and occupiers of property in the City of Blue Mountains are obliged to comply with this Act. The below tables provide a short description of the legal requirements for each class of weed described above:

Class 1 – State Prohibited Weeds Characteristics Class 1 noxious weeds are plants that pose a potentially serious threat to

primary production or the environment and are not present in the State or are present only to a limited extent.

Control Objective Prevent the introduction and establishment of those plants in NSW. Control Action The plant must be eradicated from the land and the land must be kept free

of the plant.

Class 2 – Regionally Prohibited Weeds Characteristics Class 2 noxious weeds are plants that pose a potentially serious threat to

primary production or the environment of a region to which the order applies and are not present in the region or are present only to a limited extent.

Control Objective Prevent the introduction and establishment of those plants in parts of NSW. Control Action The plant must be eradicated from the land and the land must be kept free

of the plant.

Class 3 – Regionally Controlled Weeds Characteristics Class 3 noxious weeds are plants that pose a serious threat to primary

production or the environment of an area to which the order applies, are not widely distributed in the area and are likely to spread in the area or to another area.

Control Objective Reduce the area and the impact of those plants in parts of NSW. Control Action The plant must be fully and continuously suppressed and destroyed.

Class 4 – Locally Controlled Weeds Characteristics Class 4 noxious weeds are plants that pose a threat to primary production,

the environment or human health, are widely distributed in an area to which the order applies and are likely to spread in the area or to another area.

Control Objective Minimise the negative impact of those plants on the economy, community or environment of NSW.

Control Action The growth and spread of the plant must be controlled according to the measures specified in a management plan published by the local control authority, and the plant may not be sold, propagated or knowingly distributed.

Class 5 – Restricted Plants

Characteristics Class 5 noxious weeds are plants that are likely, by their sale or the sale of their seeds or movement within the State or an area of the State, to spread in the State or outside the State.

Control Objective Prevent the introduction of those plants into NSW, the spread of those plants within NSW or from NSW to another jurisdiction.

Control Action The requirements in the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 for a notifiable weed must be complied with.


3.4.6 Bushfire Hazards Knapsack Reserve is located in an area of the Blue Mountains that is identified in the Bush Fire Risk Management Plan (BRMP) as being subject to moderate bushfire risk. The Reserve adjoins urban development, major roads and the rail corridor and as such bushfire management measures must be considered for the protection of life, property and flora and fauna values. This Reserve has an extensive history of both prescribed burning and wildfire. Evidence suggests that a significance number of smaller unplanned fires have occurred throughout the Reserve over a long period of time; however these events have not been captured by the fire history mapping. The recorded fire history of the Reserve is indicated in table 11 below, and the map shown at Appendix I – Bushfire History of Knapsack Reserve.

Fire Season

Fire Type General Location of Fire Area Burnt

1983/84 Prescribed Burn

Area now covered by Mt Sion subdivision, east to track on western sire of Lennox Bridge (mostly outside of Reserve)

43.17ha


South of Lovers Walk / Elizabeth Lookout trail to creek

30.86ha


North of Great Western Hwy to creek between sewerage treatment plant and RAAF base

3.78ha


Northwest perimeter of RAAF base to creek 1.17ha


North of Lovers Walk / Elizabeth’s Lookout trail to trail east of Lennox Bridge & Mitchells Pass

27.49ha


West of Zig Zag trail to RAAF boundary 9.41ha

2001/02 Wildfire Majority of Reserve, plus some bushland outside of the Reserve

163.47ha

Table 11. Fire History of Knapsack Reserve. As the Reserve adjoins residential areas and also contains significant built assets, there is the potential for wildfire occurring within the Reserve to impact upon assets both within and outside of the Reserve. The actions surrounding the protection of these assets and the management of the bushfire risk will be review in detail in Section 6.0 of this document.


Section 4

BASIS FOR MANAGEMENT This section explores the range of issues affecting the use and management of Knapsack Reserve and how this PoM seeks to address them. This section is structured using the following subheadings: Objectives: What we wish to achieve. Issues: What are the issues that need to be considered? Opportunities: What potential opportunities exist that need to be considered? Policies: The management strategies that address the issues and opportunities and that provide guidelines to achieve the PoM’s vision and objectives. This Plan and this section in particular aims to give direction to address any issues that arise during the life of the Plan. In addressing issues, it is important to refer back to the values the community raised during the consultation phase of this project. The management direction given in this document seeks to ensure that values are protected and enhanced each time a management response is required. The below subject areas are relevant to the management of Knapsack Reserve and will be explored further within this section of the document:

Knapsack Park Sportsgrounds Precinct 4.1 Provision of organised sporting facilities 4.2 Maintenance matters 4.3 Traffic, Parking and Access 4.4 Residential & Visual Amenity

Knapsack Reserve Bushland Area 4.5 Walking & Bike Tracks 4.6 Passive & Informal Recreation Use 4.7 Visitor Nodes & Links 4.8 Fire Management 4.9 Bushland / Water Management

Heritage Related Matters within Knapsack Reserve 4.10 Protection of Sites of Aboriginal Significance 4.11 Protection of Heritage Sites

Former Sewerage Treatment Plant and State Rail Authority Land 4.12 Future use of Sewerage Treatment Plant 4.13 State Rail Authority Land

Other 4.14 Leases and Licenses 4.15 Fees 4.16 Tenure


KNAPSACK PARK SPORTSGROUND PRECINCT

This section will explore all objectives, issues, opportunities and policies relating to the sportsground precinct within the Reserve. The actions that relate to these issues are noted in the action table of Section 6. 4.1 PROVISION OF ORGANISED SPORTING FACILITIES OBJECTIVES

• To provide a sporting infrastructure in line with Council’s vision and aims as set out in the Blue Mountains Recreation & Sports Strategy 2002 and the Sportsground Hire & Use Handbook;

• To provide if practically possible, for the expansion of the sportsground within Knapsack Park to support the needs of the current user group, without adversely affecting the amenity of nearby residents or requiring unacceptable impacts on adjacent sensitive bushland; and

• To allow for the creation of a new clubhouse, including a new / replacement amenities building, that serves as a community facility and can be used by multiple user groups. ISSUES

• Clubhouse is in poor condition and a new purpose built building is highly sought after; • Clubhouse is in a poor location (between the field & car park) creating an unsafe environment between pedestrian and cars crossing between field and clubhouse; • Limited storage space for user groups, especially during the off season; • Existing bins left in open (not secure storage); • Possibility of competing sportsground bookings; • Potential to expand fields must consider need to retain adjacent native bushland and costs; • Sportsground lays dormant (without use) for part of the year; • Existing soccer fields (both senior & mini) are less than standard sizes; • There is no spectator seating; and • Water restrictions are having an affect on the health of the sportsgrounds and there is a need to identify a water sources for non mains irrigation. OPPORTUNITIES

• To consider the erection of a new clubhouse that could serve and could serve as a community facility, used by multiple user groups and may provide safe storage options for users groups; • Introduce summer user group by reinstating the cricket pitch – Cricket to become summer user group; • Expand fields to enlarge play area and allowing for suitable setback between cricket pitch and field side line; • Recognize historic users and refer to Sports Council where booking conflicts arise; • Place bins in secure rubbish storage areas; and • Install spectator seating to the northern and western sides of the field. POLICIES

• The upgrade of any sporting facility will adhere to Council’s Access & Equity Policy and be subject to development consent pursuant to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979; • Council will, where possible, seek partnerships to construct and install new facilities at Knapsack Park; • A turf cricket wicket will be permitted if the need arises in the future; • Sporting user groups will adhere to the ‘Sportsground Hire & Use Handbook’; and • The upgrade of any sporting facilities will comply with the Crown Lands Act 1989.


4.2 MAINTENANCE MATTERS OBJECTIVES

• To provide adequate maintenance to the sportsground facility and supporting infrastructure;

• To reduce adverse effects caused by any overuse of the sportsgrounds;

• To identify non mains water source for irrigation of the sportsgrounds; and

• To ensure any improvements, additions or new equipment are effective and OH&S and maintenance are considered in design. ISSUES

• The floodlighting is well below Australian Standards for football training; • Sportsground surface suffers from wear and tear from intensive usage; • Irrigation currently uses mains water, which is a concern considering current water restrictions which are likely to continue; and • Existing irrigation system is in a poor condition. OPPORTUNITIES

• Improve floodlighting to achieve Australian Standard for football training, add an hour run meter to switchboard to monitor lamp maintenance and renewal frequency; • There is an opportunity to find a non mains water source; • Develop, together with the Soccer Club alternate training opportunities to reduce wear on sportsgrounds eg: purchase practice goals; and • Install new irrigation systems that is efficient and moisture content of the sportsground prior to watering is monitored. POLICIES

• The upgrade or installation of any item will be subject to development consent pursuant to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979; • Pursue a non mains water source; and • The irrigation system to be installed must be in line with current best practice.

4.3 TRAFFIC, PARKING & ACCESS OBJECTIVES

• To provide a safe and accessible car park;

• Manage and reduce congestion on busy weekend days, throughout the surrounding residential area; and

• To provide safe access into the Knapsack Park area for pedestrians and bike riders. ISSUES

• Traffic congestion, unsafe driving and unsafe parking conditions occur on busy sporting weekends; • Trees within car park will need to be assessed for their condition and suitability for retention; • A number of community members are concerned that Knapsack Reserve has been closed to vehicular traffic; • Sedimentation of car park after heavy rain is a problem; • Provide bus parking / drop off zone at sportsground; • Vehicular entrance to park is confusing; and • Existing car park uses available space poorly, its layout should be reconsidered. OPPORTUNITIES

• Construct new car park (in area of existing) with a new layout - delineated parking areas (to optimize spaces); improve vehicular access (off Barnet St) and drainage; and • Provide improved car parking along Barnet St to reduce congestion of residential street. POLICIES

• The upgrade of any sporting facility will adhere to Council’s Access & Equity Policy and be subject to development consent pursuant to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979; and


• The development of pedestrian friendly access towards Knapsack Park / Reserve shall be in accordance with the recommendations in Council’s “Blue Mountains Bike Plan” and the ‘Bicycle Links to Knapsack Reserve’ map in Section 5.4 of this document. 4.4 RESIDENTIAL & VISUAL AMENITY OBJECTIVE

• To ensure that Knapsack Reserve including Knapsack Park continues to contribute to the amenity of the Glenbrook / Lapstone area while minimising the impact on local residents.

ISSUES

• Lack of community / residential facilities available at Knapsack Park, this area is perceived to be dominated by sports; and

• Wish by some within the community to ‘Preserve the Reserve’, retaining existing amenity. OPPORTUNITES

• Existing screen planting between the sportsgrounds and Barnet St is to be embellished in conjunction with other improvements to the sporting precinct;

• Install time restrictions for the use of the sportsground including floodlighting and the proposed new clubhouse;

• Ensure any new floodlighting for sportsgrounds are installed on individual switches so that sportsgrounds can be lit individually; and

• Upgrade frontage of Knapsack Park along Barnet St by improving road side car parking, landscaping etc – subject to design sympathetic to environmental constraints.

POLICIES

• Limit use of floodlighting and clubhouse until 10pm throughout the week. Exceptions to this will be considered when application in writing is made to Council;

• Improve and maintain existing vegetation within buffer zone between sportsgrounds and Barnet St; and

• Ensure entire Reserve retains a bushland character.

KNAPSACK RESERVE BUSHLAND AREA

This section will explore all objectives, issues, opportunities and policies relating to the bushland area within the Reserve. The actions that relate to these issues are noted in the action table of Section 6. 4.5 WALKING & BIKE TRACKS OBJECTIVES

• To reduce conflict and allow for shared use between bikes and walkers within the Reserve;

• To reduce number of duplicated walk / bike tracks to reduce burden on flora of Reserve;

• To allow for one (1) down hill track for use by bikes only; and

• Improve bicycle links leading to Knapsack Park and the Reserve.

ISSUES

• Extensive duplication of vehicle and walking tracks have led to widespread fragmentation of ridge top vegetation;

• Imminent closure of the Bathurst Rd, Blaxland downhill mountain bike track – this will leave many downhill riders with nowhere to ride;

• A number of old disused downhill mountain bike tracks in area between lookouts and electricity easement;

• Bicycle links leading to Knapsack Park and Reserve should be improved / extended to ensure safe and accessible pathways of travel;

• Walking & bike tracks in some cases are in close proximity to sites of Aboriginal significance;

• Conflicts caused between walkers and bike riders occasionally experienced; and


• Other issues relating to bushland management see section 4.8. OPPORTUNITIES

• Track rationalisation required to reduce maintenance demands and adverse affects in the Reserves bushland;

• To allow for one (1) downhill track for mountain bike riders (non motorized use allowed) within the Reserve;

• Develop bicycle links within the Glenbrook area to Knapsack Reserve – for details regarding these links please refer to ‘Bicycle Links to Knapsack Reserve’ Map in Section 5.4 of this document;

• Designate some tracks within the Reserve as ‘bike tracks only’ whilst all other tracks are ‘shared use’ (ie: walkers / bike riders); and

• Upgrade and restore the following walking tracks within the Reserve: o Lennox bridge to Marge’s Lookout link track – formalize track with stone

steps and drainage works; o Elizabeth’s lookout to Knapsack Bridge – upgrade degraded section of timber

stair case; and o Lapstone Zig Zag – investigation for wheelchair and multiple uses.

POLICIES

• The upgrade / development of bike ways leading towards Knapsack Park / Reserve shall be in accordance with the recommendations in Council’s “Blue Mountains Bike Plan” and ‘Bicycle Links to Knapsack Reserve’ in Section 5.4 of this document; and • Future works on walk and bike tracks must be in accordance with Council’s Nature Based Recreation Strategy.

4.6 PASSIVE & INFORMAL RECREATION USES OBJECTIVES

• To provide a diverse range of informal recreation settings within Knapsack Reserve through the provision of a child friendly area, social settings and natural area appreciation opportunities;

• Re use of Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) may provide an increased in capacity or diversity of recreation in the Blue Mountains;

• To encourage, promote and facilitate recreational, historical, social and educational pastimes and activities;

• To create a suitable dog off leash area away from Lapstone Creek and easily accessible by members of the community; and

• To retain one (1) interim dirt jump bike site and close down all others within Reserve. ISSUES

• No information regarding the Aboriginal, cultural or environmental values of the Reserve; • Bushland areas provide setting for some antisocial behaviour; • Dog off leash area is poorly located; adjacent to creek line, out of the way in an area that

is difficult to access; • Limited social area for locals or sporting spectators at Knapsack Park; and • Creation of dirt jump bike sites, additional to existing interim site at Olivett St, is a concern

as they disturb surrounding bushland and cause runoff / erosion into nearby creeks. OPPORTUNITIES

• Create a social and recreation area within the Knapsack Park area which may be accessed by local residents and the sporting community alike – no vehicle access to be area will be provided except when car park is in use by hirer. Area may include a paved area suitable for portable barbeques;

• Improve and rationalize walking tracks within the Reserve; • Set fees and guidelines for events greater than fifty (50) people within bushland eg:

orienteering, cross country running / bike riding etc; • There is an opportunity to develop an interpretative plan for the Reserve to communicate

Aboriginal and historic values; • Increase access and information as per Section 4.7;


• Create a dog off leash area in a more suitable location within the Glenbrook area; and • Create a dirt jump bike site in a more suitable location. POLICIES

• All unauthorized dirt jump bike sites with in the Reserve will be closed in accordance with Council’s Dirt Jump Bike Strategy;

• Create a dog off leash area in line with best practice guidelines for dog off leash parks; • Large events (greater than 100 people) within the Reserve are not permitted more than

four (4) times per annum and a fee may apply; • Allow for cross country (running) events within the Reserve, subject to approval by

Council officers and event policies if applicable; • Special interest groups eg: tours of historic site may be permitted with conditions; and • Develop an interpretative plan in consultation with local historical and Aboriginal groups. 4.7 VISITOR NODES AND LINKS OBJECTIVES

• To encourage the use of lesser known visitor nodes that may provide access to the Reserve for people with equal access requirements;

• To ensure links between heritage sites, areas within the Reserve and visitor nodes are well maintained and accessible;

• To ensure links between the existing RAAF base and the remainder of the Reserve are established and introduced into the Reserve network as considered appropriate by Council, once the future use of the RAAF base are determined;

• To ensure the visitor nodes within the Reserve are managed to provide ongoing visitor use and access in a manner that minimizes impacts on their natural and heritage values as well as catering for, and reducing conflicts between, competing visitor demands; and

• Provide well maintained facilities and access appropriate to the desired recreational setting of each visitor node, as defined above.

ISSUES

• Over the years a number of facilities have been provided at the visitor nodes but have not always been maintained regularly;

• Some potential visitor nodes are little known and may be excluding some visitors from experiencing the Reserve and its natural and cultural values;

• Poor links within the Reserve may result in unsatisfactory visitor experiences; • Poorly maintained visitor destinations can impact on the satisfaction experienced by the

visitor; • Wheelchair (equal access) opportunities are limited; • State level historic items / sites have no suitable facilities for large groups to come and

view; • Any future works at Marge’s and Elizabeth’s lookouts will require an assessment by a

suitably qualified Archaeologist; and • Lack of management presence can encourage vandalism of facilities and other prominent

features such as historical items. OPPORTUNITIES

• Provide vehicular access to Marge’s & Elizabeth’s Lookouts for events of special significance. This access will be subject to a written application and approval by Council and may incur an fee;

• Ensure links to the RAAF base are established to ensure future use of the site (if appropriate) connects with the Reserve;

• Landscape Master plans should be developed to clearly illustrate the layout for each visitor node area and management actions required;

• Develop a primary visitor nodes at Whitton Memorial Park to keep tourism away from residential area and provide income and services;

• Potential to develop Lapstone Hill Tunnel (built 1867) as a tourist destination; and • Improved management and recreational facilities at visitor nodes can improve the visitor

experience within the Reserve.


POLICIES

• Fees applicable to vehicular access to Marge’s and Elizabeth’s Lookout will be in line with those noted in the latest Management Plan; and

• Visitor nodes and links will be developed in accordance with the ‘Visitor Nodes & Links’ Master Plan contained within Section 5.3 of this document.

4.8 BUSHLAND / WATER MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

• To minimize the impacts of activities within Knapsack Reserve on bushland;

• To protect areas identified as containing significant vegetation as well as ‘Endangered Ecological Communities’ under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995;

• To comply with core objectives applying to the ‘Land Categorisation’ of ‘natural area – bushland’, ‘natural area – watercourse’ and ‘natural area – escarpment’; and

• To improve water quality within the Knapsack Catchment. ISSUES

• Presence of Sydney Turpentine – Iron Bark Forest (STIF) which is recognised through both state and national legislation as an Endangered Ecological Community (EEC);

• Erosion in quarry area through rainfall runoff, from track systems above, and history of 4WD driving across the quarry site, soil profile has, in parts, eroded down to a level of weathered bedrock;

• Extensive duplication of vehicle and walking tracks that have led to widespread fragmentation of ridge top vegetation;

• Presences of a numerous of weeds, some of which are listed on the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 – weeds are at their worst along the urban interface to a distance of between 5-25 metres into the bushland and the gullies within the Reserve;

• Dumping of garden waste and garden escapes such as Bamboo is causing some of the problems with weeds;

• Not all bushland within the Knapsack Reserve Plan of Management study area is under Council’s control;

• Area downhill of sportsground (batter east of fields) has degraded vegetation as a result of runoff from fields;

• Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and SRA land have major issues with weeds; • Edge effects if potential RAAF site redevelopment, note: the future use is currently

unknown; • Ensure protection of the EEC; • Water quality leaving the Knapsack Catchment is in a poor condition compared with other

Catchments in the Blue Mountains; and • Foxes and feral cats are present within the Reserve and pose a threat to native fauna. OPPORTUNITES

• Brush matting required to close off duplicated walking tracks; • Control weeds along urban interface and gullies which are the worst affected areas; • Carry out soil erosion and rehabilitation of the quarry area between Olivet St and

Mitchell’s Pass; • Continue Council’s support of the Knapsack Creek Bushcare group; • Rehabilitation of the stream as part of Sydney Water restoration works linked to

Sewerage Treatment Plant; • Remove all unauthorized dirt jump bike sites within the Reserve; • Investigate opportunities to reduce / eliminate predation from foxes & feral cats on native

fauna; • To improve the quality of water leaving the Knapsack Catchment by encouraging water

polishing; and • Track rationalisation in plateau area, targeting fragmentation of Endangered Ecological

Communities (EEC) and other vegetation communities in the Reserve. POLICIES

• All unauthorized dirt jump bike sites within the Reserve will be closed in accordance with Council’s Dirt Jump Bike Strategy;


• Investigate options for bush regeneration and revegetation programs with priority given to Sydney Turpentine-Iron Bark Forest;

• Ensure that bushland restoration and protection are included in all works to upgrade facilities / infrastructure at Knapsack Park;

• Ensure fire management is consistent with conservation of vegetation structure / diversity etc; and

• Areas of vegetation identified as EEC protected under state and national legislation should be included for protection in the future revision of the Local Environmental Plan through application of appropriate zoning. These areas conflict with oval expansion.

4.9 FIRE MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVE

• To provide protection to life and property consistent with Council’s broader policies while considering the need to preserve the surrounding bushland environment, the landscape qualities and the built assets of the Reserve.

ISSUES

• The area is identified in the Blue Mountains Bush Fire Risk Management Plan as being subject to moderate bushfire risk. The greatest risk is considered to be ignition within the reserve resultant from human activities (either malicious or accidental ignitions). There is also potential for fire to enter the reserve as a result of spotting from fire outside the reserve;

• Several areas exist where built assets are located in close proximity to bushfire hazards present within the reserve; and

• The Reserve has been subject to numerous fires, both planned and unplanned, which have the potential to disrupt life cycle processes. High fire frequency is listed as a key threatening process under Schedule 3 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Where built assets are located in close proximity to bushland, the terrain is permissive of mechanically created and maintained asset protection zones, please refer to Appendix J – Asset Protection Zones;

• Carefully planned and executed prescribed burning should be carried out to achieve an ecologically sustainable balance between conservation and risk management; and

• Relocate new clubhouse to more suitable location, further away from bushland and install a water tank as backup water supply.

POLICIES

• Maintain fuel reduced asset protection zones in specified areas of the reserve to the required standard, in accordance with council’s Strategic Bush Fire Management Plan and the Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code;

• Any prescribed burning within the reserve is to be undertaken in accordance with Council’s Strategic Bush Fire Management Plan and the Bush Fire Environmental Assessment Code;

• Ensure fire management is consistent with conservation of vegetation structure and diversity, including endangered ecological communities and threatened species habitat; and

• To ensure access is maintained for emergency service vehicles, please refer to Appendix K – Fire Trails within Knapsack Reserve.

HERITAGE RELATED MATTERS WITHIN KNAPSACK RESERVE

This section will explore all objectives, issues, opportunities and policies relating to the heritage items and sites within the Reserve. The actions that relate to these issues are noted in the action table of Section 6.


4.10 PROTECTION OF SITES OF ABORIGINAL SIGNIFICANCE OBJECTIVES

• To protect Aboriginal values and promote active measures to investigate and protect Aboriginal items in areas of potential disturbance; and

• To involve the Aboriginal community in the management of Aboriginal items and other values.

ISSUES

• Sites of Aboriginal significance, in particular shelters with potential archaeological deposits (PAD) have been found within the Reserve with evidence of vandalism including graffiti, campfire remains and broken glass;

• One (1) sites of Aboriginal significance is been affected by water erosion and some visitor impacts;

• If further development of Marge’s or Elizabeth’s Lookouts are proposed then potential impacts should be assessed by a qualified archaeologist;

• Seven (7) out of fifteen (15) recorded sites of Aboriginal significance are affected by visitor impacts these impacts are considered to be low to moderate;

• Concerns that if sites are promoted they will be subject to vandalism; • Little to no interpretation of the Reserve’s Aboriginal heritage value; and • There is possibility that some sites or objects of archaeological value / PAD may occur in

areas hidden by leaf litter. OPPORTUNITIES

• Restrict access to shelters within sites to reduce possibility of vandalism. Access may be restricted by closing minor tracks, plant endemic plant species along tracks to stabilise soil and screen sites;

• Revegetate banks of Lapstone Creek tributaries to protect one (1) particular site; • Monitor condition of certain sites on an annual basis to determine condition of site; • Potential to excavated PAD to obtain more information regarding certain sites; • If there is a potential that Aboriginal sites or PAD will be disturbed by development

Council should follow Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) new Interim Community Consultation Requirements for Applicants under Part 6 of the National Parks & Wildlife Act 1974; and

• Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC), Gundungarra Tribal Council (GTC), Darug Tribal Aboriginal Corporation (DTAC) and Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation (DCAC) to be advised of any test excavations (at sites with PAD) and invited to attend in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) Section 87 Preliminary Research Permits.

POLICIES

• Sites of Aboriginal significance will be protected and managed in accordance with Section 36D of the Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act) which states locations of places and items of Aboriginal significance may be kept confidential;

• Sites of Aboriginal significance will be protected in accordance with the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974;

• The development of an Interpretation Plan for the Reserve will include feedback from local Aboriginal groups; and

• Sites and items of Aboriginal significance will be managed in accordance to the recommendations with the ‘Heritage Assessment: Knapsack Reserve, Glenbrook NSW’.

4.11 PROTECTION OF HERITAGE SITES OBJECTIVES

• To protect heritage values and promote active measures to protect items from further and / or potential disturbance and decay;

• To promote visitor use / visitation of heritage sites within the Reserve, providing visitation does not adversely affect heritage sites; and

• To develop an interpretive plan to convey the history and value of the heritage sites within the Reserve to educate both residents and visitors to the area.


ISSUES

• Thirty-nine (39) heritage sites have been identified within the Reserve (an additional twenty four (24) sites than identified prior to Heritage Assessment study) some of these are listed on the register of the national estate, many on the state register and local heritage register;

• Lack of consistent management of sites as they are located on parcels owned by various agencies and organisations;

• Degradation of sites due to lack of maintenance / funding; • General erosion and degradation of sites through pedestrian and vehicle impact; • Access issues as noted in Sections 4.5 and 4.7; and • Little to no interpretation of the site heritage values. OPPORTUNITIES

• Develop an interpretative plan that will communicate the historic values of the Reserve; • Form a partnership with a group that would promote heritage to help fund and manage

visitor nodes at Whitton Memorial Park; and • Upgrade and manage items of heritage values with the assistance from State Rail

Authority, Department of Lands and Roads and Transport Authority. POLICIES

• Conservation Management Plans (CMP’s) will provide future direction on the management of certain items within the Reserve;

• The development of an Interpretative Plan must be carried out by a suitable qualified heritage consultant in consultation with BMCC and the Glenbrook & District Historical Society; and

• Manage historic sites in accordance with provisions listed in the Burra Charter (ICOMOS 1988) http://www.icomos.org/australia/burra

FORMER SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT & STATE RAIL AUTHORITY LAND

This section will explore all objectives, issues, opportunities and policies relating to the State Rail Authority owned land and the disused sewerage treatment plant within the Reserve. The actions that relate to these issues are noted in the action table of Section 6. 4.12 FUTURE USE OF SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT Please note: this is a deferred item and the objectives, issues, opportunities and policies for the future use and management of this site are yet to be finalised. These will all be assessed in the near future and inserted into a future version of this Plan of Management. OBJECTIVES

• Currently unknown. ISSUES

• Site has been used as a sewerage treatment plant for the previous 32 years; • Infrastructure on site includes: fencing, lighting, buildings, sedimentation tanks, sludge

lagoon, digestion tanks etc; • There is potential for some contamination of the site, given its previous use; • Site is isolated and there is very little natural surveillance of the site; • Site is owned by Crown Lands, currently managed by Sydney Water; • Site will return to Council management (as Reserve Trust) once Sydney Water has

completed restoration works; • Access to the site is across a piece of land owned by State Rail Authority Land, part of

which is currently leased to mushroom growers; • Access to site off the Great Western Hwy is difficult and unsuited to high levels; • Potential future uses are numerous and a feasibility study required to determine the best

future use of the site and the implication of each of these; • Weeds are a problem in the area adjacent to the sewerage treatment plant; and


• Site is surrounded by steep sloped land (approximately 1ha) whilst the remaining is flat land (approximately 0.5ha).

Please note: Additional issues may become apparent through further investigation. OPPORTUNITIES

• There is a general shortage of cleared level ground available in the Blue Mountains for recreation uses and this area may assist in alleviating this shortage;

• There is an opportunity to request Sydney Water restore the site as Council (as future land manager) sees fit, within budget;

• Some of the potential future uses already put forward through consultation include: o Dog Off Leash / Dog Training area to be leased to local dog club; o Return to natural gully system and re vegetate (bushland); o BMX circuit or similar (dirt jump bike site); o Retain water sources on site (tanks & lagoon) as static water sources for fire

fighting purposes; o Wetland or tiered ponds systems; o Retain some or all of the buildings (e.g.: office building, storage shed) on site; o Develop area with tennis / netball facilities; and o Museum for use by Local Historical Society.

• There is an opportunity to lease this facility (depending on the future use) removing costs of maintenance from Council and passing on liabilities to lessee.

Please note: Additional opportunities may become apparent through further investigation. POLICIES

• Consult with all stakeholder groups including sporting, community and Aboriginal groups which currently consists of approximately fifteen (15);

• Work together with the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and Department of Infrastructure Planning and Natural Resources (DIPNR) as necessary;

• Liaise throughout project / feasibility study with Sydney Water (as current land manager) and Department of Lands (as land owner).

Please note: Additional policy direction may become apparent through further investigation. 4.13 STATE RAIL AUTHORITY LAND Please note: this is a deferred item and the objectives, issues, opportunities and policies for the future use, management and ownership of this site are yet to be finalised. These will all be assessed in the near future and inserted into a future version of this Plan of Management OBJECTIVES

• Currently unknown. ISSUES

• Ownership of this land (including Lapstone Tunnel) is likely to change in the near future as they have become surplus to rail needs;

• Land and tunnel have been the issue of handover discussions for decades involving many agencies including Council;

• Access to the sewerage treatment plant, currently through this site may be altered depending on new ownership of land;

• Land is approximately 2.3ha in size and includes the 660m long Lapstone Tunnel built in 1891, which is listed on the local and national heritage registers;

• The tunnel and part of the land is currently leased to Mushroom growers, a practice that dates back to 1913 and is considered part of the Tunnel;

• Mushroom farm buildings is stretching beyond the leased lands and encroaching on adjacent lands;

• Mushroom farm is believed to be contributing to high levels of weeds and pollutants flowing into nearby creek;

• Current lease between State Rail Authority and Mushroom farm runs until June 2007; Please note: Additional issues may become apparent through further investigation.


OPPORTUNITIES

• To provide proper vehicular access to the STP site (depending on future use) including, sealing of road and potential parking lot at end, adjacent to STP lands.

Please note: Additional opportunities may become apparent through further investigation. POLICIES

• Liaison with the following relevant stakeholder groups: State Rail Authority (current owner), Department of Land (potential future owner), Council (potential future land manager through Trust – unknown), Mushroom Biotech Australia (current lessee);

Please note: Additional policy direction may become apparent through further investigation.

OTHER

This section will explore all objectives, issues, opportunities and policies relating to the other items, such as leases and licenses related to the Reserve. The actions that relate to these issues are noted in the action table of Section 6.

4.14 LEASES & LICENSES OBJECTIVES

• To allow groups to carry out their specialist activities on Knapsack Reserve (Crown Land) with some degree of autonomy whilst minimizing the costs to the Trust manager of Knapsack Reserve and the impact on other user groups;

• To lease and license the use of Knapsack Reserve by groups such as recreation clubs providing facilities and services for public use; and

• That the lease or license is consistent with the public purpose for which the land is reserved, in this instance Public Recreation. ISSUES

• Sporting uses (which may attract a lease or license) are confined to Knapsack Reserve (Crown Land) therefore the Crown Lands Act 1989 will apply to these leases and licenses. OPPORTUNITIES Leases

• May be granted by the Knapsack Park Reserve Trust with consent in writing from the Minister for Lands under the provision of Crown Lands Act 1989. Consent in writing must be obtained from the Minister before any lease is approved;

• Leases are typically required where exclusive use or control of all or part of the land is desired for effective management; and

• Leases are typically for a period of five (5) years, any longer may not be considered however they can be applied in exceptional circumstance.

Licenses

• The Knapsack Park Reserve Trust may issue / grant a license to allow for multiple and non-exclusive use of an area. A license may be necessary where short term or intermittent control of all or part of the land is required. A number of licenses for different or overlapping users can apply to the same area at the same time provided there is no conflict of interest;

• Any lease fees must by invested in the Reserve; and • A license may permit the use or occupation of Crown Land for either a specified or

unspecified period of time. General

• Crown Land requirements for any other lease or license should include but not be restricted to the following:

o Type of use; o Rent; o Outgoings; o Increase in rent; o Reviews;


o Insurances; o Residential amenity; o Measures to address non-compliance; o Subletting; and o Legal Fees

POLICIES

• This PoM allows for lease and license agreements on its land, under the following terms and conditions:

o Compliance with the core objectives and vision for Knapsack Reserve; o Public input; o Options for use by other groups and o Measures to protect residential amenity.

• At the time of advertising its intention to grant a lease, Council will invite interested parties to have an input into the lease conditions by notifying Council.

4.15 FEES OBJECTIVE

• Any fees received through a lease or license within the Reserve will be used for the betterment of the Reserve; and

• Any fees received for hire of the sportsground will be placed in one account to be used for improvement and new works across Council sportsgrounds.

ISSUES

• Limited resources / funding to carry out works within the Reserve. OPPORTUNITIES

• Fees can be charged under the Local Government Act and represents an opportunity to get additional resources for the Reserve;

• Fees are set not through this document, however this PoM does support fees for the following:

o Lease and licenses for use of all or part of lands within the Reserve; o Use of sportsgrounds facilities by seasonal and casual hirers; o Events of special significance where vehicular access to Reserve is required; o Events of greater than fifty (50) people using bushland such as: orienteering,

cross country run / bike events; o Events where a group receives a particular service or use from Reserve; and o Commercial operators’ fees may become applicable.

Any proposed fees would need to be incorporated into Council’s management Plan and exhibited publicly before adoption.

POLICIES

• Charging of fees and charges will need to be done in accordance with Council’s annual Management Plan.

4.16 TENURE OBJECTIVE

• That the parcels of land associated with Knapsack Reserve are managed as an integrated whole, where possible.

ISSUES

• Parcels of land within Knapsack Reserve are often perceived as a common Reserve when in fact there are four different owners / managers, parcels are managed under numerous pieces of legislation;

• The Crown Land portion of Knapsack Reserve is designated as a Reserve for Public Recreation. This is in conflict with the need to preserve bushland, the presence of Endangered Ecological Communities and desires of some of the local community;


• There are four (4) unformed or ‘paper’ roads within the Reserve that should be reintegrated into the Reserve as the need to open them as roads to vehicular traffic no longer exists;

• The two (2) parcels of Crown Land located at 19A Surveyor Abbot Dr and 140A Olivet St are not currently part of Knapsack Reserve No: 83996;

• The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) lands within the Reserve would best be managed and owned by Blue Mountains City Council. This would provide contiguous parcels for management from Whitton Memorial Park to Lapstone Hill, adding strength to the future management of this section of land;

• Land currently owned by Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council is surrounded on three (3) sides by Knapsack Reserve whilst facing Barnet St; and

• Annual reporting of the status of the Knapsack Reserve as required by the Crown lands has not been carried out in the past.

OPPORTUNITIES

• Manage Knapsack Reserve as a whole through a single plan of management using categorisations required under the Local Government Act 1993 as management tool for the whole Reserve, not only where they are legally required;

• Change purpose of the Crown Land Reserve from ‘public recreation’ to ‘public recreation and environmental protection’;

• That unformed roads are closed and rezoned appropriately, depending on their location; • Seek transfer of Crown Land parcels 19A Surveyor Abbot Dr and 140A Olivet St to be

integrated into Knapsack Reserve No: 83996 as the use and management of these parcels relate directly to the Reserve and are best managed as a whole Reserve rather than separate parcels;

• Seek to take ownership and management of RTA lands located at 4 & 6-8 Great Western Highway, Glenbrook;

• Reporting on status of Knapsack reserve to be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Crown Lands Act 1989;

• Continue to negotiate with other owners / mangers of parcels within the Reserve to manage its land in accordance with the Plan of Management or (if necessary) provide Council with the resources to do so;

• Look at opportunity of trading Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council owned land at 21 Barnet St for other land elsewhere; and

• If other unformed ‘paper’ roads within Council are being closed, the unformed roads within Knapsack Reserve should be closed at the same time.

POLICIES

• Closures of unformed ‘paper’ roads within Knapsack reserve should be carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Roads Act.


Section 5

LAND CATEGORISATION & MASTERPLANS

This section presents four (4) plans that will guide the physical distribution of functions and assets within the Reserve and beyond. These maps are: 1. Knapsack Reserve Land Categorisation; 2. Knapsack Reserve Sportsground Masterplan; 3. Knapsack Reserve Visitor Nodes & Links Concept Plan; and 4. Bicycle Links to Knapsack Reserve. 5.1 LAND CATEGORISATION OF KNAPSACK RESERVE A central requirement of the Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act) is that all community land must be assigned to one or more land categorisations. Land categorisation defines the management and permissible uses of that land. Land is to be categorised as one (1) or more of the following: • A natural area; • A sportsground; • An area of cultural significance; and • General community use. Land that is categorised, as a natural area, is to be further categorised as one (1) or more of the following: • Bushland; • Wetland; • Escarpment; • Watercourse; and • Foreshore. Please note: Whilst not all land covered by this PoM are Council ‘community land’ (land that must be categorised as noted above), ALL land covered by this PoM has been categorised to provide management direction and consistency with other PoM’s written by Council. The land categorisations, whilst not supported by other Acts governing non Council land still provides clear management direction for both the community and Council. Knapsack Reserve Land Categorisation The categories applied to the study area of Knapsack Reserve are: • Natural Area

o Bushland; o Watercourse; and o Escarpment Area

• Park, • Sportsground; • General Community Use; and • Area of Cultural Significance. Note: Some land has remained uncategorised as the land relates to ‘deferred items’ within the Plan of Management. These items will be categorised and included in a subsequent edition of this Plan of Management. For a map showing the areas of the Reserve by their categorisation, please refer to Map 12, overleaf. The objectives for each of the categories give a broad strategic direction for management of this land, which is the same across NSW. The PoM applies seven (7) categories to Knapsack Reserve and a map detailing this is shown overleaf. The guidelines for categorisation of land and the objectives for each category are detailed in the following pages.


Natural Area – Bushland Area of Cultural Significance Natural Area – Watercourse Sportsground Natural Area – Escarpment General Community Use Park Deferred Items Categorisation currently unknown

Map 12. Land Categorisation of Knapsack Reserve Study Area


LAND CATEGORISATION CRITERIA & OBJECTIVES

The following details the land categorisations applied to Knapsack Reserve study area and indicates the criteria for Categorisation under the Local Government Act (LG Act) Regulation 1999 and core objectives of each categorisations under the LG Act 1993

Category Criteria for Categorisation (from the Local Government Regulation, 1999) Core Objectives (from the Local Government Act, 1993)

Natural Area Land should be categorised as a natural area under section 36 (4) of the Act if the land, whether or not in

an undisturbed state, possesses a significant geological feature, geomorphological feature, landform,

representative system or other natural feature or attribute that would be sufficient to further categorise the

land as bushland, wetland, escarpment, watercourse or foreshore under section 36 (5) of the Act.

Note. Section 36A of the Act provides that community land that has been declared a critical

habitat under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the Fisheries Management Act

1994 must be categorised as a natural area.

Section 36B of the Act provides that community land all or part of which is directly affected by a

recovery plan or threat abatement plan under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or

the Fisheries Management Act 1994 must be categorised as a natural area.

Section 36C of the Act provides that community land that is the site of a known natural,

geological, geomorphological, scenic or other feature that is considered by the council to warrant

protection or special management considerations, or that is the site of a wildlife corridor, must be

categorised as a natural area.

The core objectives for management of community land categorised as a natural area are:

(a) to conserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem function in respect of the land, or the feature or habitat in respect of which the land is categorised as a natural area, and

(b) to maintain the land, or that feature or habitat, in its natural state and setting, and

(c) to provide for the restoration and regeneration of the land, and (d) to provide for community use of and access to the land in such a

manner as will minimise and mitigate any disturbance caused by human intrusion, and

(e) to assist in and facilitate the implementation of any provisions restricting the use and management of the land that are set out in a recovery plan or threat abatement plan prepared under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the Fisheries Management Act 1994.

Bushland (1) Land that is categorised as a natural area should be further categorised as bushland under section 36 (5) of the Act if the land contains primarily native vegetation and that vegetation: (a) is the natural vegetation or a remainder of the natural vegetation of the land, or (b) although not the natural vegetation of the land, is still representative of the structure or floristics, or structure and floristics, of the natural vegetation in the locality. (2) Such land includes: (a) bushland that is mostly undisturbed with a good mix of tree ages, and natural regeneration, where the understorey is comprised of native grasses and herbs or native shrubs, and which contains a range of habitats for native fauna (such as logs, shrubs, tree hollows and leaf litter), or (b) moderately disturbed bushland with some regeneration of trees and shrubs, where there may be a regrowth area with trees of even age, where native shrubs and grasses are present in the understorey even though there may be some weed invasion, or (c) highly disturbed bushland where the native understorey has been removed, where there may be significant weed invasion and where dead and dying trees are present, where there is no natural regeneration of trees or shrubs, but where the land is still capable of being rehabilitated.

The core objectives for management of community land categorised as bushland are: (a) to ensure the ongoing ecological viability of the land by protecting the ecological biodiversity and habitat values of the land, the flora and fauna (including invertebrates, fungi and micro-organisms) of the land and other ecological values of the land, and (b) to protect the aesthetic, heritage, recreational, educational and scientific values of the land, and (c) to promote the management of the land in a manner that protects and enhances the values and quality of the land and facilitates public enjoyment of the land, and to implement measures directed to minimising or mitigating any disturbance caused by human intrusion, and (d) to restore degraded bushland, and (e) to protect existing landforms such as natural drainage lines, watercourses and foreshores, and (f) to retain bushland in parcels of a size and configuration that will enable the existing plant and animal communities to survive in the long term, and (g) to protect bushland as a natural stabiliser of the soil surface.



Watercourse Land that is categorised as a natural area should be further categorised as a watercourse under section 36 (5) of the Act if the land includes: (a) any stream of water, whether perennial or intermittent, flowing in a natural channel, or in a natural channel that has been artificially improved, or in an artificial channel that has changed the course of the stream of water, and any other stream of water into or from which the stream of water flows, and (b) associated riparian land or vegetation, including land that is protected land for the purposes of the Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948 or State protected land identified in an order under section 7 of the Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1997.

The core objectives for management of community land categorised as a watercourse are: to manage watercourses so as to protect the biodiversity and ecological values of the in-stream environment, particularly in relation to water quality and water flows, and to manage watercourses so as to protect the riparian environment, particularly in relation to riparian vegetation and habitats and bank stability, and to restore degraded watercourses, and to promote community education, and community access to and use of the watercourse, without compromising the other core objectives of the category.

Escarpment Land that is categorised as a natural area should be further categorised as an escarpment under section 36 (5) of the Act if: (a) the land includes such features as a long cliff-like ridge or rock, and (b) the land includes significant or unusual geological, geomorphological or scenic qualities.

The core objectives for management of community land categorised as an escarpment are: to protect any important geological, geomorphological or scenic features of the escarpment, and to facilitate safe community use and enjoyment of the escarpment.

Park Land should be categorised as a park under section 36 (4) of the Act if the land is, or is proposed to be, improved by landscaping, gardens or the provision of non-sporting equipment and facilities, for use mainly for passive or active recreational, social, educational and cultural pursuits that do not unduly intrude on the peaceful enjoyment of the land by others.

The core objectives for management of community land categorised as a park are: 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.

Sportsground Land should be categorised as a sportsground under section 36 (4) of the Act if the land is used or proposed to be used primarily for active recreation involving organised sports or the playing of outdoor games.

The core objectives for management of community land categorised as a sportsground are: to encourage, promote and facilitate recreational pursuits in the community involving organised and informal sporting activities and games, and to ensure that such activities are managed having regard to any adverse impact on nearby residences.

General Community Use

Land should be categorised as general community use under section 36 (4) of the Act if the land:

(a) may be made available for use for any purpose for which community land may be used, whether

by the public at large or by specific sections of the public, and

(b) is not required to be categorised as a natural area under section 36A, 36B or 36C of the Act and

does not satisfy the guidelines under clauses 10-13 for categorisation as a natural area, a

sportsground, a park or an area of cultural significance.

The core objectives for management of community land categorised as general community use are to promote, encourage and provide for the use of the land, and to provide facilities on the land, to meet the current and future needs of the local community and of the wider public:

(a) in relation to public recreation and the physical, cultural, social and intellectual welfare or development of individual members of the public, and

(b) in relation to purposes for which a lease, licence or other estate may be

granted in respect of the land (other than the provision of public utilities



and works associated with or ancillary to public utilities).

Area of Cultural Significance

Land should be categorised as an area of cultural significance under section 36 (4) of the Act if the land is: (a) an area of Aboriginal significance, because the land: (i) has been declared an Aboriginal place under section 84 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, or (ii) whether or not in an undisturbed state, is significant to Aboriginal people in terms of their traditional or contemporary cultures, or (iii) is of significance or interest because of Aboriginal associations, or (iv) displays physical evidence of Aboriginal occupation (for example, items or artifacts such as stone tools, weapons, engraving sites, sacred trees, sharpening grooves or other deposits, and objects or materials that relate to the settlement of the land or place), or (v) is associated with Aboriginal stories, or (vi) contains heritage items dating after European settlement that help to explain the relationship between Aboriginal people and later settlers, or (b) an area of aesthetic significance, by virtue of: (i) having strong visual or sensory appeal or cohesion, or (ii) including a significant landmark, or (iii) having creative or technical qualities, such as architectural excellence, or (c) an area of archaeological significance, because the area contains: (i) evidence of past human activity (for example, below-ground features such as building foundations, occupation deposits, features or artifacts or above-ground features such as buildings, works, industrial structures, and relics, whether intact or ruined), or (ii) any other deposit, object or material that relates to the settlement of the land, or (d) an area of historical significance, because of the importance of an association or position of the land in the evolving pattern of Australian cultural history, or (e) an area of technical or research significance, because of the area's contribution to an understanding of Australia's cultural history or environment, or (f) an area of social significance, because of the area's association with Aboriginal life after 1788 or the area's association with a contemporary community for social, spiritual or other reasons.

The core objectives for management of community land categorised as an area of cultural significance are to retain and enhance the cultural significance of the area (namely its Aboriginal, aesthetic, archaeological, historical, technical or research or social significance) for past, present or future generations by the active use of conservation methods. Those conservation methods may include any or all of the following methods: (a) the continuous protective care and maintenance of the physical material of the land or of the context and setting of the area of cultural significance, (b) the restoration of the land, that is, the returning of the existing physical material of the land to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing components without the introduction of new material, (c) the reconstruction of the land, that is, the returning of the land as nearly as possible to a known earlier state, (d) the adaptive reuse of the land, that is, the enhancement or reinforcement of the cultural significance of the land by the introduction of sympathetic alterations or additions to allow compatible uses (that is, uses that involve no changes to the cultural significance of the physical material of the area, or uses that involve changes that are substantially reversible or changes that require a minimum impact), (e) the preservation of the land, that is, the maintenance of the physical material of the land in its existing state and the retardation of deterioration of the land. A reference in subsection (2) to land includes a reference to any buildings erected on the land.


5.2 KNAPSACK PARK SPORTSGROUNDS MASTERPLAN A masterplan has been developed to outline how the competing functions of Knapsack Park sportsgrounds are distributed across the site. This area has been targeted for a masterplan as it is the main area of use within the Reserve and has a number of opposing demands that can be addressed through a masterplan. The rest of the Reserve is dominated by bushland and a masterplan is not considered necessary. Please note: the Masterplan provides direction in the form of management zones, which advises on the placement of changes or development. It does not provide specific details on any items, although further information on the contents can be found in Section 6 of this document. The masterplan for Knapsack Reserve was shaped with reference to community identified values, relevant legislation, public safety and Council policies. Some examples of this are indicated below: Community Values The masterplan maintains the elements of the sportsgrounds which are valued by the sporting community and allows for the inclusion of items that can contribute to a better, all round community space. Some of the provisions in the masterplan include: • Continues to contribute to the bushland character of Glenbrook; • Recreation space dedicated to locals and sporting community alike; • New multi purpose clubhouse / social area; • Install a synthetic cricket wicket to centre of field; and • Formalize existing car park to better accommodate cars on busy sporting weekend and

eliminate problems on surrounding local streets. Public Safety The masterplan also aims to ensure public safety by having provisions in the masterplan for the following: • Emergency access to the field; • Formalize the existing car park and street parking (along Barnet St) to eliminate

haphazard parking along surrounding streets; • Demolish existing clubhouse which is beyond its useful life; and • Establish new clubhouse in area adjacent to sportsground. Management Zones The direction in this masterplan is provided in the form of management zones – each one describing without going into detail, the types of activities that can or should occur within that zone. These can be seen in the Knapsack Park Sportsground Masterplan, Map 13 overleaf.


Map 13. Knapsack Park Sportsground Masterplan


5.3 KNAPSACK RESERVE VISITOR NODES & LINKS CONCEPT PLAN A plan has been developed to illustrate the best uses and potential of visitor nodes and links throughout Knapsack Reserve. This plan covers the entire Reserve and provides direction for the visitor nodes / links. It should be read in conjunction with Section 3.3.3 and 4.6 of this document that review the values and issues associated with existing visitor nodes and links within Knapsack Reserve. The Visitor Node & Links Plan addresses the following visitor nodes currently within Knapsack Reserve: Whitton Memorial Park Category: Major track head Who / What: As a major tourist destination and railway heritage node. Links: Lapstone Zig Zag and associated heritage items, Siding, Marge’s and Elizabeth’s Lookouts. This area has the potential to become a major tourist destination and starting point to explore the Reserve and its railway heritage. In 1994 when the Knapsack Viaduct was relieved of vehicular traffic and the highway redirected along Lapstone Hill, the Roads and Transport Authority invested a substantial amount to create the link between Russell St to Knapsack Viaduct pedestrian friendly. As part of these works they constructed a car park, turning circle, landscaping and a created a 2 meter wide pathway from Whitton Memorial Park to the Viaduct. Currently this site is highly used by Penrith local government area locals due to its proximity to Emu Plains and Leonay. Works required to make this site a tourist destination and track head include: A tidy up of Whitton Memorial Park to open up views across Sydney and provide a rest / picnic area, conservation works on the Gate Keepers Cottage (1867) to ensure it can safely become part of the rest area, a bus parking bay for large am mini buses, some interpretative signage on the significance of the area. There is also the possibility of constructing a kiosk for lease that will provide a café, toilet facilities and an improved management presence. Marge’s & Elizabeth’s Lookouts Category: Locals and bushwalker node Who / What: This area utilised by locals looking for a destination on a walk and bushwalkers who use it as a resting spot whilst exploring the Reserve. It is expected that the lookouts will continue to service this type of visitors. Links: Lover’s Walk, Old Quarry, Knapsack Viaduct and Lennox Bridge. These lookouts require some minor work to improve the visitor experience but there will be little change to their existing infrastructure of appearance. Some of the works that will be carried out include: better definition of the picnic / visitor areas, soil and drainage conservation works, improved picnic facilities and when necessary vehicular access may be provided. Vehicular access to the lookouts will be on a case by case basis and a fee may be charged. Knapsack St Category: Wheelchair access and railway heritage node. Who / What: This site would be ideal for visitors who require a wheel chair friendly walk. Links: Lapstone Zig Zag, Lucasville Station, Knapsack Viaduct and Siding Lookout. The existing site, which can accommodate 2 to 3 car park, provides a starting point to explore the Zig Zag ad its associate heritage items. With some minor works this walk can be accessed by people in wheelchairs or limited mobility. Water Reservoir Precinct Category: Locals and railway heritage node Who / What: This site would be ideal for local and visitors alike. Links: Tunnel Gully Reserve, Eastern tunnel portal (Lapstone Tunnel), railway access track, Darks Common, Glenbrook Township and Lapstone Zig Zag.


This site is currently known by locals who use this as a starting point for walks in the Tunnel Gully area (south of Great Western Hwy). There is also the potential to become a primary visitor node as it provides an alternative to visitors traveling to the Mountains from Sydney, as they can stop here (by coming off Lapstone Hill) rather than travel into Glenbrook. Some of the works that would be required include: formalized car park facility, interpretive signage regarding the walks and heritage of the area. Barnet St / Lover’s Walk Category: Sporting, local and bike node Who / What: This starting point is ideal for local residents, sportsground users and bike riders alike. Links: Lennox Bridge, Quarry and lookouts, Lapstone Hill Tunnel. This site is a popular starting point with local Glenbrook residents who live nearby, sportsground users and bike riders who approach the reserve from nearby streets and the highway. The improvements that would need to be carried out at this site include: better signage to direct people within Knapsack Park (sportsgrounds) into the Reserve and onto walks, improved entrance at Lover’s Walk, improved car park layout and interpretive signage detailing the heritage of the Reserve. Lennox Bridge Category: History & Tourism node, a secondary track head. Who / What: This site would be utilised by those interested in the heritage of the Reserve and in particular the bridge. Links: Quarry, lookouts and Knapsack Viaduct. Thanks to the Glenbrook Rotary Club much work has already occurred at this site to improve visitor facilities. In recent time a picnic table, interpretative signage and stairs lead to the base of the bridge have been created. Other works that could be carried out to further improve the site include: interpretative signage detailing other sites of historic and Aboriginal significance and walks within the Reserve and formalization to the car park on the southern side of the bridge. The abovementioned visitor nodes and links are illustrated on the “Visitor Nodes and Links Concept Plan” which is shown overleaf.


Map 14. Knapsack Reserve Visitor Nodes & Links Plan


5.4 BICYCLE LINKS TO KNAPSACK RESERVE The Blue Mountains Bike Plan vision is:

“To create safe and accessible pathways of travel that improved our connections with our destinations and each other and encourages people of all ages to use their bicycles for

everyday transportation and enjoyment”. The Bike Plan was prepared in response to the community endorsed 25 year vision for the Blue Mountains and concentrates on bike matters within urban areas. It sets integrated principals, objectives and recommendations regarding safety, education and promotional programs as well as cycling related infrastructure, including a comprehensive cycle way network. Please note: It does not look at the bike related matters or activities taking place within our natural areas. The primary goals of the Blue Mountains Bike Plan are: 1. To double the number of bicycle trips made in the City of the Blue Mountains, as a

percentage of total trips by 2010; and 2. To reduce the number of bicycle crashed and casualties. The Bike Plan for the Glenbrook area is shown on the following page on Map 15. Bicycle Links to Knapsack Reserve. The map shows the following cycle links: • Lines show Existing – Off Road Shared Paths; and • Lines show Proposed – On Road routes. The proposed links will be On Road routes which although already used by bike riders, need to be sign posted to clearly indicate that the road is to be shared with bike riders. The abovementioned bicycle links and extensions are indicated on the “Bicycle Links to Knapsack Reserve” Map 15, overleaf.


Map 15. Bicycle Links to Knapsack Reserve


Section 6

ACTION & MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES This section outlines how Council proposes to achieve the Plan’s objectives and policies. These proposals arise from the issues, opportunities, objectives and policies (section 4) overviewed in the PoM. The actions and proposed management strategies are presented in a table format which contains the below columns: Action No.: Refers to number given to that particular ‘action / management strategy’. This number will often be referred to when quoting the PoM; Action: Refers to the proposed method of achieving the objectives and policies within the PoM. It is a short description of the work to be carried out; Priority: Refers to the relative importance of the action depending on importance that is placed on this action by the community, risk management and other factors. Priorities used in this PoM are described below: Priority 1: Actions address issues where there is a potential for the public to be exposed to an unacceptable level of risk, and / or potential for a serious threat to the environment or heritage site; Priority 2: These actions address issues that meet a significant community need; Priority 3: These actions address issues that have longer term impacts, such as meeting less urgent community needs, improving inefficient services or providing policy guidance for Council’s services. Please note: In some cases, the resources to deliver Priority 2 or 3 actions may be available before a Priority 1 action. This may be due to the amount of funding required, or the project being funded from resources other than Council funds, or factors outside of Council’s control. Funding Source: Refers to where funding is likely to come from for the completion of a project. It may often be a combination of sources; Indicative Costs: Refers to the estimated costs for carrying out the action. These costs are often sourced from industry experts or information from previous similar works. Costs presented here in the PoM should be re- estimated for the purposed of grant application etc as projects costing may vary year to year; Monitoring Technique: Refers to how Council will know the action, once completed or in the process of been completed has been a success; & Evaluation: Refers to the outcome of the action once completed. There are a total of seventy two (72) actions within the PoM across 16 broad management areas. Note: Some of the 72 actions have been repeated if they related to more than one (1) management area eg: develop & implement an interpretation plan occurs within ‘Walking & Bike Tracks’, ‘Passive & Informal Recreation Uses’ and ‘ Protection of Heritage Sites’. The total estimated costs of all works contained within the PoM are: $1,896,000 • Projects that Council would fund are estimated to be: $1,006,500; • Projects funded in partnership with sporting clubs are estimated to be: $889,500; • There are twenty six (26) projects that need to be included in existing staff resources;

and • There are nine (9) projects that require further investigation prior to determining the most

appropriate action.


Action No

Action Priority Funding Source

Indicative Cost

Monitoring Technique Evaluation

KNAPSACK PARK SPORTING PRECINCT 6.1 PROVISION OF ORGANISED SPORTING FACILITIES

A

Installation of Cricket Wicket: Install a synthetic cricket pitch between the two (2) soccer fields with a minimum two (2) metre setback between wicket and side of soccer fields. Cricket to become summer user group once pitch is installed.

2 Partnership with user group

$20,000 Positive feedback from new user group and their supporters to sportsground.

Cricket wicket installed and used without adverse affects on soccer fields or residential amenity.

B

New multi purpose clubhouse built: New clubhouse located overlooking fields constructed to accommodate multiple uses and provide storage for sporting clubs. To be set further away from bushland than current clubhouse and water tank installed.

2

Partnership user groups / BMCC & potential grant.

$300,000 Positive feedback from all user groups including: sporting, residents & community groups.

Clubhouse serves a number of groups and has sufficient secure storage for all user groups.

C

Expand Senior / Mini sportsground: Senior & mini sportsgrounds to be expanded in accordance with limits identified by Catchment Management Authority. Expansion will require Development Application & potential Archaeological Study refer 6.10 D. A balance will be sought between expansion of fields and loss of bushland. Refer to Map in Section 5.2 of PoM.

3 User group Currently unknown.

Positive feedback from soccer user group

Field is large enough to accommodate both user groups without conflict and accommodate standard soccer fields.

D

Spectator seating: Establish some seating to accommodate spectators during training and competition matches & residents alike.


$20,000 Positive feedback from user groups & their spectators

Seating provided and used by spectators and park users in general.

E Install Bin Cages: Install bin cages in suitable area to secure bins from inappropriate use.

3 BMCC $10,000 Positive feedback from user groups and maintenance crews.

Bins secured and no inappropriate use of bins experienced.

6.2 MAINTENANCE MATTERS

A Upgrade Sportsground Floodlighting: Achieve minimum of 50lux, install hour run meter to better determine maintenance / replacement intervals


$20,000 without field expansion

Positive feedback from user groups & lighting at a minimum of 50lux

Floodlighting to sportsground is in accordance with Australian Standard for


Action No


Indicative Cost


and light spill shields to protect residential amenity. (Lighting upgrade should be designed to accommodate potential field expansion Refer 6.1 C)

football training AS2560.

B Investigate non mains water source for irrigation: Carry out an investigation to consider alternative non mains water sources.

2 BMCC

Part of BMCC Irrigation Strategy

Positive feedback from user groups, Council staff & community groups.

Use of mains water is reduce or eliminated all together.

C

Install new irrigation system: Install a water efficient and long lasting irrigation system, upon completion of ‘irrigation strategy’ by BMCC.

(Dependant on BMCC Irrigation Strategy 2008)

BMCC $160,000

Positive feedback from user groups and Council’s maintenance crews. Water is used effectively.

Sportsgrounds are well irrigated and use continues even during dry conditions. Water consumption is reduced by 20% of existing.

D Reduce wear & tear on sportsgrounds: In partnership with clubs consider alternate training opportunities that do not use sportsgrounds.

2 BMCC partnership with Club

Staff time Positive feedback from user groups and maintenance crew.

Improved sportsground surface condition.

6.3 TRAFFIC, PARKING & ACCESS

A

Formalise existing car park: Construct a new car park with appropriate entry / exist point, sealing and improving drainage of existing car park. Car park should allow for an increased capacity to reduce on street parking and users groups will be responsible for opening / closing the car park. Refer to Map in Section 5.2 of this document.

3

Partnership user groups / BMCC & potential grant.

$300,000 Positive feedback from user groups and surrounding residents.

Car park accommodates 95% of cars on a busy weekend.

B

Improve road side parking: Make improvements to the existing Barnet St roadside parking to be explored through a detailed design. Refer to Map in Section 5.2 of this document.

3 BMCC $20,000 Positive feedback from user groups and surrounding residents.

Road side car park accommodates remaining cars on a busy sporting weekend.

6.4 RESIDENTIAL & VISUAL AMENITY

A Embellish buffer zone: Promote additional planting of native plants between the sportsgrounds and Barnet St.

3 BMCC / Partnership

$4,000 Positive feedback from neighbours overlooking park.

Buffer zone creates a screen shielding sportsgrounds from view of neighbours.


Action No


Indicative Cost


B

Time restrictions for sportsground & clubhouse use: Limit use of clubhouse and sportsgrounds, including floodlighting to 10pm each day.

2 BMCC Staff time Positive feedback from neighbours.

Clubhouse, sportsgrounds and floodlights are switched off accordingly. No light spill or noise issues in Barnet St.

C Formalize Barnet St frontage: Improve visual amenity by improving roadside parking & landscaping along Barnet St.

Refer 6.3 B Refer 6.3 B Refer 6.3 B Refer 6.3 B Refer 6.3 B

KNAPSACK RESERVE BUSHLAND AREA

6.5 WALKING & BIKE TRACKS

A

New Walking Tracks: Any proposed additional walking tracks should consider location of sites of aboriginal significance and routes should be designed to avoid the site. * For further details regarding this recommendation refer to Heritage Assessment Vol. 1. Note: not available to the public.

As required BMCC Nil Aboriginal groups positive that any additional walking tracks are well away from sites of Aboriginal significance.

Reduced potential for bushwalkers to have impact on these sites of significance.

B

Formalizing Walking Tracks: It is recommended that a plan be developed to guide visitors traversing Knapsack Reserve to designate tracks so that the potential for accidental or intentional damage to heritage items is limited. * For further details regarding this recommendation refer to Heritage Assessment Vol. 1. Note: not available to the public.

2 BMCC Staff time

Potential to damage heritage items is greatly reduced.

Reduced potential for visitors impacts on the sites.

C Develop Interpretation Plan: Develop an Interpretation Plan as per Action ‘6.11 C’

Refer 6.11C

Refer 6.11C

Refer 6.11C

Refer 6.11C Refer 6.11C

D Interpretation Plan Implemented : Implement interpretation plan as per Action ‘6.11 D’.

Refer 6.11D

Refer 6.11D

Refer 6.11D

Refer 6.11D Refer 6.11D

E

Downhill Bike Track: Allow for one (1) downhill track (to be used by non motorized bikes only) between lookout and electricity easement. This will be subject to: land survey, soil stability assessment, further investigation of potential impacts (refer 6.10 D) & will need to be properly constructed and maintained by the club.

3

Western Sydney Mt Bike Club + BMCC / Grant

$5,000 land survey $5,000 heritage study $100,000 construct

Positive feedback from downhill mountain bike riders.

One downhill track is used and no others are created causing erosion to areas.


Action No


Indicative Cost


F Shared Bike / Walking Track: Install signage to identify Lover’s Walk through to Lookouts & old Quarry / Olivet St is a shared path.

2 BMCC $4,000 Positive feedback from bike riders and walkers alike.

Reduced potential for conflicts.

G

Create bicycle links to Knapsack Reserve Formalise on road cycle links Knapsack Park / Reserve by sign posting routes in accordance with Council’s Bike Plan and the ‘Bicycle Links to Knapsack Reserve’ map in section 5.4 of this document.

3 BMCC / Grants

$10,000 Positive feedback from bike riders in local area.

Bike tracks link with the park and reserve and encourage locals to access these green spaces on their bikes.

H

Upgrade & restore the following walking tracks:

• Lennox bridge to Marge’s Lookout ($81K); • Elizabeth’s lookout to Knapsack Viaduct ($114K);& • Lapstone Zig Zag – wheelchair access ($212K).

3 BMCC / Grants

$410,000 Positive feedback from Reserve users.

Tracks are formalized alleviating pressure on surrounding bushland.

I

Track rationalisation in plateau area of Reserve: Rationalisation of tracks to target fragmentation of vegetation groups especially Endangered Ecological Communities (EEC).

1 BMCC / Env Levy

$15,000 Positive feedback from Environmental Team

Environmental outcomes within the Reserve are improved.

J

Track rationalisation & repairs etc: Consolidate tracks throughout the Reserve to target areas where duplication of tracks has occurred and where repairs or reconstruction is required.

1 BMCC $15,000 Positive feedback from Environmental Team

Cost of maintenance for tracks within Reserve is reduced.

6.6 PASSIVE & INFORMAL RECREATION USES

A

Social & recreation setting within Knapsack Park: Develop an area for social interaction within the sports precinct of Knapsack Park to be used by locals and sport spectators alike. Refer to Map in Section 5.2 of this document.

3 BMCC partnership with Clubs

$20,000 Positive feedback from user groups and locals.

Site is well used and respected by locals.

B

Fees & Guidelines for large events: Develop guidelines and possibly fees for the use of Knapsack Reserve for groups 50 people of larger. See also Action 6.15 A for more on fees

3 BMCC Staff time

Large groups within Reserve carry out their activities with minimal affect on the Reserve and pay a nominal amount for use of site facilities.

Guidelines will ensure best use of Reserve and fees will increase limited funds for use within Council Reserves.

C Develop Interpretation Plan: Refer Refer Refer Refer 6.11C Refer 6.11C


Action No


Indicative Cost


Develop an Interpretation Plan as per Action ‘6.11 C’ 6.11C 6.11C 6.11C

D Interpretation Plan Implemented : Implement interpretation plan as per Action ‘6.11 D’.

Refer 6.11D

Refer 6.11D

Refer 6.11D

Refer 6.11D Refer 6.11D

E

Relocate Dog Off Leash area: Investigate relocation of a dog off leash area in a suitable location (not in bushland) that follows best practice guidelines e.g.: fencing, water, seating etc. Note: this site might not be within the Knapsack Reserve area.

2

BMCC / partnership with Dog Clubs

Staff time / cost of creation currently unknown.

Positive feedback from locals with & without dogs and dog club members.

Sites is well utilised as in safe / accessible location for both dogs and their owners.

F

Create a Dirt Jump Bike Site: Investigate potential of creating an authorized dirt jump bike site within the Glenbrook area (not for use by motorized bikes).

2 BMCC / Grant

Staff time / cost of creation currently unknown.

Positive feedback from local youth (users) and local residents.

Site is well utilised and alleviates pressure on native bushland.

6.7 VISITOR NODES & LINKS

A

Events of Special Significance at Lookouts: Should vehicular access to Marge’s or Elizabeth’s Lookouts be required for a special event it will be considered on a case by case basis and a fee is likely to be incurred.

As required BMCC Staff time Positive feedback from participants in special events.

Vehicular access is monitored and limited.

B

Links to RAAF base: Although the future use of the existing RAAF base are currently unknown provisions must be made to ensure links are created between the base and popular visitor nodes such as Knapsack Park, Marge’s & Elizabeth’s Lookouts and Zig Zag. Note: links established will depend on future use of site.

As required

BMCC & potential partnership with future occupier of RAAF base

Currently unknown

Positive feedback from future users of the RAAF base.

Links between RAAF Base and Reserve are established and utilised by users of the Reserve & RAAF Base.

C

Develop master plans for the following visitor nodes:

• Lennox Bridge; • Knapsack St; • Water Reservoir Precinct; and • Marge’s & Elizabeth’s Lookouts.

As required BMCC Staff time Masterplan provides guidance for use and works at these sites.

These sites work well as visitor nodes and are well appreciated by users of the Reserve.


Action No


Indicative Cost


D

Investigate primary visitor node at Whitton Park: Investigate potential to develop this visitor node which keeps tourism away from residential areas and may provide income to BMCC & services to visitors.

3 BMCC Staff time Investigation may reveal that this is a viable course to take.

Investigation suggest a primary tourism nodes including kiosk & other services is viable.

E Develop master plan & business plan for primary visitor node at Whitton Park:

Dependant on 6.7 D above.

BMCC / Grant / Partnership

Currently unknown

Use during weekends is steady from visitors outside the Blue Mts LGA.

Whitton Park becomes a well used tourist destination for picnicking, walking & viewing heritage items within Knapsack Reserve.

F

Investigate use of Lapstone Hill Tunnel as visitor node: - deferred item. Investigate potential as part of STP / SRA feasibility study.

Part of STP/SRA future study

BMCC / Partnership

Currently unknown

Investigation may reveal that this is a viable tourist / visitor node to develop.

Investigation suggests a tourism node is viable at the Lapstone Hill Tunnel.

G Develop master plan & business plan for use of Lapstone Hill Tunnel as a tourist node:

Dependant on 6.7 F above.

BMCC / Grant / Partnership

Currently unknown

Use by rail & heritage enthusiast is steady over weekends.

Lapstone Hill Tunnel becomes a known tourist destination for rail and heritage enthusiast.

6.8 BUSHLAND / WATER MANAGEMENT

A

Protection of STIF Endangered Ecological Communities (EEC): Ensure no vegetation within this EEC area (or native vegetation in general) is removed without prior permission from the HNCMA.

As required BMCC or Applicant

Currently unknown

HNCMA & BMCC is involved with any proposal to remove vegetation from this EEC area.

EEC is protected according to state and national legislation.

B

Identify EEC on LEP & Vegetation Maps: Review current LEP vegetation mapping to identify presence of any EEC within Knapsack Reserve. Ensure EEC is accurately depicted in mapping.

2 BMCC Staff time

City Planning & environmental teams aware of need to include this EEC in future reviews.

Areas noted appropriately on LEP and vegetation maps used by Council staff.

C Bushcare: Ongoing support of Knapsack Gully Bushcare Group and their activities within the Reserve

Ongoing BMCC / Grants

Staff / Volunteer Time & $4,000 pa.

Bushcare records and site visits from Environmental Team members.

Bushcare activities are ongoing, well supported and have a positive impact on the local environment.

D Dirt Jump Bike Sites: Remove all unauthorized dirt jump bike tracks / sites

As required BMCC Staff time & $2,000 per

Feedback from user groups, local residents and

Unauthorized dirt jump bike sites are removed in


Action No


Indicative Cost


within the Reserve, restore disturbed bushland. site Environmental Teams. accordance with the Dirt Jump Bike Strategy 2002.

E

Vehicular Access: Ensure vehicular access to the Reserve is limited to emergency vehicles and events of special significance as noted in Actions 6.7 A & 6.9 B

Ongoing BMCC Staff Time Positive feedback from Emergency Services and users groups.

Damage to Reserve by vehicular access is controlled & minimal.

F Soil erosion & rehabilitation in quarry area: Carry out soil erosion and rehabilitation in area between Olivet St and Mitchell’s Pass.

2 BMCC / Env Levy

$15,000 Environmental outcomes are improved within the area.

Area between quarry and Olivet St are improved.

G Weed control: Remove weed to the area around the entrance to Olivet St.

2 BMCC $5,000 Environmental outcomes are improved within the area.

Weeds are suppressed in the area of Olivet St.

H Rehabilitation of streams linked to STP closure: Restoration works to be carried out over a five (5) years period.(incl: Knapsack & Lapstone Creeks)

1

Partnership with Sydney Water

$95,500 ($23,500 in first year)

Environmental outcomes are improved within the area.

Stream health and condition are improved.

I Bush Regeneration Program: Provide ongoing support to Council’s Bush Regeneration program for the Knapsack area.

Ongoing BMCC / Grants

Staff time / Contracts

Annual reporting on works program.

Reduce area & impact on environmental weeds & regeneration of native vegetation within Reserve.

J

Water Polishing Site: Consider including ‘water polishing’ component at the ex Glenbrook Sewerage Treatment Plant or elsewhere within the Reserve to improve water quality.

1 BMCC Staff time BMCC Environmental Team & Bushcare groups testing records show improvements.

Water quality leaving the Knapsack Catchment improves in quality.

6.9 FIRE MANAGEMENT

A

30m Asset Protection Zones (APZ) established:

• Adjacent to number 17 High Street Glenbrook; • Surrounding the soccer clubhouse at Knapsack Park (should parking arrangement change in future); • Adjacent to the mushroom farm buildings only if significant weed control and bushland regeneration are undertaken (Note: this area was not considered

1 BMCC Ongoing

$10,000 Biannually

Annual bushfire hazard and APZ inspections

APZ structure consistent with NSW Rural Fire Service standards; bushfire fuels appropriately managed within all APZs.


Action No


Indicative Cost


fire prone vegetation at time of writing PoM) • Adjacent to RAAF buildings at the northwest corner of the base (Note: this are appears to be cleared and maintained by the RAAF on 1998 aerial photography); • Adjacent to residences on Knapsack Street and Newbridge Place Glenbrook. Refer to Appendix J for figures showing above APZ’s

B

Emergency Vehicle Access: Ensure emergency vehicles can access the Reserve in accordance with existing fire trails. This is to include the provision of appropriate gates and locking systems (dual locks). Refer to Appendix K for fire trails through Reserve.

1 BMCC Staff Time All emergency vehicles can gain access to all areas of the Reserve.

No difficulties encountered during emergency events.

HERITAGE MATTERS WITHIN KNAPSACK RESERVE

6.10 PROTECTION OF SITES OF ABORIGINAL SIGNIFICANCE

A

Site KR – A1*:

• Revegetate banks of creek to assist in sediment control & remove exotic species; • Construct a small bridge over creek; • Close minor track that leads to site; and • Monitor the condition of the site.

* For further details regarding these recommendations refer to Heritage Assessment Vol. 1. Note: not available to the public.

1 BMCC (potential grant)

$10,000

Site is less impacted by water erosion, floating debris or visitor impact and condition stabilizes.

Reduced potential for visitors / natural impacts on the site.

B

Protect shelters with Potential Archaeological Deposits (PAD)*:

• Close minor tracks leading to the shelters; and • Revegetate at least 1m beyond drip line of shelters & plant endemic shrubs to screen.



$15,000 Shelters are less impacted by visitors and condition stabilizes / improves.

Reduced potential for visitors impacts on the sites.

C

Site KR – A 12*: Obtain permit to carry out necessary work on item in accordance with Dept of Environment & Conservation (S.87).

1 BMCC $1,500 Positive feedback from local Aboriginal groups

Item is protected


Action No


Indicative Cost



D

New works & potential impacts*:

• If any impacts to the sites are proposed further investigation will be required in accordance with Dept of Environment & Conservation (S.87), this will include consultation with qualified archaeologist and representatives of DLALC, GTC, DTAC & DCAC; and • Any proposed future works within the Reserve should consider location of sites of aboriginal significance and works should be designed to avoid impacts on the site. * For further details regarding these recommendations refer to Heritage Assessment Vol. 1. Note: not available to the public.

1 BMCC As required

All proposed works / impacts have been considered prior to commencement of any works. Aboriginal groups consulted and feedback is positive.

Sites of Aboriginal significance are protected.

6.11 PROTECTION OF HERITAGE SITES

A

Nominate sites for Heritage Registers:

• Lapstone Zig Zag site complex (Knapsack Viaduct, Lucasville Station etc) to be nominated for SHR;

• Lapstone Hill Tunnel & Cuttings to be nominated for listing on the SHR although already listed on RNE;

• Cox’s Road to be nominated for both SHR and RNE; • Mitchell’s Pass (not just Lennox Bridge which is

already on the SHR) should be nominated for the SHR

• Knapsack Viaduct 1865 to be nominated for SHR although already listed on RNE.

* For further details regarding these recommendations refer to Heritage Assessment Vol. 1. State Heritage Register (SHR), Register of National Estate (RNE)

1 BMCC $12,000 Total

Positive feedback from State Heritage Office.

Sites are listed and recognised on relevant Heritage Registers.

B

Develop Conservation Management Plans (CMP) for the following sites:

1. Lapstone Zig Zag built and archaeological heritage complex (spanning from Whitton Memorial Park to Lapstone Hill);

1 to 3 Dependant on above (6.11 A)

BMCC & potential grant

Approx $25,000 each $75,000 Total

Positive feedback from State Heritage Office & Historical Society

A Conservation Management Plan is completed and recommendations carried out.


Action No


Indicative Cost


2. Mitchell’s Pass; and 3. Cox’s Road. Note: Above CMP’s are listed in order of priority. * For further details regarding these recommendations refer to Heritage Assessment Vol. 1.

(depends on extent of works)

C

Review Conservation Management Plan (CMP): Review Lapstone Hill CMP (1993) to review & update and reflect any new information regarding the item’s heritage values and / or shifts in conservation management practice & philosophy since 1993.

3 BMCC & potential grant

$15,000 Positive feedback from State Heritage Office & Historical Society

A Conservation Management Plan is updated with current values and needs.

D

Archaeological Survey – further investigation Council may consider more detailed survey and assessment on the following sites that could not be reviewed in detailed during the Heritage Assessment: • Pointsman’s Cottage; • Lucas’ & Smith’s properties; • Mine Shaft; • Surveyors Marker above Lennox Bridge; • Cox’s Road; and • Gatekeepers Cottage.

3 BMCC & potential grant

$30,000 each site estimates only. $180,000 total Subject to project brief & extent of works.

Positive feedback from State Heritage Office & Historical Society

Greater detail on Knapsack Reserve’s historic heritage is known.

E

Develop an Interpretation Plan: The interpretation of relics around the Lapstone Zig Zag & associated heritage items within Skarratt Park is highly desirable and complies with the Heritage Office philosophy for management of heritage places. This interpretation plan should be carried out by a qualified heritage consultant in consultation with BMCC & Glenbrook & District Historical Society.


$20,000 + Staff Time to manage consultancy

Feedback from user groups and stakeholder groups.

Interpretative Plan is developed to communicate Historic values of the Reserve.

F Interpretation Plan implementation:

Implement recommendations from the interpretation plan described above.

Dependant of above (6.11E)

Grant Dependent on above (6.11E)

Feedback from residents and visitors of the Reserve.

Interpretation of the Reserve is carried out in accordance with the Interpretative Plan.

G Statement of Heritage Impact: As required BMCC Dependant Positive feedback from State Proposed future


Action No


Indicative Cost


Develop a Statement of Heritage Impact if the there is potential that future development may impact on identified Historic items / sites. This study must be carried out by a qualified heritage consultant in consultation with Glenbrook District Historical Society.

on extent of works.

Heritage Office & Historical Society

development will not affect heritage items / sites.

H

Ownership of Heritage Items clarified: Ensure ownership details for Knapsack Viaduct on the BMCC Assets Database states owner is BMCC with RTA for maintenance.

1 BMCC Staff time

No confusion between agencies in future regarding ownership / maintenance of bridge.

Records are accurate in both agencies.

FORMER SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT & STATE RAIL LAND PLEASE NOTE: THESE ARE DEFERRED ITEMS

6.12 FUTURE USE OF SEWERAGE TREATMENT PLANT

6.13 STATE RAIL AUTHORITY LAND

OTHER

6.14 LEASES & LICENSES

A

Lease / License Exhibition Phase: Carry out a public exhibition phase for each new lease / license issued in accordance with the Crown Lands Act S. 102.

As required BMCC Staff time Lease / license details are exhibited publicly & noted on file.

Lease / Licenses address all issues and respond to the requirements of the CL Act S.102.

B

Lease & License Fees: Any fees received through a lease or license on Knapsack Reserve Crown land must be invested in the Reserve.

As required N/A Staff time to administer

Existing limited funds increased to assist in works within Reserve.

Services & facilities within the Reserve are improved.

6.15 FEES

A

Investigate introduction of fees: Investigate opportunity of introducing fees and charges for the use of Knapsack Reserve by groups 50+ people eg: orienteering, cross country events and use of sportsground by seasonally and causal hirers.

1 BMCC Staff time Investigations show all options for the introduce fees & charges at the Reserve.

Investigation suggests some fees & charges are viable.

B Introduce fees & charges: Dependant BMCC Staff time Fees collected for use of the Existing limited funds for


Action No


Indicative Cost


Introduce fees and charges through Council’s Management Plan which is exhibited publicly prior to adoption by Council.

on 4.15 A Reserve and its services. maintenance, new & renewal works at Council Reserve is improved.

6.16 TENURE

A

Change purpose of Crown Land: Purpose of Knapsack Reserve should be amended from ‘public recreation’ to ‘public recreation & environmental protection’.

3 BMCC / Crown Lands

Staff time

Purpose of the Reserve is altered to reflect the desires of the community and the presence of Ecologically Endangered Communities (EEC).

Areas of EEC are protected and future use / management of site reflects the new purpose of ‘public recreation & environmental protection’.

B

Formally close the following unformed roads:

• Lover’s Walk; • Forbes & Railway Sts; and • Walkers Crescent. Note: closure is legal (on paper) only. No changes will be noticeable on site. If there are any other unformed roads to be closed within the Council area they should be closed at the same time.

3 BMCC Staff time Unformed roads are removed from Reserve and the land becomes part of Reserve.

Roads are officially closed and title issued.

C

Transfer the following land parcels to Knapsack Reserve:

• 19A Surveyor Abbot Dr; & • 140A Olivet St. To ease management of the Reserve as a whole.

3 BMCC / Crown Lands

Staff time These two (2) parcels adjacent to Knapsack Reserve become part of the Reserve.

Lands become part of Knapsack Reserve (Crown) managed by the Reserve Trust (BMCC).

D

Transfer the following land parcels to BMCC ownership / management:

• 4 & 6-8 Great Western Hwy. This will give BMCC complete management control of lands along eastern escarpment in this area.

3 BMCC Staff time

These two (2) parcels along the eastern escarpment become owned / managed by BMCC.

Lands become part Council Lands.

E

Investigate Trade Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council land: Investigate possibility of trading 21 Barnet St (surrounded by the Reserve on 3 sides) with land

3 BMCC Staff time Investigation shows all options for this trade and 21 Barnet St parcel of land.

Investigation suggests there is a possibility of trading this land with other land elsewhere.


Action No


Indicative Cost


elsewhere. 21 Barnet St to be used in accordance with existing classification: public recreation reserve.

F

Trade Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council land: Trade 21 Barnet St with land elsewhere and incorporate 21 Barnet St into Knapsack Reserve.

Dependant on 4.16 F above.

BMCC Staff time This land parcel becomes part of Knapsack Reserve.

Land is classified ‘public recreation reserve’ managed as part of Knapsack Reserve.

G

Annual Report: Annual reporting of status of Knapsack Reserve as required under the Crown Lands Act 1989.

Ongoing BMCC Staff time Report completed annually.

Department of Lands receives annual update on the status of Knapsack Reserve.

Knapsack Reserve DRAFT Plan of Management August 2006 93

REFERENCES • Blue Mountains Recreation & Sports Strategy 2002 – Blue Mountains City Council • Bushcare Site Rehabilitation and Management Strategy – Knapsack Bridge Bushcare

Area, Knapsack Creek Catchment; Blue Mountains City Council Bushcare Program 2002. • Department of Lands Trust Handbook (2005). www.lands.nsw.gov.au • Glossy Black Cockatoo – http://www.mdavid.com.au/cockatoo/glossyblack.html (image) • I. Hayes – Ian Hayes & Associates (Feb 2005). Blue Mountains City Council Sports

Lighting Pole Survey (Sportsground Floodlighting Towers) • Karskens, G. (1998) An Historical and Archaeological Study of Cox’s Road and early

Crossings of the Blue Mountains, New South Wales. • Knapsack Creek Catchment Management Plan, Greg Brady for the Knapsack Creek

Management Group. • Knapsack Reserve, Glenbrook Heritage Assessment Volume 1 & 2, 2006 – Archeological

and Heritage Management Solutions Pty Ltd. • National Parks Association of NSW – Red-Crowned Toadlet http://www.zip.com.au/%7Epbennett/www/frogs/red-crownedtoadlet.htm (image) • National Parks & Wildlife Service NSW – Broad Headed Snake http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/PDFs/tsprofile_broadheaded_snake.pdf (image) • P. Kirby – Nuturf Australia Pty Ltd (Feb 2006). Blue Mountains Council Assessment of

Carrying Capacity Report (Sportsgrounds Carrying Capacity). • P. Regan – Lighting by Design (Feb 2005). Current Lighting System Assessment Report

(Sportsground Floodlighting). • Quoll Seeker Network - http://www.home.acenet.net.au/rhysparry/Index.htm (image) • Rare Animals of Victoria – http://www.viridans.com.au/RAREAN/Var0248.htm (image) • Results from the Knapsack Reserve Visitor Survey – Nick Kamula, University of Western

Sydney (September 2006). • Weeds of the Blue Mountains Bushland – www.weedsbluemountains.org.au


Item Details of Research / Community Consultation Date

INITIAL STAGES OF THE PoM

Desktop Research

Review background files / studies of the Reserve and discuss with relevant members of staff.

January

Seek support from Department of Lands for the PoM and submit application for grant funding.

January Letter / Phone

Seek support from other agencies that own land within Reserve ie: State Rail Authority (SRA) and Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).

January

Ad Introduce PoM to Blue Mts community by placing notice in the Rate Notice newsletter “News from the Hill”.

January

Stakeholder Meeting

Meet with Sydney Water representatives to discuss the decommissioning of the Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) and the PoM.

4th January

Ad Introduce PoM to the Blue Mts Bushcare community through a notice in the Gecko newsletter.

February

Flyer / Memo

Introduce PoM to Councillors by attaching introductory flyer to memorandum and invite them to join the Community Liaison Group (CLG).

24th January

Internal Meeting

Conduct introductory meeting with internal staff members & request information where necessary eg: bushcare, planning etc.

9th February

Flyer 2200 flyers introducing PoM to local community distributed to all Lapstone / Glenbrook households – request representatives to the (CLG).

10th – 12

th

February

Ads Two (2) advertisements introducing the PoM to Blue Mts were placed in the Blue Mts Gazette – request representatives to the CLG.

8th & 15

th

February

Establish CLG Meeting

Establish the CLG to guide the development of the PoM. Group is made up of both residents, user groups and stakeholders; they include:

• Glenbrook / Lapstone Residents; • Glenbrook – Blaxland Cricket Club; • Blue Mountains Soccer Club; • Blue Mountains Dog Training Club; • Glenbrook & District Historical Society; • Western Sydney Mountain Bike Club; • Western & Hills Orienteering Club; • Knapsack Creek Gully Bushcare; • Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC); • Darug Tribal Aboriginal Council (DTAC); • Gundungarra Tribal Council (GTC); • Ward Councilor; and • Council Staff.

CLG established March – April

PREPARATION OF THE DRAFT PoM

Consultants Commission Flora & Fauna, Land Survey (Knapsack Park only) and Heritage Assessment for Knapsack Reserve.

February - May

Attend Glenbrook & District Historical Society (GDHS) meeting to introduce the PoM and seek support / assistance in guiding the PoM.

26th April

Meet with Blue Mountains Soccer Club to discuss the Club’s values, issues and priorities for Knapsack Park.

9th May

Meet with Blue Mountains Dog Training Club to discuss the Club’s values, issues and priorities for Knapsack Reserve in particular the STP site.

9th May

Meet with Glenbrook – Blaxland Cricket Club to discuss the Club’s values, issues and priorities for Knapsack Park.

9th May

Stakeholder Meetings

Attend Glenbrook Rotary Club meeting to introduce PoM. 16th May

CLG Meeting

Hold first CLG meeting at Blaxland Neighborhood Centre and discuss values, issues and priorities for Knapsack with attendees (12 attend).

17th May

Information Day

Display information poster regarding Knapsack Reserve PoM known historical values and issues at the GDHS open day held at Glenbrook Park.

27th May

Stakeholder Meeting

Meet with members of the Glenbrook – Blaxland Cricket Club (at their request) to review the clubs submission to PoM.

17th May

Visitor Survey

100 x visitor surveys conducted within Reserve over a 10 day period throughout a four week period

August

CLG Hold second CLG meeting to review outcomes of the Community 30th August

Appendix A - Community Consultation for Knapsack Reserve PoM


Item Details of Research / Community Consultation Date

Meeting Information Day/on site surveys & review PoM / concept plans at 50% draft. COMMUNITY INFORMATION DAY 29 JULY 2006

Flyer / Memo

Advise Councillors of the Community Information Day by attaching promotional flyer to memorandum.

17th July

Ads Two (2) advertisements placed in the Blue Mts Gazette to promote Community Information Day at Knapsack Park.

19th & 26

th

July

Flyers 2200 flyer distributed to all Lapstone / Glenbrook residents to promote Community Information Day including STP walk through.

22nd

– 23rd

July

Notices Two (2) A3 notices promoting the Community Information Day placed in notice boards at Glenbrook & Blaxland.

24th – 29

th

July

Information Day

Community Information Day held Saturday 29th July at Knapsack Park

between 12noon & 4pm. The day included: • Information Sheets on display regarding: PoM Process, Flora &

Fauna, Heritage, Recreation and Potential Enhancements; • Two (2) Council staff on hand to answer questions; • Background papers / previous studies available to view; • Comment forms available for completion; and • 40minute walk through the STP site.

29th July

Website Information from the Community Information Day ie: information sheets displayed and comments forms were located on Council website under media centre for those unable to attend to view & make comment.

31st July to

4th August

Appendix A – Community Consultation for Knapsack Reserve Plan of Management

Appendix A - Community Consultation for Knapsack Reserve PoM


Appendix B – Summary of Comments: Information Day 29th July 2006 As of 03 august 2006 (received on & week after Information Day 29 July 2006)

Comment Forms A total of ten (16) submissions were received including:

• 10 x residents; • 4 x Glenbrook – Blaxland Cricket Club; • 1 x Dog Training; and • 1 x Western Sydney Mountain Bike Club

Comments Sheets Some chose to make their comments on specially designed sheets that were made available on the day (next to the information sheet they related too i.e.: recreation, heritage etc). There were a total of twenty (20) comments received via this system. Note: The number in brackets after each dot point shows the number of respondents making this comment.

COMMENT FORMS

RECREATION

Values

• Children’s sports • Reserve provides an opportunity for people to engage in a variety of recreation activities

in a ‘bushland setting’ (2) • Scenic values and create atmosphere that people can enjoy while bushwalking or other

forms of recreation • Sense of community • Dog walking ‘on leads’ is important and should be allowed.

Issues

• Need to provide for recreation without compromising the environment (2) in particular the expansion of fields and associated expansion of vehicle access / parking is a concern (1)

• Erosion and run off from bike tracks and then sedimentation of creeks

• Traffic congestion on sporting days is unsatisfactory. • Previous cricket wicket was covered and should now be reinstated

Priorities

• Plant nutrient absorbing species (eg: sedge) to edge of fields & drainage line to act as filter.

• Poor condition of walking tracks in need of stabilization and revegetation • Improve recreation opportunities without compromising the environment (3) • Encourage visitors to have a better appreciation of heritage & environmental values

through signs along walking tracks • Avoid expansion of sportsground and make better use of existing. • No bikes to destroy natural bushland • Park should be enjoyed by winter & summer sports and be a place for locals to exercise &

enjoy (3) and make best use of existing park facilities and make some improvements

HERITAGE Values

• Interpretative signage is a great opportunity • Historic road (2) • Historic rail sites (2) • Aboriginal occupation sites • Vehicular access to Elizabeth’s Lookout an annual basis for religious service • Historic and aboriginal site give people reason to explore the area • Cricket is part of park heritage and should be reinstated

Issues

• Preservation is No. 1 priority (3) proposed develops should not affect this. • Past neglect of the less publicized sites and the lack of any integrated management or

sense of ownership of them • Degradation (lack of maintenance) of sites decreases visitors appreciation of the site


• An opportunity exists to make the reserve more educational through interpretive signage. • Weeds, erosion and vandalism of heritage sites, cuttings etc

Priorities

• Coordinate and motivate the various land managers into a unified effort to preserve heritage values of the site

• Railway sites are in a poor condition and in need of restoration • Create sense of responsible ownership of the neglected aboriginal sites in order to protect

them • Ensure access is continued to Elizabeth’s Lookout for annual event and a better road

might avoid traffic problems with local residents. Road could open lookout up to tourist. • Develop interpretive signage for area re: historic and aboriginal values • Improve sites and their access tracks • Whitton Park to be picnic area

FLORA & FAUNA

Values

• Wide range of habitat for fauna (3+ threatened species, 5 distinct vegetation communities, monocline and creek lines) (2)

• Environmental services provided by a large intact bushland and riparian reserve • Riparian system is of value as it affects water quality and fauna habitat • Flora & fauna important education and scientific resource (1) more inviting to area (1) are

lungs of Sydney (1) Issues • Area of dog off leash conflicts with bushland surrounds (5) location within riparian zone is

a concern if they don’t pick up after dog (2) add signage eg: pick up after your dog, dog waste pollutes waterways and spread disease’ (1)

• Change in hydrology due to built up of sediment • Need to prevent encroachment and fragmentation of the Reserve, reduce its isolation

from other bushland areas • Need to place flora & fauna needs above recreation • Weeds and die back downhill of raised sportsground (2) is a concern so ‘relocating

sportsground to less sensitive site’ should be considered before further investment in infrastructure.

• Weed invasion a problem throughout the Reserve (2) • Nutrients/fertilizers from playing fields create weed plume along natural drainage lines and

creeks (5) • Relocate dirt jump bike site to less sensitive area (6), activity should be contained to stop

and prevent sediment (3) • Red-crowned Toadlet habitat • Bushfire threat through arson • Vandalism / loss of habitat and trees • Leave Reserve as is (2)

Priorities

• Bush regeneration needed in riparian / bushland and urban interface zones (6) • Remove sand deposits and stabilize banks where erosion is evident • Plants & Birds habitat maintained • Die back of trees evident likely to be from excessive nutrients running off from field (2) • Aquatic systems are in a poor state and need addressing • Ensure environmental impact of the proposed recreation enhancements do not further

degrade native bushland (3) especially sportsgrounds (1) • Fragmentation of habitat due to bike jumps, racks etc • Congratulate Council on closing Reserve to traffic (2) however if some groups (for special

occasions) need access it should be arranged • Need to plant trees and bushes around sportsground • Maintain as bushland reserve but make good use of already modified land/

POTENTIAL ENHANCEMENTS What enhancements / improvements should occur? What do you think is important?

• Commit to extensive weed removal • Extensive bush regeneration works is needed


• Health of riparian system is important • Collaboration between stakeholder, community groups and residents • STP could become a trout farm

• The Blue Mountains Dog training Club see potential for the STP to serve the club and the community of Blue Mts (2)

• Relocate BMX jump (2) track to Quarry area and provide sediment traps

• Vehicle parking & pedestrian access is in need of reorganisation and rationalisation, channeled and buffer zones created next to heavy use areas

• Relocated dog off leash due to conflict with biodiversity of area. • Extend ovals to correct size • Cricket pitch between soccer fields to be reinstated (3) • Storage & Clubhouse upgraded (1) • Parking & driveways • Plant more native trees around sportsground and more volunteers (summer user group)

may help with maintaining the area eg: weeding.

OTHER

• PoM should include an integrated environmental restoration plan that includes blending bushland together with environment in surrounding urban matrix

• PoM should specifically address the issue of catchment management & storm water runoff ensure bushland setting is retained & maintained despite proposals for STP / sportsgrounds

• Effort should be put into reversing the ‘increasing isolation’ of the Reserve to others such as Glenbrook Lagoon, Mt Sion Park, and Tunnel Gully & Skarratt.

• Concern regarding the make up of the Community Liaison Group (CLG) including no mention of Aboriginal reps (2) or Bushcare reps (1)

• PoM should include SRA land next to STP it should be considered a priority to acquire this land or at least have management control. The poor appearance of SRA site encourages waste dumps and shows little respect for natural environment.

• Leave area untouched expect for rubbish collection & prevention of cars in Reserve. • Foxes and cats need to be destroyed • Glenbrook – Blaxland Cricket Club are willing to work with locals and soccer to make this

Reserve the best in area. • Knapsack Reserve a crucial link in the big picture planning for Mt Bike riding across the

Mountains and into the Western Sydney area.

COMMENTS SHEETS

Recreation

• Jump sites should be protected and more land should be given to be built on (2) • Build a motor-cross track in Glenbrook (2). • Make the bike use bigger, better and official.

Heritage

• Leave area as is! • Open Marge’s Lookout (to vehicular traffic).

Flora & Fauna

• Why have some of the tracks been filled in with ‘cut down’ vegetation? • Signage to bridge (Knapsack) has diminished along tracks.

Potential Enhancements

• Extend off leash area for dogs around the creek at Lennox Bridge to include the tracks to the lookouts as well.

– Response to above: Don’t need extend area for dogs off leash. • STP – is there going to be options for people too claim some of the fittings instead of them

going to land fill? • Small grandstand in front of amenities. • Separate both fields. Cricket? • Move clubhouse closer to fields (keep kids out of car park). • Better quality lighting.

Appendix B – Summary of Comments: information Day 29

th July 2006


Appendix C – Visitor Survey for Knapsack Reserve


Appendix C: Visitor Survey for Knapsack Reserve


Appendix D – Results of Visitor Survey for Knapsack Reserve Q1 – How often do you visit Knapsack Reserve? The majority of visitors were regulars, with 81% visiting one a month or more. A large number of visitors in fact used the Reserve several times a week. Q2 – What suburb do you live in? 71% of those surveys lived within a 3km radius of the Reserve (Glenbrook, Blaxland, Mt Riverview, Emu Plains and Lapstone). A further 12% lived within a 10km radius and the remaining 14% traveled from further a field. Q3 – When do you mainly visit the Reserve? 62% of those surveys said that they visited the Reserve during weekends. Q4 – What is your gender? Two thirds of those surveyed were male. There was roughly five (5) times the number of males under the age of 20 in the Reserve, than there were females. Q5 – Which age group are you in? 17% were under the age of 20 (children under the age of 15years were not surveyed) whilst the next largest group were those between the ages of 45 to 65. Q6 – Are you visiting as part of a group or alone? People visiting with friends and/or family members comprised 66%. A large proportion of these were couples. 15% were visiting by themselves, and 19% were part of a club or group such as Blue Mountains Soccer, Blaxland Scouts, Bushwalking Group or an Orienteering Club. Q7 – Which areas of the Reserve will you be using today? Most people had multiple answers; however 83% said they were using the walking tracks and almost half (45%) mentioned the use of car parks which indicates the number of people driving to the Reserve rather than walking or cycling. Q 8 – What activities will you be partaking in today? Walking / jogging was the most common activity, cycling (cross country bikes) was also popular, whilst 30% of people said they would be viewing items of cultural heritage within the Reserve. Q9 – Rate the condition of the following features / facilities? People were asked to assess the quality of eight (8) features within the Reserve. Most people only discussed the facility with which it was familiar and those who had no opinion; a ‘not sure’ was recorded. The responses are indicated on the below graph:

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Natural Areas Sporting

fields

Walking

tracks &

lookouts

Heritage sites Toilet,

shelter &

rubbish

facilities

Carparks Park signage

& information

Overall

maintenance

& tidiness

Poor Okay Good


A comprehensive analysis of each feature / facility is provided in the document ‘Results from the Knapsack Reserve Visitor Survey’ that was produced to support the surveys. Q 10 – What are the main issues that need addressing within the Reserve? The following topics (for those who responded to this question) came across as the most significance issues that need addressing:

• Lack of facilities (19%); • Weed management / bush degradation (19%); • Rubbish (16%) – in particular broken glass and signs of unsocial behaviour; • Not enough signage (11%) – in particular interpretive signage ; • 4WDs and trail bikes (6%) – their use of Reserve although less than previous years; • Leash free dog area (5%) – not well sign posted / not satisfactory; and • Track closure (5%).

Note: 40% of people stated no major issues existed and enjoyed Reserve as it was! Q 11 – Do you think riding bicycles is an issue in the Reserve? Originally this question asked whether mountain biking was an issue in the Reserve. However some people were not aware of what this was and to prevent misinterpretation, the question was delivered as “any form of bicycle use”. Three quarters of those surveyed thought that there was no form of bike riding that were an issue, 13 people were unsure, while 12 people thought there was an issue in some respect. Q 12 – Do you feel that bicycles should be prohibited, allowed or encouraged? Only 2% of people thought that bike riding should be prohibited in the Reserve. Excluding the 24 identified cyclists, and 2 people who had no opinion, this meant that 97% of users would like bikes allowed or encourage.

Appendix D – Results of Visitor Survey for Knapsack Reserve


Appendix E – Assets Inventory for Knapsack Reserve Asset item (Facility / Building)

Existing description, Condition & Use Responsibility for Maintenance

Frequency of maintenance / inspections

Proposed Use & other comments (Issues, priorities, suggestions for upgrades)

Assets within Knapsack Park Sportsground area Bins

• There are seven (7) plastic bins located within the park. They are stored at the front of the clubhouse or toilet block.

Blue Mountains City Council (Waste Services)

Customer Service Requests (CSR’s) & BMCC Service Level Agreement (SLA)

• The bins provided are adequate to the current needs of the park. There may be an opportunity to install additional bins if this is considered necessary in the future.

Bubbler

• There is one (1) bubbler at the Park located at front of toilet block, which was installed late 2005.

Blue Mountains City Council


• The bubbler was recently installed and is in good condition. There may be an on opportunity to install another bubbler if there is the demand at a later date.

Car Park

Car Park

• There is one (1) car park of approximately 2100 sqm, unmarked, unsealed and accommodating approximately 50 cars; • The car park becomes congested during busy sporting weekends and is insufficient to accommodate all vehicles.



• Car park should be designed to accommodate as many vehicles as possible in an orderly manner to ensure safety of park users and adjacent residents. This will include: sealing, line marking , relocation of clubhouse (long term) and provision for one (dual access) entry / exit point off Barnet St.

Clubhouse

• Timber framed walls, part asbestos cement, part weatherboard, part corrugated iron lined. Metal deck roof, no guttering; • Open plan clubroom with storeroom at rear. Plasterboard lined, carpet to approximately 20% of floor area; • Originally the clubhouse for Leonay Golf Club. Relocated to Knapsack Park early 1980's, construction date unknown.

Blue Mts Soccer Club who holds a lease over this building?

Unknown – carried out by Blue Mts Soccer Club.

• It is proposed that this Clubhouse be demolished and a new multipurpose clubhouse be built in a more appropriate (closer to sportsground) location. The new clubhouse would service the community and allow for multiple users to securely store goods. • This building is considered to be beyond its useful life and would require substantial money to bring up to today’s building standards.


Asset item (Facility / Building)




• There is no disabled (equal) access available at this building.

Fencing

• Approximately 424 lineal metres of fencing in two (2) locations: around mini fields and southern end of senior fields. • Fencing around mini fields is weld mesh approx 1.2m in height; & • Fencing at southern end of senior fields is chain mesh approx 3m in height.



• The fencing is considered adequate for current purposes however additional fencing may be added to accommodate cricket at Knapsack Park. • This fencing should be installed only if it is considered necessary to protect surrounding residents from runaway balls.

Floodlighting & Switchboard

• There are for (4) light towers (2 x timber & 2 x steel) supporting ‘Pierlie’ 2kW metal halide lamps – each with min 6000 hours of life; • Floodlighting when tested had an average illuminance of 24 lux (Feb 2005); • Two (2) steel light towers should not have additional loads added.



• It is proposed that the floodlighting be upgraded to achieve a minimum of 50 lux, this may require the need for additional fittings which may mean two (2) light towers may need replacement. • An ‘hour run meter’ should also be installed to the control boards to monitor usage of lights and correct maintenance / replacement intervals for lamps& fittings.

Goal Posts

• There are a total of eight (8) goal posts on the sportsgrounds (mini & senior) during the soccer (winter) season.



• They are currently no concerns with the Soccer Goal Posts.

Signage

• There are two (2) metal signs at the Park including: entrance wave sign & ordinance sign both are made of metal.



• Existing signage is considered adequate to the current use of the facility.






Sportsgrounds (mini)

Sportsgrounds (senior)

• There are approximately 22,000 sqm of sportsgrounds between 2 x senior fields & 2 x mini fields (all of which a slightly smaller than a standard size), they currently support Soccer season only; • Senior fields only are irrigated by an automated system which is in a poor condition and in need of replacement; • The grounds are considered to be fairly dry and hard with levelness considered standard (Feb 2006); & • Grass cover is good with the dominant species being kikuyu, boundary of the field has some weed infestation such as: African lovegrass, cobblers pegs and Vasey grass; • Fields can tolerate up to 700hours of use per annum (for fields to remain in a moderate condition).



• Main field be expanded in corners to allow for standard senior soccer field & installation of a cricket wicket to centre of field EXTENT YET TO BE DETERMINED;

• Mini fields to be expanded to allow for standard size mini fields EXTENT YET TO BE DETERMINED.

• It is recommended that hours of use at the field be restricted to 700 per annum to ensure the field is kept in a moderate condition; & • New water efficient long lasting irrigation system to be installed to replace existing failed system. This should be done only after the ‘Sportsground Irrigation Strategy’ is completed.

Toilet Block

• Corrugated iron roof, 115 mm quad gutters with 100 × 50 downpipes, masonry block walls; • Male and female toilets, male and female change rooms plus 2 storerooms; & • Constructed 1983.



• Building services it purpose well and requires scheduled maintenance only; • There is no disabled (equal) access available at this building; and • Should a Club be introduced as a summer user additional storage within the amenities may be necessary.

Assets within the remainder of Knapsack Reserve Bins

• There are a limited number of bins throughout the Reserve located at picnic and known rest stops.

Customer Service Requests (CSR’s); BMCC Waste Services –waste removal; and BMCC Service Level Agreement (SLA)

• Rubbish is considered to be a problem within the Reserve by many community members surveyed. A particular problem was broken bottles, left through antisocial behaviour.






Car Parks (Whitton Park)

• There are a number of car parks within the Reserve area including: Whitton Park (10, sealed), Lennox Bridge (10, unsealed), end of Knapsack St (2, unsealed), Water Tank (8, unsealed); & • These car parks are managed by various agencies depending on location.

Blue Mountains City Council (all car parks).


• Some car park facilities may need to upgraded / expanded depending on the needs of the ‘Visitor Nodes’ study. Please refer to Section 5.3 for the Visitor Nodes & Links Plan.

Fencing

• There is a network of fencing throughout the Reserve. The fencing type / style vary depending on its use. It may include wire mesh at lookouts to bollards at Whitton Park car park area.



• Additional fencing to prohibit vehicular access or improve visitor safety within the Reserve may be considered necessary in the future.

Gates

• There are a number of gates located along the perimeter of the Reserve to block vehicular access to the Reserve. Most are in good condition but are occasionally vandalised to access the Reserve.



• Additional gates / fencing to prohibit vehicular access to the Reserve may be considered necessary in the future.

Picnic Setting

• There are two (2) picnic settings within the Reserve including one (1) at Elizabeth’s Lookout and the other at Lennox Bridge.



• There is the possibility of installing new picnic facilities at Whitton Memorial Park and potential to improve existing facilities at Elizabeth’s Lookout.






Shelter Shed

• The open air shelter is constructed of timber pole frame, has no gutters and is on a concrete slab; • There are two (2) sets of precast picnic tables and two (2) sets of concrete bench seats; & • Constructed in 1970.



• There is an opportunity to tidy area and structure up; • The gap between ground level and concrete slab should be reduced or made flush with slab level. This is currently a potential trip hazard.

Signage

• There are a variety of signs through the Reserve including: Reserve entrance signs, directional and interpretative signs. These vary in age, size, material and condition.

Blue Mountains City Council (or other agency depending on where signage is located).


• There is a lack of interpretive signage within the Reserve which is considered important by many community members consulted. An interpretive strategy for the Reserve should be carried out prior to installing any additional interpretative signage.

Heritage Assets within Knapsack Reserve Please note: this list does not cover all heritage items within the Reserve, it reviews major items only.

Gatekeepers Cottage

• This is No. 1of five gatekeepers Cottages that survive on their original site across the Mountains. It was built in 1867; • 1968 it was severely damaged by bushfire and lost its roof, it remains in a ruined state, surrounded by wire fencing. • Cottage was acquired by Council in 1975. • Cottage is in poor a condition.


Customer Service Request (CSR’s) and occasion weeding, structural maintenance regime is limited.

• There is a proposal to use Whitton Memorial Park (location of the Gatekeepers Cottage) as a major destination / track head. It is envisaged that a kiosk may be constructed and leased in the area to provide café & toilet facilities (if considered viable). • The open flat ground (out front of Gatekeepers Cottage) known as the ‘Marshalling Yards’ would be used as a rest / picnic area.

Knapsack Viaduct

• Sandstone viaduct is 120m in length with a maximum height of 38m above Jamison’s Creek; • Built originally as a railway bridge (part of Lapstone Zig Zag it was later converted to a road and now no longer in use; • There are impacts form visitors and graffiti found on bridge; & • 1913 - relieved of railway traffic 1926 – The bridge was adapted for use as a road

Owned by: Blue Mountains City Council Maintained by: RTA

Frequency of maintenance / inspections as carried out by RTA.

• Graffiti from bridge should be removed and a monitoring system developed to ensure bridge remains stable and in good condition; • Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for Lapstone Zig Zag complex (will include Knapsack Viaduct) required to give direction on management / conservation; & • Opportunity to provide interpretation regarding this bridge and its history.






bridge, the inside faces of the parapets were trimmed, and resurfacing would have been necessary. 1939 - widened to 30ft by means of a reinforced concrete cantilevered deck. 1993 - relieved of road traffic. Pedestrian/cycleway path installed post 1993 • Built 1865 by John Whitton.

Knapsack Bridge

• Bridge is built in brick with eight arches designed to hold double tracks and is still in use today; • Access to bridge is difficult; and • Built in 1912 and in use since 1913.

SRA Unknown • Reassess condition on a regular basis.

Lennox (Horseshoe) Bridge

• Built in 1833 by David Lennox; • Stone bridge (oldest on mainland Australia) spans across Lapstone Creek gully and is part of Mitchell’s Pass. The arch is 20ft span, the key stones are weathering; and • Still used by vehicular traffic was strengthen & repaired in 1982.


• BMCC (BM City Services) Service Level Agreement (SLA) actions which include routine maintenance inspections, scheduled maintenance and customer service requests. • BMCC (Assets Branch) manages structural condition inspections at about 5 year intervals and any capital works.

• Impact from vehicular traffic is unavoidable; • A monitoring program should be establish to check on decay etc of bridge; & • Conservation Management Plan (CMP) is required to give direction for management and conservation of this historic bridge. This CMP should include a structural assessment of the bridge.

Lapstone Zig Zag

• Opened to traffic in 1867 – first rail crossing into the Blue Mountains; • Contains Knapsack Viaduct, Siding Lookout, a number of culverts & Lucasville Station; and • The Zig Zag was the first of its kind not only in Australia but on any main line anywhere in the world.

Blue Mountains City Council as appointed Trust Manager of Crown Reserve. (Note: Knapsack Viaduct (part of Zig Zag complex) is maintained by RTA)

• Customer Service Request (CSR); and • Other works as considered necessary .

• There is an opportunity to provide interpreative signage about the Zig Zag complex and its importance in early NSW railway; and • There is a potential to make the Zig Zag (from Knapsack St) wheelchair accessible.






Lucasville Station

• Station opened in 1877; • Named after John Lucas NSW parliamentarian from 1840 to 1902 who used his clout to built this ‘public’ train station and his property at the top of the Zig Zag; and • Steps leading to the site of Lucas’ ‘Country retreat’ are still evident today.

Blue Mountains City Council as appointed Trust Manager of Crown Reserve.

• Customer Service Request (CSR) and other works as considered necessary

• There is an opportunity to provide interpreative signage about Lucasville Station as part of the Zig Zag complex.

Marge’s Lookout

Elizabeth’s Lookout

• Lookouts commemorate the daughter and wife of a prominent Aldermen’s from Blue Mountains City Council: Elizabeth’s – named after wife of Councillor Donald. F. Skarratt & Marge’s – named after the daughter of Councillor S. H. Walker; • Lookouts opened 22 July 1933 at official opening of Lapstone Hill Reserve - on the occasion of the centenary of Lennox Bridge; • Both lookouts have impressive views over Cumberland Plains towards Sydney; & • Lookouts are in a moderate condition, grass is overgrown (April 2006) causing some pedestrian hazards, shelter at Elizabeth’s has some graffiti.

Blue Mountains City Council as appointed Trust Manager of Crown Reserve.


• Weed control and soil stabilisation is required, both have been impacted upon by vehicular use of the area. Note: vehicular access is now prohibited; • Both lookouts would benefit from better definition of picnic / visitor areas.

Mitchell’s Pass & Mile Post

Mitchell’s Pass – BMCC Library

• Mile Post is interesting as it gives the termini as Sydney & Penrith not anywhere to the west; • It is built from living rock and is the only marker of this design to have survived in NSW; • Works on Mitchell’s Pass commenced in 1832 with Lennox Bridge completed 1834 becoming the centre piece of the Pass; and • 1926 traffic was diverted over Lapstone Hill, yet Mitchell’s Pass it is still in use today.


Customer Service Request (CSR’s) & BMCC Service Levels Agreements (SLA’s)

• Conservation Management Plan (CMP) is required to give direction for management and conservation of this historic road. It should be written together with the CMP for Lennox Bridge. This CMP should include a structural assessment of the road and include recommendations for the protection of Mile Post.

Appendix E – Assets Inventory for Knapsack Reserve


APPENDIX F – WATER QUALITY OF KNAPSACK CATCHMENT


Appendix F – Water Quality of Knapsack Catchment.


Appendix G – Flora Species recorded within Knapsack Reserve

Flora Species detected within Knapsack Reserve Acacia elata Cymbopogon refractus Kennedia rubicunda Pteridium esculentum

Acacia falcata Cynodon dactylon Kunzea ambigua Pultenaea scabra

Acacia implexa Cyperus rotundus Lantana camara * Rhynchelytrum repens *

Acacia linifolia Davesia genistifolia Lambertia formosa Rubus fruticosus *

Acacia longifolia var longifolia Davesia squarrosa Laxmannia gracilis Scaevola ramosissima

Acacia obtusifolia Davesia ulicifolia Lepidosperma elatius Senecio madagascariensis *

Acacia parramattensis Dianella caerulea Lepidosperma gunnii Setaria verticillata

Acacia parvipinnula Dianella caerulea var caerulea Leptomeria acida Sigesbeckia orientalis

Acacia suaveolens Dianella longifolia Leptospermum trinervium Smilax glyciphylla

Acacia terminalis Dianella revoluta Leucopogon muticus Solanum mauritianum *

Acacia ulicifolia Dichelachne crinita Ligustrum lucidium * Solanum prinophyllum

Adianthum aethiopicum Dichelachne rara Ligustrum sinense * Stackhousia viminea

Ageratina adenophora * Dichondra repens Lilium formosanum * Stephania japonica

Ageratum houstonianum * Dodonaea triquetra Lindsaea microphylla Stipa pubescens

Allocasuarina littoralis Dodonea viscosa Lissanthe sapida Stypandra glauca

Allocasuarina torulosa Doodia aspera Lissanthe strigosa Syncarpia glomulifera

Amaranthus quitensis * Doodia cordata Lomandra longifolia Tages minuta *

Andropogon virginicus Echinopogon caespitosus Lomandra multiflora Taraxacum officinale *

Angophora costata Echinopogon ovatus Lomandra obliqua Themeda australis

Anthemis cotula * Elaeocarpus reticulatus Lomatia silaifolia Trema aspera

Araujia hortorum * Entolasia marginata Lonicera japonica * Trifolium repens *

Arundo donax * Entolasia stricta Macrozamia spiralis Verbena bonariensis *

Astroricha macrophylla Eragrostis curvula * Monotoca scoparia Veronica plebeia

Astrotricha latifolium Eriostemon myoporoides Morinda jasminoides Wahlenbergia gracilis

Avena fatua * Eucalyptus crebra Morus rubra * Wisteria floribunda *

Axonopus affinis * Eucalyptus eugenioides Onopordum acanthium * Xanthorrhoea media

Axonopus compressus * Eucalyptus fibrosa Oplismenus aemulus Xanthorrhoea minor

Backhousia myrtifolia Eucalyptus notabilis Oplismenus imbecillis Xylomelum pyriforme

Banksia serrata Eucalyptus piperita Oxalis perennans Zieria smithii

Banksia spinulosa Eucalyptus punctata Oxylobium ilicifolium

Billardiera procumbens Eucalyptus sieberi Ozothamnus diosmifolius

Billardiera scandens Eucalyptus sparsifolia Pandorea pandorana

Boronia polygalifolia Euphorbia peplus * Panicum maximum

Bossiaea obcordata Exocarpus stricta Panicum simile

Brizia maxima * Gahnia sieberiana Paspalum dilatatum *

Bursaria spinosa Genista monspessulana * Pellaea falcata

Caesia parvifolius Geranium homeanum Pennisetum clandestinum *

Callicoma serratifolia Glycine tabacina Persoonia laurina

Calochlaena dubia Gompholobium grandiflorum Persoonia levis

Cassytha glabella Gonocarpus tetragynus Persoonia linearis

Cassytha pubescens Goodenia bellidifolia Persoonia oblongata

Centella asiatica Goodenia hederacea Petrophile peduncularis

Ceratopetalum gummiferum Goodenia heterophylla Petrophile pulchella

Cheilanthes sieberi Grevillea buxifolia Philotheca hispidulus

Chionochloa pallida Grevillea mucronulata Philotheca salsolifolia

Chloris virgata* Hakea sericea Phyllanthus hirtellus

Cinnamomum camphora * Hardenbergia violacea Phyllostachys sp.*

Cissus hypoglauca Helichrysum rutidolepsis Pimelea linearis

Clematis aristata Hibberita aspera Pimelea linifolia

Comospermum taxifolium Hibbertia acicularis Pittosporum undulatum

Conyza albida * Hibbertia diffusa Plantago debilis

Coreopsis lanceolata * Hovea linearis Plantago lanceolata *

Correa reflexa Hypochoeris radicata * Plectranthus parvifolis

Corymbia eximia Imperata cylindrica Podolobium ilicifolium

Corymbia gummifera Ipomaea indica * Polyscias sambucifolia

Corymia eximia Jacksonia scoparia Pomax umbellata

Cyathochaeta diandra Juncus acutus * Pratia purpurascens

* indicates exotic / weed species

Appendix G – Flora Species Recorded within Knapsack Reserve


Appendix H – Fauna Species recorded within Knapsack Reserve

Fauna Species within Knapsack Reserve Scientific Name Common Name Record Type Accipiter fasciatus Brown Goshawk O Acriotheres tristis * Common Myna O Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird O Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo O Cacatua galerita Sulphur-crested Cockatoo O, C Chalinolobus gouldi Gould’s Wattled Bat A Chalinolobus morio Chocolate Wattled Bat A Climacteris leucophaea White-throated Treecreeper O Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike Thrush O Coracina novaehollandiae Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike O Corvus coronoides Australian Raven C,O Cracticus torquatus Grey Butcherbird C,O Crinia signifera Common Eastern Froglet C Ctenotus taenoilatus Copper-tailed Skink O Dacelo novaeguineae Laughing Kookaburra C,O Dasyurus maculatus Spotted-tailed Quoll SC, S Emblema temporalis Red-browed Firetail O Eopsaltria australis Eastern Yellow Robin O Eurystomus orientalis Dollarbird O Falco cenchroides Nankeen Kestrel O Felius catus * Feral Cat S Geopelia placida Peaceful Dove O, C Geophaps lophotes Crested Pigeon O, C Glossopisitta pusilla Little Lorikeet O Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie C, O Lampropholis guichenoti Garden Skink O Leucosarcia melanoleuca Wonga Pigeon O Lialis burtonis Burton’s Legless Lizard O Limnodynastes peroni Striped Marsh Frog C Litoria latopalmata Broad-palmed Frog C,O Litoria nasuta Rocket Frog C Litoria verreauxii Verreaux’s Tree Frog C Lonchura punctulata * Nutmeg Mannikin O Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy Wren O Manorina melanocephala Noisy Minor O Manorina melanophrys Bell Minor O Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch O Ninox strenua Powerful Owl C Nyctinomus australis White Striped Mastiff Bat C Nyctophilus gouldi Gould’s Long-eared Bat A Pachycephala pectoralis Golden Whistler O Petroica multicolor Scarlet Robin O Philemon corniculatus Noisy Friarbird O, C Phylidonyris novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater O Physignathus lesueurii Eastern Water Dragon O Platycercus elegans Crimson Rosella O, C Platycercus eximius Eastern Rosella O Pseudechis porphyriacus Red-bellied Black Snake O Pseudocheirus peregrinus Common Ringtail Possum S Pyconotus jocosus * Red-whiskered Bulbul Rattus rattus Black Rat O Rhipidura fuliginosa Grey Fantail O Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail O, C Saproscincus mustelina Weasel Skink O Sphenomorphus quoyii Eastern Water Skink O Strepera graculina Pied Currawong O Streptopelia chinensis * Spotted Turtle Dove O, C Tachyglossus aculeatus Short-beaked Echidna O Tiliqua scincoides Blue Tongue Lizard O

O= Observed, C= Call, A= Anabat, S= Spotlight, SC= Scat, T= Track, * Exotic Species


Fauna Species within Knapsack Reserve Scientific Name Common Name Record Type Trichoglossus haematodus Rainbow Lorikeet O Trichosurus vulpecula Common Brushtail Possum S Vulpes vulpes * Fox S, T Wallabia bicolor Swamp Wallaby O

O= Observed, C= Call, A= Anabat, S= Spotlight, SC= Scat, T= Track, * Exotic Species

Appendix H – Fauna Species Recorded within Knapsack Reserve


Appendix I – Bushfire History of Knapsack Reserve

Appendix I – Bushfire History of Knapsack Reserve 1983 - 2002


Appendix J – Asset Protection Zones (APZ) within Knapsack Reserve

Indicative 30m APZ for 17 High St Glenbrook

Indicative 30m APZ for the buildings at Knapsack Park

Indicative 30m APZ for NW corner of RAAF base

Indicative 30m APZ for residences on Knapsack Street

and Newbridge Place

Indicative 30m APZ for the mushroom farm

(possible future requirement if surrounding vegetation composition changes)

Appendix J – Asset Protection Zones (APZ)within Knapsack Reserve


Appendix K – Fire Trails within Knapsack Reserve

NOT TO SCALE

The fire trails shown above are as follows: • Lovers Walk / Elizabeth Lookout trail; • Marges Lookout trail; • High Street to Lennox Bridge; • Barnet Street to Lovers Walk / Elizabeth Lookout trail; and • Zig Zag trail. Also the old alignment of the Great Western Highway (main western railway prior to the Glenbrook deviation) – although not considered a fire trail it provides significant benefits to fire suppression, fire mitigation and other emergency operations. As such this area should be maintained so that it is accessible by the local emergency services. Appendix K – Map showing trails important for fire suppression and management.

PLAN OF MANAGEMENT KNAPSACK RESERVE

Documents

Transcript of PLAN OF MANAGEMENT KNAPSACK RESERVE