DRAFT VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT PLANS – LACHLAN SHIRE ALBERT
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ALB
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DRAFT VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT PLANS – LACHLAN SHIRE ALBERT
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1. Settlement Overview
1.1. Location & Road Distances
Albert is a settlement located in the north-eastern part of the
Lachlan Shire located between The Bogan Way and Trangie.
Driving distances are approximately:
a) 21km (~17 mins) from Tottenham (via The Bogan Way);
b) 36km (~27 mins) from Tullamore (via The Bogan Way);
c) 59km (~40 mins) from Trangie (via Trangie-Dandaloo Rd)
d) 116km from Condobolin (via The Bogan Way and Fifield Rd);
e) 124km from Dubbo (via Narromine).
Albert is located adjacent to Dandaloo Road (sealed) on the road
to Trangie. It is approximately 3km to the north-east of The
Bogan Way (connecting Tullamore and Tottenham to Nyngan
and the Mitchell/Barrier Highways). Dandaloo is a key regional
link road to Trangie and the Mitchell Highway and back to
Narromine and Dubbo.
1.2. Brief History & Rail
Albert is likely to have grown as a rural service centre that grew
after the construction of the rail line from the Main Western line
at Bogan Gate through Trundle and Tullamore and Albert which
terminates near Tottenham. The station at Albert opened in
October 1916 (www.nswrail.net). It is believed the rail line is
only used to move grain. There is no substantial rail heritage /
buildings now present.
There is little historical information on the internet so it would
be good for Council and the community to pursue a written
history of the town to inform this study and any works.
1.3. Population & Demographics
Albert's Census District is only defined by a State Suburb (SSC
10024) that includes the surrounding rural areas. As at the 2016
Census there were 81 people in this catchment district; 38
private dwellings; a median age of 40, and 18 families but due to
the small population limited information has been provided.
The area that forms part of the Village Zone would be only a
portion of these figures.
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2. Planning Controls & Growth
2.1. Zoning (Land Use)
The key planning controls are in Lachlan Local Environmental
Plan 2013 that applies Zone RU5 Village to the settlement with
Zone SP2 Infrastructure at the Waste Depot and along the rail
line. A Village Zone is a suitable category at this time. The
settlement has a minimum lot size of 4000m2 for subdivision.
The settlement is surrounded by Zone RU1 Primary Production
(that includes the golf course) and the closed waste depot is
Zone SP2 Infrastructure. There are no Zone R5 Large Lot
Residential areas around or near the settlement.
2.2. Crown Land & Growth Opportunities
This Plan does not consider changes to zoning or lot size
boundaries but it is assumed there is sufficient area for
residential and other land use growth at this time as there are a
number of vacant lots within the Village Zone. However, as the
diagram above shows, a large amount of Albert's Village Zone is
actually Crown land. It may be worth approaching the Crown
Lands Department to see if some Crown lands can be released
for private development (if required) particularly along
Federation and Comeback Streets / existing road frontages or
ecological replanting for these lands.
3. Entrance Design & Signage
3.1. Shire Location & Navigation Signage
Albert benefits from being on a key link road to Trangie and
Narromine/Dubbo. However, for tourists travelling along The
Bogan Way there still needs to be sufficient signage to warrant
turning off The Bogan Way. The Rabbit Trap Hotel is a well-
known attraction but signage could be improved (not costed).
There are no Key Facilities Signs (White on Blue) on The Bogan
Way on both approaches to Dandaloo Road showing that Albert
has Fuel/Food/Accommodation/Camping/Toilets so two (2)
should be added. At the intersection there is a clear 'Albert'
(White on Green) sign and it shows connections to Trangie.
3.2. Town Entrance Signage & Gateways
Generally, the large green/cream welcome signs at the northern
and southern entrances are well located and designed and will
only need repainting every 5-8 years.
There is an opportunity to highlight the entrance signs with a
widened / updated planting blister and low landscape that also
acts as a traffic calming device. The existing landscape needs
maintenance.
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3.3. Key Intersections & Navigation
Albert has a simple layout but the local navigation signage still
needs upgrading to provide clear directions to key public
facilities including the camping area(s)and the golf course. Most
of this signage needs to be on Dandaloo Road.
3.4. Central Information Board
Albert should have a small central information board with
history/points of interest. The most suitable location is likely to
be at the Park on the northern side of Federation St. However, it
should not clutter the Memorial Gates or park entries.
3.5. Advertising
Generally advertising signs do not clutter entrances or main
streets. However, it is unusual that a settlement of Albert's size
has facilities like a hotel, accommodation, food and drink, and
free camping areas. These could be better supported with some
consolidated, clear, and well-designed advertising signage (not
costed) at the key turn-off to Albert, village entrance signs,
and/or incorporated into the Central Information Board.
There is hotel / fuel station signage hidden back off the road that
is not clearly visible. The Hotel / Fuel Station owners should
discuss with Council if the hotel and fuel station could be in a
more visible location within the road reserve that does not
contravene any road signage policies/safety.
The Bogan Way/Dandaloo Road intersection (hotel sign hidden)
Example key facilities sign (desirable on The Bogan Way)
Good entrance signage south (planting blisters could be updated/landscaped)
Inner south entrance clear (but needs some landscape/softening)
Federation St intersection (wide but needs some landscape/softening)
Good advertising (needs low landscape / upgrades / orientation to south)
Good entrance signage north (planting blister could be updated/landscaped)
Hotel & fuel station signage on northern entry (consolidate closer to road?)
Railway line & landscape provide strong northern inner entrance
Example Central Information Board
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4. Key Facilities & Attractions
4.1. Park & Camping Facilities
Albert's main public facility is the Park and Memorial Gates on
Federation St opposite the hotel. This Park not only has
playground facilities. It also has a public toilet and hot shower
which functions as amenities for the informal camping areas
adjacent and on nearby Crown Land (see the Key Sites Section
below for upgrade details).
4.2. Other Public Facilities
There are a couple of church buildings along Federation Street
but it is unclear whether these are still in use or are now in
private ownership.
The Rural Fire Services (RFS) Shed is on the corner of Comeback
and Rymer Streets and appears to be relatively new.
The closest public schools appear to be in Tottenham &
Tullamore. This may limit the attraction for young families
unless good school bus services are available. There is no
recreation / sportsground at Albert.
4.3. Retail, Employment & Events
Albert is unique for a town of its size to have one of the largest
independent fuel distributors in NSW (Owens Petroleum) with
sales of up to 2 million litres a week delivered throughout
regional NSW (www.nmowenpetroleum.com). It also includes a
fuel service station.
The focal point of the community is very much the Rabbit Trap
Hotel which offers accommodation, entertainment, food and
drinks appears to run a number of events throughout the year
and is a major tourist drawcard. It would appear that the Hotel
has expanded into providing accommodation adjacent to the
Park using light-weight transportable buildings. If the Hotel
owners can continue to build on this history, attraction and
energy then Albert will have a good future.
GrainCorp has a significant grain storage area on the rail line.
Agriculture is the main employer of the area.
The private Golf Course is an 18-hole bush course and is a
significant opportunity / resource.
Without a major recreation ground Albert does not appear to
host any sporting events or shows.
Memorial Gates & Park, Federation St (See Key Sites for upgrades)
Rural Fire Services (RFS Shed)
Church (not clear if still used)(history at central info. board)
Owens Petroleum (needs softening landscape without impacting access)
The Rabbit Trap Hotel (potential footpath widening / outdoor dining?)
Tourist accommodation (needs landscape without impacting access)
GrainCorp entrance (protect entrance for truck movements)
Golf Club & 18-hole course (aim for increased usage)
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5. Town Centre / Main Street(s) This Section focusses more on other main street upgrades along
Federation St and around the Park.
5.1. Built Form & Streets
Albert is predominantly single storey in character. Detached
dwellings are setback from the street with the hotel having zero
or reduced setbacks to create a defined street edge / focal point.
5.2. Street Trees & Landscape
Federation and Comeback Streets are approximately 30m wide
so the setback dwellings do not create strong street character.
Therefore, street trees/ landscape has the greatest potential to
reinforce the street character.
The overall landscape character appears to be dominated by
native trees but these are sporadic, irregular, and some may not
be ideal street trees. There is potential for some non-native /
ornamental plantings at key locations to provide colour and
variety using species that would not interfere with overhead
power lines.
It is desirable that a street tree master plan is created for Albert.
It would be a relatively simple plan focussing on Dandaloo Road
and Federation Street and could also cover Comeback Street and
the cross streets. This could build on / finalise Council's draft
Street Tree Replacement Procedure (2014) & draft Tree
Replacement Plan/Policy.
The plans in this Chapter show some indicative street tree
planting areas (subject to more detailed investigation – not
costed) that would reinforce the native character of the village
but have more consistent themes that define the street and key
focal points with a focus on shade.
Localised planter boxes or hanging flower arrangements (a lot
more maintenance intensive) could be provided at the hotel but
would need to be maintained by the owners (not costed).
Albert has large hard-stand areas along Dandaloo Road at the
intersection with Federation Street that form the parking/access
to the fuel station and hotel and parking/camping areas for the
Park. However, these large hard-stand areas create a fairly stark
entrance to the village. There are some good landscape strips
between these parking areas and Dandaloo Road but these need
some upgrades.
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5.3. Watercourses & Drainage
Albert is not located on or near any major watercourses. It is
located on relatively flat land. However, there is minor
watercourse to the south-east of Albert and it is expected the
land drains roughly in this direction.
There are a number of drainage channels throughout the town
to pick up rainfall and overland flows. A number of these
channels and culverts are silted up resulting in poor drainage
and areas of standing water. The land should be first surveyed
to ascertain the falls needed for improved drainage. Drainage
lines can then be de-silted and angled to remove water towards
the catchment dams. In particular the channel to the south-
east of the Park could be formalised (at the time of formalising
the parking area).
The culvert under Federation Street is needed for drainage but is
fairly narrow and easily blocked. There is potential to widen this
culvert and upgrade the drainage as long as it does not interfere
with traffic movements from adjacent parking areas.
5.4. Roads Upgrades & Parking
Albert village is predominantly located to the side of Dandaloo
Road. Sealed local roads include Federation and Comeback
Streets and Jonathon and Cedar as cross streets. Rymer Street is
gravel as is most of Middlefield Road that runs along the railway
line. In the longer term Rymer Street could be sealed.
The focal point of the village is the Rabbit Trap Hotel and the
Memorial Park (& tourist accommodation) opposite on
Federation Street. During peak events parking in this area may
be difficult.
Federation Street is approximately 30m wide road reserve but it
only has a narrow two-way seal so the on-street parking is
generally on dirt on the park side. Ideally in the medium term
the road seal would extended across to the Park kerb allowing
parking to be formalised/maximised for larger events. There is
potential for street tree planting blisters to be added to narrow
the street and create a landscaped entrance.
Also, the parking / camping area adjacent to the Park could be
widened (gravel or limited seal) with 90-degree parking
adjacent to the Park and possibly parallel caravan parking on
the other side (to maximise / formalise parking).
Council should discuss with GrainCorp if there are any issues
with providing some additional gravel to the north of the Park
for an expanded informal camping / RV area.
Federation St in front of Park (needs sealing, formalised parking, footpath)
Adjacent to Park (needs gravel/sealing and formalised parking)
Federation St/Dandaloo Rd (widen culvert /crossing / de-silt)
Federation St (widen culvert / de-silt / improve drainage)
Hotel footpath (consider widening / outdoor dining / extension)
Drainage along Dandaloo Rd (improve drainage away from village)
GrainCorp drainage areas (de-silt & drain towards storage dams)
Free (by donation) camping area rear of Park (formalise / gravel / signpost)
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5.5. Footpaths
There is only existing footpath in front of the Hotel and through
the Park. Ideally this would extend along the areas of the
widened Federation Street seal / formalised parking areas and
around the edge of the Park.
Council could work with the Hotel owners / heritage architect to
consider whether there is potential/need to expand the
footpath in front of the Hotel. Currently the footpath is narrow
and there is limited outdoor seating. Widening could allow for a
safer footpath, more outdoor dining, incorporated street trees
for shade and adjacent parallel parking.
With the above narrowing of the road an informal or formal
pedestrian crossing between the Hotel and the Park could be
integrated, but may not be required at the low traffic densities
except during larger events.
5.6. Kerb & Gutter
Kerb and gutter is only provided along some sections of
Federation Street (see diagram on page above). Some parts of
the street have a low kerb that could be upgraded in the longer
term. Suggested kerb and gutter extensions shown on plan
should aim to improve drainage and reinforce road edges.
5.7. Accessibility & Pedestrian Crossings
No accessibility issues have been brought to our attention but
any new footpath works should seek to maximise access to the
Hotel and Park and crossing between with kerb ramps.
5.8. Street Furniture / Seating
Most public seating is provided in the park where there is shade
and amenities. As mentioned above, a widened footpath
outside the hotel could allow some further outdoor seating.
There may be a need to provide more waste bins, particularly
around the park and for the informal camping areas. These
could be standard 240L plastic Sulo bins affixed to posts or the
metal drums – but a consistent type should be chosen where
possible.
5.9. Public Art
There is an opportunity for increased public art in Albert to provide visual
interest, attract passing visitors, and highlight some of the history of the area.
The Rabbit Trap Hotel and its signage is a form of public art. The 'outback
Australian' theme could be continued over to the park and include, for
example, some metal sculpture etc (not costed). These items could be
provided by the community and affixed in appropriate locations by Council.
5.10. Utilities
The Tottenham Water Supply Scheme supplies water to Tottenham and
Albert using the B-section pipeline that runs from Forbes via Parkes Shire to
Tottenham. Forbes Shire Council treats and supplies all water to the B-
section pipeline with the reservoir in Parkes Shire (250kL) (Council's website).
However, it is noted that the pipeline has limited capacity and may not meet
peak summer demand which may have implications for population growth
and the need for ancillary rainfall collection and storage.
Albert does not have access to reticulated sewerage so it is reliant on on-site
sewage management systems such as septic systems – but there was no
comment these are not working.
Albert originally had a Waste Depot to the north-east of the village on
Dandaloo Road, however, this has been closed. The closest waste facility is
at Tottenham.
5.11. Heritage & Culture
A comprehensive history should be prepared by local historians/ the
community to inform visitors and guide this plan and ideally be summarised
on a new Central Information Board.
There are no listed heritage items in or immediately around Albert in the
Local Environmental Plan. However, the Heritage Inventory includes 3
listings including the Rabbit Trap Hotel, All Saints Church, and Albert General
Cemetery. Upgrades to these should buildings should seek heritage advice
and it may be worth having history boards/plaques near these items (not
costed). The history of these items can be included on the central
information board.
We have not investigated Aboriginal heritage in this area but it could be an
opportunity for cultural education and tourism in the area that links in with
the natural environment opportunities (see below).
5.12. Other Tourist Facilities/Attractions
There is potential to create a regional bird watching trail, particularly with
the birdlife associated with nearby wetlands and large areas of Crown
Reserves connection to opportunities in adjacent Shires. We have not
investigated the flora/fauna of Albert but significant vegetation / Crown
reserves surrounding the settlement may provide opportunities for bird
hides and trail/ educational signage (integrate with community information
board).
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6. Key Sites 6.1. Albert (Memorial) Park
Albert's main public facility is the Park and Memorial Gates on
Federation St opposite the hotel. This Park not only has
playground facilities. It also has a public toilet and hot shower
which functions as amenities for the informal camping areas
adjacent and on nearby Crown Land.
Council and the community obviously spend a great deal of
effort in maintaining the park and adding memorials and
achievements. Council's role should be to facilitate the
community to manage the park.
A small master plan / planting plan for this park may be
worthwhile to ensure that there is a longer-term plan for desired
projects and landscape so they don't create an inconsistent
'cluttering' effect and are suitable for its mixed-use. The Park
has a budget for irrigation works in 2018/2019.
The Park is often the first stopping point for visitors to Albert so
either here (or outside the Hotel) would be an ideal place for a
small Central Information Board with a short history of Albert,
explanation of the points of interests / services / facilities /
camping rules, and key emergency contact numbers.
The play equipment/soft-fall area and seating are good as long
as they continue to be maintained and are updated every 5-10
years. The toilet block incorporates a shower and is sufficient
for passing visitors and small numbers of campers (upgrade
every 10-15 years).
Attempts should be made to replace furniture over time with
compatible and robust materials in similar colour schemes/
styles – particularly bins and seating (see Street Furniture
above).
Whilst most campers have their own cooking facilities and
visitors mostly eat at the hotel – Council could add either a
simple BBQ & shelter or longer term a full kitchenette
/sinks/BBQ /seating area ('camp kitchen') (see Temora example
photos) as Albert appears to attract a larger number of visitors.
6.2. Management Plan(s)
For all Crown Lands (and also Council Community lands) ideally
there would be a Plan of Management prepared that would
guide all future decision making in these areas and include the
community and Crown Lands Division in their preparation.
Council's Parks and Reserves Five Year Improvement Plan (2008)
is now outdated or works completed.
Council should continue to support small villages with an
outdoors crew attending a minimum of two (2) times a year
working with the community for a couple of days on major
maintenance, repainting and landscaping projects.
Play equipment, shade, seating and soft-fall is good
Seating is good with some shade
Replace small bins with larger 240L in consistent styles
Ensure monuments do not conflict with play areas (master plan)
Park toilet / camping amenities meet local/visitor needs
Example camp kitchen & seating area (Temora)
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7. Summary Action Table (Subject to Community Consultation)
Item Description
Indicative Timing:
Short (1-3 years / Medium
3-5 years / Long (>5 years)
ENTRANCE DESIGN & SIGNAGE
1
Key Facilities Signs (White on Blue) on The Bogan Way both approaches to Dandaloo Road (incorporate Sign to The
Rabbit Trap Hotel) - seek RMS approval Medium
2 Repainting Town Entrance Signs (every 5-8 years) Medium
3 Widen/upgrade entrance sign blister Short
4 Replant entrance sign blister with low maintenance plantings Short
5 Navigation signage to Camping Areas & Golf Course (Dandaloo Rd intersection) Medium
6 Central (tourist) information board - 1 panel with small shade structure (information to be provided by community) Medium
TOWN CENTRE / MAIN STREET(S) - STREET UPGRADES
7 Road seal Federation St (widen to kerb past accommodation) 6m by 55m Medium
8 Widen footpath outside hotel / relocate kerb (2.5m wide by 25m long) Medium
9 Extend footpaths both sides Federation Street (60m both sides) Medium
10 Widen drainage culvert under Federation Street to 8-10m - install broader pipe Long
11 Seal Rymer St (6m wide / 130m long) Long
TOWN CENTRE / MAIN STREET(S) - LANDSCAPE UPGRADES
12 Maintenance to landscape strip between Hotel & Dandaloo Road Short
13 Street tree master plan (Federation / Comeback Sts & Dandaloo Rd) Medium
14 Planting of street trees in footpath / verge 60-100 trees + protectors Medium
15 Feature tree planting near entrance signs (no blisters) - 30-50 trees Medium
16 Install tree planting blisters along Dandaloo St (10-15 blisters) Long
17 Tree planting along Golf Course edge (100 trees + fencing?) Long
TOWN CENTRE / MAIN STREET(S) - STREET FURNITURE
18 240L Sulo Bins / post mounted Short
19 Metal bench seats painted Medium
20 Public art installations / fixing (provided by community) Long
ALBERT (MEMORIAL) PARK & ADJACENT CAMPING AREAS
21 Survey drainage channel for levels to improve drainage Short
22 Recontour drainage line adjacent to Park (earthworks ~100m) Short
23 Formalise parking adjacent to park (gravel + signage + bollards) 55m long Short
24 Gravel informal camping area on GrainCorp site (~800sqm) Medium
25 Master / Landscape / Management Plan for Park Medium
26 Update/maintain seats & bins Medium
27 Update/maintain Play Equipment every 10-15 years Long
28 Update/maintain Amenities Block every 10-15 years Long
29 Camp Kitchen Structure (if sufficient demand) at rear of park Long