RANDWICK CITY HEFFRON PARK - … · RANDWICK CITY HEFFRON PARK. Plan of Management. ... • Geoff...

RANDWICK CITY

HEFFRON PARKPlan of Management

Reserve 81741 for Public Recreation

To ensure Crown land is managed for the benefit of the people of NSW (s.10 Crown Lands Act 1989)

April 2009

Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1.1 Background to the Plan of Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1.2 Aims and purpose of this Plan of Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1.3 Legislation and policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

1.4 Council’s Strategic Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2. Description of Heffron Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.1 Location and Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.2 Brief History of Heffron Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.3 Tenures (Leases and Licences) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2.4 Condition of the Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

2.5 Current Use of Heffron Park and Existing Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3. Preparing the Plan of Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

3.1 The Planning Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

3.2 Community Consultation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

3.3 Demographic Analysis and Sporting Trends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

4. Management of Heffron Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4.1 Vision Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4.2 Design Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

4.3 Management Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

4.4 Landscape Concept Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

4.5 Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

4.6 Works and Staging Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

4.7 Guidelines for Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

APPENDICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Appendix 1 Council Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Appendix 2 Working Committee & Community Subcommittee -

Summary of Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Appendix 3 Analysis of Sporting Supply, Demand & Demographics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Appendix 4 Plant Species List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

HEFFROn PARk PLAn OF MAnAGEMEnT

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSHeffron Park Plan of Management Working Committee

Randwick City Council would like to acknowledge the role of the Heffron Park Plan of Management Working Committee for their assistance, time and dedication in the preparation of the Plan of Management. Members of the Working Committee were:

Mayor (Councillor Murray Matson & Councillor Ted Seng)•

Deputy Mayor (Councillor Bruce notley-Smith & Councillor Murray Matson)•

Councillor Robert Belleli•

Councillor Michael Daley•

Councillor Alan White•

Councillor Anthony Andrews (alternate for Ward Councillors)•

Tim Booth (Moore Park & South East Cricket Association)•

John Buckton (Randwick Botany Cycle Club Inc.)•

Paul Cooper (Bunnerong Gymnastics Association Inc.)•

Stephen Fisher (South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League Ltd)•

Mark Louis (Eastern Suburbs Soccer Football Association)•

Grace McDonald (Sporting & Park History Representative)•

Patricia Martin (Randwick netball Association Inc.)•

2 Community Representatives (nominated from Sub-Committee)•

Heffron Park Plan of Management Community Representative Sub-Committee

Randwick City Council would also like to thank the members of the Community Representative Sub-Committee for their valuable input in the preparation of the Plan of Management. Members of the Community Representative Sub-Committee were:

Elizabeth Abrahams •

Simone Baron•

Greg Baxter•

Michael Bracken•

Paul d’Alpuget•

John Giavis•

Brett Govendir•

Tony Middleton•

Grant Roe•

Chris Ryan•

nicholas Salerni•

Shirley Struk•

Henry Twaddell•

Geoff Williams•

In addition, Council would like to thank John Harrison, independent facilitator, who chaired both the Working Committee and Sub-Committee meetings, and the local

community and sporting organisations that provided input into this plan.


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Background

HeffronParkisa44hectareCrownReservenotifiedon26June1959forthepublicpurpose of “public recreation” and located in the suburb of Maroubra in the City of Randwick. Care, control and management of the Park is the responsibility of the Heffron Park (R81741) Reserve Trust and Randwick City Council manages the affairs of the Trust. The Plan of Management applies to all land within the Crown Reserve including that occupied by the Des Renford Aquatic Centre.

Statement of Significance

HeffronParkisasignificantregionalparkwhichprovidesforarangeofsportingfacilities (including netball courts, rugby league, soccer, touch football, oz tag and cricketfields,cycletrack,tennis,gymnasticsandindoorsportingcentre)andpassiverecreation areas which cater for the recreation needs of Randwick City residents and those from surrounding local government areas. Located on the south-eastern corner of the Park is the Des Renford Aquatic Centre which comprises both indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The park is also important for recreation and leisure including jogging and walking.

On 19 October 2004 Council resolved to prepare concurrently a new Plan of Management and Landscape Plan for Heffron Park. The primary reasons for preparing this new Plan of Management are to ensure that developments and improvements in the Park are relevant to the community’s sports and recreational needs (both current and future) and are compatible with the purpose, cultural value and features of Heffron Park. In addition, Council has had requests from a number of sporting clubs and associations in relation to proposed improvement or expansion of existing facilities or development of new facilities in the Park.

The Plan of Management has been prepared under the Crown Lands Act 1989 and provides the statutory requirements, clear guidelines and designation of areas, to enhancetheuseoftheparkbyallthecommunityandminimiseanyconflictbetweenexisting and future user groups.

Key Objective

The key objective of the Plan of Management is to ensure that Heffron Park retains its importance as a sporting park while providing increased opportunities and improvements in passive recreation (eg. walking paths, picnic and BBQ areas and children’s playgrounds). This has been achieved in the Landscape Concept which outlines the design issues and provides a concept design for the Park’s future that includes the majority of requests and suggestions raised during consultation with sporting groups and the community.

Community Consultation

The Plan of Management, including a Landscape Concept, was developed from consultation with sporting groups and community representatives from 2005. A Working Committee was established to oversee the preparation of the plans and included Councillors, representatives from key sporting groups, community


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representatives and Council staff. A Community Representative Sub-Committee wasalsoestablishedandincludedfifteencommunityrepresentatives.Consultationwith the wider local community, sporting groups and other user groups was also undertaken during the preparation of the Plan.

A key aspect of the consultation process is the exhibition of the Plan to seek further feedback to ensure that it meets the needs and interests of the local community and all park users.

The Landscape Concept was exhibited between April and June 2006 and a number of changes were made to the Park design in response to submissions received. The formal exhibition of the draft Plan of Management was undertaken between December 2008andMarch2009.ThefinalversionofthePlanofManagementreflectsthecomments raised during the extensive community consultation.

The Plan of Management recognises the current and likely demographic changes in Randwick City as well as changing trends in sporting and recreation, such as an increase in passive activities (such as walking) as our population ages. The Plan is also based on an analysis of the park features and current use of the park, including bookingsofsportingfields.

Key Design Principles

ThePlanofManagementidentifiesanumberofkeydesignprinciplesbasedontheanalysis and consultation, including:

the principal use of Heffron Park is as a sporting facility which also caters for •passive recreation such as children’s play and walking;

sportingfieldsareconfiguredsothatcompatiblesportscanbeco-locatedduring•summer and winter seasons;

thelocationofplayingfieldsandfacilitiesdoesnotcauseconflictbetweensporting•activities;

any new facilities are multi-use and will encourage and cater for a variety of •sporting and associated uses and are readily accessible from outside and within the Park;

there is additional and improved safe pedestrian access through the Park providing •linkages to facilities within the Park and to areas outside;

trafficaccesswithintheParkisprohibitedexceptforserviceandemergency•vehicles;

the design of all features and landscaping in the Park is best practice and •sustainable; and

landscapingincludesamixoflocalindigenousandexoticflorawhichsuitsthe•characteristics of the Park and provides visual buffer areas, wind breaks and an aesthetic feature.


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Facilities Upgrade

The Plan of Management proposes a major and long term upgrade of all facilities, passive and active recreation areas and landscaping of Heffron Park including:

new multi-use facilities (amenities blocks, change rooms, kiosks and clubhouses);•

two new indoor recreation buildings; one accommodating a variety of uses including •indoor basketball, netball and soccer, meeting and club rooms, and the other accommodating a new gymnastics facility;

retention and upgrading of the Des Renford Aquatic Centre;•

upgradeofallsportingfields;•

better located and new car parks;•

additional passive recreation areas including children’s playground and cycle track, •picnic and BBQ facilities, open play areas and grassed amphitheatre; and

retention of existing native vegetation and extensive landscape improvements.•

Funding

Council endorsed at its 30 October 2007 meeting, a funding option which uses a combination of funds from S94A Development Contributions, the domestic waste levy and annual budgets and contributions from the UnSW. This endorsed funding option has been revised to exclude the contribution from the UnSW as this has notbeenconfirmed.Therefore,usingthefundingcombination(S94A,domesticwaste and annual budgets) the Landscape Concept would be staged over a period of approximately 15 years, or earlier if funds from sporting groups and associations orgrantsbecomeavailable.Fivestageshavebeenidentifiedfortheimprovements,based on the location of the works and relationship between sports (eg. upgrading in off-seasons).

New plantings of Moreton Bay Figs (Ficus macrophylla) along the parkland road boundaries to be maintained (Clouston Associates 2006)


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1. Introduction

1.1 Background to the Plan of Management

The primary reasons for preparing a new plan of management are to ensure that development within the park is relevant to the community’s sporting and recreational needs(currentandfuture)andiscompatiblewiththepublicpurpose,identifiedvaluesand features of Heffron Park. The Plan of Management and accompanying Landscape Conceptprovideclearguidelinesanddesignationofareastoenabletheefficientuseoftheparkbythewholecommunityandminimiseanyconflictbetweenexistingandfuture user groups. The Plan of Management applies to all land within the Crown Reserve including that occupied by the Des Renford Aquatic Centre.

Council has had requests from a number of sporting clubs and associations in relation to proposed expansion of existing facilities or development of new facilities at Heffron Park. As a result of these requests, and the need to update and review the 1997 Plan of Management, Council resolved to prepare this new Plan of Management for Heffron Park.

1.2 Aims and purpose of this Plan of Management

The aims of the plan are to provide a clear, concise and practical framework for the management of Heffron Park.

The purpose of the plan is to provide the community, sporting and user groups and Randwick City Council with direction for future recreational uses and the environmentally sustainable management of Heffron Park.

The plan of management:

satisfiestherequirementsoftheCrownLandsAct1989andisconsistentwiththe•ObjectsoftheAct,thePrinciplesofCrownLandManagement,thenotifiedpublicpurpose (public recreation) and Council’s strategic planning and management documents;

identifiesandaddressesthekeyissuesaffectingHeffronParkandestablishes•management objectives, strategies and relevant actions in an ‘Action Plan’;

sets a vision for Heffron Park for the next 15 years to ensure the park •accommodates a range of public sporting facilities and general recreational needs and protects and enhances the natural, social and cultural values of the park;

ensures that the future design and staging of works in the Park are clearly •identified.

The Plan of Management provides the framework for managing public land and identifiesappropriateusesontheland.TheLandscapeConceptidentifiesthefuturedesignofthepark(eg.locationofplayingfields,landscaping,recreationandamenitybuildings, parking areas and pathways). Estimated costs of landscape and building works, and a staging plan, are provided in later sections of this plan.


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1.3 Legislation and policy

Crown Lands Act 1989

Heffron Park is a Crown Reserve with care, control and management the responsibility of the Heffron Park (R81741) Reserve Trust.1 Randwick City Council manages the affairs of the Trust and has therefore commissioned the plan of management under the Crown Lands Act 1989.

The Department of Lands land management philosophy directly relates to the principles of Crown land management, which are listed in section 11 of the Crown Lands Act 1989.

The principles are:

a) that environmental protection principles be observed in relation to the management and administration of Crown land;

Comment: the Plan of Management will incorporate environmental features including the use of local native vegetation in landscaping, investigating water recyclinganddesigningsportingfieldstobemulti-usetherebyconsolidatingareas requiring irrigation.

b) thatthenaturalresourcesofCrownland(includingwater,soil,flora,faunaandscenic quality) be conserved wherever possible;

Comment: the Park is substantially cleared with little natural resources remaining. The existing pockets of native vegetation will be conserved and the ‘natural’ sandpit area in the centre of the site will be revegetated and promoted asalandscapefeature.Thescenicqualityoftheparkwillbesignificantlyimproved.

c) that public use and enjoyment of appropriate Crown land be encouraged;

Comment: the proposed improvements to both the passive and active open space will encourage and increase the use of the Park.

d) that, where appropriate, multiple use of Crown land be encouraged;

Comment:encouragingmulti-useofsportingfieldsandfacilitiesisakeyprincipleinthePlanofManagementandintheparkdesignforallplayingfieldsand facilities and areas for passive recreation.

e) that, where appropriate, Crown land should be used and managed in such a way that both the land and its resources are sustained in perpetuity; and

Comment:theproposalprovidesforthesignificantparkimprovements.

f) that Crown land be occupied, used, sold, leased, licensed or otherwise dealt with in the best interests of the State consistent with the above principles.

Comment: the Plan of Management provides guidelines for the licensing of areas within the Park which are consistent with the above principles and the Crown Lands Act 1989.

1 Randwick City Council manages the Reserve Trust.


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The Plan of Management addresses: the Park’s condition (including the condition of any buildings or other improvements on the reserve), existing use of the park; nature and scale and terms of any lease, licence or other arrangement; and any submission made in relation to the draft Plan of Management during public exhibition.

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979

State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007

TheSEPP(Infrastructure)identifiesdevelopmentpermittedwithoutconsent(cl65)orexempt development (cl66) on a public reserve including (but not limited to) roads, cycleways, outdoor recreation facilities and landscaping.

1.4 Council’s Strategic Planning

The Randwick City Plan

The Randwick City Plan establishes the 20 year vision and desired outcomes for Randwick City. This vision is to build a ‘sense of community’ achieved through the mission statement of ‘working together to enhance our environment, celebrate our heritage and to value and serve our diverse community’. One of the key outcomes of the City Plan is ‘excellence in recreation and lifestyle opportunities’ including world class parks and recreational facilities. A key action in the City Plan is to update Plans of Management for open space areas focusing on sustainable design and multi-use facilities. The Heffron Park Plan of Management, including the Landscape Concept, has been prepared based on the vision and actions contained in this city wide strategic plan. key outcome 10 – A Healthy Environment is also addressed by this Plan of Management. The choice of plant species, revegetation and tree planting and the restoration of the ‘sand pit’ area addresses the outcome in the City Plan of ‘land use planning and management enhances and protects biodiversity and natural heritage’.

Management Plan

Council’s Management Plan is reviewed annually and works to achieve the outcomes by implementing the directions and key actions from the Randwick City Plan.

Annual Report and Budgets

Council’s Annual Report provides the reporting mechanism and budget information to demonstrate how Council is achieving the vision and desired outcomes of the City Plan via the Management Plan.

Randwick Local Environmental Plan 1998

The Randwick Local Environmental Plan 1998 provides the statutory framework for landuseplanningintheCity.Itcontrolsthedevelopmentoflandforspecificpurposesthrough zoning and development controls. It contains clauses relating to the use and management of open space.


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Zoning

Heffron Park is zoned 6A (Open Space Zone).

(1) The objectives of the zone are:

a) to identify publicly owned land used or capable of being used for public recreational purposes; and

b) to allow development that promotes, or is related to, the use and enjoyment of open space; and

c) to identify and protect land intended to be acquired for public open space; and

d) to identify and protect natural features that contribute to the character of the land; and

e) to enable the sustainable management of the land.

(2) Development for the purpose of the following does not require development consent:

works(butnotbuildings)involvedinlandscaping,gardeningorbushfirehazardreduction, public utility undertakings; recreation

(3) Development for the purpose of the following requires development consent:

buildings ordinarily incidental or ancillary to landscaping, car parks; child care centres; clubs; communication facilities, community facilities; gardening or bushfirehazardreduction;helicopterlandingsites;outdooradvertising;publictransport; recreation facilities; restaurants; roads;

(4) Any development not included in subclause (2) or (3) is prohibited.

The landscape and building works proposed in the Landscape Concept are consistent

with the objectives and permissible uses within the zone.

Clause 40A Master plans

This clause requires a master plan to be prepared for sites more than 4,000 square metres, to ensure a comprehensive framework for future development of large sites.ThisrequirementcanbewaivedifCouncilissatisfiedthatadequateguidelinesand controls applying to the land are already in place. Recent amendments to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (the Act) as part of the nSW planning reforms have altered the status of master plans. Master plans that were initially required by Local Environmental Plans are to be interpreted as requiring a development control plan or a staged development application for the site.

This Plan of Management has been prepared to address the master plan requirements for preparing a comprehensive framework for the site’s future, and this provides suitable guidelines and controls which will allow for the waiving of a master plan (now a development control plan) for the site. This will streamline the planning documents for the site.


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Thefollowingrangeofmatters(asidentifiedinclause40AMasterplans)hasbeenconsidered in the Plan of Management:

design principles drawn from an analysis of the site and its context;•

phasing of development;•

distribution of land uses (including public open space and environmental protection •areas);

subdivision pattern;•

heritage conservation (including both Aboriginal and European heritage);•

infrastructure provision;•

pedestrian, cycle and road access and circulation network;•

parking provision;•

provision of public facilities;•

impact and improvements to the public domain;•

provision of open space function and landscaping;•

identificationandconservationofnativefloraandfaunahabitatonthesite•(including any threatened species, populations or ecological communities);and

•principlesofecologicallysustainabledevelopment. Thesitefallsoutsidetheareaidentifiedasbeingaffectedbyacidsulfatesoils. Randwick s.94A Development Contributions Plan This plan provides the mechanism for requiring development contributions for Council to increase or enhance public amenities and services required as a result of development.TheworksidentifiedinthisPlanwillbefundedinpartfromCouncil’ss.94A Development Contributions Plan.

Recreation Needs Study (2008)

Council’sRecreationNeedsStudyconsideredclassificationsforallopenspaceinRandwickCity.HeffronParkhasbeenclassifiedasaregionalpark.Regionalparksarethose open spaces that are large or unique areas that attract residents and visitors from the whole of the Randwick LGA and beyond. Regional parks are sporting and/or passive parkland areas with the following attributes:

high quality level of development of facilities and associated sporting infrastructure;•

high service level standards, such as maintenance;•

high carrying capacity in relation to the number of simultaneous users;•

diverse range of uses.•

TheprinciplesidentifiedintheRecreationNeedsStudyforregionalparksare:

provide a diversity of recreational opportunity in both scale and type;•

multi-use should be maximized;•

provide opportunities for both passive and informal recreation;•

ensurethesignificantbushlandareasofthesesitesaremanagedtopreservetheir•value and inherent qualities;

ensure adequate access and associated parking to support the variety of uses and •


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to minimize impacts on neighbouring residential communities;

develop internal loops and pathways that provide walking/cycle trails which should •be linked into the existing surrounding street footpath and cycleway network;

where appropriate, provide amenity buildings and other facilities that support both •active and passive park users and spectators;

where appropriate, provide high grade facilities for participation in sporting •activities without minimizing the opportunity for access to the open space by the community;

whereappropriate,ensuresustainableuseoftheplayingfieldsbydeveloping•proceduresandopportunitiestomanageoveruseoftheplayingfields.

The above principles have been addressed in this Plan of Management.

Department of Lands Policy

Food and Beverage Outlets on Crown Reserves (2004)

Individuals or groups often approach the Department of Lands and reserve trust managers to approve the establishment of kiosks (cafes) and restaurants on reserved and dedicated Crown reserves. Because of the need to maintain the integrity of the special nature of pubic purpose reserves, a consistent approach to the establishment of these facilities across the State is required. The above departmental policy provides guidance in this regard.

Existing native Red Grass (Bothriochloa macra) on the perimeter of the 'sand pit' (Clouston Associates 2006).


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2. Description of Heffron Park

2.1 Location and Description

Heffron Park is a 44 hectare park located approximately 10 kilometres south east of the Sydney CBD as shown in Figure 2. It is located within the suburb of Maroubra and is bounded by Bunnerong Road, Fitzgerald Avenue, Jersey Road and Robey Street (refer Figure 1).

Heffron Park Reserve Trust

Heffron Park is a Crown Reserve for the public purpose of “public recreation”, being Reserve no.81741. It comprises Lots 7027 and 7026 in DP1026884 and Lot 1211 in DP752015. Randwick City Council was appointed trustee on the Reserve Trust on 26th June 1959, having an estate in fee simple in the reserve in relation to which it is trustee. In May 1994, the Department of Conservation and Land Management advised Council that the name “Heffron Park (R.81741) Reserve Trust” has been assigned to the Trust for management of Heffron Park (Government Gazette 13 May 1994).

2.2 Brief History of Heffron Park

Heffron Park was originally part of the Botany Watershed. The original landscape consisted of sclerophyllous heath/scrub community known as Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS), undulating sand dunes and an inter-connected wetland marsh system that ran from the current site of Centennial Parklands through to Botany Bay. The area was an important freshwater supply for the early European settlements of Sydney and Botany Bay.

Heffron Park is located within the clan territories of the Gadi people. It is highly likely that the Botany Bay Wetlands would have been an important source of freshwater, food and raw materials for the local indigenous communities. However, there is no documentedevidencethatthelandthatcomprisesHeffronParkheldsignificantvaluesfor the local indigenous community.

Since European settlement, Heffron Park has undergone major physical changes withthedrainingofthearea’swetlands,clearingofnaturalvegetationandfillingandlevelling of the site for various uses. The proposed revegetation using a mix of local indigenousandexoticspecieswillprovidesignificantimprovementstothelandscapecharacterofthePark,withanumberofareaslandscapedtoreflectoriginalvegetation.

Originally the site formed part of a larger farming settlement known as the “Labour Farm”. The farming settlement provided dormitory style housing for older men who worked the land growing wheat and vegetables.

“Although the exact nature of the site is not known, it appears to have existed under the Labour Settlement Act of 1893, which provided for Crown Land to be used for labour settlements managed by independent boards of control.”2

Heffron Park was used as a navy storage facility during World War II. Remnants of this use can be seen in the remaining internal concrete roads used for the cycle criterion track and the adaptive reuse of the old warehouses for the existing recreation centreandtheconcretefloorslabsforthecurrentcarparkandnetballcourts.

2 Randwick’s Social History – The Labour Farm.


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The original navy site layout has very much dictated the current spatial landuse arrangement of the park today.

The site was also a migrant hostel in the years following World War II.

Randwick City Council was appointed the manager of the land for public recreation in 1959.ThatsameyeartheCounciltenderedfortheconstructionofthefirstpoollaterto be named the Des Renford Centre. The park since then has been used for a range of organised sport and passive recreation.

Figure 1: Aerial Photo of Heffron Park showing park features (including playing fields,DesRenfordAquaticCentre,indoorsportsbuildings,pedestrianandcycletracks and carparking areas) and surrounding roads.


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Figure2:LocalContextasidentifiedinLandscapeConceptPlan


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Native Title

As Heffron Park is a Crown public reserve it is necessary to give due consideration to the Commonwealth native Titles Act 1993 and the native Title Act (nSW) 1994. The following assessment on the past uses of the Park provides the basis for consideration under this legislation.

In the early years of European settlement, Heffron Park was part of the Botany watershed. The area supplied fresh water to the settlement of Sydney and nearby Botany Bay. The region consisted of low coastal heath, undulating sand dunes and interconnected wet marshlands. These extended from the lower Eastern Suburbs coastal areas then inland across to Botany Bay. It is reasonable to assume, in view of the presence of freshwater, that the area could have been used by local Aboriginal groups as a source for natural provisions. However, there is no evidence that the landthatcomprisesHeffronParkheldthisoranyothersignificantvaluesforlocalAboriginal people.

The site has since undergone several physical changes including the removal of all naturalsurfacewaterwaysandtheremovalofthevastmajorityofnativefloraandfauna.Thesehaveresultedinsignificantchangestothetopographyoftheland.Previously, the site was used as a major military storage facility and then later as a migrant hostel. In more recent years there has been a diverse range of sports and recreation facilities constructed within the reserve.

Given these substantial changes to the land it is considered that the native title for the site has been extinguished. The implementation of the Plan of Management is unlikely toconflictwithanyoftheprovisionsoftheNativeTitleAct1993.

2.3 Tenures (Leases and Licences)

Leases and Licences

In accordance with the provisions of the Crown Lands Act, 1989, the Reserve Trust has to date entered into licence or lease agreements with a number of organizations (refer below).

The principle characteristic of a licence agreement is that the licensee should not have the legal right to exclusive possession of the land. Conversely, a lease agreement provides exclusive or concurrent rights of possession, occupancy and access to the premises.

Of the Park’s total 44 hectares, 7.9 hectares (approximately 18%) are managed (by lease or licence – whether current or to be renegotiated) by third party sport and recreationorganizationsasshowninthetablebelow.Specificmanagementstrategiesand relevant actions in relation to leases and licences are detailed in the Action Plan in Section 4.5.


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ORGANISATIONLEASE/LICENCE

DETAILSMANAGEMENT AREA IN

HECTARES

Randwick netball Association Inc. Licence Jan 03-Dec 08 netball Control Centre

approx 750m2

Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Archdiocese of Sydney (Marcellin College)

Lease2003-2022offieldsand building Approx 39,000m2

Eastern Suburbs Tennis Association Inc. Licence (currently expired) Approx 37,700m2

Bunnerong Gymnastics Association Inc. Licence expires 2014 Approx 1,150m2

Randwick Botany Amateur Cycling Club Inc.

Licence (expires Dec 2011) Approx 100m2

nSW Handball Association Inc. Licence 2003-2008 Approx 160m2

Total Approx 78860m2

2.4 Condition of the Land

Soils, drainage and earth mounding

PrevioustopsoilprofilestakenthroughoutHeffronParkrevealedamixtureofsandtypes including yellow, white and grey to depths of 1.0 metres. Generally, the soils have less than 5-10% silt or clay (average soil pH 5.75). The soils are representative of the aeolian sands of the eastern suburbs of Sydney and are typical of the soils of EasternSuburbsBanksiaScrub.Thevarioussoiltypesprovideefficientdrainageforthesportsfieldsbutrequireadditionalorganicnutrientsandwatertosustainadequategrass cover.

ThereareseveralsmallmoundswithintheParkconsistingofcompactfill.Thehardfillreduceswaterfiltrationonthemoundsandincreasesthelevelofrun-offontonearbysurroundingareascausingminorflooding.Inparticular,anecdotally,floodingoccursonthelowlevelwesternboundaryareaoftheminisoccerfieldsinthecentralregionofthePark.ThereareseveralsteeplygradedartificialmoundsinthecentreofthePark which are currently being investigated. Council will prepare an environmental management strategy to ensure that all future works and development within the park comply with State legislative requirements and to ensure the ongoing safe use of the park.

Contamination

Given the Park’s history of varied use, Council is undertaking the appropriate contamination investigations according to the State legislative requirements. Council engaged environmental consultants to investigate the mound areas in the centre of the site, and samples throughout the site, to identify any areas that may need special considerationinthepreparationoftheLandscapeConcept.Investigationsidentifiedasbestosfragments(notfibres)inanumberoflocationswithinthePark.Theseareaswere fenced and the visible ground surface fragments removed.


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Ongoing monitoring is being undertaken by Council of these areas.

Council has also commissioned environmental consultants to review all documentation relating to previous environmental investigations of the Park. This requires the preparation of an environmental management strategy prior to any major development to ensure that all future works and development and maintenance within the park complies with State legislative requirements (including State Environmental Planning Policy no.55 – Remediation of Land) and ensures the ongoing safe use of the park. The Asbestos Management Plan: Heffron Park, Maroubra (2006) requires compliance with the outcomes of the environmental management strategy.

Water and irrigation

In accordance with the Water Management Act, 2000, Council retains licences to operate a single network of four interconnected bore water pumps within Heffron Park. Under the terms and conditions of the licence agreements, Council cannot extract from any bore more than 15 litres per second per pump and 276 megalitres per pump in any 12 month period. To conserve and manage the Park’s natural water resources, more accurate information is required. This information should be aimed at identifying the distribution and quality of water being consumed at each site within the Park.

A key feature of the Plan of Management is to ensure that the Park’s design and maintenance is environmentally sustainable. The Landscape Concept has a number of water sensitive design features including the use of local indigenous vegetation inlandscapingandrationalisingtheirrigationofsportingfields.Councilisalsoinvestigating opportunities for water reuse, water harvesting, use of rainwater tanks and integrated natural water cycle design within the Park.

Original and remnant vegetation

The vegetation of the area was predominantly made up of the community known as Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBS) that is listed as endangered on Schedule 1 Part 3 of the nSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and as endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Heffron Park does not contain any intact ESBS communities, however, some individual species are present.

There are two small pockets of remnant vegetation which will be retained and augmented as an important area of biodiversity and opportunity for passive recreation.

The largest example of remnant vegetation in the park is located toward the centre of the site and roughly forms the shape of a triangle known as the ‘sand pit’. This ishighlymodifiedlandscapebutstillprovidesanexampleoftheoriginalsanddunelandscape and some indigenous plant species. This area also has the potential for the interpretation of the original landscape of the area and is included as a key natural feature in the Landscape Concept.

Otherareasofindigenousvegetation,althoughhighlymodifiedsites,includetheareasurroundingtherugbyfieldclubhouse(alongRobeyStreet)andtheareaontopofthehill along Jersey Road. Efforts will be made to ensure the retention and augmentation of all these areas of vegetation.

A detailed planting list for the Park including both indigenous and exotic plant species, is contained in Appendix 4.


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Native Fauna

Thesmallareasofweeds,exoticandindigenousvegetationaswellastheopenfieldsprovide habitat for some species of local fauna. Many common native bird species such as magpies, new Holland honeyeaters and Australian ravens occur here as well as the less common superb fairy wren and willy wagtail. Indigenous lizard species, suchasbluetonguesandfenceskinksarealsolikelytobepresentalthoughnoofficialrecordings have been made. The Park has the potential to provide more complex habitat for a greater variety of fauna species without having any negative impact on the recreational uses.

Vandalism and graffiti

Actsofvandalismandgraffitionparkpropertyincursubstantialcostsinmaintenanceand repairs. In addition, these acts affect the visual quality of the park environment and increase the perceived fear of crime and antisocial behaviour. This ultimately affects the attractiveness and use of the Park. In Heffron Park the main targets for vandalsandgraffitistshavebeentheinteriorsoftheamenitiesbuildingsandthelarge exposed outdoor surface areas of the indoor sports centres. These locations are generally open to public view but, at particular times during the day or late evening, they are remote enough for illegal activities to go undetected. In most cases, areas subjectedtovandalismandgraffitiarepoorlylitandarerelativelyoutofsightinthe evenings from surrounding residential areas. Good design has an important role in minimising crime. This has been a key element in the design of the proposed landscaping and building works.

2.5 Current Use of Heffron Park and Existing Facilities

Sporting uses

The park has a variety of uses throughout the year with a predominance of cricket, oz tag, touch football and netball as summer sport; and soccer, netball, rugby league, AFL, touch football and oz tag during winter, by local and regional sporting groups. There is also use of the park by school groups during the week. An analysis of the bookingsforsportingfieldsintheparkwasundertakenaspartofthepreparationofthePlanofManagementwhichidentifiedanumberofissuesandopportunitiesregarding the current use of the park, including:

cricket pitches are spread across the entire park;•

park appears under utilised and there is the potential for greater use;•

cycle tracks separate sports of the same code;•

potential for a greater variety of sports to be played;•

some areas are over-used and some are under-used; and•

potentialtoreorganizefieldstokeepcodestogether.•

The Landscape Concept Plan report provides a detailed description of the use of sportingfieldsincludingtheintensityofuseinboththesummerandwinterseasons.


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Passive recreation

The park is moderately well used for passive recreation, predominantly walking for exercise and cycling. The existing provision of freely available recreational opportunities for children, older people and people with a disability within the Park is very limited. The existing play equipment is neither designed for use by disabled children nor is it targeted to cater for a range of children age groups. Also within the Park there is a general lack of appropriately designed and sheltered park furniture for adults supervising children or by other visitors to the Park. The lack of passive recreation opportunities, and the condition of play areas, was raised as an issue duringthepreparationoftheLandscapeConcept.ThePlanprovidesforsignificantimprovement in passive recreation opportunities including; walking paths, picnic and BBQ areas, children’s playgrounds and cycle paths.

Owing to the concentration and ad hoc location of sporting facilities throughout the park, there is a general lack of open space available for passive recreation. The Landscape Concept has focused on increasing opportunities for passive open space while retaining the area available for sporting uses. The design includes a number of walking pathways to features within the Park and providing cross park connections.

Existing buildings

TherearethreesignificantsinglestoreyindoorsportscentreswithinHeffronPark:

Des Renford Aquatic Centre;•

Matraville Tennis, Squash and Indoor Cricket Centre;•

Bunnerong Gymnastics Centre.•

Two storey buildings within the Park include:

the administrative building within the Des Renford Aquatic Centre;•

Marcellin College Sports Pavilion; and•

Randwick netball Association Administration Centre.•

In addition, there are four single storey public amenities buildings that provide toilet, change room and storage facilities:

amenities building no.1 (located in the south-western corner of the Park) which •servicestheNo.1playingfield.ThebuildingincludesakioskinwhichtheMatravilleTigers Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc, has a vested interest;

amenities building no.2 (located in the south of the Park) which services the four •hockeyfieldsandno.2playingfield;

amenitiesbuildingNo.3(locatednortheast)whichservicesno.3playingfieldand•theadjacentsportsfields.Thebuildingalsoprovidesfacilitiesfordisabledpersons.

amenities building no.4 (located in the north west) -provides public conveniences •forthenearbyminisoccerfields,thenetballcourtsandcycletrack.Thebuildingalso houses the ground staff quarters.

Other structures include:

constructed in a central position between the tennis courts is a single storey •building for use by patrons of the tennis complex

four small pump houses are sited at various locations around the park. •


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Proposed new initiatives and works

Overall,thepoorarchitecturaldesignandfunctionalityofthesebuildingssignificantlydetracts from the visual quality of the Park and their demolition/replacement is proposed in the Landscape Concept.

Children’s playground

There is one children’s playground within Heffron Park located near the south-eastern corner of the Park.


The playground has been upgraded and additional passive recreation facilities and toddler cycle track are being constructed. A number of new passive recreation precinctswillbenefitchildren.

Cycle track

The location and design of the cycle track has created a number of safety problems. The cycle track traverses the central portion of the Park and extends from the Parks northerntoitssouthernboundary.Thelocationofsportingfieldsandcourtsincloseproximity to the cycle track creates safety problems for players, spectators and cyclists.

To partially address this problem, Council previously resolved that the competitive cycle clubs licensed to use the track must provide an adequate number of course marshals. Clubs must also provide warning signs and barricades to ensure the safety ofcompetitorsandotherparkusersduringallorganisedevents.Conflictsalsooccurbetween recreational walkers and cyclists sharing the cycle track, especially in the early morning or late evening.

Proposed new works

The redesign of the cycle track includes an extension of the cycle criterium track. new competition standard surface treatment and landscaping to provide physical barriers to pedestrianpathsandplayingfieldsisproposed.

Car Parking Areas

There are three car parks within the site located in the:

northwesterncorneradjacenttothesoccerfieldsandnetballcourtswithaccessoff•Fitzgerald Avenue,

western side of the site adjacent to the indoor sports centre, tennis courts and •gymnastics building with access off Bunnerong Road; and

south eastern corner of the site adjacent to the Des Renford Aquatic Centre and •accessed from Robey Street. There is minimal landscaping within the car parks.

Proposed new works

new and upgraded carparks are proposed at the Park fringes. These areas may also provide an opportunity for other uses eg. markets. The Action Plan includes an action to investigate the use of the park for cultural events such as markets, festivals andothersucheventswhennotconflictingwithsportingactivitiesandneighbouringresidents.


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Dog control

In1988Councilresolvedtodesignatespecificparkswithinthecityasareasfortheexercising of dogs off the leash. However, as Heffron Park has a high visitation rate for sports events, it was not designated as an area for this purpose. The exercising of dogs is permitted within the Park while the owners retain their dogs on a leash.


Council will investigate the inclusion of a fenced off-leash dog walking area in the Park. Itisnotedthatoff-leashareashaveasignificantimpactonlocalfaunaandremnantvegetation and therefore the location of any location considered would need to be away from areas of remnant vegetation.

Increase demand for passive recreation facilities to support a growing community (Clouston Associates 2006).


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3. Preparing the Plan of Management

3.1 The Planning Process

The planning process for this Plan of Management included:

review and analysis of the previous 1997 Plan of Management;•

analysis of demographic and sporting demand changes (refer also to Section 3.3 •below);

initial consultation with sporting groups, local community and other user groups to •identify issues and positive features of the park;

ongoing consultation with the Crown (owner of the land) regarding the Plan of •Management and Landscape Concept. This included advising the Department that a plan was being prepared and obtaining consent in writing under s.112 CLA 89;

establishment of a Working Committee and Community Representative Sub-•Committee to oversee the preparation of the Plan of Management (refer discussion in Section 3.2 below);

review of best practice Plans of Management;•

development of vision statement, key elements and objectives for the park;•

community input on “Issues Discussion Paper” which collates all comments and •suggestions received during consultation;

preparation of the Landscape Concept based on an analysis of the site and •surrounds, suggestions and requirements from park users (sporting groups, local residents and other interested parties);

exhibition of the Landscape Concept for public comment;•

preparation of the Plan of Management based on outcomes of the Landscape •Concept and other management issues;

reporting to Randwick City Council on the draft Plan of Management;•

forwarding the draft Plan of Management to Department of Lands for comment •before advertising;

public exhibition and consultation on the draft Plan of Management and advertising •in the Government Gazette;

reporting to Randwick City Council on the comments received during public •exhibition, any changes made and recommendations regarding adoption of the Plan of Management; and

referring endorsed Plan of Management with summary of submissions and •subsequentmodificationstoDepartmentofLandsforconsiderationandseekingadoption by Minister for Lands under s.114 of the CLA 89.


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3.2 Community Consultation

The involvement of users of the park (including sporting groups and the local community) in the preparation of the Plan of Management provided valuable insight into the positive features of the park which should be preserved and the improvements which could be made. Council established two Committees to oversee the preparation of the plan. A description of the Committees is provided below.

Heffron Park Plan of Management Working Committee

The Working Committee is an advisory group which has overseen the preparation of the Plan of Management. The Working Committee members comprised Randwick City Councillors, representatives from sporting groups (Randwick Botany Cycle Club Inc, Bunnerong Gymnastics Association Inc, Randwick netball Association Inc, South Sydney District Junior Rugby Football League Ltd, Moore Park & South East Cricket Association and Eastern Suburbs Soccer Football Association) and two community representatives (nominated by the Community Representative Sub-Committee). A representative from the Department of Tourism, Sport and Recreation was also invited but due to resourcing issues was unable to attend.

The Working Committee met seven times during 2005 (23 March, 4 May, 7 June, 19 July, 21 September, 2 november and 7 December) and meetings were chaired by an independent facilitator. The Working Committee provided input in the key components of the Plan of Management including current use of the park and anticipated changes indemand,identificationofissuesandsuggestedimprovements,visionstatementsand objectives, design principles and input to the action plan. A summary of the meetings and issues discussed is included in Appendix 3.

Heffron Park Plan of Management Community Representative Sub-Committee

In February 2005, Council advertised two positions of Community Representatives on the Working Committee. notices were placed in the local newspaper, on Council’s website and residents surrounding the park were letter dropped. Council received nominations from people with a wide range of interests and knowledge of the Park. All nominees were thus invited to be part of a Community Representative Sub-Committee, two members of which represented the views of the Sub-Committee to the Working Committee meeting.

The Sub-Committee met seven times during 2005, with the agenda and issues for discussion the same as the Working Committee (refer above and Appendix 3). Meetings were held on 23 March, 27 April, 1 June, 6 July, 19 September, 31 October and 7 December 2005.


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Consultation with members of the Working Committee and Community Representative Sub-CommitteeidentifiedanumberofspecificissuesrelatingtothePark,includingthe need to:

improve the appearance of the park (including gateways and boundaries, pathways, •landscaping and garbage facilities);

recognise the importance of the park as a major sporting venue;•

encourage use by all age groups for both passive and active recreation (eg. walking •paths, BBQ facilities and children’s cycle track);

ensuresafeandefficienttrafficandpedestrianmovement;and•

encourage sustainable design (including landscaping, building materials, water and •energyefficientdesign).

Public Consultation – Issues Paper

Based on the input from the Working Committee and Community Representative Sub-Committee, comments on the previous Plan of Management and discussions with sporting groups and schools which use the Park, an “Issues Discussion Paper” (July 2005) was prepared which outlined future demand for open space, design principles, positivefeaturesoftheParkandsuggestedimprovementsandspecificimprovementsidentifiedbysportinggroups.

The “Issues Discussion Paper” was made publicly available during August 2005, with notificationofresidentsinthevicinityofthePark,relevantChambersandPrecinctgroups and advertisement in the Southern Courier. This additional public consultation was incorporated into the preparation of the Plan of Management to ensure that the Plan considers all issues and that this was done prior to the formal public exhibition. Council received nine written submissions and two comments over the phone during the consultation period. A summary of the comments received is detailed in the Council reports (refer Appendix 1 references) and primarily related to: safety and security;naturalenvironment;sportingfieldsandtracks;multiusefacility;parkingandtraffic;andpassiverecreation,andconcernsoversomeofthemorewide-rangingideas raised such as a golf driving range, licenced club house, residential development, commercial space for sporting associations and accommodation for sports people.

Public Consultation – Landscape Concept Plan

A draft Landscape Concept Plan was placed on public exhibition from April – June 2006. A number of funding options (including S94 Development Contributions, special rates levy and using airspace over the indoor sports centre for an eight storey residential development) for the proposed works in the Landscape Concept were identifiedandfeedbackwassoughtduringtheexhibitionperiod.Councilreceived485 responses to the exhibition (including 98 written submissions and 387 community feedback forms). Two petitions were also received. In response to consideration of the submissions, a number of changes to the draft Landscape Concept have been includedinthefinalexhibition,includingremovalofallreferencestoresidentialdevelopment.

Council also recommended that further investigations into a broader range of funding options and staging be undertaken. These were investigated and reported back to Council’s October 2007 meeting and have been included in the Action Plan and Staging Plan in this draft Plan of Management. A range of funding options were investigated


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including:s94DevelopmentContributions;Councilrates;specificrateslevy;loans;domestic waste levy; user charges; grants; residential development; public private partnerships and contributions from sporting groups.

Council endorsed at its 30 October 2007 meeting, a funding option for a $33.36 upgrade which uses a combination of funds from S94 Development Contributions, the domestic waste levy and annual budgets. As detailed previously this funding option has been amended to exclude contributions from UnSW and therefore the works would be staged over a minimum period of 15 years, subject to any cost increases over time and funding availability. The staging program may also be amended if funds from sporting groups and associations or grants become available. Five stages have been identifiedfortheimprovements,basedonthelocationoftheworksandrelationshipbetween sports (eg. upgrading in off-seasons).

The preparation of the draft Plan of Management, including all preliminary research, community and sporting group consultation (steering committee, public exhibitions and individual meetings), landscape concept preparation, quantity surveyor (landscaping and building cost estimates), preliminary contamination surveys, staging and funding analysis, consultants, planning, concept planning and plan of management, design plans and maps, funding and staging analysis, consultants, plan finalization,printinganddesignisapproximately$300,000.

Public Exhibition – Final Draft Plan of Management

The draft Plan of Management was placed on public exhibition from 12 December 2008 until 13 March 2009 (extended period of 91 days) and a number of changes were made to the Plan in response to the comments raised in submissions. Details of the changes made are included in the Council reports referenced in Appendix 1.

3.3 Demographic Analysis and Sporting Trends

An analysis of the likely future demand for open space, sporting and recreation facilities and recreational trends has been undertaken as part of the preparation of this Plan(referAppendix4).Insummary,thefollowingpointswereidentifiedbasedondemographic changes in Randwick City (1991-2001), population forecasts and general recreational trends:

strong sport participation rates for youth, and generally less organised sports for an •ageing population;

increasing demand for informal activities such as walking for exercise, cycling, •runningandindooractivities(suchasaerobicsandfitness);

trend towards apartment living, with resulting demand for both more, and •improved, public recreational facilities;

demand for sports areas and facilities will continue in areas attracting young •families; and

organised sport will continue to be important, although it is anticipated that there •willbesignificantgrowthinthedemandforpassiveandlessorganisedrecreationactivities.


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Whilst the above issues have highlighted some of the anticipated future demands for open space in Randwick City, it is important to ensure that Heffron Park retains its primary function as a venue for organised sports, as it is one of only a few parks which are of a size and landform to cater for a range of sports. nevertheless, the analysis showed a need for improved opportunities for informal recreation (such as walking, picnics and children’s playgrounds) and better facilities (such as BBQ areas and indoor sporting facilities) which will complement the use of Heffron Park for sporting activities.

Local schools utilise Heffron Park during the week (Clouston Associates 2006).


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4. Management of Heffron Park

4.1 Vision Statement

“HeffronParkprovidesgoodqualitymulti-usesportingfacilities,playingfieldsandpassive recreation opportunities while maintaining and enhancing the Park’s natural, cultural and environmental attributes and values.”

4.2 Design Principles

ConsultationundertakenduringthepreparationofthePlanofManagementidentifieda number of key design principles which will guide the future design, use and management of the Park. The Landscape Concept and the Action Plan (below) incorporate the following key design principles:

the primary use of Heffron Park is as a sporting facility which also caters for passive •recreation such as children’s play, picnicking and walking;

sportingfieldsareconfiguredsothatcompatiblesportscanbeco-locatedduring•summer and winter seasons;

thelocationofplayingfieldsandfacilitiesdoesnotcauseconflictbetweensporting•activities;

any new facilities are multi-use and will encourage and cater for a variety of •sporting and associated uses (such as café, child minding and sports medicine) and are readily accessible from outside and within the Park (ie pedestrian links and parking areas);

there is additional and improved safe pedestrian access through the Park, providing •linkages to facilities within the Park and areas outside;

trafficaccesswithintheParkisprohibitedexceptforserviceandemergency•vehicles;

the design of all features in the Park is of good quality and environmentally •sustainable including water recycling and harvesting; and

landscapingincludeslocalindigenousandexoticflorawhichsuitsthecharacteristics•of the Park and provides visual buffer areas, wind breaks and an aesthetic feature aswellasconservationoftheareaknownasthe‘sand-pit’forfloraandfauna.


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4.3 Management Objectives

Fourspecificelementswereidentifiedbasedontheconsultationundertakenduringthepreparation of the plan and through a review of best practice plans of management. SpecificobjectiveswereidentifiedwithineachofthesefourelementsandtheActionPlan has been developed as a means to achieve these objectives and outcomes.

Element 1: Recreation/Open Space/Access and Aesthetics

a) To provide a range of quality structured and unstructured recreational opportunitiesbasedonidentifiedcommunityneedsandaccessibletoallagegroups, genders and ability levels.

b) To restrict vehicular access to the open space areas of the park and provide adequate parking areas on the periphery of the park.

c) To provide safe pedestrian linkages within the park.

d) To encourage modern and functional architectural designs for future park facilities, landscaping and buildings which enhance the park’s environment and surrounds.

e) To encourage a safe and secure environment.

Element 2: Sport and Events

a) To ensure that Heffron Park caters for a range of sports and activities and that whereverpossiblefieldsandfacilitiesaredesignedtobemultiuse.

b) To ensure that developments within the park are relevant to the community’s sports and recreational needs and are compatible with the purpose, culture, value and experience of the park.

c) To minimise any detrimental impacts to surrounding residential areas from sporting activities.

Element 3: Environment, Heritage and Culture

a) To acknowledge the history and previous use of the park in future facilities and landscape design.

b) To ensure environmentally sustainable development in the parks design and maintenance.

c) Promote environmental awareness and education.

d) To protect, restore and maintain the parks natural resources and areas of remnant indigenous vegetation and promote the use of native indigenous plants in landscaping.

Element 4: Management and Community Involvement

a) To ensure public awareness, participation and consultation in the use, management, planning and development of the park and its resources.

b) Toimplementefficientandeffectiveparkmanagementandmaintenanceprograms.

c) Toensurebestpracticeandaccountabilityinthefinancialmanagementoftheparks assets.


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4.4 Landscape Concept Plan

The Landscape Concept Plan is a graphic representation of the feedback received during the consultation with sporting groups and the local community and is based onthedesignprinciplesidentifiedduringconsultation.FeedbackreceivedduringthepublicexhibitionoftheLandscapeConceptPlanhasbeenincorporatedintothefinalLandscape Concept (as shown on page 34).

Two options for the Landscape Concept were prepared; these were Option 1 (Tweak & Tidy) and Option 2 (Major Upgrade) for which two versions (A & B) were also prepared. A description of these options, and discussion of the process through which they were developed, is discussed in the Landscape Concept Plan report prepared by Clouston Associates.

Landscape Concept Plan Option Selected for Consultation (April – June 2006)

AbriefingsessionwasheldwiththeCouncillorstoprovideanupdateontheoutcomes of the Working Committee and Community Representative Sub-Committee consultation and to discuss the Landscape Concept Options 1, 2A and 2B. The positives and negatives of the Landscape Concept (Options 1, 2A and 2B) were considered.

The Councillors requested that the Landscape Concept Option 2B (refer Landscape Concept Plan report) was the preferred option for the second round of public consultation (given a preference to provide one option for community comment and given that Option 2B provides improved facilities for all sporting groups and retains the existing netball area/facility as requested by Randwick netball Association Inc). The comments received during public consultation resulted in a number of changes to thedraftLandscapeConceptincludingminorrelocationsoffieldsandmulti-usefacilitybuildings and removal of references to residential development in the airspace above the multi-use recreation centre.

Landscape Concept Plan Final Draft and Costing

ThefinaldraftLandscapeConcept(asshownonpg.34)hasbeenamendedtoincludethe changes recommended from the consultations. In summary, the draft Landscape Concept provides the following sporting and passive recreation improvements:

new multi-use facilities (amenities block, change rooms, kiosks and clubhouses); •

indoor recreation centre to be designed to be multi-use and accommodate a variety •of uses including indoor basketball, netball and soccer, meeting and club rooms and storage. A separate gymnastics building adjacent to the indoor recreation centre is alsoidentified;

upgradeofallsportingfieldstogoodqualityincluding:retentionandupgradingof•rugbyleague,oztagandtouchfootballfieldsandnewsoccerandcricketpitches;fieldlighting;newtenniscourtsandgrandstandsandhandballfacility;newsynthetichockeyfieldwithassociatedcarparking;lengtheningofexistingcyclingtrack and separation from new pedestrian paths. Construction of a full perimeter shared pedestrian/bicycle pathway;

extensive landscape design and relocation and landscaping of carparks and •additional carparks and removal of verge parking along the southern side of Fitzgerald Avenue;


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additional passive recreation areas including children’s playground and cycle •track, picnic and BBQ facilities, open kick-about and warm-up areas and grassed amphitheatre; and

retention of native vegetation and creation of feature bridge over sand pit area.•

note: The design and upgrade proposals are indicative only and detailed design (includinginternalconfigurationofamenitiesbuildingsandtheindoorrecreationcentre and gymnastics building) will be required for the proposals. This detailed design may require minor variations in the location of facilities and works such as buildings,sportingfieldsandcyclewaysandpathways.

Costing of the draft Landscape Concept was undertaken by expert Quantity Surveyors. A detailed report on the costing and funding options was considered at Council’s 30 October 2007 meeting. The endorsed costing option for the landscape and building works is $33.36M and includes the use of funding from Section 94A Development Contributions, domestic waste levy and existing budget and contributions from sporting groups and associations (where available). Landscaping works could commence in the short term and be staged over a period of approximately 15 years, or earlier if funds from sporting groups or grants become available.

In summary, the costing option:

includesalllandscapingandbuildingworksidentifiedintheLandscapeConceptata•level consistent with Heffron Park’s status as a regional park. The funding provides fornewandupgradedsportingfields,sportsfieldlighting,resurfacingandchangesto the cycle track, new walking tracks, extensive landscaping and improvements to passive recreation areas (including children’s playgrounds, toddler cycle track, BBQ and picnic areas), three new amenities/ clubhouse buildings, new tennis courts and carparks;

also provides (thorough internal borrowings) a $4M upgrade of the Des Renford •Aquatic Centre at its existing location which would include a new gym, aerobics area, crèche and new administration, kiosk and entrance area;

the indoor recreation centre would remain on the Bunnerong Road side of the Park •as a stand-alone prefab building and would continue to provide for indoor sports (such as basketball, indoor soccer and netball). There will be no aquatic facilities associated with the indoor recreation centre. A new gymnastics building will also be provided as a stand alone prefab building on the Bunnerong Road side of the Park;

provides for a component of the remediation of the site and subsequent •reinstatement and improvements to landscaping. The full costs of any remediation will be determined once detailed environmental investigations have been carried out.


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4.5 Action Plan

The Action Plan below, and the Landscape Concept summarise the purposes for which land, and any buildings or improvements, will be used and developed (whether under licence, lease or otherwise).

The Action Plan provides the basis for the implementation of the Plan of Management (including the Landscape Concept). The actions are displayed in table form and have beenstructuredunderthekeyelementsidentifiedabove.TheActionPlanoutlinesthestrategies and actions which will be adopted in order to achieve the objectives. The prioritieshavebeenassignedaccordingtothespecificaction’srelativeimportanceorneed for upgrading or improvement.

The design and upgrade proposals are indicative only and detailed design (including internalconfigurationofamenitiesbuildingsandtheindoorrecreationcentre)willberequired for the proposals. This detailed design may require minor variations in the locationoffacilitiesandworkssuchasbuildings,sportingfieldsandcyclewaysandpathways.

Thecostingsarebasedon2007figurespreparedbyanindependentquantitysurveyor. These have been incorporated into the Staging Plan for budgeting future works. Further detailed costing will need to be undertaken at detailed design and documentationstages.Theidentifiedactions,stagingandestimatedcostingswillbeimplemented via Council’s annual Management Plan and Budget.

The Action Plan includes actions which are management based and those that involve landscape and building works. The actions involving landscape and building works are further detailed in the Works and Staging Program in Section 4.6.

The anticipated timeframes for the individual stages are:

SUMMARY/KEY SPORTS

Stage 1

(4 years): 2008/09 to 2011/12

Immediate/ Short Term

Soccer, cycling, parking, passive recreation (pathways, landscaping etc).

Stage 2

(2 years): 2011/12 to 2012/13 Short Term

Rugby league, cycling, tennis, AFL, cricket, passive recreation, parking.

Stage 3

(3 years): 2013/14 to 2015/16 Medium Term Soccer, netball, cycling,

passive recreation, parking.

Stage 4

(2 year): 2015/16 to 2016/17 Long Term

Touch football, oztag, cricket, cycling, passive recreation, parking.

Stage 5

(5 years): 2016/17 to 2020/21 Long Term Hockey, indoor recreation

centre.


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Figure 4: Artist Impression – Jersey Road Cycletrack (Clouston Associates 2006)

Figure 5: Artist Impression – ‘The Sandpit’ Interpretive Walkway (Clouston Associates 2006)


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Heffron Park Action Plan

Element 1: Recreation / Open Space / Access & Aesthetics

Objectives:

a) To provide a range of quality structured and unstructured recreational opportunitiesbasedonidentifiedcommunityneedsandaccessibletoallagegroups and ability levels.



d) To encourage modern and functional architectural designs for future park facilities, landscaping and buildings which enhance the parks environment and surrounds.

e) To encourage a physically safe and psychologically secure environment.

STRATEGIES MEANS OF ACHIEVEMENT (MANAGEMENT ACTIONS)

PRIORITY/STAGING

Use of Heffron Park

a) To provide a range of quality structured and unstructured recreational opportunities based on identifiedcommunityneeds and accessible to all age groups and ability levels.

Active Recreation (sports)

Implement the Landscape Concept which incorporates new and upgraded sporting facilities and encouragesthedesignofallfieldsand facilities to be multi-use.

All Stages

Passive Recreation

Construct additional areas for passive recreation including walking paths, BBQ and picnic areas, children’s playgrounds and cycle paths and associated landscaping.

All Stages

Traffic, Parking & Pedestrian Access


Restrict vehicular access (other than service and emergency vehicles) to designated carparking areas on the perimeter of the Park.

Ongoing


Formalise the main pedestrian access points into the Park and entry points to carparks.

Ongoing


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PRIORITY/STAGING

Build pedestrian pathways throughout the Park for walking for exercise and to provide north/south and east/west linkages through the Park.

Within each stage

Demolish existing concrete paving for recycling (where suitable) when new paths built.

Within each stage

Provide ease of access throughout the Park for emergency and service vehicles by identifying key access points into the Park and providing emergency and service vehicles with keys for access.

Within each stage

Install asphalt footpath and emergency access path as shown on the Landscape Concept. All pathways are to provide access for people with a disability to all facilities throughout the Park.

Within each stage

Carparks / Bicycle Parking

To provide carparking, in suitable locations on the perimeter of the Park and minimise parking impacts on surrounding residential streets.

Develop carparking areas which are located in close proximity to areas within the Park which attractthemosttraffic(inrelationto numbers and turnover) or in proximity to areas which require handy access to carparking (eg. children’s playgrounds and picnic areas).

Within each stage

Carparks are to be designed and constructed so as to have minimal impact on local residents, provide adequate shade, safety, visualamenityandhavesufficientcapacity to cater for the parking requirements of sporting and recreational users.

Within each stage

Carparking areas are to be constructed to incorporate water sensitive design.

Within each stage


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PRIORITY/STAGING

Bicycle parking facilities are to be included throughout the Park and within close proximity to the multi-use facilities, indoor recreation centre, carparks and passive recreation areas.

Within each stage

Walking and Running Tracks

To provide safe, pervious and aesthetic pedestrian pathways linking activities points within the Park and providing connections to areas outside the Park.

Construct a walking and running track around the perimeter of the park. Where possible this track should be wheelchair and double stroller accessible.

Within each stage

Construct walking pathways throughout the Park linking activities points within the Park and providing cross park linkages to the north, south, east and west as shown on the Landscape Concept. Where possible pathways should be wheelchair and double stroller accessible.

All pedestrian paths, cycle tracks and shared tracks will be designed in accordance with current design standards and guidelines.

Within each stage

Provide clear signage (in accordance with any Council Signage requirements) at suitable locations on the walking and running tracks to identify points ofpotentialconflictwiththecycletracks including adjacent to kiosks, BBQ areas, any dog off-leash areas and pedestrian crossings.

Within each stage

Install a boardwalk in the central recreation precinct.

Stage 1

Install feature paving nodes throughout the Park.

Within each stage


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PRIORITY/STAGING

Cycle Tracks

To provide a range of cycle tracks to cater for competition and non-competition cycling for all levels and age groups.

Construct cycling tracks around the perimetre and within the Park to provide a venue which can be used competitions, training and non-competitive cyclists. Cycle tracks (including children’s track) are designed to reduce any potential conflictwithpedestrians,areanaesthetic feature of the Park and connect with existing and proposed cycle routes leading to Heffron Park and promote the use of these connections.

All path design is to be in accordance with current bicycle standards and guidelines.

Within each stage

Installpedestrianandcycletrafficmanagement systems along the cycle track where required.

As above.

Investigate means to manage potentialconflictsbetweencyclistsand pedestrians outside cycling event times (eg. speed training for cyclists).

Stage 1

Where cycling races close the north/ south connection (part of the Randwick Bicycle Route network) other cyclists will be diverted to the shared cycle/ pedestrian track around the perimeter of the Park as an alternative route.

Within each stage

Require an Event Management Plan from all cycling event organisers to address means to minimise potentialconflictbetweencyclistsand pedestrians.

Stage 1

Surrounding Roads

Investigate constructing kerb and guttering along the southern side of Fitzgerald Avenue.

Stage 1

Investigatetrafficmanagementalong Fitzgerald Avenue and Jersey Road adjacent to the Park.

Stage 1


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PRIORITY/STAGING

Facilities/Amenities d) To encourage modern and functional architectural designs for future park facilities, landscaping and buildings which enhance the parks environment and surrounds.

Toprovidewelldesigned,secure,energyandwaterefficientandconvenientlylocated facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of sporting groups and the community.

Amenities Buildings

Toilets and Change Rooms Demolish the existing amenities buildings and construct three new multi-use buildings containing toilets, change rooms and club rooms in locations as shown in the Landscape Concept. All buildings are to incorporate energy andwaterefficientfeaturesanddesigned to promote safety.

Stages 1, 3 and 4

Provide community access to toilets adjacent to children’s playground during daylight hours and access to toilets and change rooms by sporting groups during training and competitions.

Immediate

Club and Storage RoomsProvide meeting and storage facilities for sporting groups.

Design and construction to include distinct sections within each multi-use building for club rooms for existing and future sporting clubs on-site. Allocation of amenities buildings will be based on proximity to relevant sporting fields.Interimmeasurestobeconsidered for those sporting groups using club and storage rooms proposed in the indoor recreation centre.

Within each stage

Design and construct space in the proposed indoor recreation centre for shared club rooms and areas for storage for a variety of sporting groups.

Stage 5

Council Landscaping and Maintenance Equipment Storage

Design and construction to include a distinct area within one of the multi-use buildings to accommodate storage of Council landscaping and maintenance equipment and amenity area.

Stage 1, 3 or 4


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PRIORITY/STAGING

BBQ and Picnic Areas

Provide a range of BBQ and picnic areas throughout the Park which are well designed, safe and are provided with shade and wind protection.

Install BBQ facilities, picnic shelters and seating in Passive Recreation Precincts.

Within each stage

Presentation Areas

Provide facilities to cater for all components of sporting competition (including awards and presentations) and cultural events.

Construct a centrally located, well-designed landscaped amphitheatre for sporting presentations and cultural events.

Stage 1

Seating, Lighting and Other Features and Fittings

To ensure that all features andfittingsarewell-designed and energy efficient.

Prepare design criteria for the parkfurnishingandfittingsin accordance with Council’s Urban Elements Design Manual. Ensure that park seating and miscellaneous furniture is suitable for individuals with different physical attributes and abilities.

Short term

Locate and provide water bubblers to include accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Within each stage

Install new lighting (including playingfieldlighting)throughoutthe Park and review and modify existingplayingfield,amenityand safety lighting (if required); ensuring minimal light spill on any adjacent residential areas.

Within each stage

Indoor Recreation CentreTo provide a new and upgraded indoor recreation centre which caters for the current and future sporting, recreation and social needs of the Randwick City community.

Indoor Recreation Centre Prepare detailed tender documents for the construction and management of the proposed indoor recreation centre.

Stage 5


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PRIORITY/STAGING

Construct indoor recreation facilities including facilities and designprinciplesasidentifiedinthe Plan of Management.

Stage 5

Landscaping HeffronParklandscapesarewelldesignedandwaterefficientandincorporateprimarilynativeflora.

Provide mass planting and lawns throughout the Park

Within each stage

Provide streetscape tree planting around the perimeter of the Park to integrate the urban residential area with the park environment.

Within each stage

Provide additional landscaping using native vegetation throughout the Park and avenue tree planting (detailing and location/design based on the Landscape Concept and Appendix 4: Plant Species List).

Within each stage

Safety and security

e) To ensure that Heffron Park is designed and managed to maximise safety and security.

Identify passive surveillance opportunities and ensure the Park is designed to maximise safety and security (including landscaping).

Within each stage

All structures, where possible, are to use surface materials that deter graffiti.

Within each stage

Manage a system of recording and following up any vandalism and incidents of antisocial behaviour. This information should be used to initiate methods to deal with any problems areas.

Immediate

Engage in regular ongoing maintenance checks and evaluation of current facilities including landscaping to ensure that they do not pose any safety risks to visitors of the Park. Any problem areas should be included on the maintenance work schedule.

Immediate

Provide emergency service information signs at all Park entry points, amenity buildings and carparks.

Ongoing


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PRIORITY/STAGING

Install access gates to the Heffron Park car parks.

Within each stage

Aspartofthetrafficandpedestrian management systems for the cycle track, place warning signage for pedestrians of cyclists travelling at speed (refer above). All signage is to be in accordance with current bicycle standards and guidelines.

Ongoing

Install signage to clearly identify prohibitedactivities(eg.golfingand motorcycle riding) in the main entrances to the Park and other key areas.

Ongoing

Install orientation and directional signage.

Within each stage

Fencing

Install landscaping and land forming buffer areas to delineate uses.

Within each stage

Remove the existing log fences within the Park.

Short term

Playgrounds To ensure that children’s playgrounds are well designed, safe and attractive and cater for a range of play activity and age groups.

Construct two new children’s playgrounds

Jersey Road playground constructed. Second playground Stage 3.

Install impact absorbing synthetic soft fall material under the playground equipment and where possible, provide shade over the playground, play areas and supervising areas.

As above.

Animal Control

Provide interpretive education for dog owners using the park through improved signage and facilities (eg. waste disposal).

Ongoing


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PRIORITY/STAGING

Investigate the north western passive recreation area within Heffron Park as a possible location for a dog off leash exercise area as part of the Randwick Recreation Study’s ‘review the adequacy of the current provision for dog off-leash exercise areas across the LGA’.

In accordance with Recreation needs Study Implementation Plan


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ElEmEnt 2: SportS and EvEntS

Objectives:

a) To ensure that Heffron Park caters for a range of sports and activities and that whereverpossiblefieldsandfacilitiesaredesignedtobemultiuse.

b) To ensure that developments within the park are relevant to the community’s sports and recreational needs and are compatible with the purpose, culture, value and experience of the park.

c) To minimise any detrimental impacts to surrounding residential areas from sporting activities.


PRIORITY/STAGING

Use and Condition of Sporting Fields and Courts To ensure that Heffron Park caters for a range of sports and activities and that whereverpossiblefieldsandfacilitiesaredesignedtobemultiuse.

To ensure that Heffron Park is well maintained to appropriate standards with good quality playing surfaces appropriate to their function and usage levels.

Sporting Fields and Courts

Locateanddesignsportingfieldsandcyclingtracktocreateefficientuseof the park and multi-use of sporting fields(wherepossible).

Within each stage

Constructplayingfieldsandcourts(synthetic or turf pitch, supergrass courts, tennis courts, cricket pitch and nets,hockeypitchartificialsurface)andtopdressexistingfieldsandnewturffields.

Within each stage

Construct tennis grandstand as shown in the Landscape Concept.

Stage 2.

Maximise sportsground usage through AustralianStandardfloodlightingwhilst ensuring minimal adverse impact upon adjoining residents.

Within each stage

Events Council will administer bookings for all major sporting events and carnivals and may request an event managementstrategywhichidentifiesimpacts on surrounding residents, park users and sporting groups and identifiesmeasurestominimiseormanage these impacts.

Short term


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Element 3: Environment, Heritage and Culture

Objectives:

a) To acknowledge the history and previous use of the park in future facilities and landscape design.

b) To ensure environmentally sustainable development in the parks design and maintenance.

c) Promote environmental awareness and education.

d) To protect, restore and maintain the parks natural resources and areas of remnant indigenous vegetation and promote the use of native indigenous plants in landscaping.


PRIORITY/STAGING

Sustainable Development

To ensure environmentally sustainable development in the parks design and maintenance

Stormwater and Water Usage

Install new irrigation system in newsportsfieldsforimprovedwater coverage. Check and modify irrigationinexistingsportsfields.Install water tanks for irrigation water recycling.

Within each stage

Provide water saving measures such as rainwater tanks, town water taps with auto-shut-off in picnic areas.

Within each stage

Install stormwater re-use measures such as sub-surface drainage, stormwater system and stormwater tanks.

Within each stage

Erosion Management Monitor progress on an erosion stabilisation program for the hill side adjacent to Robey Street, Matraville (which is part of the terms and conditions of the lease agreement fortheplayingfieldsatthisside).

Short term

Investigate an erosion stabilisation program for the hill adjacent to Jersey Road, Matraville.

Stage 1.

Monitor any other areas requiring erosion stabilisation.

Long term

Landscaping/Vegetation

Undertake remnant vegetation survey.

Stage 1 -2 for initial survey. Ongoing monitoring


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PRIORITY/STAGING

Prepare a Bushland Management Plan which would develop and establish a planting regime incorporating native vegetation. This would need to be undertaken prior to commencement of landscaping work.

Ongoing – Stage 2.

Establish a tree inspection program, inventory and maintenance replacement program.

Stage 1

Waste Management Provide waste disposal and recycling bins – include information about recycling at key active and passive recreation points throughout the park.

Within each stage

Contamination Prior to any development (including demolition), report on the condition of the buildings located within the park and identify any required remediation measures.

Prior to any development.

Prior to any development application prepare an environmental management strategy for the park which considers previous uses, risk analysis and guidelines for any future development to ensure that all future works and development within the park complies with State legislative requirements (including SEPP 55 – Remediation of Land) and the ongoing safe use of the park.

Short term

Use of Fertilisers Minimise the use of chemical fertilisers within the park.

Ongoing

Recognising the Park’s Cultural and Natural History

To acknowledge the history and previous use of the park in future facilities and landscape design.

Park History Install interpretative signage acknowledging the previous uses of the park including as a natural area, migrant hostel and military uses.

Ongoing – within each stage

Install public art features. Within each stage


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PRIORITY/STAGING

Promoting Integrated Sporting & Cultural Events

To maximise the use of Heffron Park for sporting and cultural events while minimising any impact on surrounding residential areas.

Cultural Events Investigate the use of the park for cultural events such as markets, festivals and other such events whennotconflictingwithsportingactivities and neighbouring residents.

Ongoing


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Element 4: Management & Community Involvement

Objectives:

a) To ensure public awareness, participation and consultation in the use, management, planning and development of the park and its resources.

b) Toinitiateefficientandeffectiveparkmanagementandmaintenanceprograms.

c) Toensurebestpracticeandaccountabilityinthefinancialmanagementoftheparks assets.

STRATEGIES MEANS TO ACHIEVE PRIORITY/STAGING

Ongoing Management To ensure public awareness, participation and consultation in the use, management, planning and development of the park and its resources.

Management Committee

Establish a regular meeting (biannual or annual meetings) of key users of the park to discuss any issues relating toparkoperation;conflictbetweenusers; development within the Park, and the monitoring and future review of the Plan of Management and Landscape Concept.

Stage 1

Trust Committee Council to continue to act as Trust Committee for the care, control and management of the Park.

Ongoing

Landscape Concept Identify a project manager (or project team) to oversee the design and project management of Landscape Concept works including preliminary concepts, staging, environmental investigations, development applications and construction.

Stage 1

Landscape Concept construction works are to consider existing sporting uses within the Park and (where possible) are to timetable constructiontofitinwithseasonalsports.

Ongoing

Operational Management

Toensurethatsportingfieldsandfacilitiesareusedtotheirhighestpotentialandthatseasonalandcasualbookingsareefficientlyandequitablymanaged.

Sporting Field and Facilities Bookings

Guidelines for the use of sporting fieldsandfacilitiesaretobedistributed to all sporting groups and individuals who make a booking in the Park and are to be available on community information brochures (refer below) and Council’s website.

Immediate


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All applications are to be managed through Council’s On Line system (COL Booking Module) and applicants are to be provided with a “casual sports booking application form” or a “seasonal sports booking application form”.

Immediate

Applications to Council for the use of sportingfieldsandfacilities(eg.BBQareas and presentation areas) are to continue to be through Council’s booking system and must be in writing and submitted to Council before proposed commencement. Applications are to include dates and times of booking, anticipated player numbers, ages and teams.

Immediate

Risk Management Prepare a risk management strategy for the park.

Short term

Management of Licences & Leases

Establish transparent and clear guidelines for the creation and management of leases and licences in Heffron Park.

Ensure that new or renewed licence agreementsclearlydefinetherightsto occupy and avoid any rights to exclusive occupancy, access or concurrent possession.

Immediate

Licence and lease agreements are to be tendered where the established potential or existing income is in excess of $10,000.

Ongoing

Preference should be given to issuing licence agreements rather than lease agreements. Under the Crown Lands Act 1989 licensees are not permitted to sub-license. As per Council resolution 24 April 2007 (DCS Report 17/2007)

Ongoing


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Council is to establish criteria for the tendering of licence and lease agreements. Where tenderers are existing lessee or licensee, consideration should be given to past contributions to the community through their previous improvements or services and previous performance regarding compliance with licence or lease agreement. However, this factor should not be the sole determining factor in assessing tender applications. Council should strive to achieve equity of access, support for local associations and sporting groups, and provide for changing sport and recreation trends while providing a reasonable return thatreflectsaccountabilityinthemanagement of its recreational resources.

Immediate

Ensure that all licence and lease agreements meet the requirements of the Crown Lands Act, 1989.

Ongoing

Licence and lease agreements should not exceed 5 years with any option of a further 5 years being subject to appropriate conditions.

Ongoing

Compliance with licence and lease agreements is to be monitored by Council and in the reports by the licensee to the Property Coordinator.

Ongoing

Financial Management Toensurebestpracticeandaccountabilityinthefinancialmanagementoftheparksassets.

Manage all financial transactionsrelating to the management of Heffron Park under the one project account and report details (including an itemised account of all income and expenditure) to the Trust Committee quarterly or as required.

Ongoing

User fees and charges should partially cover the operation and management costs of the Park and are to be based on the Randwick City Council Pricing Policy and Statement of Fees and Charges.

Immediate


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A review of the management and maintenance costs for the Park is to be undertaken annually and the costs considered in the review of the Randwick City Pricing Policy and Statement of Fees and Charges.

Short term

Investigate biannually the means to supplement Council’s expenditure on the Park with external funding opportunities (eg. grants) to facilitate Heffron Park improvements.

Ongoing

Community & User Groups Involvement

Undertake park visitor surveys to identify issues and suggestions for park design and operational improvements.

Ongoing

Undertake annual surveys of sporting groups which use the Park to ascertain usage, satisfaction with playing fields and facilities and Council’smanagement.

Ongoing

Council to seek interest from local residents and park users in the establishment of a Council supervised Bushcare Volunteer group to assist with the remnant vegetation conservation and revegetation work.

Ongoing

Promotion of Heffron Park

Prepare general information brochures for Heffron Park describing fieldsand facilities, maps showing location of sporting fields, picnic areas andsummer/winter sports, details of how to make bookings and information on responsibilities of park users.

Short Term

Produce periodic media releases about the upgrades and new facilities and uses within the park.

Short to long term.

Advise the community of upcoming activities in the Park through initiatives such as a seasonal brochure, installation of information boards throughout the park, site maps and information on responsibilities of park users.

Ongoing


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Relationship with Surrounding Residential Areas

Prior to any significant workscommencing within the Park, notify surrounding residents that may be affected, identifying the reasons for the works, anticipated timeframe and Council contact person.

Prior to works commencing


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4.6 Works and Staging Program

The works proposed in the Landscape Concept are extensive and will need to be implemented in stages as funding becomes available. A Works and Staging Program has been developed, focusing each stage on development of a particular sporting precinct while allowing the rest of the park to function as normal; with the exception of cricket and cycling as their facilities are spread throughout the park and would therefore fall into several stages of development. The order of stages, or elements within these stages, may vary according to further consultation with the sporting stakeholders, the availability of funding and future detailed design work. The estimated cost of works in the Landscape Concept, based on estimates provided by a Consultant Quantity Surveyor (2007), is $33.36M. The costs are allocated as follows:

Landscape and Building Works $23.36M

Indoor Recreation Centre Building $ 3.00M

DRAC Improvements $ 4.00M

Gymnastics Building $ 3.00M

View of ‘sand pit’ looking northeast from elevated position on earth mound (Clouston Associates 2006)


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Landscape Concept – Stages 1 and 2

Stage 1 (east of the cycle track)

Stage 2 (west of the cycle track)


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Stage 1 (Year 1: 2008/09 to Year 4: 2011/12)

Precinct Works

Eastern Soccer Precinct 2soccerfieldsandfloodlights(allocatedin2007/08budget)

Central Recreation PrecinctOpen recreation area, BBQs and sculpture garden. Construct boardwalk over sandpit area. Commence conservation work on remnant vegetation.

Southern Recreation Precinct

Open recreation area, amenities and BBQ/picnic tables. Children’s playground (allocated in 2007/08 budget) and cycle track.

north East Rugby League Precinct Construct nE carpark off Fitzgerald Avenue.

Footpath* Construct shared asphalt footpath/cycleway

Drainage* Sub-surface drainage, stormwater system and detention.

Irrigation* Modify existing and install new irrigation.

Soft Landscaping* Tree planting.

Fixtures and Furniture* Bins, bubblers and directional signage.

Electrical Services* Amenity lighting on footpaths and park areas.

Public Art & Feature Park Areas* Feature park areas and public art.

Central Eastern Clubhouse & Amenity Building

Estimated Total Stage 1

(including contingency 5%)$4.30M

*1/5 total estimated cost


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Precinct Works

South West Rugby League Precinct

Remove existing paving and linemarking only, demolish or refurbish existing building ($68,600), cricket ground andlinemarking,fencing,floodlights(upgrade existing)

Tennis PrecinctDemolition and site clearing, tennis courts,floodlights,fencing,grandstandseating, carpark.

Handball Precinct Demolition and site clearing, handball courts,floodlights.

Main Cricket OvalDemolition and site clearing, cricket oval, floodlights,terraceseating,practicenets.

Cycle Criterium Track Demolish existing track and construct new track.

Footpath, drainage, irrigation, soft landscaping,fixturesandfurniture,electrical services & public art & feature park areas.

As Stage 1 above.

Estimated Total Stage 2

(including contingency 5%)$6.40M


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Landscape Concept – Stages 3, 4 and 5


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Stage 3 (Year 6: 2013/14 to Year 8:2015/16)

Precinct Works

northern Soccer Precinct Soccerfieldsandfloodlights.

Central Soccer Precinct Soccerfieldsandfloodlights.

north West Soccer PrecinctDemolition and site clearing, soccer fields,floodlights(traininglightsonly).Construct carpark.

netball Precinct Construct carpark.

north West Recreation Precinct Open recreation area and children’s playground.

Emergency Access Road Construct new road, kerb and safety barriers.

Footpath, drainage, irrigation, soft landscaping,fixtures&furniture,electrical services & public art & feature park areas.

As Stage 1 above.

Central Western Clubhouse and Amenity Building

Estimated Total Stage 3(including contingency 5%)

$7.34M


Precinct Works

OzTag and Touch Football PrecinctDemolition and site clearing, cricket pitch,floodlights(upgradeexisting),carpark.


As Stage 1 above.

Southern Clubhouse and Amenity Building


$2.22M


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Precinct Works

north East Rugby League Precinct Cricket ground and linemarking.

Hockey PrecinctDemolition and site clearing. Hockey fieldandfencing,seating,floodlights.Construct carpark.


As Stage 1 above.


$3.10M

Indoor Recreation Centre (part of Stage 5)

(Year 10: 2017/18; Year 13: 2020/21)*

Precinct Works

Indoor Recreation Centre

Design and construct new indoor recreation centre which must be multi-use and cater for a variety of sports and activities including (but not limited to) shared courts for basketball, indoor netball, indoor soccer, volleyball, handball, badminton. Also shared space for table tennis, aerobics, martial arts, dance, gym, climbing equipment, club rooms, squash courts, rooms for yoga, pilates, dance etc, spectator seating and equipment storage rooms.

Estimated Cost $3.00M

* completion subject to, and dependent on, available funding. A new s.94 contributions plan will be required.


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Gymnastics Centre

(Year 13: 2020/21 to Year 16: 2023/24)Precinct Works

Gymnastics CentreDesign and construct new gymnastics centre.


* completion subject to, and dependent on, available funding. A new s.94 contributions plan will be required.

Des Renford Aquatic Centre

(Year 5: 2012/13 onwards)

Precinct Works

Des Renford Aquatic Centre Upgrade of Des Renford Aquatic Centre at existing location including a new gym, aerobics area, crèche, and new administration, kiosk and entrance area.



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4.7 Guidelines for Development

Indoor Recreation Centre and Gymnastics Centre

The following guidelines must be addressed in the detailed design for the indoor recreation centre and gymnastics centre.

site of the indoor recreation centre and gymnastics centre must be within the •generallocationidentifiedinthePlan;

site must have good access including walking, cycling, public transport;•

buildings must address both the Park and the street with the design to incorporate •interaction between indoor and outdoor areas;

indoor recreation centre must be multi-use and cater for a variety of sports and •activities including (but not limited to) indoor netball, indoor soccer, volleyball, handball, badminton, table tennis, aerobics, martial arts, dance, gym, climbing equipment, club rooms, squash courts, rooms for yoga, pilates, dance etc, spectator seating and equipment storage rooms;

environmentally sustainable design;•

design to encourage safety and security;•

public access must be available to all areas of the indoor recreation centre;•

building to be designed to relevant Australian Standards for access for people with •a disability; and

parking is to be provided on site and should not be a dominant feature.•

Criteria for Development by Sporting Groups and Associations

Where Council enters into an agreement with a sporting group or association to part fund the landscape and building works in the Landscape Concept, the following issues (at a minimum) shall be considered:

1. Area and Works

TheAgreementshallonlyapplytothelandscapeandbuildingworksasidentifiedinthe Heffron Park Landscape Concept. The landscape and building works shall be of a quality acceptable to Council.

2. Consistency with the Landscape Concept

The Parties will ensure that all landscape and building works carried out are consistent with the Landscape Concept approved by Council.

Council may agree to works which are to a minor extent inconsistent with the LandscapeConceptwherethereisademonstratedenvironmentalorpublicbenefit.

3. Staging

The works are to be undertaken within 12 months of the required approvals.

ThestagingandtimingoflandscapeorbuildingworksidentifiedinthePlanofManagement may be:


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brought forward where funds are made available by both or either party and where •there is no detrimental impact on other sporting and recreation uses.

delayed where contamination investigations identify any extensive remediation •works which need to be undertaken by Council.

4. Design and Development Costs and Responsibilities The responsibility for the following design and development costs will generally be as follows:

Randwick City Council:

LandscapeConceptincludingspecificationsforsportsfields,landscapingworks,•carparking areas, pedestrian and cycle paths

Contamination investigations and any required remediation works•

Sporting Group or Association:

Detaileddesignofsportingfieldsandbuildings(whererelevant)inconsultationwith•Council and other relevant sporting groups.

Development application documentation•

Development application fees and associated assessment costs•

Quote and tender process for construction works•

All construction costs.•

5. Maintenance

Council is to be responsible for maintenance of all landscaping (excluding any synthetic surfaces which will be the responsibility of the sporting group/association), including carparking areas, play equipment, BBQ facilities etc.

6. Insurance, Safety and Security

The Parties are to ensure that all necessary insurance is held. Copies of insurances are to be provided to Council prior to any use of the facilities.

The Parties are to agree in writing on the shared cost and responsibility for any security services prior to any use.

7. Lease and Licencing Arrangements

Council will consider a maximum 10 year licence for the non exclusive use of sporting fieldsandfacilities.ThedaysandtimesofusewillbenegotiatedwithCouncilandinconsultation with other relevant sporting groups.

8. Bookings, Access and Fees

Councilwillretainresponsibilityforallbookingsforsportingfieldsandfacilities.Bookingsforindividualsportinggroupsaretobemadeandconfirmedannually.

ThefeeschargedfortheuseofsportingfieldsandfacilitieswillbeconsistentwithCouncil’s Pricing Policy and Statement.


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9. Maintenance, Upgrading and Replacement of Facilities

Council will fund the upgrading of the landscape and building works at the end of any 10 year licence period.

The sporting group or association will provide an annual report to Council detailing maintenance schedules and works, and all details of all maintenance completed (including maintenance required as a result of any vandalism).

Criteria for Other Development Proposals

TheremaybeinstancesofminorproposalsspecificallyidentifiedintheLandscapeConcept. These proposals are likely to fall under Council’s exempt and complying development requirements, however the Heffron Park Reserve (R81741) Trust will need to provide landowner’s consent.

Prior to granting landowner’s consent, the following must be addressed in a written submission to Council (as manager of the affairs of the Trust):

whether the development is expressly authorised in the Heffron Park Plan of •Management (2008) and if not, if it is generally consistent with the Plan;

protectionofidentifiedvisionanddesignprinciples;•

any changes required to lease boundaries;•

public accessibility and multi-use; is there another facility in the near vicinity that •couldbeutilisedtofulfilltheneeds?Arethereanyotherclubs/groupsthatcouldutilisethisproposeddevelopment?

consultation undertaken with other user groups within the area who may be able to •utilisethefacility?

which groups in the local area also utilise the location/facility and would need to be •informedofthisproposal?

details of estimated costs and funding sources available (grants, club fundraising •and special funds).


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APPENDICES


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Appendix 1

Council ReportsThe following reports were considered by Council during the preparation of the draft Heffron Park Plan of Management. Copies of these reports are available on Council’s website www.randwick.nsw.gov.au:

28 May 2009 Draft Heffron Park Plan of Management - public exhibition and submissions review

25 november 2008 Draft Heffron Park Plan of Management - public exhibition

30 October 2007 Heffron Park Landscape Concept Plan - funding options

27 June 2006 Heffron Park Landscape Concept Plan exhibition

28 March 2006 Heffron Park Draft Plan of Management


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Appendix 2

Working Committee and Community Representative Sub-Committee

Summary of Meetings

Meetings Agenda Items

1st Meeting committee structure and working, overview of plan of management process, selection of sub-committee representatives

2nd Meeting workshop to discuss positives and negatives of the Park and suggested improvements, broad design principles and design brief for landscape plan

3rd Meeting review of open space use within Heffron Park and other open space areas in Randwick City

4th Meeting update on research, best practice plans of management, plan of management key elements and objectives, vision statement, principles for any indoors sports facility, issues paper and community consultation

5th Meeting landscape plan – site analysis and concept plans. Update on Issues Discussion Paper

6th Meeting LandscapePlanOptions1,2and3(refinementofOption2)

7th Meeting Landscape Plan Options, Costing and Funding Options


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Appendix 3

Analysis of Sporting Supply, Demand and Demographics


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Appendix 4

Plant Species List


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Heffron Park Plant Species List

Botanical name eSBS character-iStic SpecieS

provenance Seed

availaBility

indigenouS/ auSt native/

exotic

commentS recommend for natural area

ie Sand pit

recommend for

garden, avenueS

etc

poSSiBle SuBStituteS

Major Avenue Trees

Corymbia gummifera (Bloodwood)

Y Y Indig Difficult to obtain local provenance seed

Y Y

Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint)

N Y Indig Difficult to obtain local provenance seed

N Y

Eucalyptus botryoides (Southern Mahogany)

N Y Indig N Y

Melaleuca quinquinervia (Broad-leafed Paperbark)

N N Indig Root system causes trip hazards, lifts pavements. Recommend for large open parks only. Needs reliable moisture to establish well.

N Y

Minor Avenue Trees

Allocasuarina littoralis (Black She-Oak)

Y Y Indig Root system causes trip hazards, lifts pavements. Do not plant near power lines. Recommend for large open parks only. Seed pods can cause a skid hazard on hard paving.

N Y

Casuarina glauca (Swamp She-Oak)

N Y Indig N Y

Corymbia maculate (Spotted Gum)

N NA Aust native N Y

Melaleuca linariifolia (Snow in Summer)

N N Indig Prefers moist areas, wetlands

N Y

Entrance Trees

Jacaranda mimosifolia (Jacaranda)

NA NA Exotic N Y

Eucalyptus robusta (Swamp Mahogany)

N Y Aust Native N Y

Plumeria rubra (Pink Frangipanni)

NA NA Exotic N Y

Eucalyptus seiberi N Y Aust Native N Y

Eucalyptus haemastoma (Scribbly Gum)

N Y Aust Native N Y

Signature Trees

Araucaria heterophylla (Norfolk Island Pine)

N NA Aust Native N Y


86


provenance Seed

availaBility


exotic


ie Sand pit

recommend for

garden, avenueS

etc


Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay Fig)

N N Aust Native A ‘colossal’ tree with a very large root system. Not advisable to plant near playing fields Roots can cause trip hazards and damage buildings. Fruit can cause skid hazard on paving.

N Y Ficus rubiginosa - Port Jackson Fig

Native parkland Trees

Acacia sophorae (Coast Wattle) Y Y Indig A sprawling short lived shrub. Do not plant too many in ESBS reveg area

N Y

Eucalyptus haemastoma, E. globoidea, E. robusta, E piperita, E. sieberi, Corymbia maculata, Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Synoum glandulosum, Acmena smithii, Angophors costata

Allocasaurina distyla (Scrub She-Oak)

Y Indig Y N

Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksia)

Y Y Indig N Y

Banksia serrata (Old Man Banksia)

Y Y Indig Indig seed difficult to obtain

Y Y

Eucalyptus haemastoma (Scribbly Gum)

N Indig N Y

Eucalytus obtusifolia (Port Jackson Mallee)

N Y Indig N Y

Eucalytus pilularis (Blackbutt) N NA Aust Native N Y

Eucalytus sideroxylon (Ironbark)


Hibiscus tiliaceus ‘Rubra’ (Cottonwood)


Hibiscus tiliaceus (Cottonwood) N NA Aust Native Becomes a very large low spreading tree where its roots access groundwater. May become a problem in some locations in Heffron

N Y

Pandanus sp (Screw Pine) N NA Aust Native Interesting form, Useful shade tree and as a small tree.

N Y

Stenocarpus sinuatus (Qld Firewheel Tree)



87


provenance Seed

availaBility


exotic


ie Sand pit

recommend for

garden, avenueS

etc


Shrubs , Grasses and Groundcovers

Acacia suaveolens (Mat Rush) N Y Indig Y N Billardiera scandens, Bossiaea scolopendria, Callistmeon citrinus, Calytrix tetragona, Ceratopetalum gummifera, Dillwynia floribunda, Dillwynia glaberrima, Dillwynia retorta, Dodonea triquetra, Hakea gibbosa, Hakea teretifolia, Helichrysum elatum, Isolepsis nodosa, Isopogon anemonifolius, Macrozamia communis, Melaleuca nodosa, Micromyrtus ciliata, Omolanthus nutans, Oxylobium cordifolium, Petrophile pulchella, Philotheca myoporoides, Platyscae lanceolata, Westringia fruticosa,

Acacia ulicifolia (Prickly Moses) Y Y Indig Y Y

Anigozanthus sp. (Kangaroo Paw)

N NA Aust Native Can be used in garden area

N Y

Correa alba (White Correa) N Y Indig Y Y

Darwinia fascicularis (Darwinia) Y Y Indig Y Y

Dianella caerulea (Paroo Lily) N N Indig Y N

Dianella ‘Little Rev’ (Little Rev Dianella)

N NA Aust Native Hybrid with parent species found in local bushland. Cross pollination and hence damage to local genetic biodiversity possible. Use not recommended near remnant vegetation.

N Y

Dianella revolute (Flax Lily) N N Indig Y N

Persoonia lanceolata (Lance-leaf Geebung)

Y N Indig Y N

Dillwynia retorta (Egg and Bacon Plant)

Y Y Indig Y Y

Grevillea x gaudi chaudii (Rambling Grevillea)


Grevillea ‘Bronze Rambler (Groundcover Grevillea)


Hardenbergia violacea (Native Sasparilla)

Y Y Indig Y Y

Dampiera stricta (Blue Damperia)

Y NA Aust Native Y N

Hibbertia fascicularis (Bundled Guinea Flower)

Y N Indig Y N

Hibbertia scandens (Golden Guinea Plant)

N Y Indig Y Y

Leptospermum trInervium (Paperbark Tea-Tree)

Y N Indig Y N

Lomandra longifolia (Lomandra) Y Y Indig Y Y

Pimelea longifolia (Riceflower) Y Y Indig Y Y

Poa labillardiera ‘Eskdale’ (Blue Tussock Grass)


Poa poiformis ‘Kingsdale’ (Blue Tussock Grass)


Rulingia hermaniifolia (Wrinkled Kerrawang)

N Y Indig Y Y

Xanthorrhoea australis (Grass Tree)

Y Y Indig Y Y


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note - The genetic provenance of seed and cutting material is a major issue in retaining the integrity of the local genetic diversity of indigenous plants. Many species have a large range across the Sydney Basin and/or across the eastern side of Australia. This means that plants within the same species are not always identical.. They can have a considerably different genetic make-up and may not be able to survive in the climate and soils conditions of the eastern suburbs of Sydney. In order to retain the integrity of the genetic make-up of locally occurring species it is recommended that plant species used near bushland remnants, are grown from seed or cuttings collected from local specimens. It is illegal to plant in or near an endangered plant or ecological community without a licence from DECC.

Planting of hybrid plants whose parents are a locally occurring species, can also damage gene pools. The parents are very unlikely to have come from a local source and will have different genes from the local specimens. The weed potential of exotic or Aust native species is also a consideration. Check with Council’s nursery before choosing landscape plants.

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