Black Hill Reserve Draft Master Plan. Volume 2- Supporting Documents

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Black Hill Reserve

Draft Master Plan

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Black Hill Reserve Master Plan - Briefing Paper

February 2014 ………

5 Black Hill Reserve Master Plan – Community Engagement

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Black Hill Reserve Master Plan

Briefing Paper

February 2014

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Black Hill Reserve Master Plan

Briefing Paper

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Black Hill Reserve is approximately 21 hectares in size and is located just over 1 kilometre north-east of the Ballarat CBD. The Yarrowee River, Ballarat’s major linear corridor, adjoins the Reserve to the south. Urban areas of residential development adjoin the Reserve to the north, east and west. The hill that the area is named after rises 495 metres above sea level making it the highest land in central Ballarat. It is a dominant landmark within the urban landscape of Ballarat and the lookout area at the top of the hill currently provides arguably the best panoramic views of the City.

Black Hill Reserve is historically significant as it was subject to extensive mining activity in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. The resulting terrain is therefore steep and undulating with significant areas of exposed soils. The landscape has since been heavily forested with mature pine trees in plantations and more recent plantings of native trees.

The reserve has traditionally been used for viewing the City and for passive recreation but in recent times has become a focal point for downhill mountain bike riding.

The majority of the Reserve is Crown Land with the City of Ballarat appointed as the ‘Committee of Management’. Black Hill Reserve is designated as ‘District Recreation Parkland’ within the 2009 Ballarat Open Space Strategy (BOSS). Despite the BOSS supporting master plans for all regional and district level reserves, there are no existing master plans or management plans for the Reserve. A number of recent and emerging issues are now driving the priority and need for the development of a Master Plan for Black Hill Reserve. These include issues related to:

 Closure of the car park area due to ground subsidence from previous mining activities.

 Council’s support for developing the Reserve for mountain bike riding and events.

 The need for an improved lookout area and park amenities to support increased public use.

 Improving linkages and access.

 The need for improved fire management, weed control, erosion control and vegetation management.

In October 2013 the City of Ballarat adopted a recommendation for a Master Plan to be developed for the Black Hill Reserve by a Consultative Committee.

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1.2 History

Black Hill was originally known as ‘Bowdun’ by the local Watha Wurrung but was named ‘Black Hill by William Urquart, who surveyed the region in 1851 (Black Hill Heritage Precinct, 2006). Prior to mining commencing in the 1850’s the landscape was densely covered with native forest including Messmate Stringybark (Eucalyptus obliqua), Peppermint Gums (Eucalyptus radiata and Eucalyptus dives), Wattles (Acacia spp.) and a middle storey of Tea-trees (Leptospermum spp.), Heaths and Peas, Hopbush (Dodonea spp) and Bursaria (Bursaria spinosa) (Department of Conservation and Lands, 1989).

The ‘Black Hill Heritage Precinct Study (2006)’ describes in detail the history and impact of gold mining within the Reserve from the 1850’s through to the 1920’s, and then details the history of landscape and ‘beautification’ works to create a lookout and pubic reserve thereafter.

The chronological timescale below provides a summary of the historical use and development of the Black Hill Reserve from the Heritage Study and other sources:

1851 – Surface Gold first discovered at Black Hill

1851-1852 – Black Hill Quartz Crushing Company commenced shallow alluvial and open cut mining.

1853-1875 – Deep alluvial lead mining and underground and open cut mining.

1854-1918 – Major mining of quartz reefs in the underlying Ordovician bedrock. Extensive clearing of native vegetation continued, leaving the landscape treeless.

1907 – Initial lookout area reserved as Public Recreation area by East Ballarat Council. Further portions of land added to Reserve until 1983. Mining operations began to slow down and public interest in ‘beautification’ and re-afforestation increased.

1908 – Eight more acres of land to the north added to the Reserve.

1913 – School children began planting trees on Arbor Day

1917 – Black Hill Progress Association formed for ‘beautification of the locality’. School children planted over 1000 Pinus radiata in avenues. Lookout erected and paths formed from the streets into the Reserve.

1918 – Council appointed as Committee of Management to control reserve for public purposes. Black Hill Progress Association plant 400 cypress pines in honour of World War one servicemen.

1919 – Trees planted by the Black Hill Progress Association to form an avenue from Chisholm Street along Sim St to the reserve to be known as ‘Peace Avenue”.

1920’s to 30’s – Black Hill Progress Association continue to improve the Reserve through extensive tree plantings. Erection of playground equipment, picnic facilities and a playing field with wicket. Further plantings, pathway works and fencing works undertaken as part of government sustenance and relief schemes.

1940 – Tourist roadway constructed.

1946 – Clear felling of pines on western section of pines.

1950 – Entrance road paved with bitumen and improvements made to the lookout at the summit.

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1981 – 6 acres of land formerly occupied by Ballarat East Brickworks Pty Ltd was gazetted and added to Reserve.

1982 – First native plantings commenced with local Scout groups and residents planting 1982 trees on the western side of the Reserve.

1990’s – Areas of mature Pine trees on western slopes clear felled to reopen views from lookout. Additional drainage and fire access tracks constructed. Lookout and car park area fenced and planted. Several community plantings of native trees and shrubs in cleared areas. Pine seedlings cleared and pedestrian paths installed with ongoing support of the local Eureka Apex Club.

2001 – City of Ballarat commenced investigation of ground subsidence and cracking of the lookout car park.

2008 – Significant pavement cracking and holes opened up in lookout car park. Section of car park closed to minimise public risk. Preliminary car park geotechnical assessment prepare by Mining One consultants. Report for development of mountain bike trails at Black Hill

prepared.

2011 – Further report and analysis of geotechnical issues prepared by Mining One consultants. Reports provided to Council on issues. Arboricultural report developed by Arborsafe for overall Reserve.

2013 – Report for development of Black Hill reserve as a site for Mountain Bike trails prepared and adopted by Council. Council endorsed proposal for development of Master Plan through a Consultative Committee.

1.3 Purpose

The general principles of undertaking a Master Planning process for Public Reserves are:

 To engage with key stakeholders and residents

 To improve community safety and engagement in the reserve

 To guide the future use, development and management of the reserve

 To improve access, linkages and connectivity of the reserve to surrounding areas

 To encourage increased and multi-use of the reserve for a broader range of activities and users.

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2. Strategic Context

2.1 City of Ballarat Reports

2.1.1 Black Hill Reserve – Master Plan - November 2003

This report outlined the major issues and standard procedures for preparing a master plan for the Black Hill reserve, and recommended that a master plan be prepared after master plans had been prepared for higher priority reserves.

Council resolved:

1. That a report be prepared on proposed recommendations for the priorities for the development of Master plans for Reserves, including Black Hill.

2.12 Black Hill Reserve Lookout and Management Strategy -June 2011

This report summarised the monitoring of a land subsidence issue that arose in 2008, and ongoing management issues across the Reserve. It recommended the preparation of a Black Hill Reserve Management Strategy.

Council resolved to:

1. Investigate and identify potential funding sources for the necessary monitoring, investigation and stabilisation of the lookout area.

2. Work with the Department of Sustainability and Environment in preparation of a management Strategy for Black Hill Reserve.

3. Carry out maintenance to allow the lookout to remain accessible to pedestrians.

4. Acknowledge that Black Hill lookout is one of a few significant vantage points from which to view Ballarat.

2.1.3 Black Hill Reserve Management Plan Update - September 2012

This report identified progress, some key options and major management and development issues that required further community engagement.

1. Receive the update report on the Black Hill Reserve Management Plan.

2. Work on an integrated approach between Council, Country Fire Authority and Department of Sustainability and Environment to commence a fire management program of controlled burns within the Reserve to reduce the fire loads prior to the coming fire control season. 3. Implement options for improved public access to the look out and improvement traffic

management along Sim Street.

4. Write to all of the stakeholders within the Reserve to convene a Consultation Committee to work through the future management of the Reserve and to encourage community

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2.1.4 Crossing Borders Tracks And Trails Project For Endorsement – October 2013

This report provided Council with the details of the final report prepared by Insight Leisure Planning from the Crossing Borders Tracks and Trails Project. It summarised the purpose of the project which from a City of Ballarat perspective was to develop mountain bike trails at the Black Hill Reserve. Council resolved to:

1. Acknowledge Crossing Borders Reports: Volume 1 Summary Report, Volume 2 Black Hill MTB Park, Volume 2 Ballarat Maryborough Heritage Trail, Volume 2 Daylesford to Macedon Ranges Rail Trail, Volume 2 Creswick Trails Initiative and Volume 3 Background Reference Material. 2. Endorse the Crossing Borders Tracks and Trails: Volume 2 Black Hill MTB Park (July 2013) and

the following key actions as identified below to develop a municipal mountain bike park without excluding other non-mountain biking visitors/use of the site:

Completion of the detailed designs of MTB tracks in 2014/15;

Conduct stakeholder engagement and consultation with the City of Ballarat, Department of Environment and Primary Industries and community stakeholder groups; and

Commence construction of the MTB tracks and associated infrastructure works in 2015/16 subject to funding.

2.1.5 Black Hill Reserve – Management Plan Update - October 2013

This report provided a summary of current short term and long term works at the Black Hill Reserve including: options and estimated costs for the re-development of the lookout and car park area, and the proposed development of the Reserve as a Mountain Bike Park. The report also summarised the process of establishing the Consultation Committee and the major issues to be considered in

developing a Management Plan for the entire Reserve.

1. Receive the update on the Black Hill Reserve Master Plan and the short term works being carried out at Black Hill Reserve.

2. Endorse the preparation of the Black Hill Reserve Master Plan by the Consultation Committee to be presented to Council for consideration in early 2014.

3. Explore and lobby for Government funding to support the redevelopment and upgrade of the Black Hill Reserve.

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2.2 City of Ballarat Strategic Documents

2.2.1 Ballarat Open Space Strategy (BOSS) – City Of Ballarat (2008).

Within Ballarat’s open space network, and according to the BOSS, Black Hill Reserve is currently classified as ‘District Recreation Parkland’.

The generic ‘Hierarchy’ within the BOSS states that a ‘District’ park will:

“Serve a minimum catchment of 15,000 to 25,000 people. The size of a district park will be site specific, related to existing natural, cultural or environmental values and generally be from 4ha to greater than 10 ha in size. A district park will protect the natural or cultural values and provides a wide range of recreation/sporting opportunities, which cater for diverse sections of the community (eg. Appreciation of the natural environment, large playgrounds, barbeque areas)”.

The generic ‘Category’ within the BOSS states that ‘Recreation Parkland’ will typically be: “Open Space that provides for a range of informal recreation experiences/uses (i.e. playgrounds, open space areas for informal play, walking, picnic and barbeque facilities, relaxation). It also includes areas surrounding sporting facilities with the above attributes. Recreation Parkland can be included as part of the developer contribution”.

Other relevant Key Directions in the BOSS recommend that:

 9 (ix) Development Standards will set the framework for what can be developed in the different categories of open space.

 9(x) Council will prepare or support the development of Master Plans or Management Plans for all State level, regional and district parks.

 9(xi) Council should only support or undertake major development works within State level, regional and district parks that are consistent with a current and adopted Master Plan, unless the works are part of a formal decision of Council.

 9(xix) Public access to the open space network will be strongly encouraged, wherever possible, to ensure that Ballarat residents have access to different types of open space areas that meet their diverse and future needs.

The BOSS provides details of development standards applicable to the different hierarchy and categories of open space. In relation to Black Hill Reserve the BOSS specifically says:

“Prepare a Master Plan for the Black Hill Reserve which is designated as a district recreation parkland open space” (p124)

The hierarchy and categorisation of Black Hill Reserve as ‘District Recreation Parkland’ is based upon the Reserve uses and features at the time of the development of the BOSS. The hierarchy or

categorisation of a park can be reviewed and amended with the approval of Council.

For the Black Hill Reserve precinct, the BOSS also recommends:

“…….continue to provide and extend where practical linear connections to the existing Yarrowee River, Specimen Vale and Warrenheip Creeks and their tributaries” (p124).

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2.2.2 Recreation Strategy –City Of Ballarat (2005)

Councils 2005 Recreation Strategy presents five key principles for provision of recreational facilities and services relevant to the Master Plan:

 Access and Equity;

 Health and Wellbeing;

 Building Strong Communities;

 Sustainable Development; and

 Multi-use and Flexibility.

2.2.3 Health and Wellbeing Plan City Of Ballarat 2009-13

The Health and Wellbeing Plan promotes five domains of wellbeing relevant to the Master Plan. These are:

 Healthy, Safe and Inclusive communities;

 Sustainable Built and Natural Environments;

 Dynamic, Resilient Local Economies;

 Culturally Rich and Vibrant Communities; and

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2.3 Black Hill Reserve Documents

2.3.1 Black Hill Heritage Precinct – City of Ballarat Heritage Study (Stage 2): Heritage Precincts 2006

Black Hill Reserve is contained within the Black Hill Heritage Precinct identified as precinct HO 174 in the 2006 City of Ballarat Heritage Study (Stage 2).

The Study provides a comprehensive and detailed history of Black Hill Reserve’s development from its gold mining from the 1850’s through to the 1920’s, and then its development a s a public park and reserve through to the 1980’s.

The Statement of Cultural Significance identifies that the Black Hill Precinct is:

 historically and scientifically significant at a LOCAL level as it “…….spawned a number of gold leads in Ballarat’s mining history and is important as a distinctive example of open-cut gold mining in which quartz is excavated and crushed to release gold”. The Hill is also described as significant due to:

 Its association with various gold mining companies, the Black Hill Quartz mining Company in particular.

 The visible scars and debris form the open cut mining period, vertical and horizontal shafts, and foundations that possible relate to the crushing battery.

 It being one of the few remaining sites in Ballarat with such visible, and generally untouched, evidence of gold mining operations.

 Its association with a brickworks industry and archaeological importance.

 aesthetically significant at a LOCAL level as it visual qualities reflect the historical, cultural and social development of the precinct and contribute to its setting. These qualities include:

 Complex views across and through the precinct of most of the City and surrounding district.

 Complex views within the precinct of the hill by open cut mining and re-afforestation.

 As a significant landmark in Ballarat due to the distinctive scarring on the south face of the hill and extensive re-afforestation.

 aesthetically and socially significant at a LOCAL level as it is highly valued by the local community for recreation, for its association with the Black Hill Progress Association and other community groups, and as a popular lookout and for providing a unique vantage point to view the city of Ballarat and the surrounding district.

The Statement of Cultural Significance identifies that overall the Black Hill Precinct is of LOCAL

significance.

2.3.2 Proposed Development of Mountain Bike & Multi-Use Trails - World Trail Pty Ltd (2008)

This report was commissioned by the City of Ballarat and proposed Black Hill Reserve as a suitable site for a range of mountain bike trail uses. The report was supported by local bike group Club Mud

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Inc. It recommended a feasibility study be prepared with detailed site research and concept plans for trail designs based on opportunities for: Multi use trails, Cross-country trails, 4x track and downhill trails.

2.3.3 Black Hill Lookout Car Park -Geotechnical Assessment – Mining One Consultants May 2011

Minor subsidence and cracking has been occurring at the Black Hill lookout car park area for approximately 25 years. The City of Ballarat has commissioned geological consultants to conduct investigations and monitoring of the site to determine if retaining vehicle access and public use was appropriate, given the prevailing geotechnical conditions since 2001. The most recent report by Mining One Pty Ltd was prepared in 2011. The principal findings are:

 Surface relaxation with time (creep) in an east-west direction has allowed partings to occur along north-south bedding planes in the rock underlying the fill material beneath the pavement. As a result, the relatively weak and in some cases soft fill has been able to migrate downwards and cause subsidence, cracking, and occasional small holes in the pavement surface;

 Weak fill material has also failed into voids formed by poorly constructed subsurface drains and allowed subsidence of the pavement to develop in some areas;

 Once cracks form in the pavement in areas that have subsided, the ingress of rainwater into the underlying fill has contributed to an increase in the rate of pavement settlement; and

 Small, near surface voids formed by historical mining do not appear to be the main cause of pavement subsidence and cracking, but are likely to have had a contributing influence in some areas.

The report also acknowledges that there is still the possibility that deeper unfilled voids exist beneath the lookout. It recommends that if pavement repair work is contemplated in the future it should be preceded by subsurface drilling to target such voids at depths that could impact on the long term safety and stability of the site.

The report provides two options to deal with the issue, depending upon whether long term access to the lookout for vehicles and the public is preferred.

Option one is to prevent vehicle access to the current lookout area and provide alternative parking with only pedestrian access to the lookout. The existing pavement could then be significantly reduced in size and a narrow reinforced concrete path constructed to bridge any future movement of the sub surface material.

Option two is to restore the existing car park pavement. This option would require subsurface drilling to target such voids at depths that could impact on the long term safety and stability of the site. Assuming no large open voids are detected a program of reconstruction would require: Extensive excavation of the pavement and underlying fill material down to bedrock; and Placement of properly compacted fill (possibly cement stabilised) utilising a design with geo-synthetic layers and possibly flexible pavement surfaces.

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Preliminary estimates to design and execute Option two is in the vicinity of $500,000.

The City of Ballarat continues to survey and plot ground control points around the car park area to monitor ground movement. Mining One Pty Ltd is currently engaged to monitor and provide expert advice on this issue every two months.

2.3.4 Black Hill Lookout Reserve - Arboricultural Report - Arborsafe - July 2011

The report by Arborsafe was commissioned by the City of Ballarat to assess and provide

recommendations for management of over 700 large trees within the Black Hill Reserve. The report also assessed weed species, vermin, and general environmental conditions affecting the health of the trees.

The report uses industry recognised methods of assessing tree health and makes detailed

recommendations for tree removal and replacements within specific areas, for vegetation works and management practices across the overall site, and the priority for such works relevant to public risk and safety. Some of the key findings are as follows:

 Many trees are in senescence and half the tree population is likely to decline within the next 10 years. Intervention will be required to commence a removal and replacement program.

 High priority works to address safety issues were estimated to cost $45,400, with the total cost of works to address the tree management estimated at $143,000.

 The dominant tree and weed species is Pinus radiata. Other common weed species includes Gorse, Cape Broom, Pampas Grass, Cotoneaster, Tree Lucerne, English Ivy and Oxalis. Pinus radiata left unchecked or managed threatens native plantings that are more light dependant for survival and young plants self-seed and easily spread into revegetated areas.

 There has been a lack of follow up maintenance in revegetated areas and so understory weed species have thrived, Eucalyptus trees grow tall and thin and many other trees show poor structural form. Recognised weed species need to be removed from revegetation areas.

 Revegetation should generally be undertaken with indigenous tree species, from locally sourced seed as they are better adapted to be able to perform under adverse conditions. Tree establishment will require effective rabbit and weed control and mulching.

 Parts of the avenue of Pines to the lookout are senescent and a risk management issue and should be removed and replaced.

 Staged tree removal and replacement in the northern open parkland section of the reserve, including thinning of revegetated areas and canopy and branch lifting to improve passive surveillance.

 Pines on the western embankments of the lookout are obscuring views and should be removed, along with dead trees.

 Creating designated paths will assist with managing trees and revegetation areas. Determine priorities for tree removal works.

 Healthy Pines in existing plantations should be retained. Overall the report recommended the need for:

 Council to develop a tree removal and replacement program

 Improved management and maintenance of revegetation areas

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 Designated walking/riding/driving tracks

2.3.5 Rehabilitation of the Black Hill Reserve - Katie Cunningham - University of Melbourne - May 2012

This student based study assesses the forest health and growth, soil erosion and surface water quality and composition over an 18 month period in 2011 -2012. It identifies that there are

increasingly significant issues with soil erosion and weed infestation, and a decrease in healthy tree growth.

The document makes a number of recommendations for the rehabilitation of the site to reduce erosion, to improve water quality runoff, and to revegetate to improve habitat. Some of the major recommendations relevant to the Master Plan development can be summarised as:

 To return the Reserve to a more healthy forested area and public area.

 To create vegetation and habitat linkages to the Yarrowee River.

 To control erosion, reduce soil movement and decrease unstable slopes through planting with native trees, shrubs, and understory, and where necessary with retaining walls, erosion matting and drainage infrastructure.

 To re-vegetate with local provenance seeds and tubestock and increase the replanting of Eucalyptus and Acacia species to improve habitat and reduce erosion.

 To develop and implement an ongoing weed control program and continue to remove self-seeding Pinus radiata, particularly on the western slopes.

 To fence off unsafe and unstable areas where major soil movement is occurring but improve public access and use of specified areas (ie roads, walking and vehicle tracks, car parks and bike tracks).

2.3.6 Crossing Borders Tracks and Trails: Volume 2 Black Hill MTB Park - Insight Leisure Planning (2013)

The “Crossing Borders Tracks and Trails: Volume 2 Black Hill MTB Park” report was a joint initiative of several Government agencies including the City of Ballarat. The report built upon the earlier report by World Trail and was aimed at “addressing an un-met need for local mountain bikers by providing an authorised location in which to ride and conduct club based activities and events”.

The report stated that Black Hill Reserve is centrally located, with great potential for linkages to other trails and close proximity to the train station. It also said that mountain bike riding is currently performed in the area and the site topography is ideal for further developments to help “legitimise” cross country and downhill mountain bike riding.

The report recognises that the size and topography of the reserve limits its capacity for specialised downhill tracks. It recommends that significant capital works are undertaken to provide cross-country and downhill Mountain Bike Trails to meet the needs of regular local riders, local riding clubs and recreational riders in the district. It provides details and locations for a range of trail types and associated infrastructure and costings for design and construction including:

 A trailhead area with signage, car parking, toilets, a new and improved lookout, bbq and shelters, and park furniture.

 Downhill Trails.

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 Flow Track Loop.

 Skills Loop.

 Link Trails.

 Dirt Jump Zone.

The report concludes that such a facility would complement Ballarat Tourism’s positioning as a cycle tourism destination and that the vision for a MTB park should be incorporated into the overall Master Plan to improve community access and use and reinvigoration of the Reserve.

The report was presented to and adopted by City of Ballarat in October 2013.

2.3.7 Black Hill Lookout - Fire Management Plan - Draft October 2013

The draft ‘Fire Management Plan’ was prepared by the City of Ballarat’s Fire Prevention officer in consultation with the CFA and staff from Council’s Parks and Gardens section.

The Fire Management Plan identifies that Black Hill Reserve has a history of fires and that as it is within a built up urban area with restricted access to steep and heavily vegetated land, the major concern is whether a fire within the Reserve may impact on the local surrounding residential areas. The aim of the Plan is therefore to develop and implement short and long term fire prevention strategies to minimise that risk. The Plan identifies that the most effective method of fire

prevention is to conduct controlled burns. It assesses and rates the fire hazard of 7 different areas, largely to the west and south of the lookout area, and prioritises and costs them for controlled burns.

The Plan also acknowledges that there are other potential control methods to be considered. These include:

 Mulching elevated fuels

 Slashing grassed areas to a maximum height of 100mm

 Spraying of weeds

 Hand crews manually removing understory elevated fuels

Other recommendations include:

 Maintaining a 10-15 metre buffer zone around surrounding properties (ie removal of elevated fuels but not established trees)

 Managing fuel loads on flatter areas as a high priority

 Conducting the burns over a 5 -7 year period, generally in Autumn but weather dependant

 Maintaining existing access points for emergency service and maintenance access

 Identifying and mapping vehicle access tracks with ground truthing GPS

 Having a working group of City of Ballarat, local and district CFA and DEPI (Fire and lands) and user groups discuss options for controlled burns and the management after.

 Liaising with the Fire Prevention Officer when undertaking any other major development or maintenance works within the Reserve.

The draft ‘Fire Management Plan’ will be modified and updated by Council’s Fire Prevention Officer after the current fire season has ended.

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3. Major Issues

3.1 Land Ownership and Management

Black Hill Reserve, as it currently exists, is made up of more than a dozen individual parcels of Crown Land and Council Freehold land. Many of the parcels have been gazetted and formally added to the Reserve in portions from 1907 to the present day. The City of Ballarat is the designated ‘Committee of Management for the majority of land within the reserve, and for most of the Yarrowee River Reserve land which abuts Black Hill Reserve to the south.

There are however several parcels of land that appear on the ground to be part of the reserve but according to title and current mapping are not. This includes:

 Crown Land that the City of Ballarat has not been formally appointed ‘Committee of Management’ of.

 City of Ballarat ‘freehold land’ that has not been formally gazetted and added to the Reserve.

 Undeveloped road reserves that have not been formally closed and added to the Reserve.

 Smaller parcels which are gazetted as water supply reserves, or are under ‘miscellaneous license’.

 Land which abuts the reserve to the south which is Crown land but part of the Yarrowee River Reserve.

A lack of clarity around land ownership and the correct boundaries of the Black Hill Reserve has a significant impact upon management bodies for a variety of reasons, but most importantly to understand who is responsible and has authority for managing particular portions of land, and then managing it accordingly.

Both the Crown and the City of Ballarat believe that a review of land parcels and formalisation of the Reserve boundaries under one management body will provide greater clarity of management responsibilities and assist the ongoing day to day management of the Reserve.

3.2 Mountain Bike (MTB) Park Development

Council’s endorsement of the MTB Park report clearly indicates that it supports the continued use and development of Black Hill Reserve for mountain bike activities.

The report includes provision of works on existing tracks as well as the establishment of new tracks which cater for a variety of mountain biking disciplines. This also includes provision for supporting infrastructure such as signage (including possible site heritage information), a meeting area shelter, rubbish bins and potentially public toilets to help draw organised recreational and club based activities and events.

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As part of the reports vision it recommended that the proposed trails and associated infrastructure should be incorporated into an overall Master Plan for Black Hill Reserve to reinforce opportunities for community access, recreational use, landscape enhancements and reinvigoration of the area.

3.3 Access and Connectivity

3.3.1 Public Vehicle Access

The main vehicle access point to Black Hill reserve is to the lookout via Sim Street off Chisholm Street. The current closure of the southern end of the lookout car park due to subsiding pavement has changed the use of the site both positively and negatively. Based on anecdotal evidence there is less undesirable behaviour and less littering but equally less access to panoramic views from within cars. The current restrictions also limit the capacity of tourist buses to easily manoeuvre around the lookout car park area.

Less formal vehicle access points and car parks are available at the end of Napier Street to the west and Clissold Street to the south-east adjoining the Yarrowee River. Other possible access points for vehicles include Victory Lane and Clissold Street to the south-west and via Brooksbank Court to the east of the Reserve. All of these potential locations however currently have issues with both gravel and low volume road access, relatively steep topography and a lack of connecting pedestrian paths.

3.3.2 Emergency and Maintenance Vehicle Access

Emergency vehicle and maintenance vehicle access ‘into’ the Reserve is currently available from all of the locations accessible to public vehicles and from other roads including Chisholm Street, Victory Lane, and Clissold Street. Access to public vehicles is restricted at these locations by removable bollards. Emergency or maintenance vehicles have keys to remove and replace the bollard as necessary. This is standard procedure for all City of Ballarat managed reserves.

Access for emergency and maintenance vehicles ‘through’ the Reserve is provided by a number of vehicle tracks. None of the tracks are clearly identified or signed and in some cases are difficult to see as they do not appear to be sprayed out or slashed.

Having clearly designated, mapped, signed and maintained emergency and maintenance vehicle access points leading into and through the Reserve will provide the most effective means of responding to emergency situations and day to day management of the Reserve.

3.3.3 Pedestrian Access

Formalised pedestrian access connecting into the Reserve is generally only available from Sim Street and the lookout car park and the car park area at the end of Napier Street. Less formal access is available from the Yarrowee River at the base of the southern escarpment. The connection to the linear path network along Yarrowee River, which includes the Great Diving Trail and the Eureka Troopers Trail, is perhaps the most significant pedestrian connection in terms of opportunity.

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Less formal pedestrian access is potentially available into the reserve from all unfenced boundaries and from adjoining resident’s properties however the steep nature of the topography and dense vegetation severely restricts pedestrian access into the Reserve in many areas. No sealed pedestrian footpaths currently connect form surrounding roads to the Reserve.

Pedestrians currently have access through the reserve along all existing vehicle trails, a series of informal pedestrian trails that have developed over many years, and both formal and informal bike trails. Whilst some of the formalised bike trails are marked with signs, the speed that mountain bikes come down the trails potentially conflicts with pedestrian use, particularly at intersections of dedicated bike trails. Purpose built bike trails also have obstacles and risks that do not support pedestrian use.

Purpose built pedestrian trails with steps and hand rails have previously been constructed by community groups leading from the lookout car park down the western embankments. Unfortunately sections of these trails are currently in disrepair and present risks to users. Given the nature of the terrain and the sites history it is generally accepted by the broader community that providing easily accessible, safe, and well maintained pedestrian tracks and trails throughout the Reserve, particularly on the steeper slopes, is both difficult and costly.

Never the less it is industry best practice that pedestrian access to public open space areas is maximised and that the access is fit for its intended purpose, safe, and connected to surrounding footpaths, wherever possible. Providing clearly designated pedestrian paths that are mapped, signed and effectively maintained will provide the most effective means of encouraging and supporting pedestrian use of the Reserve.

3.3.4 Bicycle Access

Bicycle access to the Reserve is provided through the existing road network and footpaths. This is essentially the same access that is available to pedestrians. Road bikes however require sealed road or footpath access which is currently only provided to the lookout area at the end of Sim Street and to the car park area at the end of Napier Street. Mountain bike riders have the same access to the Reserve that is available to pedestrians however only experienced riders are likely to be able to traverse the steep slopes, pedestrian paths and bike trials within the Reserve.

Council’s adoption of the Crossing Borders Tracks and Trails: Volume 2 Black Hill MTB Park indicates that access within the Reserve for mountain bike use will be significantly increased and improved as the proposed bike trails are developed. Whilst this will benefit mountain bike users it has the potential to conflict with pedestrians and other reserve users. The location of bike trails and their design and construction will therefore need to carefully consider the potential impacts on other trails and trail users.

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3.4 Public Amenity and Infrastructure

Black Hill Reserve currently has a low level of park infrastructure relative to the development standards that are recommended in the Ballarat Open Space Strategy (BOSS) for ‘District Recreation Parkland’. The existing infrastructure such as paths, tables, seats, fencing and bins are also in relatively poor condition.

The development standards in the BOSS state that the main function of ‘District Recreation Parkland’ (1ha to 10ha) is to: provide a diversity of recreation opportunity, to attract people from at least a two kilometre radius, and to be linked into the open space system. It also says design of this type of park should be based on local character and should protect any local environmental or cultural values.

In relation to Black Hill it says that this type of reserve should have:

 Shade planting and drought tolerant planting and landscape amenity compatible with the landscape character of the surrounding area.

 Large open areas for informal play, informal sporting facility for young people and Casual activities.

 Well defined pathways with potential linkages into a trail pathway network.

 Off street parking and disability access where landform allows.

 BBQ’s, picnic tables, bench seating, rubbish bins, drinking fountains, art or sculpture.

 Toilets and shade structures such as pergolas or shelters.

Improved amenity and facilities are also recommended in the Crossing Trails report including a trailhead area with signage, car parking, toilets, a new and improved lookout, bbq and shelters, and park furniture.

3.4.1 Car Parking

The major area of formalised car parking in the reserve is in the vicinity of the lookout. Less formal parking is catered for in the gravel car park at the end of Napier Street and the closed eastern end of Clissold Street.

The closure of the southern section of the lookout car park to vehicles has reduced the sealed parking capacity in this area by approximately 12 vehicles. To a large extent there was an over-supply of formalised car parking at the lookout given that there has been no evidence of it being full to capacity and even with it closed off, anecdotal evidence that there is currently adequate capacity for informal parking close to the viewing platform.

The proposed redevelopment and use of the Reserve however is likely to increase the demand for car parking particularly at the lookout area and so the Master Plan will need to consider how and where adequate car parking can be provided and appropriately designed to fit into the existing landscape and topography .

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3.4.2 Public Toilets

A brick public toilet structure, estimated to have been erected in the 1950’s, was located on the west side of Sim Street approximately half way along the road to the lookout. It was demolished in the late 1990’s as it was in poor condition and had poor passive surveillance with high rates of undesirable behaviour such as needle use.

The provision of public toilets is recommended within District Recreation parkland, particularly where reserve uses and features (eg BBQ’s and MTB activities) encourage people to utilise the reserve for extended periods of time. While there are no public conveniences at the lookout at present future development of the Reserve for mountain biking events, and as a lookout could necessitate the need for public toilets.

If public toilets are supported in an isolated location such as the lookout area, they would need to be carefully located, designed and managed so that the previous issues of undesirable behaviour and vandalism are less likely to become a future management issue.

3.4.3 Viewing Platform

The existing path and viewing platform at the lookout is in poor condition as lateral ground movement and subsidence has progressively pushed over sleeper retaining walls, caused the upper concrete slab to tilt and created trip hazards due to uneven bluestone flagstones along the path. Timber in the external environment also has a relatively short life span and many of the existing sleepers have been removed or are rapidly decomposing.

The platform has limited accessibility but even in its current form, still provides a major drawcard and attraction within the Reserve. A bronze indicator disc with arrows showing distances to surrounding hills is located in the middle of the platform. It presents this information in a timeless and very durable manner and could potentially be re-used in a redevelopment of the lookout. The flagpole at the top of the viewing platform no longer has the mechanisms and capacity to fly flags. Given the ongoing issues with flags getting stolen from flagpoles around the City, replacement of a flagpole and the ongoing replacement of flags could be a costly exercise.

3.4.4 Shelter and BBQ

There are currently no shelters or BBQ facilities in the Reserve. The provision of shelters for weather protection and BBQ facilities for functions and passive recreational use is consistent with the development standards for District Recreational Parkland. Such facilities would also be beneficial to the promotion of Black Hill Reserve for multi-functional uses including bike riding events and bushwalking.

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3.4.5 Park Furniture and Fencing

There are currently four picnic table sets located on the grassed area just north of the viewing platform. Two sets are unpainted rustic timber styles consistent with the City of Ballarat’s Street and Park Furniture Guidelines. The other two sets are old cast concrete end styles that are incomplete and inconsistent with the Guidelines.

There is currently no other purpose built seating provided within the Reserve, although rocks, steps and some types of fencing provide informal opportunities for seating in various locations.

There are several styles of fencing throughout the Reserve.

The most dominant style is located around the lookout and consists of 100x100mm unpainted timber posts with two timber rails on the western slopes and three timber rails around the plantings in the car park centre. This fencing is approximately twenty years old and the timber is now reaching the end of its natural life and is due for replacement.

Treated pine post and rails are located on the entrance to the lookout along Sims Street, around the car park at the end of Napier Street, and around the eastern end of Clissold Street. Whilst these post and rails are in reasonable condition they are not very attractive and the style is inconsistent with the Street and Park Furniture Guidelines.

Two rubbish bins remain near the lookout area. Many styles of bins have been installed and trialled near the lookout over the last 20 years however the bins have been regularly set fire to, vandalised, or removed and thrown down embankments. The current steel bin surround style has been the most resistant to these treatments. Additional rubbish bins may be required, particularly around the lookout area, with the projected increase in use of this area.

3.4.6 Signage

There is currently very limited signage around the Black Hill Reserve and what does exist is in variable condition. The park entrance sign on Sim Street facing Chisholm Street is in poor condition and requires renewal. It is however small for an open space area of this size and relatively obscure in its current location.

Hazard and warning signs are located around steep or dangerous areas that are fenced off, although they are often covered in graffiti. The southern escarpment accessible from the Yarrowee River has several of these signs warning of the dangers of shafts and steep cliffs.

The existing bike trails have well designed signs at the lookout trail heads that are in very good condition. Each formal bike track also has signs and markers along its course advising pedestrian to be careful and directing bikes where to go.

There are also two plaques fixed to rocks one at the lookout and one near the scout plantings that took place in 1982.

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3.5 Geotechnical

3.5.1 Lookout Area

Reports by Mining One to address ongoing subsidence of the closed off section of the lookout car park have found that to make the car park area stable enough to remain accessible by vehicles, would require significant capital expenditure of approximately $500,000, and even then there is no guarantee the construction would endure further subsidence or creeping of the subsoil.

The Mining One reports therefore present two options to deal with the issue. Option one is to prevent vehicle access to the current lookout area and provide alternative parking near the viewing platform. Option two is to restore the existing car park pavement which would require extensive drilling and excavation prior to filling and sealing, but with no guarantee of further ongoing subsidence issues.

The authors of the report support Option one and argue that unless there is a strong economic or social justification for maintaining vehicular access beyond this point, it is assumed the area previously used for car parking could be modified to accommodate paths, an emergency vehicle access road and open grassed area providing panoramic views across the city.

Reports to Council on this issue have identified both options and their relative costs. Council has indicated that this proposition and options be explored through a process of stakeholder engagement.

3.5.2 Erosion and Drainage

The topography and historical use of the Black Hill Reserve for mining has resulted in a landscape with surface materials that are particularly subject to erosion, water runoff and complex drainage issues. Established pine plantations, new native plantings, areas of lawn, and even noxious weed growth significantly reduce erosion and water runoff, however the changing nature of the Reserve due to tree decline and path construction has the potential to create localised areas of erosion and subsequent drainage issues.

Given the nature of the landscape it is not possible or practical to prevent erosion altogether, in fact it is a natural process within any landscape, however development works such as tree clearing and path construction have the capacity to increase erosion and runoff if not appropriately designed and constructed. A lack of ongoing maintenance also has the capacity to increase erosion and runoff so it is equally important that monitoring of suspect areas occurs and that minor maintenance works are carried out on an as needs basis to prevent or minimise future erosion and drainage problems.

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3.6 Vegetation Management

3.6.1 Fire Management

Black Hill has a history of small fires including bin fires around the lookout, grass fires, and small vegetation fires therefore there is a potential fire risk to surrounding residential properties. Controlled burns and slashing have traditionally been used as tools to reduce the threat of larger fires however there has never been a consolidated plan to deal with fire management across the entire reserve.

The draft ‘Fire Management Plan’, prepared in 2013 by the City of Ballarat’s Fire Prevention officer, in consultation with other authorities, is therefore the first plan to manage the fire threat;

specifically within the Black Hill Reserve. The aim of the Plan is therefore to develop and implement short and long term fire prevention strategies to minimise that risk. It recommends controlled burns and other works to reduce elevated fuels and rates and prioritises them across 7 different fire hazard areas.

A small burn was conducted in October 2013 in accordance with the draft Plan. Other controlled burns are scheduled to be carried out in high priority areas in Autumn 2014, when the summer fire season has finished and weather conditions are favourable.

3.6.2 Tree Management

Black Hill Reserve is synonymous with Pine trees. Whilst historically native trees were all but cleared for mining, established Pine plantations now dominate the views of Black Hill from within and afar and now have an historical context. More recent plantings of native trees in areas felled of pines are representative of an Australia wide movement to re-vegetate with native plants, and have the potential to significantly improve the environmental values of the Reserve.

Various reports and arboricultural assessments have identified that the established Pine plantations are generally healthy and given the nature of pine forests, suppress weed growth and present a low fire risk. Some former plantation areas however have been assessed as having a shorter life

expectancy and so tree management programs may need to be developed for future removal and revegetation of these areas.

Amenity tree planting, such as the Blue Gums and Cedars in the open grasslands fronting Chisholm Street, and the Pine tree avenue (Peace Avenue) along Sim Street have been identified in the Black Hill Lookout Reserve- Arboricultural Report as having a shorter life expectancy. The report

recommends that they should be considered for removal and replacement with suitable species in the short to medium term.

Areas of revegetation with native trees and shrubs have generally been quite successful in establishment. A lack of follow up maintenance such as tree thinning, formative pruning, and removal of pine seedlings, weeds and tree guards has impacted on the health and appearance of

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these revegetation areas. Plantings on the western side of the lookout have the potential to obscure or block views. Maintenance of these areas is difficult given the steep slopes however appropriate maintenance programs can ensure that views are maintained from selected areas.

A number of reference documents provide detailed recommendations for the management of trees in the Reserve. They generally support the retention of existing pine plantations and the continued revegetation with local native tree species in areas where the pines have been clear felled. They also recommend that detailed tree management plans be prepared to reduce the public risk and to improve the overall health, environmental values, and appearance of trees across the Reserve.

3.6.3 Weed Management

The management of weeds is extremely difficult given the large size of the site, the steep

topography and the limited access to many areas in Black Hill Reserve. Reports by Arborsafe, Katie Cunningham and Council’s Fire Prevention Officer assess the various types of weeds and impacts of weed growth. They identify that Pine seedlings are the most widespread and difficult to control but that other species of weed such as Gorse, Cape Broom, Pampas Grass, English Ivy and Cotoneaster are also abundant, particularly in areas that have had more recent soil disturbance.

The reports make detailed recommendations for their control including the need to have individually prepared weed management programs.

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Reference Documents

 Black Hill Lookout Car Park – Geotechnical Assessment, May 2011, Mining One Consultants.

 Black Hill Lookout Reserve - Arboricultural Report, July 2011, Arborsafe .

 Proposed Development of Mountain Bike & Multi-use Trails, January 2008, World Trail Pty Ltd.

 Crossing Borders Tracks and Trails: Volume 2 Black Hill MTB Park, July 2013, Insight Leisure Planning.

 Rehabilitation of the Black Hill Reserve, May 2012, Katie Cunningham, University of Melbourne.

 Black Hill Heritage Precinct – City of Ballarat Heritage Study (Stage 2): Heritage Precincts, 2006.

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Black Hill Reserve Master Plan

Community Engagement – Summary Report

July 2014

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Summary Report

This report provides a summary of the community

engagement process conducted in June 2014 to guide

the development of a Master Plan for the Black Hill

Reserve.

The report summarises the methods of engagement and

community feedback but does not make

recommendations for the Master Plan.

All the community feedback will however be considered

in the development of the Master Plan and the priorities

for its implementation.

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Community Engagement

The community engagement process

commenced by inviting residents, local

community groups, the Black Hill Primary

School community and the broader

community to attend an Open House drop in

session at the Black Hill Primary School on

Thursday June 5

th

from 7.00-9.00pm.

A free bbq was provided in partnership with

the Black Hill Primary School and attendees

were invited to come along and discuss their

issues and share their ideas to assist Council

with the development of the Master Plan.

Black Hill Reserve – Master Plan Community Consultation Drop in Session

The Black Hill Primary School community is invited to attend an Open House drop-in

session at the Black Hill Primary School on Thursday 5 June 2014 between 5.00pm

and 7.00pm to discuss current and future priorities for the Black Hill Lookout and Reserve. You are welcome to drop-in at any stage to highlight your priorities and put forward your suggestions for future action.

The session is being run in partnership with the Black Hill Primary School who have kindly agreed to run a free BBQ for those attending. The session is open to all with an interest in the Reserve, so please feel free to mention this to other community members if you are aware of their interest too.

Your contribution to this process is very important and we welcome your input to assist Council to identify a longer term approach for the future development and management of the Reserve.

If you are unable to attend the session but would like to make comments or suggestions for the Reserve, or if you would like more information about the session, please contact Adam

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Draft Vision

Black Hill Primary School

A workshop was conducted with 30 student leaders from the Black Hill Primary School. Students

were asked a series of questions and eagerly participated and added their ideas and comments to a

large scroll. These are some of their ideas.

• Walking tracks

• Dog run area

• Viewing areas for birds

• Garden and water features

• Playgrounds

• Toilets

• BBQ, picnic tables

• Bench seats

• Bike jump and tracks

• Bike racks

• Yoga area

• Community garden and orchard

• Viewing platform with binoculars

• Obstacle course

• Food vans – coffee, ice-cream etc

• Shelters – gazebos

• Historical signs

• Café/kiosk

• Parking spaces

• Rock climbing area

• Disabled access

• Rubbish bins

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Open House – Drop In Session

The ‘Open House Drop In Session’ was run by Council staff from Strategic Planning, Community

Engagement, Recreation, and Parks and Gardens. It was attended by approximately 130 adults

and children. Different themes were placed around the room. Attendees were encouraged to

move around, talk to Council staff, make comments on plans, fill in feedback forms and actively

vote for their preferred concepts for the lookout and objectives for the rest of the Reserve.

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Draft Vision and Objectives

Draft Vision

To recognise Black Hill Reserve as a significant Ballarat landmark through the preservation and

enhancement of its recreational, historical, and environmental features to encourage greater use and

enjoyment of this unique parkland.

A Draft Vision and Objectives were developed by the Black Hill Reserve Master Plan Consultation

Committee in April 2014. The Draft Vision was placed on display around the room for comment .

Draft Objectives

The 10 Draft Objectives were grouped onto four different themes and presented with photos from the

Reserve relative to that theme. Attendees were given three green dots to place against their three

favourite objectives. The results were as follows

Active and Passive Recreation 40%

Lookout Area and Tourism 20%

History and Interpretation 19%

Landscape and Environment 21%

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

To

develop Black Hill Reserve as Ballarat’s

premier site for mountain biking by upgrading

existing and developing additional mountain bike trails whilst also constructing park facilities

to support their increased use by the community, clubs and other organisations.



To create design features and elements within Black Hill Reserve to encourage shared and

multi-functional uses for a variety of active and passive recreational purposes.



To improve and encourage pedestrian access to and within Black Hill Reserve by developing a

range of safe paths and trails that provide connections between the surrounding street

network, car parks and the Yarrowee River to key features within the Reserve such as the

lookout area.

Active and Passive Recreation

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Draft Objectives

Lookout Area and Tourism



To increase the community’s use of Black Hill Reserve and the lookout area by

improving public facilities and features including: the viewing platform, public

toilets, shelters for bbq facilities and weather protection, picnic areas, seating and

signage, and a safe and accessible path and trail network.



To improve and increase access to the Black Hill Reserve for tourists, motorists, and

for events and activities by providing a range of formal and informal car parks

around the Reserve.

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

To protect and enhance the culturally significant landscapes and vegetation of Black

Hill Reserve, in particular the established pine plantations areas and historical

community plantings and avenues.



To improve and enhance the habitat and environmental qualities of recently planted

indigenous and native vegetation areas through appropriate management practices

and additional indigenous plantings in suitable areas.



To improve safety and the environmental amenity of Black Hill Reserve by

undertaking new plantings to reinforce the existing planting themes, by

implementing vegetation works to improve passive surveillance from surrounding

areas, and by organising works to reduce erosion and areas of weed infestation.

Landscape and Environment

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

To promote and improve the communities knowledge of the historical use and

development of the Black Hill Reserve by preserving and enhancing its historical

landscape features and providing new features and interpretive signage to reinforce

the historical themes.



To promote Black Hill Reserve’s significant mining history and geological features by

identifying and, where possible, providing safe access to old mining relics,

escarpments, exposed layers of natural bedrock, and old mine shafts.

History and Interpretation

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Lookout Concepts

Concept A

aimed to fix up and make safe what is already there.

This included fixing the lower section of carpark to make it safe and

accessible to vehicles again, and to make the existing steps, fences

and viewing platform safe, with some new park furniture and

improved views. Estimate of Cost $1,300,000

14%

of respondents on the night preferred Lookout Concept A

Concept B

aimed to keep the lower carpark section closed to

vehicle traffic and to redevelop the upper carpark area with

improved amenities. It included the construction of a new upper

carpark area, new viewing platforms and steps, public toilets, bbq

and picnic facilities, signage park furniture and improved views.

Estimate of Cost $1,000,000

86%

of respondents on the night preferred Lookout Concept B

Two options of development were presented for the main lookout area.

Attendees were given one green dot to place against their preferred option.

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Feedback Forms

Black Hill Reserve Master Plan Community Feedback Form

Name: Enter your full name Email: Enter your email address 1.Do you belong to an organisation or club that uses Black Hill Reserve? Yes ? No ?

If yes, which one(s) – please specify: Please enter your response here 2. How often do you visit or use Black Hill Reserve(Please select the nearest option only)

? Daily ? Monthly

? 2-3 times per week ? Several times a year

? 4-6 times per week ? Yearly

? Once per week ? Every few years

? 2-3 times a month ? Seldom

3. What are your main activities at Black Hill Reserve(Please tick a maximum of three boxes)

? Walking

? Walking the Dog/s

? Mountain bike riding

? Running

? Sightseeing

? Exploring

? Bird watching

? Other (please specify)Other – Please Specify

4. What are your favourite things about Black Hill Reserve(Please tick a maximum of three boxes)

? Sightseeing and Views

? Trees and Landscape

? Geology and Topography

? History

? Peacefulness and Serenity

? Walking

? Bike riding

? Other (please specify) Other – Please Specify

5. Please rank your priorities for the future development of Black Hill Reserve from 1-10(1= Highest Priority)

Enter No New or improved platform/s Enter No Mountain bike trails

Enter No Public toilets Enter No Improved tree and vegetation management

Enter No BBQ Enter No Car parking

Enter No Picnic shelters, tables and seats Enter No Directional and management signage

Enter No Pedestrian paths Enter No Historical signage and interpretation

Enter No Other (please specify)

Other – Please Specify

Enter No Other (please specify)

Other – Please Specify

Black Hill Reserve Draft Master Plan. Volume 2- Supporting Documents