Yarra Junction Community and Cultural Precinct
Master Plan
Draft May 2013
Summary
Plan Objectives
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To plan for quality infrastructure integrated with the adjacent diverse
community facilities
To increase the accessibility of the site and buildings for all Upper Yarra community
members, in particular marginalised and disadvantaged members of the Upper Yarra
Valley community
To bring together groups and individuals who may have been previously
disconnected from each other, and reinforce their identification with Yarra Junction
To tap into local skills, experiences and resources
To enable the development of strong and viable local organisations
To allow the emergence of a governance and business model for future activities
located in the precinct.
Key Stakeholders
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Yarra Ranges Council - Project client and facilitators of the Yarra Junction
Precinct Masterplan Project including engagement and direction of the
consultant team.
The Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society - owners of the collection and currently
facilitating the management of the museum site,
restoration works and various community events and functions.
Department of Sustainability & Environment - owners of the land.
Upper Yarra Community House - occupiers of adjacent compound and
providers of a range of community and educational functions.
Study area
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The former Yarra Junction railway station, outbuildings and open space, surrounded
by a cyclone fence, situated on the Yarra Junction Reserve
The study has also taken into consideration the wider surrounds and adjoining areas
including Yarra Junction Reserve, the Goods Shed and the access road.
Upper Yarra Museum
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Opened in 1972 and occupies the former Yarra Junction Railway Station
Displays within station building and former Porter’s Cottage
Artefacts located within various sheds and huts
Upper Yarra Valley Historical Society
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A volunteer organisation which was formed in 1965
Owns the collection and is responsible for its overall management and display within
the Upper Yarra Museum.
Seeks funding for the ongoing renovation of a number of the historical buildings in
line with the recommendations described within the Conservation Management Plan,
Undertakes cataloguing of the collection.
Facilitates and manages a range of community events and educational programs
within the precinct grounds.
Vision
Heritage
 a place for stories of the Upper Yarra to be expressed, through local collections and
exhibitions, unique heritage buildings and cultural heritage experiences and events
 new community partnerships, broader community engagement, new experiences
 preservation of buildings, accessibility, interpretation and growing engagement will
mean the precinct will become a key regional community heritage destination.
Community
 a catalyst for life long learning, active and passive recreation, meetings
 a key location for future civil and community infrastructure that will express cultural
heritage identity
 each future initiative provides an opportunity to engage the community, building
connectedness, and activating the space.
Economy
 contributing to local economy by enhancing existing tourism activity and promoting
tourism
 management structures that are sustainable
 new commercial activities will reflect the heritage and community objectives
 public and private funding sources will contribute to the precinct’s activities.
Consultation
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Yarra Ranges Council conducted four listening posts held at key locations in
Warburton, Yarra Junction and Woori Yallock between 22nd and 29th September,
2012 and an online survey that was accessible from 10th September to 16th
October, 2012
Simon Holloway of Lockyeri Consulting facilitated a meeting with the Upper Yarra
Valley Historical Society committee on Thursday 4th October and a public forum on
Monday 8th October.
Altogether, about 130 people participated in these activities.
Key themes to emerge:
o Attract more people into the precinct
o Expand the precinct to include more outdoor facilities
o Complete the restoration of buildings and include working
displays/experiences
o Create a focus and use for the Food Shed
o Improve connectivity between precinct and the reserve and rail trail
o Improve accessibility for children and people with a disability
o Expand the use of the facilities and spaces in the precinct by the community
o Make the precinct mire dynamic by holding festivals and events
o Create a sustainable business model for the precinct
o Improve basic facilities such as potable water, toilets and kitchen
o Review and revise the governance structure
o Develop stronger links with reserve tenants and users and local businesses
o Expand and maintain a strong volunteer base.
Actions
Heritage
H1
Reinstate main entrance at the eastern end of the site
H2
Reinstate main access map
H3
External exhibit zone for ongoing displays and events
H4
Reinstate and use existing tracks and sidings
H5
Relocate shed 1 to western end of station forecourt and remove shed 2.
Shed 1 to house the Powelltown tractor, that will run on existing tracks.
H6
Restore Goods shed for tourism, commercial or community purposes.
H7
Station building restoration and museum conversion,
including kitchen facilities, toilets, water supply.
H8
Retain and upgrade Porter’s Cottage
Community
C1
Collaboration with Upper Yarra Community House, occupiers of former DSE depot,
through the development of training and educational programs.
C2
Flexible events space in northeast corner, as a venue for festivals, events, displays
C3
New “Junction” Forecourt and Arrivals, to the east, linking museum to goods shed
C4
Children’s play area in eastern corner, overlooked by platform
C5
Community use of museum, for hire and for showcasing private collections
Economy
E1
Integrate the Rail Trail with the Precinct, including feature fence along southern
boundary
E2
The Guard van café and seating area on raised terrace at eastern end of platform
E3
Potential future use of Goods Shed for a commercial enterprise
Site Planning
SP1 New Warburton Highway signage
SP2 Bus arrivals close to arrivals precinct at “The Junction”
SP3 Upgrade access road and provide visitor parking
SP4 Potential future connection to wider reserve, including river reserve to the north and
water storage ponds
SP5 Mitigate storm water flooding in south west corner of precinct
SP6 Upgrades to Museum forecourt and platform frontage integrated with existing tracks
SP7 Pedestrian circulation and connections within precinct and to surrounding reserve.