Values, Uses and Community Views
A final report on stakeholder and community
consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
October 2015
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2015
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ISBN 978-1-74146-857-1 (pdf)
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Summary
A new park of up to 641 hectares is to be established near Ballarat. The park will comprise of the existing
Canadian State Forest and other Crown land including the former Victorian Plantation Corporation
plantation land. The park is being created to meet the Government’s 2014 election commitment to
establish a State Park, in response the community-based group Friends of the Canadian Corridor’s proposal
to establish a “Canadian Multi Use Forest Park”.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has consulted key stakeholders and the
broader community. An estimated 170 community members participated in the Canadian Park Community
Open House and 238 online submissions were received during the consultation period. Additional
submissions were also received from several individuals and stakeholders.
There has been strong support for the creation of the park from both the community and key stakeholders.
Community feedback and submissions are overwhelmingly supportive of the creation of a park that
supports a wide range of recreation uses including bush walking, mountain bike riding, picnicking, nature
observation, orienteering, dog walking, horse riding, prospecting and environmental education.
As a result of the stakeholder and community consultation it has been decided to create the park as a
regional park, rather than the state park that had been initially proposed. A regional park will accommodate
the community’s wishes to access the park for a wide variety of uses, as highlighted through the
consultation process.
The new park will enhance the landscape by increasing green space in Ballarat, create a north-south wildlife
corridor and protect natural and cultural values. The park will ensure the former plantation land is
rehabilitated and brought back to public use and provide for a range of recreational opportunities including
walking, mountain bike trails and picnic facilities. The new park will also create opportunities for naturebased tourism.
Once the park is created, it is recommended that the park manager commence the preparation of a park
establishment plan, supported by further community and stakeholder engagement, to ensure community
aspirations for access to and use of the park are realised.
Contents
Summary
Contents
1. Introduction
1
1.1 Purpose
1.2 Overview of the proposed park
1
2
2. Biodiversity and Environmental Values
4
2.1 Forest types
2.2 Species conservation
2.3 Catchments and aquatic ecosystems
2.4 Landscape values
4
4
6
7
3. Recreational and Community Values
8
3.1 Community links to the park
3.2 Local communities
3.3 Recreational activities
3.4 Educational values
3.5 Tourism
3.6 Neighbouring areas
8
8
8
9
9
9
4. Cultural Heritage Values
10
4.1 Aboriginal social values
4.2 Aboriginal cultural heritage
4.3 Other historic legacy and values
10
10
10
5. Economic and Social Values
12
5.1 Planning scheme interfaces
5.2 Mineral resources
5.3 Utilities and infrastructure
12
12
13
6. Risks
14
6.1 Visitor behaviours
6.2 Fire
6.3 Climate change
6.4 Weeds, pests and diseases
6.5 Public safety
14
14
14
14
15
7. Consultation Process and Outcomes
16
7.1 Basis for consultation
7.2 The consultation process
7.3 Sumary of key stakeholder discussions
7.4 Summary of submissions received
7.5 Results of the stakeholder and community consultation
7.5.1 Results of the online survey
7.5.2 Results of the community open house event
7.6 Summary of consultation results
7.7 Conclusion
16
16
17
18
18
18
23
27
29
References
29
Appendix 1. Stakeholder list
30
Appendix 2. Transcript of community comments (log sheets, graffiti wall and submissions)
32
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
A new park, of up to 641 hectares, comprising the existing Canadian State Forest and other Crown land
including the former Victorian Plantation Corporation (VPC) plantation land is to be established in Ballarat
(see figure 1). The park is being created to meet the Government’s 2014 election commitment to establish
a ‘State Park’, using the former plantation land and adjoining state forest in response to the communitybased group Friends of the Canadian Corridor’s proposal to establish a “Canadian Multi Use Forest Park”.
This report provides a summary of the values, uses and community consultation process undertaken by the
Grampians Region of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to the Minister for
Environment, Climate Change and Water to enable the establishment of the proposed park (figures 1 & 2).
Establishment will require the definition of: (1) the land to be included in the park and its boundaries; (2)
the appropriate uses to be allowed in the park; (3) the type of park to be created; and (4) the proposed
land manager. The park will then be declared pursuant to the appropriate legislation.
This report will also inform the planning process for the future management of the proposed park by
providing a summary of the values, uses and community views.
Figure 1. Outline of proposed park in relation to surrounding areas
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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1.2 Overview of the proposed park
The area proposed for the park is located 4 km southeast of the centre of Ballarat on low hills of Ordovician
geology. It is roughly rectangular in shape and is oriented north to south. The southern, western and
northern boundaries are convoluted and adjoin urban areas. The eastern boundary adjoins a combination
of rural and bushland areas. Much of the land in the immediate vicinity of the park boundary supports
native vegetation.
Figure 2. Outline of proposed park including aerial imagery from 2015.
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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The land is made up of a total of 32 existing Crown parcels, comprising the Canadian State Forest, large
areas of unreserved Crown land formerly managed by the Victorian Plantations Corporation (VPC) for
softwood and hardwood production, and a handful of smaller reserves and unreserved parcels of Crown
land totalling approximately 641 hectares.
There are also a number of unused government road reserves running through the area, as well as council
managed roads. Several tenures including one grazing licence, a communications licence and two mineral
exploration licences are also within the proposed park.
The remnant bushland in the proposed park is primarily classified as Heathy Dry Forest. This forest type is
classed as common in Victoria, with a relatively high proportion remaining due to the relatively low
suitability of the soils for agriculture. The former plantation areas harbour a range of native and introduced
species which have established since harvest operations concluded.
The proposed park will form an important component of the forested corridor extending north to the
Creswick Regional Park, southwest to the Enfield State Park, and southeast through the Lal Lal State Forest
to the Brisbane Ranges National Park. The corridor represents an avenue for the movement of wildlife,
providing habitat continuity and consequently maintaining population health for a range of species.
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2. Biodiversity and Environmental Values
2.1 Forest types
The native vegetation within the proposed park is predominantly Heathy Dry Forest, with a small area of
Valley Grassy Forest (Goldfields bioregion, Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC) 20 and 47 respectively).
The structure and composition of the forest reflects a history of gold mining, firewood collection and
timber production among other uses. Parts of the forest contain mature, well-developed tree cover,
however there are also areas dominated by coppice regrowth and dense regeneration. Larger trees are
typically found along road reserves or buffers on the perimeter of the former plantation, and in the intact
forest in the north of the proposed park.
The condition of the understorey of the Heathy Dry Forest ranges from excellent to moderate. The
northern section of native bushland is in particularly good condition with extensive stands of Grass-trees
being a locally significant feature. A small tongue of Valley Grassy Forest adjacent to Katy Ryan’s Road is
also locally significant, but is in a degraded condition and is heavily infested with gorse.
The former plantation within the proposed park is located centrally in two distinct blocks. At present these
blocks hold little native vegetation. Some small patches of forest were retained as islands or buffers, and
much of the cleared area is undergoing revegetation by natural and artificial processes. The smaller
northern plantation was artificially reseeded with indigenous species after last being harvested, while in the
main plantation much of the cleared area has been steadily colonised from surrounding areas by native and
introduced species. Both blocks were treated mechanically and with fire to remove harvesting residues.
Table 1. Forest types by Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) represented in the proposed park.
Description/Ecological
Vegetation Class
EVC
no.
Conservation
Status
Area in
park
Percentage
of total area
Condition of forest type
known to be in the park
Heathy Dry Forest
20
Least Concern
370 ha
57%
Ranging from wellestablished forest to
coppice regrowth
Valley Grassy Forest
47
Vulnerable
11 ha
2%
Poor condition, reduced
extent
Former Plantation
N/A
N/A
269 ha
41%
Some natives, widespread
invasion of gorse and
broom.
2.2 Species conservation
The proposed park supports a range of common and widespread flora and fauna species. Its value to some
fauna species is limited by the shortage of large old trees and associated large tree hollows and fallen logs.
In some sections the biodiversity of the understorey on the native bushland has been reduced by past land
uses and also possibly by outbreaks of Phytophthora.
There are locally significant populations of Austral Grass-tree (Xanthorrhoea australis), particularly in the
north. These are a very attractive visual component of the understorey and contribute to the habitat value
of the area habitat for native fauna. Stands of Brown Stringybark (Eucalyptus baxteri) are considered
locally significant as this species is uncommon around Ballarat. There are also locally significant records of
Rough Tree-ferns (Cyathea australis) in several creek-lines in the proposed park.
Native mammals recorded within the proposed park include the Agile Antechinus (Antechinus agilis) and
the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). A regional Koala management plan has been developed by the City of
Ballarat to ensure the local viability of the species in the long term (BCC 2006) While the proposed park is
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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important for Koala habitat at the landscape scale, it contains minimal suitable habitat due to a lack of
preferred diet trees such as Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) and Swamp Gum (Eucalyptus ovata).
Figure 3. Forest types within and adjacent to the proposed park.
Two threatened flora species have been recorded within the proposed park. These are the Yarra Gum
(Eucalyptus yarraensis), and the Penny-leaf Flat-pea (Platylobium rotundum).
Table 2. Rare and threatened species recorded within the proposed park (DELWP 2015).
Common name
Scientific name
Status in Victoria
Occurrence in park
Yarra Gum
Eucalyptus yarraensis
Rare
Scattered records in park. Suitable
habitat for establishment may
exist along drainage lines and near
small dams.
Penny-leaf Flat-pea
Platylobium rotundifolium Vulnerable
One record from the park. Likely to
be more extensive in the proposed
park as suitable habitat exists.
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In addition to the rare and threatened species known to be within the proposed park, there are a number
of species which have been recorded nearby, and whose likelihood of occurrence is high in the proposed
park. However, the proposed park is not assessed as having high quality habitat for any of these species.
Table 3. Other species recorded in the vicinity, which may occur within the proposed park (DELWP 2015).
Common name
Scientific name
Status in Victoria
Possible occurrence in park
Wavy Swamp
Wallaby-grass
Amphibromus sinuatus
Vulnerable
Highly unlikely
Swift Parrot
Lathamus discolor
Endangered
May occasionally fly over
Hardhead
Aythya australis
Vulnerable
May occasionally visit small dams.
Musk Duck
Biziura lobata
Vulnerable
Unlikely to be present. Requires
aquatic habitat.
Royal Spoonbill
Platalea regia
Near threatened
Unlikely to be present. Requires
aquatic habitat
Powerful Owl
Ninox strenua
Vulnerable
May occasionally visit park.
Breeding unlikely due to lack of
large hollows.
Barking Owl
Ninox connivens
Endangered
May occasionally visit park.
Breeding unlikely due to lack of
large hollows
Brush-tail Phascogale Phascogale tapoatafa
Vulnerable
Suitable habitat exists although
hollows are limited.
Brown Tree-creeper
Climacteris picumnis
victoriae
Near Threatened
Unlikely to be present.
Spotted Quail-thrush
Cinclosoma punctatum
Near Threatened
Suitable habitat exists.
White-throated
Needletail
Hirundapus caudacutus
Vulnerable
Uncertain.
Growling Grass Frog
Litoria raniformis
Endangered
Small dams are unlikely to
presently form suitable habitat.
Brown Toadlet
Pseudophryne bibronii
Endangered
Small dams may presently provide
suitable habitat.
Tussock Skink
Pseudemoia
pagenstecheri
Vulnerable
Unlikely.
2.3 Catchments and aquatic ecosystems
The proposed park is within the area overseen by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority
(CCMA). Its proximity to the Great Dividing Range means that there are few major water courses in the
vicinity, although rainfall is relatively high with an annual mean of 776.8mm (BoM 2015).
A number of small, intermittent streams drain the area, including the Grasstree, Pennyweight and Canadian
creek-lines. The Canadian catchment drains into the Yarrowee or Leigh River before joining the Barwon
River at Inverleigh and finally flowing into the Bass Strait at Barwon Heads. As a forested catchment in an
otherwise largely cleared landscape, the area of the proposed park plays an important role in downstream
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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water quality and local hydrology. The CCMA has undertaken a number of joint projects in the Yarrowee
catchment in partnership with the City of Ballarat and local community groups, including delivery of works
under the current “Breathing the Life into the Yarrowee” project; as well as flood studies along the
Canadian Creek tributaries to enhance biodiversity values and native vegetation to aid in protecting
downstream water quality and the hydrological processes within the broader Barwon Basin.
Creeks and small dams throughout the proposed park may support a range of aquatic life such as the
threatened Growling Grass Frog (Litoria raniformis) and Brown Toadlet (Pseudophryne bibronii). However,
the presence of these species is highly dependent on the quality of the habitat and its proximity to other
habitat areas in the vicinity.
2.4 Landscape values
The proposed park is an attractive backdrop to the Ballarat urban area, and a natural setting for those
suburbs immediately adjacent to the area. The 2013 report prepared for the City of Ballarat, Mapping
Ballarat’s Historic Urban Landscape, identified the Canadian forest as one of the 12 key character areas in
the municipality.
The former plantation areas within the proposed park are currently open spaces and largely devoid of
native forest cover. As they sit relatively high in the landscape, some sections currently provide extensive
views over Ballarat, especially near the eastern edge of the proposed park where the land is particularly
elevated.
In addition to the natural forested landscapes, the historic landscape left behind by early goldmining
activities is known to be significant. This is enhanced by the presence nearby of the Sovereign Hill tourist
park, which provides historic context to gold mining heritage across the area.
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3. Recreational and Community Values
3.1 Community links to the park
The Ballarat community has a strong connection to the corridor of land that contains the proposed park.
The Wadawurrung people are the Traditional Owners of the land proposed for inclusion in the park. They
have a long history in the area, both before European settlement and in more recent times.
During the gold rush the forest provided an important source of firewood, and of timber for the
construction of mine shafts and other purposes, and this use continued over subsequent decades with the
establishment of a pine plantation in the 1950s.
Since the final harvest of the plantation in 2012 and divestment of the land back to the State government,
the community-based group Friends of the Canadian Corridor (the Friends) developed a proposal to
establish a “Canadian Multi Use Forest Park” for the former plantation areas and the Canadian State Forest.
Since 2013 the Friends have been lobbying widely in support of their proposal, including in the lead up to
the 2014 State election. The Friends obtained wide support for their proposal and featured in the local
media.
3.2 Local communities
Communities located in close proximity to the proposed park include the inner Ballarat suburbs of Golden
Point, Brown Hill and Canadian, the outlying suburbs of Mount Clear and Mount Helen, and the rural
communities of Warrenheip and Navigators. People living in these communities value the area for
recreational purposes, ecological services, as a commuter route, and for a wide range of other reasons.
More broadly, the area is important as a natural setting within the Ballarat region and creates a forested
edge to urban growth on the eastern edge of Ballarat.
3.3 Recreational activities
The area is currently used by a range of individuals and groups for various recreational uses. During the
stakeholder and community consultation process participants were asked how they currently use the land
within the proposed park (see table 4 and section 7.7). The proposed park is popular for passive recreation
including bush walking/short walks, cycling/mountain bike riding, environmental education, orienteering,
prospecting, general exercise and nature observation. Currently there are no formalised recreational
facilities, camping or picnicking areas within the park.
Table 4. A summary of recreational activities currently undertaken in the park
A summary of recreational activities currently undertaken in the park
Bushwalking
Short walks
Cycling, mountain bike riding
Environmental education
Nature observation
Picnicking
Research
Orienteering and rogaining
Visiting historic features
Jogging/exercise
Scenic drives
Horse riding
Dog walking
Prospecting, fossicking, panning
Camping
Visiting historic features
Bird watching
4WD/Car touring
Hunting
Meditation
Model cars
Photography
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3.4 Educational values
The proposed park has been used on an informal basis for environmental education purposes. There are a
number of schools and institutions located nearby, including the Mount Clear Secondary and Primary
Schools, Damascus College, Ballarat Secondary College Eastern Campus, St. Francis Xavier Primary, and
Federation University.
3.5 Tourism
Currently there are no licensed tour operators within the proposed park. Information received during the
community consultation indicates that horse riding tours and prospecting tours are currently operating
with the proposed park.
3.6 Neighbouring areas
The Pax Hill Activity Centre is located in a Crown reserve, adjoining the proposed park on the north-western
boundary. The reserve is vegetated along the adjoining north-western boundary with the activity centre
located to north the of the Crown reserve. The centre is used primarily by Scouts Australia and local scout
groups for camps and associated activities. Scouts from the activity centre use the proposed park for bush
walking and orienteering.
The former Commonwealth Rifle Range is surrounded by the proposed park and is one of two large inliers
into the park on the western boundary. It is now privately owned, and in 2013 was subject to an application
for a planning scheme amendment for the purposes of residential development. The City of Ballarat
rejected that application primarily on the basis of fire hazard. This site has historic values and also supports
native vegetation.
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4. Cultural Heritage Values
4.1 Aboriginal social values
The Wadawurrung people are the Traditional Owners of the land on which the park will be created. They
have a long history in the area, both before European settlement and in more recent times. In the past, the
forest would have been used by the Wadawurrung for shelter and everyday life when conditions on the
surrounding volcanic plains became less favourable than in the warmer months.
During winter, people would have spent less time finding food, instead preferring to stay in shelter and
working on tool production, possum skin cloaks and other such items. While in the forest, in addition to
their daily rituals and ceremonies, the Wadawurrung would have met with neighbouring peoples, such as
the Dja Dja Wurrung living to the north of the area.
The Traditional Owners continue to use the Canadian State Forest today for a variety of purposes, including
as a source of materials for ceremonies and other activities. In addition to its practical value, the area
continues to be of social significance to the Wadawurrung people.
The creation of the park represents an opportunity for local Aboriginal people to maintain a spiritual
connection with the land, much of which was impacted by European settlement. The area of the proposed
park is also a backdrop for the passing of cultural knowledge between local Aboriginal people, and a
landscape in which principles of caring for country can be practised by all.
4.2 Aboriginal cultural heritage
The Pennyweight and Grasstree creek-lines north of the proposed park are the formally recognised areas of
cultural sensitivity. This suggests these features and the adjoining land were favoured during traditional use
by the Wadawurrung people. It is also important to note that other streams and wetland depressions
would also have been significant despite not having formal recognition. Due to a large number of
significant Aboriginal places within close proximity to the proposed park, it is likely more places of
Aboriginal cultural sensitivity are yet to be identified. There are no registered Aboriginal places within the
proposed park.
4.3 Other historic legacy and values
European settlement was followed rapidly by gold mining, which resulted in a significant population influx
during the 1850s and in subsequent decades. The nearby Canadian Lead was among the richest in the
Ballarat area and was mined intensively for gold at a relatively early time. During this period the forest
provided an important source of firewood, and of timber for the construction of mine shafts and other
purposes, and this use continued over subsequent decades. Over-utilisation of the timber resources during
this time resulted in the present lack of old-growth vegetation within the remnant bushland.
The Canadian Lead, the Ballarat suburb of Canadian, the Canadian Creek and the Canadian State Forest are
thought to be named after gold miner “Captain” Henry Ross, who emigrated from Canada during the gold
rush. Ross became a successful miner and also played a key role in the Eureka rebellion of 1854.
Plantation forestry was established in the area during the 1950s-1960s, with large tracts of native forest
cleared and planted. This was initially for softwood production, with several rotations of Radiata Pine (Pinus
radiata) being harvested before the plantations were transferred from the government to the Victorian
Plantation Corporation (VPC) in the 1990s. In 2002 the plantations were converted to Blue Gum (Eucalyptus
globulus) for hardwood production.
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The final harvest of the plantation was conducted in 2012, after which time the land was divested to the
State government. The northern block of the former plantation was aerial seeded with a mixture of
indigenous tree and shrub species after harvesting. This treatment was partially successful, however the
larger portion of the former plantation areas have not been revegetated.
There is no listed heritage or historic sites within the proposed park. Despite this, the area is historically
significant as part of the Ballarat goldfield, particularly due to its proximity to the important Canadian lead.
It also retains links to other aspects of the long history of settlement in the Ballarat area including the
adjoining former Commonwealth Rifle Range and a nearby railway line that ran from Ballarat to Buninyong.
Historic features likely to be within the proposed park include remnants of mining activities such as shafts
and tailings, especially in proximity to the numerous creek-lines and gullies. There are also thought to be
remnants of early timber harvesting and milling activities. Sawmills located at Yankee Flat and near
Buninyong in the second half of the 19th century would have utilised timber from the Canadian forest,
which was then likely to have been transported to Mount Clear via a tram line traversing the forest from
east to west.
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5. Economic and Social Values
5.1 Planning scheme interfaces
The proposed park is surrounded by urban, rural and farming land uses of various population densities.
Land use and development is regulated by local government planning schemes. The most densely
populated areas in the vicinity of the proposed park are located along the northwest boundary in the City
of Ballarat. Along the eastern boundary population density is lower and is governed by the Moorabool Shire
Council planning scheme. Future development in these interface areas may affect the proposed park, and
will need to be considered in bush-fire risk planning.
Table 5. Interface areas and planning schemes in proximity to the proposed park.
Municipality
Interface area
Current planning scheme
Future intentions of council
Ballarat City
Council
Privately owned
inliers to the park
area
Rural Conservation Zone
(RCZ)
Low development potential due to
prevalence of native vegetation,
compatible with park
Ballarat City
Council
Northern
boundary
interfaces
General Residential Zone
(GRZ1);
Urban expansion in this area not
envisaged, may be parts suitable
to be zoned for Rural
Conservation (RCZ)
Ballarat City
Council
Western boundary
interface
Neighbourhood Residential
Zone (NRZ1)
Urban expansion in this area not
envisaged, may be parts suitable
to be zoned as RCZ
Ballarat City
Council
Olympic Avenue
interface to the
south of proposed
park area
Farming Zone (FZ)
Proposed to be rezoned as RCZ
under the draft Greenhill Road
Conceptual Development
Framework Plan
Moorabool
Shire Council
Eastern boundary
interface
Farming Zone (FZ);
No proposals to changes to the
planning scheme in the near
future
Rural Living Zone (RLZ)
Rural Living Zone (RLZ)
5.2 Mineral resources
The area to be included in the proposed park is subject to two current exploration licences, which together
cover the majority of Ballarat and its outlying suburbs. These exploration licences allow activities ranging
from drilling to bulk sampling, the primary means of oversight for which is the landowner consent process,
which cannot unreasonably be withheld under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990.
The park is also in close proximity to an active licence for underground gold mining, with continuous
operations having been undertaken by Castlemaine Goldfields Ltd (CGT) since 2011. These activities have
primarily been located west of Canadian creek, from Mount Helen north to Golden Point.
In addition to the commercial mining activities in the proposed area, small-scale prospecting including
detecting, fossicking and panning for gold continue to occur, especially in areas where gold mining has
taken place historically.
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5.3 Utilities and infrastructure
Electrical infrastructure in the area of the proposed park includes the transmission lines running through
the former plantation south of Recreation Road, as well as the distribution line along the Wilson Street
corridor in the north of the state forest area and along Recreation Road in the southern end of the state
forest area.
A mobile communications tower operated by Telstra is also located in the state forest south of Recreation
Road and is supplied with power by the distribution line running along Recreation Road.
There are two large water tanks managed by Central Highlands Water, one in the north of the proposed
park on the Wilson Street extension, and one in the south near Recreation Road. Both tanks lie within
water supply reserves. In addition to the tanks, there is a major water pipe running along the Wilson Street
easement from the reservoir located to the east in the vicinity of Warrenheip.
Table 6. Summary of major infrastructure located within the proposed park.
Infrastructure type
Name
Description
Manager
Water supply
Mains water
pipelines
Large pipeline running east to west
along Wilson Street corridor in north of
proposed park.
Central Highlands
Water
Associated power & pipelines to
connect the adjoining water supply
reserves (Water storage tanks) in the
north (Wilson St) and south (Recreation
Rd) of proposed park.
Electricity supply
Transmission
lines
Multiple 220kV lines running through
former plantation area south of
Recreation Road.
AusNet Services
Electricity supply
Distribution lines
Major 415V distribution line running
along Wilson Street corridor in north of
area and along Recreation Road to
supply the Telstra tower.
Powercor
Telecommunications
Mobile
communications
tower
Single mobile phone tower located in
state forest south of Recreation Road.
Telstra
In addition to infrastructure related to the provision of utilities, the proposed park contains numerous
roads and tracks which are employed for a variety of uses. Though there are no sealed roads within the
area, Recreation Road is a major unsealed route linking Main Road at Mount Clear with Yankee Flat Road
near Navigators. This is a locally important commuter corridor, which experiences a relatively high volume
of traffic on a daily basis and is earmarked for future upgrade (BCC 2015).
Other significant routes through the park area include Boundary Road, Olympic Avenue, Wilson Street,
Clayton Street, Bakers Road and Katy Ryan’s Road which are used as municipal roads and to access private
property. There are also numerous smaller roads, fire access and former logging tracks, mountain bike trails
and unmarked paths within the area. These are used primarily for management activities and by the local
community for recreation.
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6. Risks
6.1 Visitor behaviours
Associated with its proximity to populated areas, a number of damaging activities are currently taking place
within the proposed park. Off-road motor-biking and four wheel driving are causing erosion problems in
certain areas. Illegal rubbish dumping is widespread, including the dumping of hazardous materials such as
asbestos. It is also understood that unauthorized firewood collection is common.
6.2 Fire
There is no known history of bushfire in the Canadian forest although it is assumed that there was regular
fire in the area prior to European settlement. While minor bushfires may have occurred in subsequent
years, there have been no major events of historic or environmental significance.
There are a number of risks associated with fire, including risk to life and property, both within and
adjacent to the proposed park, as well as various risks to biodiversity and other ecological values as
detailed above. Residential areas in close proximity to the park are exposed to risk to life and property,
particularly along the northern, eastern and southern boundaries.
For many years government agencies have conducted planned burning in the area, most recently in April
2015, chiefly to reduce fuels in order to mitigate bushfire risk. Planned burning operations have taken place
to reduce fire risk in close proximity to nearby residential areas, the former plantations and the Mt Clear
Secondary College. Former plantation areas were also burnt immediately after harvesting in 2012 to
remove harvesting residue.
6.3 Climate change
Climate change has implications for the current and future maintenance of the values identified in this
report. Changing patterns of rainfall and temperature variation will directly affect the physiology of many
plants, potentially resulting in heightened vulnerability of ecosystems to threats such as pests and disease.
For example, changes to rainfall patterns may increase the rate of spread of pathogens such as
Phytophthora, which is already present in certain parts of the proposed park.
6.4 Weeds, pests and diseases
Weed species are widespread and common in many parts of the proposed park, particularly across the
former plantation areas, and in creeks and drainage lines. Regionally Controlled Weeds that have been
recorded in the proposed park include Gorse (Ulex europeaus), Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus), Spear Thistle
(Cirsium vulgare), Hemlock (Conium maculatum), English Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Sweet Briar (Rosa
rubiginosa), and Bulbil Watsonia (Watsonia meriana).
Within the park, these weeds are well established in a variety of ecological niches. Of the many introduced
species recorded from the proposed park, those that currently pose the most threat to biodiversity values
are Gorse and Blackberry. Gorse is widespread in former plantation areas where it is able to out-compete
almost all native vegetation. Dense stands can be found near the southern boundary. It can also be found in
bushland, however does not thrive under an established canopy. Blackberries are more typically found in
gullies within the proposed park, especially in the areas known as the Cascades in the southern block of
existing forest.
These weeds contribute to fire risk by elevating fuel loads, and have a negative impact on many ecosystems
by out-competing indigenous species. In this way, some weeds can potentially contribute to risks to
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
14
biodiversity conservation. It must be noted that these weeds can at times also work to reduce other risks
such as erosion, and can potentially provide valuable habitat for certain fauna.
New and emerging weed species in the proposed park include Bluebell creeper (Sollya heterophylla), which
is spreading near the northern boundary, and Radiata Pine (Pinus radiata), which has become increasingly
common in bushland surrounding former plantations.
Phytophthora (Phytophthora cinnamomi), or Cinnamon Fungus, is a microscopic, soil-borne plant pathogen
that is currently having a serious impact on the biodiversity values of the proposed park. This pathogen is
actively spreading and killing Grass-trees within the proposed park. Movement of soil and water via foot
traffic and on vehicles spreads the disease into new areas, and the large number of roads and tracks in the
Canadian forest and throughout the former plantation areas increases the risk.
The proposed park is presumed to harbour a range of pests, including rabbits, foxes, cats and dogs. These
pests pose a direct risk to native fauna, through predation and competition for habitat. They can also
impact on ecological functions and landscapes, for example by destabilising the ground and elevating the
risk of erosion in the instance of rabbits.
6.5 Public safety
In addition to risks to the public common to most parks and reserves, such as road traffic and bushfire, the
proposed park includes a range of less common risks. One of the most prominent of these risks is the large
number of old mine shafts without caps or with decaying capping present in the area. Such shafts are
known to be present in the north of the proposed park, and are also likely to be found elsewhere. Informal
tracks in these areas suggest that bicycle and motor-bike activity takes place very close to such mine shafts.
Other activities such as walking and orienteering which take place off-track expose visitors to an elevated
risk.
The informal nature of many of the tracks in the area also poses a risk to both pedestrians and vehicles. The
southern portion of the proposed park contains a very steep gully which is crossed by a heavily eroded
track thought to be used regularly by 4WD enthusiasts. There is a heightened risk of vehicles rollovers on
this track, and the gully may be prone to flash-flooding in extreme weather conditions.
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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7. Consultation Process and Outcomes
7.1 Basis for consultation
The purpose of the stakeholder and community consultation process was to establish a clear understanding
of community views regarding the proposed park’s values and uses to inform the creation of the park.
DELWP undertook a collaborative approach to the stakeholder and community consultation process by first
partnering with key stakeholders, i.e. the Friends of Canadian Corridor, the City of Ballarat, Parks Victoria,
the Country Fire Authority, and the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation, and Geoff Howard MP, Member
for Buninyong. The collaborative approach allowed the key stakeholders to participate in the design of the
community consultation process and gave them a greater ability to share information and provide feedback
to the wider community.
The key objectives for the stakeholder and community consultation process were to:
 share information on park values (social, historic, environmental and indigenous) and issues and
options to guide the creation of the park;
 ensure individuals, community and organisations with an interest in the creation of the proposed
park have the opportunity to participate in that process;
 ensure participation techniques are suitable to meet the requirements and expectations of the
variety of individuals, community and organisations;
 ensure the views, opinions and aspirations of interested individuals, community and organisations
are given due consideration in the creation of the park.
7.2 The consultation process
The consultation process included a higher level of engagement with stakeholders who had a higher
interest in the proposed park and a broader level of engagement for the wider community. The
consultation process began in March 2015 with key stakeholders (collaborating partners) to explain the
project objectives, timing and to ask for their input on future use of the park and community engagement
processes and principles. This was followed by a collaborative group meeting of key stakeholders on the 17
March 2015 in which a consultation process for the wider community was designed. The findings of the
consultation process were shared with the key stakeholder group at a facilitated meeting on the 14 May
2015.
The consultation process is summarised as follows:
 The consultation targeted stakeholders, neighbouring residents, user groups and the general
community over the period 26 March to 13 May 2015.
 A letter was sent to 2915 nearby residents and user groups to advise them of the proposed park
and to invite them to make comment, either through an online survey, by attending the community
open house or written submission.
 Targeted meetings held with stakeholders and user groups on an as needs basis (see Appendix 1).
Stakeholders and user groups also invited to make submissions.
 Consultation Open House event 17 - 18 April 2015. Designed to allow the community and
stakeholders to get information and participate in the consultation process at their discretion.
 Community online submission process 30 March-30 April 2015. An online survey was available for
one month to enable the community to provide their feedback through the following questions:
o Question 1. How do you currently use Canadian State Forest?
o Question 2. Which activities do you think should be available?
o Question 3. What is important to you?
o Question 4. What other aspects of the new park would you value?
o Question 5. What concerns do you have about the new park?
 Receipt of written submissions from stakeholder interest groups and individuals.
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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7.3 Summary of key stakeholder discussions
Consultation with key stakeholders (collaborating partners) was undertaken on an individual basis and in a
group meeting on 17 March 2015, in which a consultation process for the wider community was also
designed. The key stakeholders engaged were the Friends of Canadian Corridor, the Wathaurung
Aboriginal Corporation, the City of Ballarat, the Country Fire Authority, Parks Victoria and DELWP Fire and
Land.
Values and Uses
The key stakeholders agreed that the proposed park should protect and enhance native forest values and
provide for natural values conservation through the creation of a north-south bio link (Creswick to Mt
Buninyong).
There was clear agreement that there should be a balance of passive recreation activities, including
walking, dog walking, orienteering, rogaining and similar activities, nature observation, mountain biking,
horse riding, on-road recreational vehicles, tourism, open space arts and community events, environmental
education, environmental research. Differing views were expressed in regards to camping.
The group agreed that productive uses such as apiary and managed firewood collection could also occur
within the proposed park.
Park Boundaries
Park boundaries were also discussed with the key stakeholders. The unreserved Crown land boundary of
the former plantation land in the vicinity of Mt Clear is irregular, and presents enhanced risks and
constraints on land management activities close to residential development (see Figure 2). A number of
stakeholders expressed views that private land within the proposed park as inliers (but not part of the park)
break-up the forest corridor and could be purchased or used in a land swap.
While no clear view emerged on a preferred boundary, key stakeholders agreed that boundary changes
could be made to exclude land where that was in the interests of good park management. Stakeholders
also agreed that boundary considerations were complex and not suitable for community consultation.
There was however agreement on criteria to be used to guide any boundary decisions to determine a
suitable boundary once the current Crown land parcel boundaries has been surveyed. The agreed criteria to
be applied are as follows:
 Only plantation land (unreserved Crown land) under consideration
 Maximise land to be included in the park
 Reduce risk from within and without
 Facilitate efficient land management
 Facilitate ease of public access
 Do not preclude future land acquisition
Park Name
While it was not considered in detail during the consultation process, the name of the proposed park was
raised with key stakeholders, and was in turn raised by some community members during the consultation
period. There were suggestions that an alternative Wadawurrung name may be appropriate, although no
name was formally suggested at that time.
Key stakeholders including the Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation, the Friends of Canadian Corridor, the
City of Ballarat, Parks Victoria, Victorian National Parks Association and have since offered strong support
for an alternative Wadawurrung name for the proposed park.
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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7.4 Summary of submissions received
A total of 238 submissions were received through the online survey. Telephone, email and written
submissions were also received from community members. Written submissions were also received from
stakeholders including the Friends of Canadian Corridor, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority,
Leigh Catchment Group, Victorian National Parks Association, and the Prospectors and Miners Association
of Victoria Inc.
At the community open house event, attended by approximately 170 people, participants were also able to
make comment via logbooks at the themed tables, the park uses activity, and on a graffiti wall.
In total the stakeholder and community consultation process generated 575 ‘comments’ on the creation of
the proposed park (table 6).
Table 6. Source of comments received during the community consultation process
Source of comments
Online survey
Event logbook
Park uses activity
Graffiti wall
Email submissions
Phone submissions
Written submissions (individuals and stakeholders)
Total
Count
238
177
129
16
5
3
7
575
7.5 Results of the stakeholder and community consultation
7.5.1 Results of the online survey
During the community consultation process an online survey was available for participants to provide
information on how they currently use the land and have their say on the future use of the proposed park.
The online survey was open from the 30 March to 30 April 2015.
Meta data was collected during the online survey to provide information on the demographics of the
participants.
The following information was collected:





81% of participants were local residents
49.5% of participants were from a local group
68% of participants were male
38.4% of participants were between the ages of 24-44, and
44.3% of participants were between the ages of 45-64.
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Question 1. How do you currently use Canadian State Forest?
This question gave participants the opportunity to comment on how they currently use the Canadian State
Forest. Participants were asked how frequently they used the forest (daily, weekly, monthly, 6 monthly,
rarely). The responses are presented in figure 4. A weighted average has been used on the x-axis.
From the responses it can be seen that most popular activities frequently undertaken within the state
forest are passive recreation activities including bushwalking, short walks, cycling and mountain biking, dog
walking and nature observation.
Participants also said that they use the proposed park for camping, hunting, apiculture, firewood collection
and car rallies. However, these activities are not currently authorised within the Canadian State Forest or
the former plantation land.
Participants were also able to provide comments on this question. Comments provided advised that the
forest is also used for general exercise (including running), meditation, scenic drives and photography.
Figure 4. Current uses of the state forest from the online survey.
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Question 2. Which activities do you think should be available?
This question gave participants the opportunity to comment on activities that they think should be
available in the proposed park. Participants were asked to respond to this question based on preference
(strongly prefer, prefer, no preference, prefer not, strongly prefer not, I don’t know). The responses are
presented in figure 5. A weighted average has been used on the x-axis.
From the responses it can be seen that there is a strong preference for passive recreation activities
including bushwalking, short walks, cycling and mountain biking, environmental education, nature
observation, picnicking, research, orienteering activities and dog walking. Participants strongly preferred to
not see hunting, car rallies and car touring, firewood collection, horse riding off tracks and grazing available
in the proposed park.
Participants were also able to provide comments on this question. Comments provided indicate that the
proposed park should also be used for off lead dog walking in designated areas, remote control cars and
arts activities such as outdoor movie screenings.
Figure 5. Activities that should be available in the proposed park from the online survey.
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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Question 3. What is important to you?
This question gave participants the opportunity to comment on the values that they felt were important to
them regarding the proposed park. Participants were asked to respond to this question based on
importance (extremely important, very important, moderately important, slightly important, not at all
important, I don’t know). The responses are presented in figure 6. A weighted average has been used on
the x-axis.
From the responses it can be seen that participants ranked all of the values as important to them, with the
highest scores recorded for enjoyment of the natural environment, open space and recreation and habitat
for wildlife.
Figure 6. Values of importance regarding the proposed park from the online survey.
Question 4. What other aspects of the new park would you value?
This question gave participants the opportunity to add additional values regarding the proposed park that
were not options in question 3. Comments provided indicate that biodiversity, flora and fauna and better
access for mountain bikes were highly valued.
A summary of question 4 responses:
 Biodiversity, flora and fauna and other related values (15)
 Infrastructure for recreation, such as tracks, signs, BBQ and toilet facilities, playgrounds among
others (16)
 Better and more numerous mountain bike tracks (19)
 Open spaces such as a stage for cultural events and other activities, areas for remote control car
use (7)
 Recognition of heritage values across the area (4)
 Access for prospectors (4)
 General comments valuing the area for its landscape, forested setting, and proximity to Ballarat (7).
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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Question 5. What concerns do you have about the new park?
This question asked participants what concerned them about the new park. The question offered three
issues to rank (very concerned, moderately concerned, unconcerned, I don’t know). The responses are
presented in figure 7. A weighted average has been used on the x-axis.
Participants were mostly concerned about vandalism followed by weeds/pest animals and then fire.
Participants were also able to provide comments on this question. Comments provided indicate that
participants are also concerned about other issues. Over 40 comments noted rubbish dumping as a
prominent issue including industrial waste, asbestos, dumped vehicles and household and green waste.
Other concerns that were mentioned included:
 Dangerous drivers and traffic conditions (1)
 Spread of Phytophthora fungus (3)
 Exclusion of recreational uses due to new park status, including horse riding and dog walking (3)
 Informal tracks made by motorbikes, and associated erosion (5)
 Illegal firewood collection (1)
 Excessive planned burning activities (1)
 Climate change (1)
 Public safety (1)
 Poor park management (4).
Figure 7. Concerns about the proposed park.
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Question 6. Additional comments?
This question provided participants with the opportunity to make additional comments.
The comments provided can be summarised as:
 Great amenity for Ballarat with a balance of recreation (20 comments)
 Support for the proposed park (Regional park/State park) (18 comments)
 Many comments supporting expansion and improvement of mountain bike trails and associated
infrastructure (15 comments)
 Support for permitting prospecting in the park (8 comments).
The most common comments supported the creation of the park and the provision of recreation
opportunities. One objection to the creation of the park was made in this section.
7.5.2 Results of the community open house event
A community open house event was hosted on the 17-18 April 2015 to give residents, user groups and
interested members of the public the opportunity to speak with agency staff and interest groups, offer
views and ask questions. An estimated 170 community members participated in the open house event
across both days. Feedback from participants indicated that the open house was a successful event with
many participants welcoming the opportunity to be heard.
A number of engagement methods were employed to gather participant views and ideas. The ‘Canadian
Park Uses Activity’ engagement tool was used to gauge positive and negative responses to a range of
recreation, productive and educational activities within the proposed park.
The activity was presented in poster format with public participants provided the opportunity to place
three green stickers on most favoured activities and three red stickers on least favoured activities - 129
people responded to preferred activities and 124 people recorded responses to least favoured activities.
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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From the responses in figure 8, it can be seen that there is a strong preference for passive recreation
activities including bushwalking, mountain bike riding, nature observation, dog walking, picnicking,
environmental education, horse riding, prospecting and camping.
Figure 8. Favoured activities for the proposed park
% of respondents favored these activities in the Canadian park
Hunting, 1.2%
Bushwalking, 14.4%
Bushwalking
Approved research, 2%
Mountain biking on roads and tracks
Mountain biking on roads and
tracks, 14.1%
Apiculture , 2.5%
Nature Observation
Dog walking
Firewood collection areas, 3%
Picnics and barbeques
Visiting historic features, 3.3%
Environmental education
Horse riding
Other*, 3.1%
Prospecting, fossicking, panning
Nature Observation , 11%
Orienteering and rogaining,
4.6%
Camping
Orienteering and rogaining
Camping, 4.6%
Other*
Visiting historic features
Firewood collection areas
Dog walking, 8.5%
Prospecting, fossicking,
panning , 6%
Apiculture
Approved research
Picnics and barbeques, 7.5%
Horse riding, 6.6%
Hunting
Environmental education, 7.5%
* Other: Cars and motorbikes on road touring, 1%; 4WD tracks, 0.7%; Car rallies on formed roads, 0.2%; Minor timber such as poles and posts, 0.5%, and; Water production, 0.7%. Nil response was recorded for
Grazing, Mineral exploration, Mining, Stone extraction, and Sawlog production.
From the responses in figure 9, it can be seen that participants were strongly opposed to hunting, 4WD,
cars and motorbikes, mining, grazing, mineral exploration and sawlog production.
Figure 9 Activities not favoured in the proposed park
% of respondents did not favor these activities in the Canadian park
Other*, 3%
Hunting, 16.6%
Hunting
Horse riding, 1.6%
4WD tracks
Minor timber such as
poles and posts, 1.6%
Cars and motorbikes on road touring
4WD tracks, 14.5%
Prospecting, fossicking,
panning , 2.2%
Mining
Grazing
Stone extraction, 3.2%
Mineral exploration
Sawlog production
Firewood collection
areas, 4%
Car rallies on formed roads
Car rallies on formed
roads, 4.5%
Firewood collection areas
Cars and motorbikes
on road touring, 14.2%
Sawlog production, 5.9%
Stone extraction
Prospecting, fossicking, panning
Minor timber such as poles and posts
Horse riding
Mineral exploration, 6.7%
Other*
Grazing , 8.3%
Mining, 13.7%
* Other: Mountain biking on roads and tracks, 1%; Camping, 0.8%; Dog walking, 0.2%; Bushwalking, 0.2%; Nature observation, 0.2%, and; Visiting historic features, 0.2%. Nil response was recorded for Apiculture,
Approved research, Environmental education, Orienteering and rogaining, and Water production.
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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Discussion themes at the open house
During the community consultation event, a variety of views were recorded in logbooks located at each
table. The log books picked up many detailed comments ranging from elements of the proposed area which
were particularly valued, to people’s aspirations for the establishment and future management of the park.
These comments and the comments from the graffiti wall map have been transcribed as a record of
community views on the establishment of the proposed park.
Each comment or submission was allocated a theme and grouped in turn into three categories;
Environmental, Recreation and Other. The results of this analysis have been summarised in figure 10. In
relation to recreational themes the two most popular discussions were walking and roads. This reflects the
dominant recreational use of the park area at the current time, being walking and other passive
recreational activities, as well as the primary concern held by local residents, being traffic hazards and the
safety of roads throughout the area.
In relation to environmental themes, the results suggest that the community mostly values the area in
general terms, as a forested landscape. There were also concerns about rubbish dumping, fire, weeds and
pests. However, these were not expressed as commonly as concern over roads and traffic.
Aside from the popularity of walking, with and without dogs, the community favoured a wide range of
recreational activities. These included mountain biking, camping and horse riding. There were also a large
number of people who were concerned that prospecting might be excluded from the park.
In addition to recreational and environmental themes, there were a number of additional themes which
could not be categorised. These included strong support for use of the park for educational purposes,
concern about access points into the area being maintained, and a number of comments hoping that
suitable information and facilities will be provided after the park is established.
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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Figure 10. Discussion themes at the open house
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
26
7.6 Summary of consultation results
The results of the consultation indicate strong support for the creation of the park. There is also a strong
correlation in the aspirations and values for the proposed park from across the different methods used and
in the views and comments from stakeholders and the community.
From the on-line survey and the community open house ‘uses activity’, it can be seen that the proposed
park is currently used for bike riding (including MTB), bushwalking, dog walking, nature observation,
prospecting, 4WD and trail biking.
In terms of future uses, community feedback and submissions were overwhelming supportive of the
creation of a park that supports a wide range of uses including bush walking, mountain bike riding,
picnicking, nature observation, orienteering, dog walking, horse riding, prospecting and environmental
education. The most preferred future recreational uses were bush walking, bike riding (including MTB),
nature/historic feature observation, picnicking, education and research (Table 7). Feedback at the open
house event showed there was moderate support for horse riding and prospecting.
Responses from the on-line survey and the community open house indicated that car touring, 4WD & trail
bikes, hunting, car rallies, grazing are not preferred uses for the proposed park. In regards to productive
uses there was a low preference for firewood, apiculture and water production and a moderate opposition
to mining and mineral exploration.
Table 7. Comparison of recreational uses in order of preference from the online survey and the open house
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
On-line survey results
Bushwalking
Short walks
Cycling, mountain bike riding
Environmental education
Nature observation
Picnicking
Research
Orienteering and rogaining
Visiting historic features
Dog walking on a lead
Camping
Horse riding on tracks
Apiculture
Prospecting, fossicking, panning
Dog walking off lead
Park uses activity (open house)
Bushwalking
Cycling, mountain bike riding
Nature observation
Dog walking
Picnicking
Environmental education
Horse riding
Prospecting, fossicking, panning
Camping
Orienteering and rogaining
Visiting historic features
Firewood collection
Apiculture
Research
Hunting
All of the five stakeholder submissions were generally supportive of the park, with the Friends of Canadian
Corridor, the Leigh Catchment Group, the Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria and the Victorian
National Parks Association advocating for the classification of regional park as the park type that most
closely matches the multiple types of recreation and environmental uses preferred for the proposed park.
As a result of consultation with Central Highlands Water, it is not proposed to include the two water supply
tanks located on Crown Land Water Supply Reserves within the proposed park.
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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7.7 Conclusion
Community and stakeholder feedback and submissions were overwhelmingly supportive of the creation of
a park that supports a wide range of recreation uses, enhances the landscape by creating a north-south
wildlife corridor and protects natural and cultural values.
As a result of the stakeholder and community consultation it has been decided to create the park as a
regional park, rather than the state park that had been initially proposed. A regional park will accommodate
the community’s wishes to access the park for a wide variety of uses, such as bushwalking, bike riding,
nature observation, dog walking, horse riding and prospecting.
The recommended recreational activities and other uses to be provided for in the proposed Canadian Park
as a reflection of community and stakeholder aspirations are presented in Table 8.
Table 8. Recreational activities and other uses recommended for the proposed park.
Note: Some uses may depend on whether the legislation provides for the use in a particular park (e.g. firewood collection in a regional park), the
use of powers to set aside land where the use is permitted or excluded, or the issuing of a permit to allow the use.
1 May be permitted if area is subject to a pre-existing exploration licence.
2 Two exploration licences exist over the proposed park area.
3 Unauthorised.
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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References
BCC 2006, Ballarat City Council Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management, Ballarat City Council.
BCC 2013, Mapping Ballarat’s Historic Urban Landscape, Ballarat City Council.
BCC 2015, Draft Ballarat Strategy, Ballarat City Council.
BoM 2015, Climate Data Online - Scotsburn (Mount Buninyong) weather station, Bureau of Meteorology,
viewed 27 May 2015, < http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/data/>
DELWP 2015, Victorian Biodiversity Atlas, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning,
Melbourne.
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
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Appendix 1. Stakeholder list
Stakeholder
Stakeholder type
Key Partner Stakeholders
Friends of the Canadian Corridor
Community interest group
City of Ballarat
CFA
Parks Victoria
Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation
Geoff Howard MLA Member for Buninyong
Local stakeholder/Interest groups
Ballarat East Network
Field Naturalists Club of Ballarat
Pax Hill Scout Group
Friends of Sparrow Ground
Leigh Catchment Landcare Group
Lal Lal Catchment Landcare Group
Wattle Flat Pootilla Landcare Group
Ballarat Bicycle User Group
University of the Third Age (U3A) walking group
Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling Club / Ballarat Mountain Bike
Club
Ballarat and District Outdoor Club
Buninyong & District Community Association
Birdlife Ballarat
Federation University
Federation University School of Outdoor Sciences
Outdoor Ed
Damascus College
Mt Clear Primary School
Mt Clear Emmaus Catholic Primary School
Eureka Orienteers Inc.
Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria
Ballarat Field & Game Australia
Ballarat District Four Wheel Drive Club
Mt Clear Secondary College
Mountain View Riding Club
Ballarat Pony Club
Ballarat Adult Riding Club
Ballarat Rovers Motor Cycle Club
Ballarat Renewable Energy And Zero Emissions
Ballarat Environment Network
Ballarat Observatory
Sovereign Hill
First Mount Clear Scout Group
Ballarat Historical Society
Municipal council, planning authority
Fire management emergency response agency
Potential land manager, park management
expertise
Traditional owner
Local member of parliament
Community interest group
Conservation interest group
Adjacent land manager/user group
Community interest group
Community interest group
Community interest group
Community interest group
Recreational users
Recreational users
Recreation users
Recreational users
Nearby community group
Recreational user
Education organisation/neighbour
Education organisation/neighbour
Education organisation/neighbour
Education organisation/neighbour
Education organisation/neighbour
Recreational user group
Recreational user group
Peak body
Recreational user group
Neighbour
Recreational user group
Recreational user group
Recreational user group
Recreational user group
Conservation interest group
Conservation interest group
Interest group
Tourism
Community group
Historical/community groups
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
30
Stakeholder
Stakeholder type
Friends of Pryor Park
Australian Koala Foundation
Great Dividing Trail Association
Ballarat South Landcare group
Corangamite CMA
Powercor (licence holder)
Telstra (licence holder)
Central Highlands Water
Victorian Apiarists' Association
Conservation interest group
Conservation interest group
Recreational user group
Conservation interest group
Catchment manager
Power provider
Communications provider
Water corporation
Peak body
General Community
Midvale traders
Adjacent residents
Local community in Ballarat area
Local businesses
Neighbours
Local interest
Media – local
Ballarat Courier
ABC Radio Ballarat
WIN TV News
Power FM radio
Regional newspaper:
Local radio
Regional TV
Local commercial radio
State bodies
Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC)
Victorian National Parks Association
Biosecurity Group - Department of Economic
Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources
Sport and Recreation - Department of Health and Human
Services
Victoria Police
Land use body
Conservation group (NGO)
Government department
Government department
Law enforcement and emergency response
agency
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
31
Appendix 2. Transcript of community comments (log
sheets, graffiti wall and submissions)
Canadian Park Open House – Transcript of comments from Log Sheets, Graffiti Wall and Submissions
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Community comment
Poor condition of many roads in the area, not graded often
enough
Traffic and dangerous drivers on local roads
Recreation road too narrow and unsafe at speeds currently
allowed
Horse trail riding operators concerned that business will be
lost if riding not permitted
Walking tracks suitable for different levels of disability could
be incorporated into the park
Source
Theme
Host Table
Host Table
Roads
Roads
Host Table
Roads
Host Table
Horses
Host Table
Neighbouring landowner not informed of park proposal
Existing roads are not suitable for the increased traffic likely
with the new park
Unregistered motorbikes, riders without helmets poses
safety risk
Walking tracks connecting Bell Avenue, Olympic Avenue and
York St could be implemented
Host Table
Walking
Community
consultation
Host Table
Roads
Host Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Motorbikes
Prospecting in the park should be allowed to continue
EDEN project in Cornwall, England is a good example to work
by
20
Park is a good idea as it will help keep the area clean
Material such as maps and fact sheets would be good for the
area
Firewood collection might reduce the need for planned
burning in the area
Recreational activities such as walking, orienteering,
running, mountain bikes are important
Recreational activities such as walking, orienteering,
running, mountain bikes are important
Recreational activities such as walking, orienteering,
running, mountain bikes are important
Recreational activities such as walking, orienteering,
running, mountain bikes are important
Public education to inform people of importance as wildlife
corridor
Park should not restrict access to anyone, including
prospectors
21
Mountain bikes need established trails
22
Landscape of forested skyline is important
Intensive recreation preferred to be confined to close to
residential areas
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
23
Walking
Prospecting
Park
management
Park
management
Information
Firewood
Recreation
Recreation
Recreation
Recreation
Education
Access
Mountain
bikes
Landscape
Recreation
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
32
Canadian Park Open House – Transcript of comments from Log Sheets, Graffiti Wall and Submissions
No.
Community comment
24
26
Habitat and biodiversity areas further from residential areas
Climate change adaptation for habitat to be considered in
management
Fire management to be designed to minimise negative
impacts
27
Connecting trails to the Canadian creek path
28
29
Interpretive information on history, including Wadawurrung
Domestic pests and weeds to be mitigate in park
management
30
Support licensed tourism operators
31
Specified off leash dog parks
Walking tracks in the park to link up with existing paths and
trails in the Ballarat area
25
32
33
34
Weed control should be a priority
Accessibility for people with disabilities or impairments so
they can participate
35
Balance between recreation and biodiversity conservation
36
Connectivity of north-south forested corridor is important
Intensive activities such as thinning or clearing are
acceptable in western parts near housing
Need to engage uni, schools etc. in discussion on using area
for educational purposes
Tourism infrastructure such as a small information bay with
facilities would be valuable
Prospecting including detection, sluicing and panning are
important for tour business
Access points to park to be designed to allow more intensive
use in some areas
Wasps have been a big problem around the park area in
recent times
Boundary road used by trail and mountain bike riders,
causing erosion and damage to road
Pine regrowth and other invasive species is becoming wide
spread in some areas
Dangerous drivers are a big problem
Dumping of stolen cars will hopefully be reduced with a new
park
Area is too small for hunting to take place safely
Archery may be a suitable activity in the park, if a designated
range is provided
Flying of model planes has been popular on the south side of
the back block
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
Source
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Park Creation
Table
Theme
Community Table
Access
Community Table
Pests
Community Table
Roads
Community Table
Community Table
Weeds
Roads
Community Table
Community Table
Dumping
Hunting
Community Table
Recreation
Community Table
Recreation
Biodiversity
Climate
change
Fire
Walking
Information
Weeds
Tourism
Dog walking
Walking
Weeds
Access
Recreation
Landscape
Park
management
Education
Tourism
Prospecting
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
33
Canadian Park Open House – Transcript of comments from Log Sheets, Graffiti Wall and Submissions
No.
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
Community comment
Maintenance of boundary road has not been regular enough
Recent planned burning has included unnecessary removal
of trees
Recent planned burning has included unnecessary removal
of trees
Rubbish dumping a big problem in the area around pax hill
camp
Rubbish dumping a big problem in the area around pax hill
camp
Picnic grounds or facilities in the area would be good
Dams or wetlands in the area provided for water birds
Old mine shafts near corner of York and Long streets are
unsafe
Generally satisfied that park is to be created
Source
Community Table
Theme
Roads
Community Table
Fire
Community Table
Fire
Community Table
Dumping
Community Table
Community Table
Community Table
Dumping
Facilities
Water
Community Table
Community Table
Generally satisfied with consultation process
Community hub or facility including signage and information
would be a good way to start
Community hub or facility including signage and information
would be a good way to start
Rangers and patrolling may reduce dumping and other
antisocial activities such as fire lighting
Walking in the area with students, area is used for education
purposed by local teachers
Walking tracks of varying difficulty including signposts and
distances etc.
Walking tracks of varying difficulty including signposts and
distances etc.
Community Table
Public safety
Park creation
Community
involvement
Community Table
Information
Community Table
Information
Community Table
Dumping
Community Table
Education
Community Table
Walking
Community Table
Beekeepers should be allowed, and encouraged in the park
Facilitator/coordinator for community and Landcare groups
for the area would be beneficial
Open spaces should be incorporated into the park, don't just
want forest over the whole area
Biodiversity information sessions to help with public
education and awareness of the park
Multiple use park is appropriate, as area is large enough to
include a variety of uses
Any replanting should be carefully planned, and avoid lots of
black plastic to become rubbish
Photographic record of changes occurring as part of park
establishment and management
Nest boxes to encourage birdlife and participation by
community groups
Wadawurrung to be more deeply involved, and continue
involvement in future
Park may be an opportunity to revive the LINCS program,
which has been "let go" in Ballarat
Support habitat for fauna such as Koalas, Wallabies and
Echidnas
Community Table
Community Table
Walking
Productive
use
Community
involvement
Community Table
Spaces
Community Table
Biodiversity
Community Table
Recreation
Community Table
Biodiversity
Park
management
Community Table
Community Table
Community Table
Wildlife
Cultural
connections
Community Table
Biodiversity
Community Table
Wildlife
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
34
Canadian Park Open House – Transcript of comments from Log Sheets, Graffiti Wall and Submissions
No.
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
Community comment
Recent burning near York St removed too many trees
Link up Ballarat walking tracks through the park, including
Pennyweight and Sparrow Ground tracks
Planning to link in with local business, i.e. Cafes etc. located
near ends of walking tracks
Access to south end of Richards St and the old rifle range,
any existing plans?
Generally concerned over illegal activities such as dumping
in the area
Access to prospectors allowed in the future
No large scale mining or exploration licences
Firewood collection but no sawlog harvesting
Camping to be permitted
Would like access to definitions of each park type and
allowed uses
Firewood collection to be allowed
Don't want roads to be sealed
Don't want camping in the area
Interested in rifle range subdivision and process for CFA
approval
Question about weed control and treatments at end of
Richards St
Recreational uses to be allowed, but internal tracks to be
consolidated appropriately
Dog walking to be allowed
Revegetation would be beneficial
Weeds and rubbish are key issues of concern
Concern about maintaining (?) plots of vegetation in former
plantation land
Need to follow up weed control and burn treatment around
boundaries of park area
Happy with current burning regime and management
generally
Want to continue dog walking and horse riding across entire
area
Revegetation of former plantation land is important
Passive uses would reduce amount of antisocial rubbish
dumping etc.
Enjoy horse riding in the area
Source
Community Table
Theme
Fire
Municipal Table
Walking
Municipal Table
Facilities
Municipal Table
Access
Municipal Table
Land and Fire
Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Dumping
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Park creation
Firewood
Roads
Camping
Environment Table
Adjoining use
Environment Table
Weeds
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Recreation
Dog walking
Forest
Weeds
Environment Table
Forest
Environment Table
Weeds
Environment Table
Fire
Environment Table
Environment Table
Horses
Forest
Environment Table
Environment Table
Dumping
Horses
Mountain
bikes
Landscape
Recreation
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
106
Walking and cycling favoured over motorbikes on trails
Value importance of area as a wildlife corridor
Kids like to run, play, ride bikes in the area
Value area of forest close to the end of Richards St near the
old rifle range (good quality)
107
Innovative approaches should be encouraged in park
Environment Table
Environment Table
Prospecting
Mining
Firewood
Camping
Biodiversity
Park
management
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
35
Canadian Park Open House – Transcript of comments from Log Sheets, Graffiti Wall and Submissions
No.
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
Community comment
Need disinfectant stations to prevent further spread of
Phytophthora by motorbikes etc.
Gullies full of tree ferns existed prior to area being turned
into plantation
Better signage required on roads, boundary road currently
incorrectly named Davison rd. in places
Enjoy walking and seeing animals in the forest
Value Yarra Gums
Want an off-lead area for dog-walking
Want an off-lead area for dog-walking
Need better identification of pest species
Tree ferns may be found in the gorge/cascades area
Plantation areas were originally cleared in the mid to late
70s
Grass trees observed to be dying back along Davison rd.
Too many roads in the area encourage rubbish dumping
Dangerous drivers on recreation road, McCarthy's road are a
big problem
Want to see the forest returned to what was in the past
Infectious diseases hospital was located off Greenhill road
Some areas east of boundary road were entirely cleared in
the 1940s but have since grown back
Protection from degradation and restoration of indigenous
species is important
Rubbish dumping, weeds, foxes and dogs are the big
problems
Happy to see dog walking on lead only, as well as walkers,
horses, bikes, dirt bikes
Value landscape and skyline
Value landscape and skyline
Value landscape and skyline
Value koalas and other wildlife
Value koalas and other wildlife
Motor vehicles increase noise pollution in and around the
park
Think the park will be something to be proud of
Wants to see revegetation with indigenous species across
former plantations, including wildflowers
Motorbikes and other vehicles increase erosion
Want to continue fossicking and digging sensitively in the
area
Dirt bikes, dumping, invasive species, feral animals are the
big problems
Want intensive activities confined to particular areas
Climate change adaptation including pioneer species should
be considered
Zonings for natural conservation and other uses should be
implemented
Source
Theme
Environment Table
Pests
Environment Table
Forest
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Roads
Walking
Forest
Dog walking
Dog walking
Pests
Biodiversity
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Historical
Forest
Dumping
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Roads
Forest
Historical
Environment Table
Landscape
Environment Table
Forest
Environment Table
Dumping
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Horses
Landscape
Landscape
Landscape
Wildlife
Wildlife
Environment Table
Environment Table
Roads
Park Creation
Environment Table
Environment Table
Forest
Roads
Environment Table
Prospecting
Environment Table
Environment Table
Motorbikes
Recreation
Climate
change
Park
Management
Environment Table
Environment Table
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
36
Canadian Park Open House – Transcript of comments from Log Sheets, Graffiti Wall and Submissions
No.
Community comment
Need an area designated for grass tree conservation, with
restricted access to prevent fungus
Revegetation of former plantation as a project for university
or other group
Area is invaluable for education purposes
Need to address "nature deficit syndrome"
Source
Theme
Environment Table
Park part of Ballarat: "Eco Town"
Use of area for gold prospecting tour business, in a sensitive
manner
Prospecting business will increase international profile of the
park
Prospecting is a good activity for older people (55+)
No hunting, mining, or other activities which have a negative
impact
Recreation only appropriate to zoning and conservation
objectives
Green space for passive recreation, disturbed areas for more
intensive activities
Don't duplicate services available elsewhere, link to these
instead (e.g. Picnic areas)
Environment Table
Biodiversity
Community
involvement
Education
Education
Park
management
Environment Table
Prospecting
Environment Table
Environment Table
Prospecting
Prospecting
Environment Table
Hunting
Environment Table
Recreation
Environment Table
Recreation
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Education
156
157
158
159
Community involvement is critical to success
Need an appropriate fire/burning regime established
Research opportunities including for regeneration after
disturbance (plantations)
Walking tracks featuring multiple vegetation types and
landforms
Want to see the rifle range site included in the park area
Don't want to see prospecting shut out of the area
Fenced area for dogs off lead, around 5 acres
Facilities
Community
involvement
Fire
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
160
161
162
163
Use the green army for revegetation of cleared areas
Engage walking clubs in weed removal activities
Carpark to facilitate walking circuits around the area
Don't want to see grazing or rubbish dumping
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
164
165
Retention of vegetation important to reduce light pollution
Need to provide nest boxes and logs for fauna habitat
Camping area with toilet in southern part of park away from
pax hill
Want to see upgrade of McCarthy's and recreation road
More information about plant species and weeds
Weed control is important
Need small unburnt patches when conducting burning, to
allow for habitat
Pine seedlings moving into bushland is an issue, as are cats
and foxes
Environment Table
Environment Table
Walking
Adjoining use
Prospecting
Dog walking
Park
management
Weeds
Walking
Dumping
Park
management
Wildlife
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Camping
Roads
Information
Weeds
Environment Table
Fire
Environment Table
Weeds
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
166
167
168
169
170
171
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
37
Canadian Park Open House – Transcript of comments from Log Sheets, Graffiti Wall and Submissions
No.
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
Community comment
Want better connectivity along the length of the park,
linking of remnants
Mountain biking and other recreational activities are a
chance to showcase natural values
Continuous walking track from one end to the other
Criterion track for mountain biking, competition, additional
tourism
Incorporate wetlands to manage water runoff
Phytophthora also identified along Greenhill road in the
south of the area
Wondering if the dirt road behind Greenhaven court will be
staying, intends to use the road
Park could do with a good clean up of the forest floor to
reduce fire risk
Uses the park for walking with and without dogs
Supportive of the park, frequently walks in the park and
immediate neighbour
Would like to see an indigenous name for the park
Management should address plant removal, rubbish
dumping, noxious weeds, fire
Management should address habitat preservation, events
and uses, improvements
Rehabilitation of former plantation should be consistent
with existing cultural landscape values
Uses the park for walking with family and dogs, lives near
the park
Concerned about illegal hooning, car use and antisocial
behaviour
Walks with two bushwalking groups in the forest, and also
knows of orienteering and rogaining
Field naturalist, also concerned that many people will not be
consulted before the deadline
North–south walking and cycling trail along Boundary Road
connecting to Creswick
Southern VPP parcel favoured for MTB/bike riding and dog
walking, tourism for MTB activities
Source
Theme
Environment Table
Environment Table
Environment Table
Landscape
Mountain
bikes
Walking
Mountain
bikes
Water
Environment Table
Pests
Email submission
Roads
Phone submission
Phone submission
Fire
Dog walking
Email submission
Email submission
Written
submission
Written
submission
Written
submission
Walking
Park creation
Phone submission
Walking
Phone submission
Roads
Email submission
Walking
Email submission
Park creation
Graffiti wall
MTB trail head just off Recreation Road
Is resident access between Canadian Lake Blvd/Davies Road
and the park possible?
Provide a connecting bridge on north-south track over gully
between Olympic Ave and Greenhill Rd
Develop walks suitable for people with different levels of
ability
Provide link to Canadian Creek Track from Olympic Ave
Gully line running east of Rifle Range formerly full of tree
ferns & large trees before plantation
Best view of the city near the intersection of Bakers Road
and Boundary Road, cleared land
Graffiti wall
Walking
Mountain
bikes
Mountain
bikes
Graffiti wall
Access
Graffiti wall
Access
Graffiti wall
Graffiti wall
Walking
Walking
Graffiti wall
Forest
Graffiti wall
Landscape
Environment Table
Environment Table
Graffiti wall
Fire
Recreation
Landscape
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
38
Canadian Park Open House – Transcript of comments from Log Sheets, Graffiti Wall and Submissions
No.
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
Community comment
Eucalyptus yarraensis within the rectangular
freehold/private parcel near western edge of park
Platylobium noted within remnant vegetation patch near
Greenhaven court
Woody weed control requested west of Katy Ryans Road
and in other areas
Tracks and trail in area between Olympic Ave and Greenhill
set aside for nature walks
What about the kangaroos and koalas?
Cascades and waterfalls within park boundary in south
eastern most corner of park
Erosion an issue in southern most former VPP parcel at gully
Source
Theme
Graffiti wall
Forest
Graffiti wall
Biodiversity
Graffiti wall
Weeds
Graffiti wall
Graffiti wall
Walking
Wildlife
Graffiti wall
Graffiti wall
Landscape
Management
Values, Uses and Community Views: A final report on stakeholder and community consultation for the creation of a new park in Ballarat
39