March 2012 JACANA VALLEY MASTER PLAN VISIONING FRAMEWORK 1 Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................ Objectives .............................................................................................. Background ........................................................................................... Consultation .......................................................................................... Vision ..................................................................................................... Themes.................................................................................................. Actions ................................................................................................... Appendix A ............................................................................................ Appendix B ............................................................................................ Appendix C ............................................................................................ Appendix D ............................................................................................ p.3 p.4 p.5 p.11 p.18 p.19 p.20 p.24 p.26 p.27 p.30 2 Introduction Hume City Council is preparing a master plan for the precinct consisting of Johnstone Street Reserve, Jacana Valley Park and the Moonee Ponds Creek wetland and surrounding parkland, known for the purposes of this study as the Jacana Valley Master Plan. ‘The Master Plan will capture the community’s and Council’s aspirations of the precinct by articulating a vision which builds on the site’s uniqueness, and establish clear directions for the future use and functionality of the three sub-precincts.’ This Visioning Framework aims to capture aspirations for the regeneration of Jacana Valley and will be the foundation document for a master plan for Jacana Valley to guide future plans for this significant open space. Pascoe Vale Rd Broadm eadow s/Craig ie burn Barry Road e Street Broadmeadows CAA Blair S Johnston Camp Roa d Gladstone Park Jacana City of Moreland Jurisdiction Figure 1.1 Broader Site Context Widfo rd Street Jacana Valley 3 treet Broadmeadows Westmeadows Objectives The visioning for Jacana Valley and consequent Master Plan responds to: • Clear vision established in partnership with a range of stakeholders. • Agreed visioning framework guiding prioritised decision making. • Engaged local community in the planning of the precinct/subprecints. • High quality urban design aesthetic objectives, including private realm. • Place making opportunities considering a range of functions and uses including community infrastructure, high-end land use opportunities (e.g. urban agriculture, social enterprise opportunities, commercial food services), active and passive recreation, family spaces, quiet contemplation and urban wilderness. • Sustainable and inclusive sports clubs that provide for local communities and respond to identified needs, including targeted participation programs from contemporary facilities that meet community expectation. • Sustainable environment outcomes including management strategies and general time frames to maintain the landfill cap on Johnstone Street Reserve, and any required ongoing/ future remediation to improve the quality of water entering the Moonee Ponds Creek. • An intelligent design response which enhances the existing qualities of the site. • Role of open space in contributing to the proposed regeneration of Broadmeadows and supporting a regional catchment from across Melbourne’s north. • Explore opportunities to increase passive surveillance incorporating potential residential development. 4 Background Landscape Character Jacana Valley is located approximately 13km north of Melbourne, boarded by suburbs of Jacana, Gladstone Park and Broadmeadows. Broadmeadows is set for extensive change over the next 20 years. The Draft Broadmeadows Structure Plan (November 2011), aims to guide the area’s transformation into a ‘mini CBD’. The regeneration of Jacana Valley will play a major role in providing quality open space that responds to this ‘new city’ . The study precinct consists of three connected parcels of land: Johnstone Street Reserve, Jacana Valley Park and Freeland Grove Reserve in Jacana, and the Moonee Ponds Creek wetland and parkland west of the Creek to Gladstone Park. The regionally significant precinct connects to Broadmeadows Valley Park to the north, and the Moonee Ponds Creek Linear Parkland to the north-west and south in neighbouring Moreland City Council. The precinct and adjoining open space serves a regional catchment and in part provides for the neighbourhood-level passive and district-level active recreation needs of residents in Broadmeadows, Gladstone Park and Jacana. The Metropolitan Trail Network extends through the study area. 5 Background B r o a d m e a d ows V a l l ey P a r k J o h n s to n Jacana Re s e r ve e S tr e e t Broadmeadows Residential Residentia l Johnstone Street Reserve twork Jacana Reserve - sports ground and pavilions Residential J a c ana Va l ley Park Tr a i l itan Ne Gladstone Park k Moonee Po nds Cree Extent of Study Area Johnstone Street Reserve Playground, Skate Park and BBQ facilities Broadmeadows Sporting Club M r et op ol Moonee Ponds Creek Wetland Freeland Grove Reserve Jacana Residenti a l M8 0 We ste r n Rin g Rd J a c a na Valley We tlands Figure 1.2 Existing Site Plan Not to Scale 6 Background Characteristic Description Topography/ Physiography • Jacana Valley Park is a wide, natural valley with the Moonee Ponds Creek forming it’s base. The informal parkland is a highly exposed space and has very steep topography. Johnstone Street Reserve has a steep and undulating geography with three ‘terraces’ for areas of passive and informal active recreation. There are two sports grounds utilised by the Jacana Cricket and Football clubs at Jacana Reserve. These sports grounds sit below the 1/100 year flood line. Cultural/ Heritage/ Interpretation • Any indigenous significance will be dealt with in more detailed concepts that this Master Plan instigates. • Cultural and heritage significance will be promoted through interpretation via path networks, public art and potential future programs such as ‘Friends of Jacana Valley’ and voluntary natural resource management programs. Geology • Johnstone Street Reserve is a former landfill over a narrow valley which provided storm water run off from Broadmeadows to the Moonee Ponds Creek. Council monitors the former landfill site through regular gas emission, surface and ground water quality and cap integrity testing and reporting. Previous use for landfill constrains future use options and existing landfill buffers must be retained. Hydrology • The Moonee Ponds Creek line traverses the study area, passing through the Moonee Ponds Creek wetlands downstream in the south of the site. The creek and wetlands are both prone to flooding. The area adjacent to the creek that includes the Metropolitan Trail Network and the two sports grounds at Jacana Reserve sits under the 1/100 year flood line. The wetlands are arguably the most important asset along this creek line as it has suffered environmental impact from urban development upstream. • Major storm water infrastructure runs through the Johnstone Street Reserve. As this site is a former landfill, Hume monitors the surface water that is discharged from this pipe. Accessibility • The site is accessible via Johnstone Street to the east and from Sunset Boulevard - the entrance to the Broadmeadows Sporting Club from which there are pedestrian through points into the reserve. Jack Ginifer Reserve in Gladstone Park and Pyke Drive only allow access to the top of the west escarpment. The two ovals and club rooms at Jacana Reserve are accessible via Loraine Crescent with a formal access path connecting into the Metropolitan Trail Network. A temporary shared path has been constructed as part of the M80 Ring Road widening works to the south west of the site which allows access from Jacana Valley to the south of the Ring Road. • The Metropolitan Trail Network extends through the study area from north to south and on the west side of the Moonee Ponds Creek, crossing it at two points via footbridges to the north and south of the site. • Meadowlink is a shared walking/cycling path through Broadmeadows proposed to move through Johnstone Street Reserve and connect to the Metropolitan Trail Network in Jacana Valley Park. 7 Background Characteristic Flora and Fauna Description • The site provides habitat for the growling grass frog. This species is listed as Threatened under the Flora and Fauna Act 1988 and Vulnerable under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. • There is little to no remnant vegetation on the site. Significant revegetation works have been undertaken along the Moonee Ponds Creek and associated Moonee Ponds Creek Wetlands. • An Environmental Significance Overlay under the Hume Planning Scheme covers the creek environs at the site (ESO2). The purpose of the overlay is to protect significant environmental values along the creek and ensure the function of the waterway to support natural waterway flow and provide and preserve habitat for wildlife. View lines • The precinct has a significant profile from the Western Ring Road (M80) providing regional exposure into Broadmeadows and views beyond. The termination of Johnstone Street Reserve into the Valley in the east and the top of the escarpment to the west provide vantage points to striking, open views across the valley. Ownership • Hume City Council - Freeland Grove Reserve, Johnstone Street Reserve and Jacana Valley Park east of the valley that includes the Broadmeadows Sporting Club, and Jacana Reserve down to the 1/100 year flood line. • Melbourne Water - Moonee Ponds Creek and Wetlands and Jacana Reserve up to the 1/100 year flood line. • VicRoads - The parcel of land west of the valley reserved for the E-14 extension down to the 1/100 year flood line, along with small parcel of land located in the south east of the site abutting Freeland Grove Reserve. Tenancy Hume City Council has a range of tenancy arrangements operating across the study area: • lease of area developed for car parking east of Johnstone Street Reserve to Northern Health • lease to Broadmeadows Sporting Club lease • Seasonal license agreements with Jacana Football Club, Jacana Cricket Club and other sports clubs as required. Zoning • Johnstone Street Reserve and Freeland Grove Reserve are zoned Public Park Recreation Zone (PPRZ) • The Melbourne Water land and VicRoads E-14 easement is zoned Public Use Zone 1 (PUZ1) • The small parcel of VicRoads land to the south east is zoned Residential Zone 1 (R1Z) 8 Background Planning Context Identifying and understanding the planning context for the Johnstone Street Reserve, Jacana Valley Park and Moonee Ponds Creek is critical in establishing a Master Plan that can be implemented and to represent the strategic and statutory policies of Hume City Council. Summary of Planning Context The Master Plan, in terms of planning, will not be contrary to any of the existing Hume Council Policy, Legislative Requirements or Hume Planning Scheme. Points of consideration include: • The over arching State and Local Policies do not prohibit the preparation of the Jacana Valley Master Plan. These strategies support the master planning, activation and connection of this area to surrounding land uses. • The legislative framework protecting areas of conservation significance, in particular the threatened species of Growling Grass Frog should be noted. • Within the Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ), retail premises (including café) are conditionally permitted. This may be a suitable use to activate the area. • There are pertinent overlays in the study area of note. Consideration should be given to these in the Jacana Valley Master Plan. • Under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 changes in the PPRZ land are to be based on substantiated need and Planning Minister approval. Refer to the appendices for a detailed summation on all background planning documents and policies along with a preliminary assessment of residential development opportunities. 9 Background J o h n s to n e S tr e e t Broadmeadows Extent of Study Area Gladstone Park Vic Roads Melbourne Water Hume City Council Jacana M8 0 We ste r n Rin g Rd Figure 1.3 Ownership Not to Scale 10 Consultation Ascertaining the views and opinions of the community, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented residents and community groups is essential in the success of the Jacana Valley Master Plan. Our aim is to ensure that the consultation outcomes and findings meet the needs of the current and future users of this site. As such, we proposed targeted consultation of local government and authorities, key stakeholders and the local community to gather information to inform this Visioning Framework and eventually the Master Plan. For the Jacana Valley Master Plan, Council employed the consultation technique of Appreciative Inquiry. This is a valuesbased approach to consultation. It focuses on engaging those with a vested interest in a place, along with raising awareness to other members of the community to develop an interest in that place. By firmly anchoring the consultation dialogue in the values of a place, the results will always be focussed toward community’s stories, histories, affinities and identification with that place. In turn, those connections will promote value-based aspirations for a site that can be more tangibly linked to spaces, programmes, infrastructure, amenities and a range of investment opportunities. The community engagement offered a range of options as follows: • Online Survey • Survey Mail out • Government Agencies and Key Stakeholder Workshop • Broader Community Group and End Users Workshop • Community BBQ • Tenant sports club meeting 11 Consultation The findings and outcomes from the data drawn from the consultation process focuses on identifying the key values that the stakeholders and community members already held and projected for Jacana Valley. The following table outlines the key findings. Consultation Activity 01 Stakeholder Workshop 1 Government agencies and key stakeholders workshop#1 Description + Participants The purpose of this workshop was to engage with the Council and key stakeholder agencies to provide an overview of the Master Plan Project. • To gather their input into the Master Plan in terms of what they value • What key principles they would like to see incorporated? • To launch the Appreciative Inquiry approach • To uncover key champions who are willing to help the Inquiry process Attendees included: • Vic Roads • Moreland City Council • Melbourne Water • Moonee Ponds Creek Co-ordination Committee • Victoria Police Facilitated by : • Hume City Council • AECOM Findings + Outcomes Key values were drawn out by asking attendees to project what Jacana Valley could be in the future, what they valued about the space currently and also discussing what they valued about other open spaces that they have enjoyed. Key values drawn from this discussion were: • Accessibility and connectivity - through stakeholders identifying the need for improved DDA access, footbridges, boardwalks, connections over the creek and a trail that supplies both sides of the creek, a space that provides good public amenity through toilets, shade, water fountains, cafes, strengthening bike and pedestrian connections. It was noted that if the E-14 is ever constructed this will impact greatly on access from the Gladstone Park interface, west of the site. • Activation - through the stakeholder group identifying the need to maintain and consolidate the sporting precinct, shared community facilities . • Productive environment - through the stakeholder group identifying the desire for community gardens. • Security - through the group identifying the need for passive surveillance through activation and the potential for the existing ‘back fences’ that currently interface the reserve to become ‘inward facing’. • Conservation - through the group identifying the need for the Moonee Ponds Creek wetland to maintain flood capacity, increasing revegetation. • Responsiveness - through identifying the critical importance of Council implementing the plan and the need for ongoing maintenance for the project. • Respect for others - through the group identifying the need for interpretation and inspiring the community to develop a connection to this space. • Simplicity - through the group identifying the need for signage, way finding and a legible landscape. • Regional scale - the group recognising that the Jacana Valley needs to be recognised on a regional scale/regional asset. 12 Consultation Consultation Activity 02 Survey - Online Description + Participants Survey based on Appreciative Inquiry approach and asked three main questions, what they currently use the park for (or why they currently don’t), what they value about the park currently and what aspirations they had for Jacana Valley in the future. Posted on Hume City Council Website. The majority of respondents were from Gladstone Park and Broadmeadows making up 26 of the 41 respondents. Findings + Outcomes • 93 % of respondents have visited the park in the past 12 months with just under half usually spending 1-3 hours there at a time • The main reasons for not using the park were identified as feelings of insecurity and the fact that there is nothing to do there. • The main activities already participated in were identified by respondents as being: enjoying the outdoor/natural environment, exercising, general recreation for health and well being and dog walking. • The main activities respondents would like to see in Jacana Valley were identified as: environmental restoration, passive activities such as walking through nature, interpretation and public art. • The key values that were identified by respondents as desirable for Jacana to possess were identified as: accessibility, cleanliness and orderliness, community, conservation, family, health and well being, peace and quiet, pleasure, protection, safety, security and tranquillity. Consultation Activity 03 Survey - Hard copy mail out Description + Participants Survey questions as per as online survey. Mailed out to residents within a 3 km radius - 5, 800 no. total surveys were posted • Out of the 5, 800 surveys 180 were returned. The majority of respondents were from the Broadmeadows and Gowanbrae area making up 72% of those that replied. Findings + Outcomes • 63% of residents who responded had visited the park in the last 12 months, with those who don’t use the park identifying reasons as being too busy, too far from where they live, facilities not matching needs/nothing to do there and difficulty in accessibility. • Currently respondents mainly use the park to engage in organised sporting activities or as part of their exercise routine. Other uses identified were dog walking and enjoying the environment. • The main programs and activities respondents identified as wanting to see in Jacana Valley were a social/cultural calendar of events (33%), community gardens (35%), more activities for family (28%), children (28%) and young adults (21%), BBQ and picnic activities (29%) as well as passive activities (39%) and active activities (26%). • The key values respondents want Jacana Valley to posses were identified as: civic pride (23%), cleanliness/orderliness (52%), conservation (35%), fun (36%), peace + quiet (47%), tranquillity (37%), productive (28%), environment (52%), simplicity (10%), diversity (7%), neighbourliness (20%), safety (55%), security (41%), family (41%), education (22%), respect for others (46%), health and well being (50%), respect for law (41%), pleasure (32%), nature (52%), accessibility (34%). 13 Consultation Introduction Consultation Activity 04 Community BBQ Description + Participants Community members were invited to a free BBQ in Johnstone Street Reserve. Approximately fifty local community members attended with a demographic ranging from families, youth using the skate park and playground as was well more elderly members of the local community. The AECOM and Hume team members were able to engage with the local community raising awareness for the project and inspiring a vested interest in contributing ideas through formal responses and also uncovering key champions who are willing to help the Inquiry process. Facilitated by : • Hume City Council • AECOM Findings + Outcomes • Formal responses are included in the hard copy mail out findings + outcomes. • Participants spoke positively of the recent development of new informal recreation facilities at Johnstone Street Reserve including the skate park, flying fox and nature-based play spaces, and suggested additional sports be catered for such as tennis, bocce and soccer. • Support for additional recreation facilities in the reserve including spaces for family/social gatherings and facilities for children and young people. • Sought greater access to the valley and creek corridor through trails and shared paths. • Residents valued the precinct’s natural setting, and sought greater opportunity to experience and care for the natural environment including access to the creek and wetland. • Residents valued the importance of large, mature trees, and the opportunity to capitalise on the valley’s unique topography/setting by creating viewing points and use of the steep escarpments for different activities. • Connected spaces supported by program of events and activities that draws the community together. 14 Consultation Consultation Activity 05 Stakeholder Workshop 2 Broader community group and end users workshop Description + Participants The purpose of this workshop was to engage with the key user groups and community groups (friends of groups, environment groups, religious spiritual groups, sports clubs, mothers groups other potential end users to provide an overview of the Master Plan Project. • To gather their input into the Master • Plan in terms of what they value • What key principles they would like to see incorporated? • To launch the Appreciative Inquiry approach • To uncover key champions who are willing to help the Inquiry process. Attendees included: • Metropolitan Fire Board • Jacana Football Club • Jacana Cricket Club • Kororoit Institute Proponents and Supporters Association • Hume BUG • Broadmeadows Rotary • Friends of Upper Moonee Ponds Creek Facilitated by : • Hume City Council • AECOM Findings + Outcomes • All the participants are engaged to see improvements for the site. • The football and cricket clubs are keen to see a clear direction pertaining to the improvement of their club and associated facilities. • MFB noted the importance of the path network as a means of emergency access. • There was a general consensus for the City to ensure ownership of the project and the site; to ‘convert’ the promise and deliver the outcomes from a strategic level through to operations, management and maintenance. • Ensure that any staged works match spatial connectivity of nodes, facilities and amenities. • Other specifics included a reconciliation between commuter and recreational cyclists through the site – that a meandering path might not always be the most appropriate proposition; ratification of car parking if amenities are to increase, and ensure outcomes are community focussed. 15 Consultation Consultation Activity 06 Description + Participants Tenant sports clubs meeting Site tenants Broadmeadows Sporting Club, Jacana Football Club and Jacana Cricket Club attended a meeting to discuss and explore plans and aspirations for the study area and their respective clubs’ operations. Clubs occupy these facilities through tenancy agreements with Council. The meeting was facilitated by Hume City Council. Findings + Outcomes • Broadmeadows Sporting Club (BSC) is poorly located and difficult to access without a private vehicle. • The BSC seeks to modernise facilities in keeping with Broadmeadow’s regeneration and provide members and the community with an inviting and accessible facility that support a range of social, leisure and entertainment needs and becomes a community hub for Broadmeadows and Jacana. The club wishes to continue financially supporting a range of local community sporting clubs through proceeds from gaming revenue. • The BSC would consider relocating to Jacana Reserve to an integrated with modernised sports hub, with upgraded player and umpire facilities responding to the operational needs of the Jacana Football and Cricket clubs, and other seasonal sports tenants. The proposed integration of sporting facilities would need to consider an appropriate governance structure. • A proposal to relocate BSC to Jacana Reserve would need to take into account a range of planning and community needs including amenity impacts, traffic and parking requirements, gaming and liquor licences, 1 in 100 year flood inundation overlay. • Player facilities at Jacana Reserve are ageing, and are limited in supporting participation by women and girls and people with disabilities. • All clubs valued the importance of providing for young people and families, and delivering sporting programs and related activities in partnership with schools and other sporting bodies that brings the community together and provides choice. • Other identified sporting opportunities across the study area include exercise stations and fitness trails, spaces for personal trainers and outdoor fitness class and provision of other sports such as softball, tennis and soccer. • Improved vehicle and pedestrian access throughout the study area • Further investigate potential for residential development to assist in funding the Park’s redevelopment. • Consider alternative community uses of Broadmeadows Sporting Club should BSC relocated to Jacana Reserve. 16 The vision and values that underpin the future direction of Jacana Valley have been identified through background analysis and consultation and aim to capture the essence of community and key stakeholder aspirations. It is proposed that the vision be realised through pursuing key themes that directly reflect the main values the we read and heard during the background and consultation process. Each theme outlines these values which have been coupled with an ‘action’. These actions, to be explored and developed in the master planning process, propose a way to spatially implement these values. 17 Vision ‘toward an action framework’ Jacana Valley will be a key regional open space providing social, environmental, and urban connectivity for the community. It will provide a range of values and benefits; from being a place of natural beauty and quiet contemplation, to a social hub for sport and cultural activities. The community’s diversity and depth of heritage will drive the: • Implementation of high-quality, high-amenity landscape architecture that provides for a range of uses including: family spaces, active and passive recreation and urban agriculture, • Re-development and activation of regional sporting programs. Viable sporting clubs delivering a range of active recreation and associated social activities for members and the local community, • Transformation of the Valley into a community-based destination that is designed to create safety and security, reduce isolation and instigate a sense of place and identity with all user groups, • Environmental sustainability, • Improved accessibility within the Valley itself and to the broader context of Broadmeadows, parkland south of the M80 and beyond. • Development of a robust interpretation and public arts plan, and • The development of residential areas for the purposes of economic regeneration and improvement to the interface of the Valley. Jo hn st on e S tr ee t Broadmeadows Gladstone Park Jacana M80 Wes ter n Ring Rd Figure 1.4 Vision Diagram 18 Themes - Framing the Vision The Visioning Framework responds to the various background documents, complemented by the Appreciative Inquiry of the community and key stakeholders that sought feedback on the valley’s current and future values. From this, five themes have been identified from which key spatial components will be developed as a master plan. An Action Framework details short, medium and long-term targets to deliver the master plan. GOVERNANCE ECONOMIC REGENERATION ENVIRONMENT DESTINATION SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE 19 CULTURE + ID Actions - Delivering the Vision GOVERNANCE Values civic pride, Thinking/Possibilities leadership + maintenance respect for law responsiveness authorities to ensure the delivery of the master plan ENVIRONMENT Values Thinking/Possibilities cleanliness/orderliness maintenance conservation, nature riparian corridor, 1/100 year flood line, restoration ecology, habitat creation, urban tree planting fun activity based infrastructure + social programming to create an appropriate mix of activities peace + quiet, tranquillity ensure places for solitude + calm productive environment provide productive landscape 20 Actions CULTURE + ID Values Thinking/Possibilities simplicity create a landscape that is legible + structured respect for others provide flexible land uses ensure space + amenities to provide celebrations connection to place through an interpretation of time neighbourliness community gardens SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE Values 21 Thinking/Possibilities safety, security access, 12-14 hour use activity that increases perceptions of personal security accessibility provide multi- generational activity all ability access to key nodes provision of youth orientated activities accommodate commuter and recreational users family a place for both physical and social access, safety and equality Actions education create a landscape that allows for varied experiences and discovery activation, health and well being create a landscape that allows for varied experiences and discovery open space provide for both regional open space and neighbourhood open spaces serving local needs ECONOMIC REGENERATION Values Thinking/Possibilities regional scale create a place of iconicity that can be recognised on a regional scale pleasure create a ‘whole of life’ , enduring landscape (materials) residential development consider certain fringes of the reserve to be sold and developed for residential purposes that front on to the reserve 22 Appendices 23 Appendix A Planning Context Policy Document Hume City Plan 2030 Key Policies and Objectives • The Hume City Plan 2030 has been developed by the community for the community to ensure that by the year 2030, Hume City will be recognised as the ideal location for healthy living, lifelong learning, employment, recreation, enjoyment and prosperity. • The Jacana Valley would assist in meeting the Themes and objectives of this plan including Prosperity, Community Wellbeing and Appearance of City and Environment. Hume City Council 2009-2013 (2011 Action Update) • The Hume City Council 2009-2013 (2011 Action Update) has similar policies and directions as the City Plan and the Jacana Valley would assist to meet these policies, in particular the Community Wellbeing for elements such as social inclusion, Health, Safety and Wellbeing and Arts, Leisure and Recreation. Municipal Public Health & Wellbeing Plan 2009-2013 • This document seeks to improve health and wellbeing, all of which can be improved by improved access and utilisation of public space areas such as the Moonee Ponds Creek. Therefore the Jacana Valley is in accordance with the directions of this policy. Hume Social Justice Charter 2007 • The Jacana Valley aims to provide increased access and quality of public open space, which is an indirect action in achieving the objectives of this policy document. Hume Youth Strategy 2010-2013 • The Jacana Valley provides an opportunity to address the structural (i.e. facility provision) and non-structural (i.e. event and service provisions) aims and objectives of this policy. Hume City Development Principles: Recreation & Community Facilities 2006 • This policy was prepared to ensure that new development provide for a broad range of accessible, sustainable, green open spaces and recreational opportunities, including active sports, playgrounds, passive recreation, formal and informal meeting and community facilities and spaces connected walking and cycling trails and pathways, waterways and preserved natural environments. Community Safety Strategy 20092013 • Responses from the community during this study identified that residents rated leisure centres and facilities, parks and open spaces as places where they felt the least safe. • This policy document also identifies the importance of safety in urban design which includes principles such as passive surveillance of space, linkages and open areas. Hume City Council Pathways to Sustainability Framework, and Pathways to Sustainability Action Plan 2009-2013 Broadmeadows Valley Park Management Plan 2007 • This document, with specific relation to the Jacana Valley and the study area are the maintenance, protection and improvement of public open spaces for recreation and biodiversity to ensure a sustainable urban environment. • The location of this park is north of the study area however actions, particularly in relation to water quality of the Moonee Ponds Creek will have impacts on the study area. • The key aspect will be to retain, connect and improve linkages between the two areas. 24 Appendix A Policy Document Moonee Ponds Creek Strategic Plan 2011 Key Policies and Objectives • This Strategic Plan recommends adopting an integrated approach to the Moonee Ponds Creek and the surrounding environs. • Specific strategies for the Jacana Valley include weed management, increase crossing opportunities, advocate to underground existing power lines, increase connectivity and linkages, incorporate policy into planning scheme and implement interpretation and revegetation strategies. Planning for Broadmeadows: Emerging Strategic Directions 2010 • This document encompasses the community aspirations for the Broadmeadows Activity Centre. • Specifically, the main points are to create linkages (walking, cycling and biodiversity) between established areas and recreational areas along the Moonee Ponds Creek in the study area. Broadmeadows Central Activities District Structure Plan: Context and Discussion Report 2010 Meadowlink Master Plan • Future directions from this document include investigation of using small frontages of the study area to facilitate additional residential development fronting the public open space areas. • This Master Plan provides an over arching framework for the development of a walking, cycling and open space link between the Metropolitan Trail Network at Moonee Ponds Creek and Merlynston Creek via the Broadmeadows town centre and railway station which includes the study area. • The Master Plan encourages linkages between activity areas, recreational space and residential areas, on a macro scale around the broader area. The Jacana Valley will build on these principles on a micro scale for the study area. Broadmeadows Structure Plan (Draft) • The Draft Structure Plan includes the Johnston Street Reserve within the study area. Similar to other policy documents and strategies, November 2011 the key to utilisation and better planning for the Johnston Street Reserve and the broader study areas is the improvement of linkages, biodiversity and usage of these recreational spaces. • The Jacana Valley Master Plan will build on these principles, on a micro scale and would not be contrary to any objectives or themes from this document. • Study area needs to respond to/reflect CAA’s regional catchment. Landfill Bore & Water Quality Reports • Methane risks to adjoining properties from the former landfill are generally low • Gas monitoring indicates that there is a low risk impact to adjoining residential dwellings however future development of this area is unknown and would require further environmental investigations Hume City Council Open Space Strategy 2010 – 2015 25 • The Hume City Open Space Strategy 2010-15 has been prepared to provide a framework for the future planning and provision of open space across the municipality. • In relation to the Johnstone Street Reserve, the Strategy identifies the need for additional facilities. Introduction Appendix B Legislation Environmental Protection Act 1970 The ongoing landfill management and rehabilitation of parts of Johnstone Street Reserve must be in accordance with the Environment Protection Act 1970. The landfill’s existing buffer to adjacent land uses must be maintained. Land Protection Act 1994 The management and protection of stream flows along Moonee Ponds Creek must be in accordance with the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Flora and Fauna Act 1988. The Growling Grass Frog, a species classified ‘threatened’ under the Flora and Fauna Act 1988 and ‘vulnerable’ under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 has been identified in the study area. The Jacana Valley Master Plan will not impact on their habitat or is any habitat proposed to be impacted. Consultation with Federal and State Authorities may be required. Planning and Environment Act 1987 As specific in the Planning and Environment Act 1987, ensure any changes in land zoned Public Park and Recreation (PPRZ) be based on substantiated community need. The re-zoning of PPRZ land requires approval from the Minister of Planning. An Environmental Significance Overlay is in place along the Moonee Ponds Creek to protect significant environmental values ensuring the function of the waterway to support natural flow and preserving habitat for wildlife. The Victorian Native Vegetation Management: A Framework for Action 2002 requires net gain native vegetation offsets if/where native vegetation removal is recommended. 26 Appendix C Planning Framework State Planning Policy Framework Settlement Planning is to anticipate and respond to the needs of existing and future communities through provision of zoned and serviced land for housing, employment, recreation and open space, commercial and community facilities and infrastructure. Of particular importance from this policy are the requirements for planning of Activity Centres (i.e. Broadmeadows) and provision for suitable Public Open Space. The Jacana Valley Master Plan will provide increased access to public open space and will be integrated through linkages (where possible) with the Broadmeadows Activity Area and is therefore in accordance with this policy. Environment & Landscape The Moonee Ponds Creek Environs is environmentally significant to the area and surrounding region in terms of native flora and fauna species. The Jacana Valley Master Plan will retain existing Environmental Planning Controls in the ESO for the creek and surrounding environs and therefore is not contrary to the policies and directions of this clause. The Biodiversity and Native Vegetation Management of this area will not be compromised as part of the Jacana Valley Master Plan. Environmental Risk The study area is subject to environmental risks including landfill / contamination and flooding, all of which will be considered in terms of both strategic and statutory planning obligations as part of the Jacana Valley Master Plan. The landfill area proposed uses will be in accordance with EPA policy and the uses surrounding and adjoining the Moonee Ponds Creek will be in accordance with Hume Planning Scheme and Melbourne Water requirements. Built Environment & Heritage This policy is pertinent in considering landscape and cultural heritage and urban design elements. The Jacana Valley Master Plan will consider these policy objectives and address linkages to landmarks and activities, design for safety, sustainability, cultural identity and neighbourhood character. 27 Appendix C Housing There are potential opportunities to utilise part of the study area owned by Council for residential development. The City of Hume is a growth area and the rezoning of this land would be in accordance with State Policy for urban infill development within close proximity to the Broadmeadows Activity Area. Local Planning Policy Framework Community Wellbeing Hume City is distinguished by the diversity of its community and renowned for social justice, community inclusion and lifelong learning. Council’s role in creating and enhancing community wellbeing includes a wide range of community issues. In particular the Jacana Valley Master Plan will address the key elements of this clause including provision for housing, health and safety and community services and facilities. Natural & Built Environment This policy provides local content and support for the State Planning Policy Framework in relation to the natural and built environment. Similar to the above mentioned assessment, the Jacana Valley Master Plan will address issues of biodiversity, catchment and land management, landscapes, open space and heritage elements of the study area. Activity Centres The SPPF designates Broadmeadows as a Central Activity Area, providing similar services and functions to central Melbourne. As an activity centre it provides a range of retail, commercial, entertainment, employment, public services and community services and activities integrated with housing in a location which is highly accessible by road, public transport and bicycle. Zones & Overlays Public Use Zone (PUZ1) – Service & Utility The purpose of this zone is to recognise public land use for public utility and community services and facilities and provide for associated uses that are consistent with the intent of the public land reservation or purpose. This land is known to be owned by both VicRoads and Melbourne Water for service provisions (existing and future) the Jacana Valley Master Plan must be in accordance with these land uses and consultation with these authorities will be required. 28 Introduction Appendix C Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ) The purpose of this zone is to recognise areas for public recreation and open space, protect and conserve areas of significance where appropriate and provide for commercial uses where appropriate. This land is owned by Hume City Council and the Jacana Valley Master Plan is an opportunity to build on existing policy for the planning of the area. Retail Premises (i.e. café) uses are conditionally permitted within this zone. Residential 1 Zone (R1Z) There is a small strip of R1Z land within Jacana Reserve fronting Johnstone Street opposite Westfield Boulevard. Within the local area, residential dwellings would appear to the be the highest and best use for R1Z land in the study area. Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO2) – Merri and Moonee Ponds Creeks Environs The key objectives of this overlay are to maintain and improve the ecological function, waterway function, recreation use, landscape character and heritage of these areas. The Jacana Valley Master Plan would seek to build and enhance on these objectives for the study area including Moonee Ponds Creek. Melbourne Airports Environs Overlay (MAEO2) This applies to a small portion of the VicRoads land on the western edge of the study area and is not considered to be important in relation to the Jacana Valley Master Plan. Public Acquisition Overlay (PAO1) This applies to part of the VicRoads land required for the proposed E18 connection road linking north of the study area to the Western Ring Road along the western boundary of the study area and section on east near Freeland Grove Reserve above Broadmeadows Sporting Club. Development of the E14 would have a significant impact on the precinct’s functions and values. Special Building Overlay (SBO) This applies to sections of the study area that are subject to inundation and development should retain a free passage and temporary storage of floodwaters, minimise flood damage, be compatible with the flood hazard and local drainage conditions and should not cause significant rise in flood level or flow velocity. The study area will not be prone to negative levels of development in accordance with these objectives and should not impact on this overlay and the water quality of Moonee Ponds Creek. 29 Appen A dix D Prreliminarry Reside ential Devvelopme ent Oppo ortunitiess 33 Sunset Boule evard and Reaar nset Boulevarrd, Jacana Sun Size: one: Zo Overlays: Esstimated Yield: Acccess: Design Ch haracteristic: In nfrastructure Re equirements: Se ervicing: Co ontamination: Trraffic: Geotechnical Analysis: Flora & Fauna: 23,000 m2 (2.3 ha) Public Park aand Recreation ZZone (PPRZ) Environmen ntal Significance Overlay 40 lots (approx.) 2 @ 500 m peer lot Multiple enttry points off Su unset Boulevard Terraced to minimise impact on n existing property vviews into the vvalley Facing vallley to capitalise on views of vvalley Buffer roaad separating residentiaal allotmentts and areas of p park creating connectivvity and passivve surveillance To be confirrmed To be confirrmed To be confirrmed To be confirrmed To be confirrmed To be confirrmed 5 – – 35 Freeland Grove, Jacanaa Size: one: Zo Overlays: Esstimated Yield: Acccess: In nfrastructure Re equirements: Se ervicing: Co ontamination: Trraffic: Geotechnical Analysis: Flora & Fauna: 14,000 m2 ((1.4 ha) Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPRZ) Not applicable 19 lots (app prox.) 2 @ 500 m per lot p Via Freeland d Grove (soutthern end of site) To be confirrmed To be confirrmed To be confirrmed To be confirrmed To be confirrmed To be confirrmed 30