bendigo landscape assessment big hill & mandurang valley · bendigo landscape assessment final...

Bendigo Landscape assessment

FinaL RepoRt

FEBRUARY 2013

Big HiLL & manduRang VaLLey

© Planisphere 2012

This Publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.

pRoject contRoL

Status Version Checked PD

Date released

Draft Character Area Analysis Papers 1 MS 22/03/12

Preliminary Draft Report 1 MS 22/06/12

Draft Report 2 MS 27/07/12

Draft Report for Exhibition 3 MS 08/08/12

Final Report 4 MS 14/09/12

4 © 2012

Logo is at twice the size for the footer

In undertaking this work we recognise that the City of Greater Bendigo encompasses the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung, and acknowledge them as the traditional custodians of this landscape.

pRoject contRoL gRoup

city of greater Bendigo

Mark Stubbs Senior Strategic Planner & Project Manager

Nick Byrne Manager Strategy

Andrew Cockerall Coordinator Strategy

Lisa Rankin Administrative Officer

steeRing committeeCr Rod Campbell Eppalock Ward Councillor

Cr Barry Lyons Kangaroo Flat Ward Councillor

Cr Keith Reynard Strathfieldsaye Ward Councillor

Prue Mansfield Director Planning & Development

Robyn Major Manager Sustainable Environment, CoGB

Katie Nolan Heritage Officer, CoGB

Karoline Klein Landscape Architect, CoGB

Simon Francis Planning Officer

Lincoln Fitzgerald Acting Manager Recreation, CoGB

Rachel Haynes Acting Manager Planning & Development, DPCD

acknowLedgements

pRoject ReFeRence gRoupDavid Bannear Heritage Victoria

David Conley Natural Environment Advisory Committee

Elaine Doling Heritage Advisory Committee

Kay MacGregor Bendigo Historical Society

David Major Parks Victoria

Jodie Odgers Regional Coordinator, Landcare

Rodd Orr Bendigo Field Naturalists Club

Wendy Radford Natural Environment Advisory Committee

Rod Spitty Heritage Advisory Committee

James Williams Farming Consultative Committee

Norm Stimson Department of Sustainability & Environment

consuLtant study team

planisphere planning & urban design

Mike Scott Project Director

Helen Knight Project Manager / Associate

Isobel Maginn Planner & Landscape Architect

Robin crocker & associates

Robin Crocker Landscape Advisor

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FoRewoRd

The landscapes of the City of Greater Bendigo have a rich and complex history and have changed and evolved over time. They are a product of our economy, our ecology and our society, and ultimately reflect our community’s collective values. By creating a lasting impression in the minds of residents and visitors to our City, landscapes are integral to our image, identity and sense of place.

The purpose of this landscape assessment project is to examine the character and values associated with the study areas, Big Hill and the Mandurang Valley - to understand how they might be affected by future change and to project a longer term vision and guidance for planning and management of these landscapes in the interest of current and future generations.

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1. IntroductIon ........................................................................... 9Background .................................................................................. 10

Study Process ...............................................................................11

Landscape Assessment Methodology ......................................... 12

The Study Area .............................................................................14

Landscape Assessment Best Practice Review ...........................16

Background References & Policy Context .................................. 17

Executive Summary .....................................................................18

2. Landscape character ...................................................... 21Defining Landscape Character ................................................... 22

General Character of the Greater Bendigo Landscape..............24

Landscape Character of Big Hill & Mandurang Valley................28

Imprint of the Past........................................................................36

Landscape Character Types & Areas...........................................42

3. communIty VaLues ............................................................... 67Consultation & Community Values............................................. 68

Community Values: Big Hill ........................................................ 70

Community Values: Mandurang Valley ....................................... 74

contents

4. Landscape sIgnIfIcance & VaLues assessment ....... 79Determining Landscape Significance ........................................ 80

Landscape Values ....................................................................... 82

Summary of Landscape Values .................................................. 94

5. future dIrectIons ............................................................... 97Future Character Directions ....................................................... 98

Change in the landscape ........................................................... 100

Landscape Management Issues ............................................... 102

Planning Control & Policy Gaps .................................................112

6. Landscape management framework ........................ 117Landscape Management Framework ......................................118

Landscape Custodianship ...........................................................119

Promotion, Education & Support .............................................. 120

Management Of Landscape Issues ........................................... 124

Implementation Through The Planning Scheme ...................... 128

Summary Of Actions Specific To Each Character Area ............ 132

appendIces ............................................................................... 133A Background Review

B Best Practice Review

C Character Area Analysis Papers

D Design & Development Guidelines

1. introduction

1

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BackgRound

The primary purpose of the City of Greater Bendigo Landscape Assessment: Big Hill and Mandurang Valley (the Study) is to gain a detailed understanding of the character and values of the Big Hill and Mandurang Valley landscapes, and to develop a framework for their future management as they continue to change over time.

This work stems from the City of Greater Bendigo Rural Areas Strategy (2009), which identified these two areas as being the most at-risk from development pressure.

The study includes a holistic assessment of all factors that create the landscapes we see and experience today. This includes the imprint of human interaction with the landscape, the environmental, ecological or geological

significance of the landscapes, their cultural and social heritage and their recreational value.

The key requirements of the project brief were to:

▪ Enable a holistic understanding of landscape values associated with the study areas.

▪ Establish an interpretive structure for the study area landscapes by identifying constituent character areas

▪ Assess the relative sensitivity of the landscape to change and to development pressure

▪ Identify patterns of viewing the landscapes and assess their relative visual profile and prominence

▪ Identify and inform community perceptions and values associated with the landscape

▪ Establish a guiding vision for the study areas

▪ Enable positive and practical change for management in the landscape through a strategic landscape management framework incorporating both statutory and non-statutory instruments

▪ Establish a possible model or framework for further landscape assessment within the City of Greater Bendigo.

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study pRocess

stage 1 stage 2 stage 3 stage 4 stage 5

inception & BackgRound Landscape cHaRacteR Landscape VaLues Landscape management FRamewoRk

community exHiBition

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Landscape assessment metHodoLogy

++ =Planning Control / Policy Gaps

FUTURE CHARACTER DIRECTIONS

LANDSCAPE SIGNIFICANCELandscape Values

Landscape Character

Visual / Identified / Community

Landscape Management Framework

Anticipated Change & Management Issues

The methodology of landscape assessment for this project has been developed over a number of similar projects by Planisphere. A Best Practice Review was conducted (see Appendix B) which emphasised the importance of landscape values that extend beyond the visual in determining landscape significance.

The methodology is summarised through the diagram below, and explained in more detail on the page opposite.

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Landscape cHaRacteRLandscape character is the interplay of geology, topography, vegetation, waterbodies and other natural features, combined with the effects of land use and built development, which makes one landscape different from another. Understanding of landscape character provides a basis for understanding landscape significance.

Landscape VaLues

Visual ValuesVisual values are based on the aesthetic qualities, including landform features, views, edges or contrasts, and for the landscape’s predominantly natural or undeveloped character, in which development is absent or clearly subordinate to natural landscape characteristics.

identified ValuesIdentified values are sourced through detailed research into the environmental, cultural and historical significance of the landscape.

community ValuesCommunity values are sourced through communication and consultation with the people who live or work in, or visit, the study area. Landscapes hold different values for different people. Some people may enjoy the scenic values and settings they provide, or as havens for wildlife and biodiversity, and for others they are valued for productivity and economic return.

Landscape signiFicanceLandscape significance is the designation of a particular landscape as special or important arising from its landscape values, including aesthetic values and other documented values such as historic, environmental, scientific, social or other values

anticipated cHange & management issuesThe landscape is continually evolving, change is part of landscape character and past change has produced the landscape we see today; trends and future changes need to be anticipated and evaluated for their effect – positive and negative – on significance and valued character.

pLanning contRoL / poLicy gapsThe existing policy and control regime needs to be examined to assess the extent to which it recognises the character and significance of the landscape, and adequately responds to the changes or threats identified. These are the policy gaps.

Landscape management FRamewoRkA Landscape Management Framework is prepared to address management issues that exist when landscapes are subject to present or anticipated changes, and there are gaps in the planning controls and policies.

FutuRe cHaRacteR diRectionsFuture character directions provide a basis from which to manage the rate and scale of landscape change and, along with the landscape management objectives and guidelines, are central to the development of planning scheme provisions.

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tHe study aRea

The project brief broadly identified two separate study areas, The Big Hill Environs and the Mandurang Valley Environs, with the intention of this being further defined as the project progressed.

A broad investigation area was established that captured these areas, considering access points and views to and from them.

The study area was more clearly defined following the Landscape Character survey at the beginning of Stage 2 of the project.

All land within the area was considered in the study, including land zoned for residential purposes and the National and Regional parks.

The final boundaries of the study area were defined by the edges of the National and Regional Parks surrounding the Big Hill ridgeline and Mandurang Valley, Springs Road along the edge of Mandurang South, and Tannery Lane to the north.

It was also important to look at the Big Hill ridgeline as a single landscape feature rather than a governance boundary, therefore the study area was extended to accommodate the Harcourt North area around Fords Road in the east, and as far as Gap Road in the west.

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study aReaFigure 1

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Landscape assessment Best pRactice ReView

The study methodology developed for this project has been underpinned by a review of best practice approaches to landscape assessment.

inteRnationaLUNESCO recognises the importance of cultural landscapes, and that ‘landscapes transcend the directly observable’. This includes consideration of intangible aspects of landscapes, such as their association with literature, poetry, painting, music, photography or rituals, for example.

The 2004 European Landscape Convention aims to encourage public authorities to adopt policies and measures at local, regional, national and international level for protecting, managing and planning landscapes throughout Europe. It covers all landscapes, both outstanding and ordinary, that determine the quality of people’s living environment’ underpinned by principles of sustainable development.

united kingdomIn the UK, there has been a shift in the practice of landscape assessment to a landscape character focus, with emphasis on input by experts, communities and others. Assessment of landscape character is integrated with other related fields such as biodiversity, historic character and recreation.

‘Characterisation’ has become popular in recent years. This ‘helps to manage change in the historic environment by tracing the imprint of history. It shows how the past exists within today’s world.’

Assessment of landscape values has led to the designation of national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), covering 22% of the UK. These are largely private land managed through the planning system and sympathetic landowners.

Regional landscape partnership/protection/appreciation strategies have been developed recently in the UK involving agencies and councils, such as the East Midlands. Overall, consideration of landscape character and values has been a contributing factor in future land use studies.

austRaLia‘A landscape is a place but landscape values are held by people and communities.’

Inspirational landscape studies, National Heritage List (NHL) assessment guidelines, and the Burra Charter provide useful information on identifying community values and perceptions. Sources of information on landscape values include interested stakeholders, art/ literature/ film/ TV/ music/ journals/ books, park and tourist guides, technical reports and the internet.

VictoRiaRecent national windfarm development guidelines, and landscape assessments, such as of the Great Ocean Road Region and ‘Coastal Spaces’ in Victoria, have developed and refined landscape assessment methods. These include guidelines for determining significance based on:

▪ Visual significance (landform features, views, edges/contrasts, naturalness)

▪ Supporting evidence (previous assessments and studies, media, art and literature, iconic status etc).

▪ Community opinion (locals, groups, agencies etc) re values. Includes non-visual aspects - memories, experiences etc.

A full version of the Best Practice Review is provided in Appendix B

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BackgRound ReFeRences & poLicy context

A detailed review of background references and the policy and statutory context of the City of Greater Bendigo Scheme has been undertaken. This review has assisted in gaining an understanding of landscape character and significance in the study area and informed the development of implementation recommendations in the latter stages of the project.

This detailed analysis with a full review of all documents is provided in Appendix A.

BackgRound documentsRural Areas Strategy, City of Greater Bendigo Strategy Unit, 2009

City of Greater Bendigo Thematic Heritage Study, Lovell Chen, May 2012

City Of Greater Bendigo Residential Development Strategy, Parsons Brickerhoff, 2004

City of Greater Bendigo Open Space Strategy, HM Leisure Planning/Inspiring Place Pty Ltd./Conceptz Pty Ltd./ Centre for Land Protection Research, 2004

City Of Greater Bendigo Cultural Heritage Study, City of Greater Bendigo & Dale Sampson, 2010

City Of Greater Bendigo Heritage Study Stage 2, Former Shires of Mcivor and Strathfieldsaye (Vol. 1), Context, 2009

Heathcote-Strathfieldsaye Thematic History, Earthtech, 2002

Bendigo Industrial Land Strategy, Gutteridge, Haskins & Davey (GHD) Pty Ltd, 2001

Natural Environment Strategy: The Green Plan 2 2007-2010, City of Greater Bendigo Strategy Unit, 2007

Health & Wellbeing Strategy (& Municipal Early Years Plan) 2009-2013), City of Greater Bendigo, 2009

Mandurang Valley Outline Development Plan, Meldrum Burrows for the Shire of Strathfieldsaye, 1992

Greater Bendigo 2036: Community Plan

Box-Ironbark Forests & Woodlands Investigation, Environment Conservation Council (ECC), 2001

Greater Bendigo National Park Management Plan, Parks Victoria, 2007

City of Greater Bendigo Invasive Plants and Animals Strategy 2012-2015 (2012)

City of Greater Bendigo Strategic Directions - Rural Roadside Conservation 2011-2015 (2011)

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The City of Greater Bendigo Landscape Assessment: Big Hill and Mandurang Valley has seen an understanding of the landscapes of the study area progressively formed. In consultation with the community, a framework for their future management as they continue to change over time has been developed.

Background analysis shows how the combination of natural processes and human interaction with the landscape have shaped the landscapes that we see and experience today (Section 2).

The values placed upon landscapes by the community has been explored through workshops, feedback and photographic studies (Section 3).

This information has helped to gauge the values of the landscapes against an established set of criteria. From this analysis, level of the significance of each part of the study area has been assessed (Section 4).

Future directions for the landscapes of the study area are proposed, imagining the best case scenario for their ongoing enhancement or protection. The sensitivity of the landscapes to change and the potential impact of common issues of concern is considered, and gaps in the statutory system for management of landscapes are assessed (Section 5).

executiVe summaRy

The Landscape Management Framework (Section 6) recommends a range of actions and initiatives to protect and enhance the valued landscapes of the study area. This includes:

▪ Community education about the value of landscapes within the study area, and community involvement in the future management of landscapes

▪ Grants and financial incentives to assist with landscape management

▪ Promotion of the importance of landscape management through local media

▪ Informing the community about the range of assistance available for landscape management

▪ Expansion and promotion of the tourism and recreation potential of the landscapes of the study area

▪ Support for and expansion of local environmental networks, such as Landcare groups

▪ Implementation of landscape management controls in the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme to apply to selected development proposals

▪ Publication of guidelines to provide information about appropriate design, development and landscaping

▪ Support for City of Greater Bendigo planners and other staff in the management of landscapes

▪ Dialogue with other agencies and organisations responsible for managing various aspects of the landscape

▪ Implementation through the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme by way of the MSS and a new Local Policy. Significant Landscape Overlays are recommended to be applied to those areas under pressure for change that has the potential to impact upon the value or significance of the landscape.

22. Landscape Character

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Defining LanDsCape CharaCter

The landscape character of an area provides the basis for understanding the features, views and combinations that are important, and how different types of development sit within the landscape.

A professional assessment of landscape character underpinned this part of the study, focussing on key physical, environmental and cultural characteristics of the landscapes that occur within the Big Hill and Mandurang Valley Environs.

Landscape character is the interplay of geology, topography, vegetation, waterbodies and other natural features, combined with the effects of land use and built development, which makes one landscape different from another

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General CharaCter of the Greater BendiGo landsCape

The study areas sit within the landscape of the broader Greater Bendigo area. Bendigo city is tucked into the northern extremity of the west Victorian Midlands, which include the Great Dividing Range, within the Goldfields Bioregion (Figure 3, VM1). To the west of the city is the beginning of the Wimmera Plain. The northern part of Greater Bendigo extends onto the Murray Lowlands, the western part of which is characterised as the Mallee Dunefield, the eastern part is the Riverine Plain. Climatically, Greater Bendigo experiences continental extremes of temperature and moderate though erratic rainfall (mean 550 mm pa).

Figure 2: City of Greater Bendigo in the Victorian context

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BioregionsFigure 3

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settLementThe main axis of the Bendigo urban area follows the north-south alignment of the Bendigo Creek, which occupies the narrow valley floor along with the Calder Highway and Melbourne-Bendigo Railway. A sequence of small centres populate this axis like beads on a string, with Bendigo city centre offset to one side, between the creek and the railway. However, the true distinction of Bendigo’s character lies in its overall urban form.

Bendigo has an unusual and distinctive urban form because it has evolved from a collection of discrete gold mining settlements. These grew in a scatter of locations that seems random to the modern eye, but which actually follow the seams of auriferous rock that pass beneath the urban area, generally along a north-south axis. Whereas in other cities one can ‘read’ the stages of its evolution by walking out from the centre, passing buildings and suburbs that gradually become more modern, in Bendigo this is not the case. In many suburbs, dwelling styles and eras appear in a perplexingly haphazard mix. At least that is how things appear, until the presence of a former gold mine explains the sudden appearance of a group of Victorian cottages in the middle of 1950s or ‘70s bungalows.

The principle of a uniform grid street pattern is similarly distorted throughout the urban area by the presence of these old settlement nuclei, coupled with the constraints of topography.

Another unusual Bendigo characteristic is the way that undeveloped fingers of land, often associated with mining activities and often vegetated, wend their way throughout the urban area right to the edge of the CBD.

On the main routes out of Bendigo, once separate small centres such as Huntley and Marong have coalesced as urban development has extended outwards. Beyond the urban growth boundary there are settlements of various sizes, ranging from loose collections of dwellings to significant rural centres like Heathcote and Elmore.

topographyTopographically, Bendigo city lies within a bowl of rocky hills that opens out into the alluvial plain to the north. The approaches to the city from west, south and east climb the rim of this bowl, before dropping into the valley of the Bendigo Creek, which flows north to join the Campaspe River. Big Hill is a prominent part of this rim of hills.

While this underlying topographic character is readily apparent ‘on the ground’ in parts of Greater Bendigo, there are parts of the surrounding hills that contain hidden valleys, such as the Mandurang Valley. These valleys are hidden in the sense that they are away from major traffic arteries, and surrounded by forested hills. It is easy to lose one’s sense of direction in some of these valleys, following roads that twist and turn up hill and down dale, through forest and clearing.

There is a richness in the diversity of landscape types and topography that converge on the Greater Bendigo area. This is apparent on the ground where one landscape type joins another, such as the approach to Big Hill, or in the way fingers of vegetated hills interweave their way into some Bendigo suburbs.

Vegetation Bendigo’s setting is distinctive because the surrounding hills are clothed in Box Ironbark forest – much of it now protected in a National Park and Regional Park. These forests are open and dry, and continue uninterrupted over large expanses of landscape. Visually they are enclosing and rarely offer views out to the surrounding landscape. While the forest often provides an attractive vegetated setting for farmland and settlement, there are large tracts where a walker can experience a sense of disorientation and isolation, and close contact with nature, despite the proximity of a large urban area.

The northern plain is almost exclusively cropland and pasture, with long views and big skies. Some of the areas to the north of the city are almost entirely denuded of native vegetation. An exception is the river and creek valleys, and the corridors of rural road and rail reservations, which remain heavily treed. Farm homesteads are often planted out for shelter from the sun and wind.

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LanDsCape ContextFigure 4

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LanDformBig Hill is on the edge of a metamorphic aureole that stretches across the southern boundaries of Greater Bendigo, and veers southeast to join the granitic landscape of Harcourt North. This ridgeline extends south, towards Mt Tarrengower and Mt Alexander.

The ridgeline bedrock is largely hornfels (exposed in the cutting on Big Hill), an erosion resistent metamorphic rock formed between the Ordovician sediments to the north, and granite to the south. Granite has offered less resistance to erosion and underlies the lower lying slopes and flatter areas. Granitic outcrops are present on the lower slopes, with large rocks strewn throughout paddocks.

From a distance, Big Hill appears to include a series of discreet hills, however upon approach it becomes evident that it is a single connected landform.

The Mandurang Valley is an undulating landscape of low hills that lies between two ridgelines running approximately north-south. To the southwest, the edge of the valley is formed by the northern slopes of Big Hill which are underlain by metamorphic rock and support Box Ironbark forests. To the northeast the valley floor curls around the southern tip of a forested range., where it flattens out slightly before joining the rise of One Tree Hill.

LanDsCape CharaCter of Big hiLL anD manDurang VaLLey

WaterformBendigo’s location just north of the Great Dividing Range means that the influence of coastal weather systems is lessened, resulting in relatively low rainfall. The City’s landscapes are criss-crossed with numerous ephemeral creeks and gullies that extend down from catchments in the surrounding hills. Most of these will flow after flood or heavy rain, however for a good proportion of the year they remain dry.

The early gold rush years had a heavy impact on the creeks and waterways of Bendigo, with them first being the focus of alluvial mining, and later puddling. This was a machine-driven method that produced a liquid sludge of mud from the river banks. Sludge polluted the waterways and choked the creeks, slowing them to a series of stagnant puddles and ultimately altering their natural function. Bendigo Creek was straightened and channelled to resolve the damage caused by this process.

Sheepwash Creek which runs through the Mandurang Valley, was one of the main routes into Bendigo from the south and was a valuable source for domestic water supply. As with most creeks and gullies in the region, it was prone to running dry during the hot summer months and periods of drought.

The availability of fresh water was a major challenge during the gold rush period due to increasing populations and the resultant

contamination of water systems. This lead to ground-breaking feats of engineering to produce numerous dams and reservoirs, with a network of channels to collect and distribute the water. The Coliban Channel, which is still in operation, is a primary example of one of these.

Creeks and gullies often formed the border of property boundaries, as can be seen along Bullock Creek south of Big Hill and Sheepwash Creek.

Today many of the gullies and creeks are lined with vegetation. Erosion is evident, particularly along edges where vegetation is absent.

VegetationThe area is part of the Goldfields Bioregion. The dominant Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) are Box Ironbark Forest, growing largely on sedimentary rocks, and the more open Grassy Woodland growing on the granite country south of Big Hill. The hard metamorphic rock around the rim at Big Hill supports taller eucalypts than the Box Ironbark Forest. Bendigo’s forests have been substantially altered by timber getting in the gold era, and subsequent land use, and now carry far fewer large trees, but many more small coppiced trees, than the pre 1850s forests. Trees have also been lost from woodlands due to clearing, and grazing pressure which limits regeneration.

The landscape surrounding the forest have mostly been cleared for grazing or rural residential

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development. While the overall woodland appearance of the landscape has been retained, there are large areas with few or no trees remaining. Grazing pressure has prevented natural regeneration of trees.

Remnant vegetation exists along creek lines, in stands within paddocks and at the edges of property boundaries, blending in with the surrounding protected forests. Woodland vegetation in the roadside reserves spreads into grassy cleared paddocks.

The presence of planted exotic species is minimal, although a number of properties have avenues planted along driveways and front fences, and around gates and property entrances. Weed species such as blackberries are occasionally found in roadside reserves. Agricultural weeds include Pattersons Curse (a major threat), Horehound, Golden Thistle and Blackberry.Loss of vegetation can be clearly seen by comparing the mapped Ecological Vegetation Classes. Figure 9 illustrates the coverage of EVCs as has been estimated for pre- 1750, prior to European settlement. Figure 10 shows the coverage of these EVCs when mapped in 2007, with the white areas representing the extent of the land that has been cleared and not regenerated.

Remnant woodland at Ravenswood

Near Springs Road, Mandurang South Dry stone drain in Tannery Lane

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topography & WaterformFigure 5

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geoLogyFigure 6

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eLeVationFigure 7

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sLopeFigure 8

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eCoLogiCaL Vegetation Communities pre-1750Figure 9

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eCoLogiCaL Vegetation Communities 2007Figure 10

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aBoriginaL infLuenCes & reLationshipsPeople of the Dja Dja Wurrung and the Tuangurung language groups lived in the area for thousands of years (Figure 11). According to their tradition, this country was established in the Dreaming, and the Traditional Owners are part of it and bound by its laws. They used the resources of the forests and woodlands to support their communities. They were largely nomadic, moving through the forests seasonally, and traded stone tools. The populations in the area were not great enough to expolit the resources of the forest, as happened in parts of northern Victoira.

Aboriginal people burnt the area regularly, to create a more open landscape suited to hunting, affecting the understory vegetation and creating the park like landscape so admired by early European settlers. The also gathered from the streams and used

White settlement in the 1830s and the subsequent gold rush abrubtly displaced the Aboriginal tribes. Some were taken in as labourers on homesteads, many others succumbed to white man’s diseases such as smallpox or venereal diseases. Conflict with other tribes occurred, and many left or were forced to leave traditional lands to live on missions.

Predictive modelling has been used by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria to map areas of cultural heritage sensitivity, with a focus on waterways and forested areas (Figure 12). Recent surveys have located numerous sites around Big Hill, including scarred

trees and artefact scatters. Other sites can be presumed to occur, such as along watercourses though many of these were disturbed during the gold mining era, particularly within what is now Bendigo’s urban boundary.

Today, the Jaara Jaara people from the Dja Dja Wurrung language group retain an association with the landscape that is based on direct descent from the original Indigenous custodians of the area.

Figure 11: Map of the Djadja Wurrung Landuage Area & Clans (Source: Aboriginal Languages & Clans, Ian Clarke, 1990)

imprint of the past

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CuLturaL heritage mapFigure 12

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main Channel, opened in 1877 and subsequently modified.

There are three mining sites at Mandurang on the Victorian Heritage Inventory: the Tannery Lane Puddler is exceptionally well preserved. A large old River Red-gum on Mandurang-Sedgwick Road, which marks a campsite of the Burke and Wills Rescue Party, is a National Trust significant tree and also an aboriginal scar tree. The Mandurang Uniting Church (built 1863) and Chateau Dore Winery are also recognised by the Trust (H7724-0595) (Context 2009).

Places covered by Heritage Overlays in the local Planning Scheme include stone drains and several houses on Tannery Lane, Chateau Dore, Mandurang Church and former Hotel and Edinburgh Tannery (site).

In recent times, sheep grazing has continued on larger properties to the south, water rights have been sold to Harcourt landowners and agricultural production elsewhere has declined as hobby farms have developed. Cherries are still grown in the area.

In some cases, hobby farm development has led to the spread of weeds, the loss of indigenous vegetation in some localities and difficulties for commercial farmers, such as roaming dogs or objections to some farming activities. This has also maintained the largely open landscape with limited tree cover.

Change in the LanDsCape: impaCts of european settLementEuropean settlement in the area commenced in the 1830s-50s when very large pastoral holdings including Mt Alexander Station – later Ravenswood Station – were established . The land was subsequently subdivided and sheep grazing became a common land use.

Tree clearing, weed infestations, erosion and salinity have occurred over time since European settlement. The construction of infrastructure and houses, and associated changes to vegetation, has significantly altered the visual appearance of the landscape.

Granite was quarried around Big Hill including stone for entrance work on the Big Hill tunnel. At its time of construction in 1862, the 390m tunnel was a significant engineering feat. A small monument exists on Big Hill dedicated to workers who lost their lives on this project.

All forest areas within about 16 km of Bendigo were cleared in the early days of mining – One Tree Hill is named after the single remaining tree in the area, and even that was later cut down. By 1887, mining timber was carted from up to 160 km away and firewood from 65 km away. The shallow, stony soils were of low fertility and poorly suited to agriculture, however the forests provided a valued source of timber for fuel and props used in the gold mining industry from the 1850s. Parts of the

forest subsequently regenerated but substantial areas remain cleared for uses including sheep grazing, dairying and other rural uses. Today the forests are largely protected in National and Regional Parks.

On more fertile land forested areas were replaced with pasture or horticultural crops, with pockets of indigenous vegetation surviving.

Small lot subdivisions along creeks, such as Sheepwash and Emu Creeks, suggest that water was available for small scale growing of fruit, vegetables and vines from the 1860s. Water was later available from spur channels from the Coliban Channel, and farm dams, used to irrigate tomatoes, potatoes and fruit, including apples and cherries. By the 1940s, mixed farms were common, with cows, poultry, bees, sheep and some dairying. In 1953 it was reported that a Mandurang farmer had constructed an 8 million gallon dam to support dairying and tomato growing.

Wines, fruit, vegetables and dairy products were produced at Mandurang and Big Hill in the gold era. Mandurang/Strathfieldsaye had 29 wineries and produced 12% of Victoria’s wine in 1882. It is reported that the vines were wiped out by Phylloxera in the 1890s. The Edinburgh Tannery on Tannery Lane successfully supplied belts for mining machinery for many years.

Two major structures in the Big Hill area are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register: the Melbourne-Bendigo Railway opened in 1862, and the Coliban

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“Sandhurst from Quarry Hill” by George Rowe (1857) reveals the deforestation of land on the goldfields of the Bendigo region (Bendigo Art Gallery)

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Horse and junker c. 1920s

Slab kitchen c.1890s Early agricultural land use in the Mandurang Valley-Sedgewick area (photos courtesy of Joan & Phillip Wilkin)

Carting hay c.1930s Carting sheep c. 1940s

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Steam traction engine and contract chaff cutter c.1920s

Moving sheep, Springs Road c.1947

Carting water in 1939 drought Hay cart c.1930s

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LanDsCape CharaCter types & areas

The landscapes of the study area can be divided in to three distinct landscape Character Types based on geography, access and land use:

▪ Big Hill

▪ Mandurang Valley

▪ Bendigo Box Ironbark Forest

Big hiLLBig Hill is an important topographic gateway to the Bendigo urban area. It has high exposure because of its prominence in views from the Calder Highway, which is the busiest road in Greater Bendigo, and also a key regional route between Melbourne and the northern/north-western Victoria region. Big Hill forms part of the rim of forested hills that provide the setting for the Bendigo urban area. Big Hill is an important landscape feature that remains largely free of visible buildings and structures. Bendigo’s urban area is entirely contained in the area to the north of Big Hill, and the urban growth boundary is located well to the north of its crest. The foreground landscape to the south features grassy woodlands with copses of mature River Red Gums interspersed with granitic outcrops. It is important in providing a landscape setting for Big Hill, and in providing a rural outlook in the final kilometres before the start of the Bendigo urban area. Nearby creeks lined with River Red Gums create a shady, more intimate landscape.

manDurang VaLLeyMandurang Valley is an example of a valley immediately outside the rim of hills surrounding Bendigo city. It is a settled valley with a combination of smaller farms, large lot dwellings and expanses of forest. Fringe areas of this kind often merge imperceptibly into the suburbs of some regional towns, but in this case the valley is isolated from the Bendigo urban area by the Box Ironbark forested hills. Because of this, and because no major traffic arteries pass through the valley, it has the feel of a hidden valley, a place few people would know about, a place that locals value for its sense of separate identity.

BenDigo Box ironBark forestThe Box Ironbark forests of the National and Regional Parks that surround the urban area of the City of Greater Bendigo separate Big Hill and the Mandurang Valley. The forests form a distinct landscape Character Type, and a single Character Area with no further divisions.

The landscape assessment identified six distinctive Landscape Character Areas within these types, grouped by sets of common characteristics.

▪ Character Area 1: Big Hill Southern Slopes and Woodlands

▪ Character Area 2: Big Hill Granitic Uplands

▪ Character Area 3: Mandurang Valley South

▪ Character Area 4: Mandurang Valley North

▪ Character Area 5: Mandurang Forest Interface

▪ Character Area 6: Bendigo Box Ironbark Forest

The process for determining these areas involved initial desktop analysis and mapping using City of Greater Bendigo GIS data, followed by a survey of the study area with a focus on visual assessment. Details of common areas were gathered from this, then taken back to the desktop to be compared to aerial photography and other known data. Boundaries were drawn around areas that shared common visual characteristics.

The boundaries of these areas are mapped in Figure 13 on the opposite page, and a summary of the character analysis for each of these areas is contained in the next section.

Full versions of Landscape Character Assessment Analysis Papers are provided in Appendix C.

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LanDsCape CharaCter areasFigure 13

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CharaCter area 1: Big hiLL southern sLopes anD WooDLanDs

The long crested ridgeline of Big Hill is the distinguishing topographic feature at the southern gateway to Bendigo. It marks the transition from undulating agricultural land to the City’s urban areas on the northern side of the ridgeline. This Character Area also includes the southern slopes and foreground of Big Hill, with its mix of grazing land and patches of grassy woodland. Here, partly cleared land and rural residential housing reveal a pattern of human interaction with the land. The underlying geology of the Character Area is expressed in the landform, with granitic outcrops scattered through the paddocks. The southern slopes of Big Hill are a relatively open landscape, with scattered or clustered vegetation, allowing an expansive view of the Big Hill ridge to gradually reveal itself to travellers on the Calder Highway.

key features ▪ Prominent ridgeline visible from a distance

south of the study area, forming an important southern entry point to the City

▪ Undeveloped upper slopes of Big Hill where no dwellings or permanent structures are visible

▪ Grazing on the lower parts of the slope which has contributed to erosion and salinity, and diminished the values of the original woodland

▪ Open, undulating agricultural land interspersed with patches of native woodland

▪ Underlying granitic rock formations, which are exposed at the surface in some locations

▪ A range of land uses along Belvoir Park Road, including large residential allotments, vineyards and the golf course, which have cleared areas and exotic plantings replacing original woodland vegetation.

▪ With a few exceptions, existing dwellings are concealed fully or partly from view (in passing) by vegetation and/or topography.

sensitiVity to ChangeBig Hill is highly visible because the foreground landscape is only gently undulating, and is only lightly vegetated. The landscape both of Big Hill itself and its foreground setting is therefore highly sensitive to change.

Rating: High

antiCipateD LanDsCape ChangeAnticipated and ongoing changes to the landscape of this Character Area include:

▪ Recent subdivision will see a greater amount of development on the land between the existing row of houses on Belvoir Park Road and the slopes of Big Hill.

▪ There have been recurring discussions about development of Big Hill’s foreground setting,

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which could threaten the landscape character of this important entry point into Bendigo. Existing large lots add to the pressure of subdivision.

▪ There are a number of gazetted government roads from old subdivisions that have not been developed throughout the foreground of Big Hill. If these are to be formalised for access to undeveloped properties it may result in the loss of native vegetation and visual intrusion.

▪ Future revegetation programs will result in a more heavily vegetated characteristic.

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CharaCter area 2: Big hiLL granitiC upLanDs

This Character Area features rolling pastoral uplands that extend from the southern end of the Big Hill ridgeline and are characterised by granitic rock formations that stand out from the cleared, grassed paddocks. Here the viewer is placed within the distinctive granitic landscape of Big Hill, which is elsewhere inaccessible. The elevation provides panoramic viewing opportunities over the Mandurang Valley to the Box Ironbark forested ranges to the north and west.

key features ▪ High elevation and rolling topography

▪ Large number of granitic rock formations and outcrops

▪ Cleared, grassy paddocks with remnant trees scattered throughout and concentrated in low points

▪ Panoramic viewing opportunities over Mandurang Valley to the uplands and ranges beyond

▪ Heritage, natural and recreational values along the Coliban Channel.

sensitiVity to ChangeMinimal vegetation along or adjacent to roads allow clear views across paddocks, whereby additional buildings or structures could become a highly prominent feature of the landscape. However, the undulating topography provides the opportunity to nestle development into the contours of the land and thereby reduce their visual impact upon the rural and uncluttered landscape.

Given the relatively isolated location of this Character Area, it is unlikely that the landscape would be as frequently viewed as other parts of the study area.

Rating: Medium

antiCipateD LanDsCape ChangeAnticipated and ongoing changes to the landscape of this Character Area might include farming structures or occasional dwellings. However, there appears to be minimal pressure for new development or change within this Character Area.

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CharaCter area 3: manDurang VaLLey south

This area features a broad, gently undulating valley floor surrounded by the hills of the adjoining National and Regional Parks that are cloaked in Box Ironbark forests. From within it feels like a ‘hidden valley’, with the area’s main access point from the north. Large, cleared allotments and relatively sparse development create an open, pastoral character. There is much remnant vegetation throughout this area, which creates a sense of connection to the surrounding forests. In some locations views are also afforded to granitic uplands.

key features ▪ Rolling, pastoral valley floor with a backdrop of

forested hills

▪ Valley enclosed by the Box Ironbark forests of the National and Regional Parks

▪ Large, open allotments dominated by rural uses that include productive agricultural land or small rural residential development

▪ Remnant native vegetation throughout paddocks and along roadsides

▪ Views across paddocks to forested hills or open, granitic uplands of Harcourt North

▪ Sense of isolation created by limited access; the ‘hidden valley’

▪ Limited development that has provided some protection of remnant ecosystems and habitat.

sensitiVity to ChangeThis is a moderately sensitive landscape. The undulating topography and dense vegetation in many parts of this Character Area would assist in screening development, if appropriately located and designed.

Rating: Medium


▪ Removal of indigenous vegetation for farming, residential development or bushfire management

▪ Prominent built form

▪ Introduction of exotic plant species and formal garden design

▪ Further sub-division and fragmentation of land.

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CharaCter area 4: manDurang VaLLey north

The Mandurang Valley North Character Area comprises the middle and northern regions of the Mandurang Valley along Nankervis Road, Mandurang Road and Tannery Lane. Here the landscape is generally undulating and open with a mixture of remnant native vegetation and exotic planting. There are numerous rural residential, small agricultural and hobby farm allotments within this Character Area and the landscape has been significantly modified through clearing and development. Tree canopies still dominate the skyline in most views across the area, and often provide a setting for structures and buildings.

key features ▪ Small rural residential allotments with

remnant indigenous vegetation and exotic plantings

▪ Proximity of National and Regional Parks which are visible in the distance

▪ Open, cleared paddocks, many of which include farming infrastructure

▪ A range of developments and building styles, many of which are set close to the road.

sensitiVity to ChangeThe clearing of vegetation in paddocks and roadside reserves has given this character area a much more open outlook than the more densely vegetated adjacent areas. Built form is prominent, with large sheds and ranch-style houses dominating the foreground of views to forested ranges and ridgelines beyond.

This landscape is highly modified by human activity and rural residential development. While any development is generally likely to be visible, sensitivity to change is relatively low because of the extent of existing development.

Rating: Low


▪ Removal of indigenous vegetation for farming or bushfire management

▪ Prominently sited built form that fails to integrate into the landscape character of the area


▪ Further sub-division and development of land.

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CharaCter area 5: manDurang forest interfaCe

This character area occurs within the interface between the forested hill slopes and cleared land of the Mandurang Valleys. Dominated by the vegetation of the Box Ironbark forest, it forms a transition zone between the protected forest regions and other Character Areas that have been more heavily cleared or altered by human activity. Dwellings are typically set well into the bushland to be largely concealed by surrounding vegetation, which remains the key characteristic of the area. With limited access, it has the feeling of being located within a ‘hidden valley’.

key features ▪ Dwellings nestled into an undulating, forested

setting

▪ Lifestyle allotments with limited likelihood of adjacent development

▪ Valley enclosed by the Box Ironbark forests of the National and Regional Parks

▪ Sense of isolation created by limited access; the ‘hidden valley’

▪ Limited development that has provided some protection of remnant ecosystems and habitat.

sensitiVity to ChangeThis is a moderately sensitive landscape because its character is dependent on maintaining a dominance of vegetation over built form. The undulating topography and dense vegetation in many parts would assist in screening development, if located appropriately.

Rating: Medium


▪ Removal of indigenous vegetation, e.g. for bushfire management or farming/recreational purposes

▪ Prominent built form that does not appear recessive to the tree canopy


▪ Further sub-division and fragmentation of land.

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CharaCter area 6: BenDigo Box ironBark forests

This Character Area comprises the hills and ridges of Box Ironbark forests that enclose the Mandurang Valley and clothe the area north of the Big Hill escarpment. Most of this Character Area is included within the Greater Bendigo National Park and Bendigo Regional Park which form the forested upland areas surrounding Bendigo. The Box Ironbark forests of Bendigo are a remnant of a much greater ecosystem that extended across the uplands and goldfields regions of central Victoria, originally covering 13% of the State. This Character Area supports significant remnant vegetation and wildlife habitat that contributes to the conservation and recreation value of the wider study area. It provides a heavily forested backdrop that is visible throughout the Mandurang Valley. The dark, deeply furrowed bark of Ironbark trees contributes to the characteristic appearance of these forests.

key features ▪ High coverage of Box Ironbark forests

▪ National and Regional Parks

▪ Remnant vegetation and wildlife habitats that contribute to conservation values and recreation opportunities

▪ The park areas are relatively inaccessible by regular vehicles; four wheel drive tracks and walking tracks crisscross the forest

▪ Occasional dirt roads navigable by regular vehicles lead to settled areas

▪ In many areas the forest edges blend with the adjacent agricultural land where remnant vegetation exists on private property

▪ Crusoe and No.7 Reservoir Reserves

sensitiVity to ChangeRemaining forests on private land are highly sensitive to clearing, which will result in the loss of habitat and conservation values. The likelihood of this occurring at present is minimal due to the zoning and conservation status that is applied.

The dry, woody forests are sensitive to fire. While many species of tree within the Box Ironbark forests have a high capacity to tolerate fire, and are quick to rejuvenate afterwards, the scrubby understory is more vulnerable.

Rating: High

antiCipateD LanDsCape ChangeLimited change is expected to occur in this Character Area. Ongoing conservation will see an increase in flora and fauna species and reduction of weeds.

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VieWs anaLysis

Views occur over distance and through ‘view planes’, and comprise a foreground, middle-ground and background. The qualities or components of a foreground, middle-ground and background help to define what is significant about a view, and changes within those ‘planes’ will alter the qualities and characteristics of a view. Views are sensitive to changes within the natural and built environment of a landscape, and are affected by the natural variations that contribute to the changing ‘moods’ of the mountains and skyscapes.

Three types of views are discussed in this study: view points from fixed locations, viewing corridors that provide a linear viewing experience (both of which are assessed against the criteria opposite), and scenic roads that do not necessarily meet the criteria, however are notable for the role they play in experiencing the landscape. These are identified on Figure 14, and are discussed in detail as follows.

VieWs assessment CriteriaFor the purposes of this study, it is considered that any or all of the following elements contribute to a view or a viewing corridor as being significant.

Composition

The view is ‘balanced’, both horizontally and vertically – a ‘picture postcard’ view. The focal point of the view is centred, and elements in the foreground, middle-ground and background are ‘equally weighted’. The view may be framed by elements to the viewer’s left and right, and technically, such a view is defined as a ‘vista’.

Visual interest

The view contains a variety of contrasting elements that provide interest for the viewer. The view may also contain, or terminate at, a landmark or visual feature.

rarity

The view is a ‘one-off’ or rare view and it, or a similar view, is not available nearby or elsewhere in the study area. The view itself may also contain a rare element that is not prevalent in other views from within the area.

tourism Value

The view is popular with tourists and visitors to the area, and is a ‘well known’ or popular view of note within the area. The view may also be available from a key tourism location or iconic place.

Community support

The view has been identified by the local community as significant, and is publicly accessible.

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VieWing LoCations & CorriDorsFigure 14

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VieW point 1: one tree hiLL LookoutThis designated lookout point is located in part of the Greater Bendigo National Park that forms the northern end of the Manduang Valley. It is accessed from Edwards Road that winds through the park. A lookout tower has been constructed from a poppet head (mine shaft infrastructure used for gold mining).This location offers panoramic views to the south and south west over the Mandurang Valley and Sedgewick areas. Views to the north and east are largely blocked by the surrounding vegetation.

View across Mandurang Valley from One Tree Hill, with the northern slope of Big Hill and rise of Mount Alexander on the horizon

The Mandurang Valley is easily identified through cleared patches in the vegetation in the middle ground, and long distance views are available across the rolling ranges of the Victorian Uplands and Goldfields regions. The distinctive profile of Mount Alexander sits on the horizon to the south, with the granitic ranges of Big Hill and Harcourt North visible just in front of it. Structures in the foreground such as power poles and radio towers punctuate the tree canopy that dominates the foreground of the view.

Four view points have been identified in the study (see Figure 14). These are all located at fixed points and offer detailed views either across the study area or towards key landscape elements identified within it: They are all publicly accessible, have ‘composed’ views over scenic landscapes or noteworthy landscape features, have a high level of visitation (or tourism value) and community support:

▪ View Point 1: One Tree Hill

▪ View Point 2: Harcourt North

▪ View Point 3: Big Hill South

▪ View Point 4: Skinner Road

VieW points

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VieW point 2: harCourt north & forD roaDsThis location is not a formal viewing point, however is easily accessed at the junction of Ford and Harcourt North Roads. It offers a sweeping view from the granitic uplands of the Big Hill range. The foreground contains a display of the granitic outcrops and boulders scattered throughout the paddocks. The rolling hillscape that joins the southern end of the Mandurang Valley sits within the middle ground and a distant layering of vegetated hills and ranges forms the horizon.Views to the south west are detailed with granite boulders and steep hills slopes, this viewing location is an ideal spot to be ‘immersed’ in the granitic landscape.

Rocky details to the south

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VieW point 3: Big hiLL southThis view is accessed from a road at the east of the Big Hill cutting on the Calder Highway. It has the infrastructure to be a designated viewing area, however is located on private property and public access to it has since been blocked. A similar view is also available from an access track (an extension of Hunts Gap Road) through the National Park to the edge of the forested area. The Calder Highway provides brief access to the view, though it is largely filtered through roadside vegetation. It forms part of the gateway to the City of Greater Bendigo. The view is captured from the upper slopes of Big Hill, and looks south across to Mount Alexander over Ravenswood Run. The foreground and middle-ground reveal the sweeping, round valley that is circled by Big Hill, and the remnant and revegetated woodlands contained within it. The formation of the underlying geology is evident from this location. The background contains a low range of hills that sit between Ravenswood South and Castlemaine. Not far from this location is a lookout point that sits above the Big Hill railway tunnel, and features the sweeping curve of the railway before it disappears under the hill. This area is a historic viewshed and is recognised through the Heritage Overlay (Big Hill Railway Precinct). Of note is the extent to which land has been cleared and revegetated in the area. Vegetation is particularly dense along the railway easement where sheep grazing has not occurred.

Historic viewshed above Big Hill railway tunnel (left: 2012, right: c.1875 : photo N.J. Caire, State Library of Victoria)

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VieW point 4: skinner roaD suBDiVisionThis road within the Big Hill subdivision on Skinner Road is one of the few points where views to the slopes of Big Hill are publicly accessible, and predominantly uninterrupted by development to date (as has occurred along Belvoir Park Road). It features a foreground and middle-ground of undulating, pastoral land, with close range views of Big Hill to the north. These extend across from west and sweep around to the south east to form the more distant background in the east. The southern edge of this view is dominated by the backs of houses along Belvoir Park Road. This view demonstrates the extents of the ridgeline from west to south-east, and makes it easily identifiable as one continuous geological landscape feature rather than a series of hills. The close range to the ridgeline allows detail of the granitic outcrops, boulders and vegetation to be seen. The road and subdivision pattern dominate foreground views, which will be lost as development occurs here.

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VieWing CorriDor 1: CaLDer highWay (southern approaCh)This viewing corridor focuses on Big Hill on the northbound journey into Bendigo. Big Hill is a topographical high point in the area, and a key element of the ‘arrival zone’ into Bendigo. Glimpses of it are first available after Ravenswood South, where the hill top is visible through the roadside vegetation and road corridor to the north, particularly at high points in the undulations. These ‘glimpses’ are repeated at a number of intervals, however it is not obvious that the hill top is connected to the continuous ridgeline of Big Hill until near the junction of Belvoir Park Road, where a more expansive view of the slopes is available. The foreground setting of Big Hill features clusters of trees that have naturally seeded in an organic manner scattered across undulating pastoral land with minimal visible development. There are limited outward views, though in places these open up to provide clear sightlines to the exposed slopes of Big Hill. This assists in identifying Big Hill as one continuous landform, and not a series of separated hills. The crossing of Bullock Creek is an important element of the arrival zone, it is a break from the revegetated and ‘designed’ landscape of the highway corridor to the south. It displays the open, rural and woodland character of the landscape surrounding the City of Bendigo before transitioning through the National Park and into Bendigo’s urban area.

VieWing CorriDor 2: CaLDer aLternate highWayThis viewing corridor reveals glimpses of Big Hill through the undulating foreground landscape. Views are often blocked by vegetation, road cuttings, topograpghy and occasionally development, however the profile of Big Hill on the horizon, and its expression as a large, continuous landform is clearly visible from this corridor. The lack of development on Big Hill is noticeable, which reinforces its edge as the rural outskirt of the city.

VieWing CorriDor 3: BenDigo-meLBourne raiLWay Line The Big Hill railway tunnel is a significant historical feature and a key element of the gateway experience provided by Big Hill, as seen from the train journey between Bendigo and Melbourne. Before the tunnel, glimpses of Big hill are filtered through the undulating woodland setting and scatterings of granitic outcrops are present in the paddocks. The gateway experience is enhanced by the way this landscape contrasts dramatically with the heavily forested outlook on the northern side of the tunnel. The alignment of the edge of the railway line with the Box Ironbark forests reinforces the identity of Bendigo as a ‘city in the forest’, before the transition to the urban area.

Viewing corridors are linear regions, usually roads or walking tracks, that provide a continuous viewing experience to a feature or area. This may be through the provision of a continuous view, or a sequence of views.

Three viewing corridors have been identified that feature the Big Hill ridgeline. They are deemed to be noteworthy as Big Hill is a topographical highpoint in the region, it acts as a navigation beacon and announces the gateway to the City of Bendigo. These corridors all have a high level of visitation:

▪ Viewing Corridor 1: Calder Highway (Southern Approach)

▪ Viewing Corridor 2: Calder Alternate Highway

▪ Viewing Corridor 3: Bendigo-Melbourne Railway Line

VieWing CorriDors

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Viewing Corridor 1: Big Hill on the horizon at Ravenswood Viewing Corridor 1: Big Hill approach south of the cutting on the Calder Highway (western side)

Viewing Corridor 1: Big Hill at junction of Belvoir Park Road

Viewing Corridor 2 Viewing Corridor 2 Viewing Corridor 2

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sCeniC roaD 1: manDurang south roaDThis is the main access road through the southern arm of the Mandurang Valley, and it provides an alternating viewing experience that opens and closes as the road traverses cleared pastoral land and areas of forest. It is notable for long range views across open landscapes that terminate in the valley walls and more distant ranges, as well as north-facing slopes of Big Hill. These views contribute to the rural feel of the area that sets it apart from with the more built out parts in the north of the valley.

sCeniC roaD 2: nankerVis roaD (north) Nankervis Road is the main route through the northern end of the Mandurang Valley, and while the roadsides are considerably built up with fencing, large dwellings and sheds and exotic gardens often dominating the landscape, the road is notable for its views to One Tree Hill in the north.

sCeniC roaD 3: tannery LaneTannery Lane has numerous buildings, trees and stone drains lining the side of the road which have historical significance to the area. Views are available to One Tree Hill to the north, however these are often blocked by development and vegetation in adjacent roadside properties. It is a highly travelled road, linking Spring Gully and Strathfieldsaye, and contains a number of attractions including a winery and native plant nursery .

sCeniC roaD 4: kangaroo guLLy & DiamonD hiLL roaDsThese roads wind through the Box Ironbark forests that separate the Mandurang Valley from Kangaroo Flat in the west, and provide a scenic drive between the valley and Bendigo’s urban area. These are both popular routes for cyclists.

The semi-enclosed nature of the Mandurang Valley means views are not centred on a distinguishing feature, with the exception of One Tree Hill in some instances. There are a number of scenic roads that all make an important contribution to highlighting the rural character of the area, and while they do not necessarily meet the significance criteria (outlined on page 56) they are notable for being major through-routes from which the landscape is experienced:

▪ Mandurang Valley South Road

▪ Nankervis Road

▪ Tannery Lane

▪ Diamond Hill Road

sCeniC roaDs

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3. Community Values

3

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Seeking the opinion of the community is an essential process for understanding what values are placed on the landscape by a broad cross-reference of individuals who have extensive knowledge and experience of, and connection to, the landscapes of Big Hill and the Mandurang Valley.

City of Greater Bendigo

BIG HILL & MANDURANG VALLEYLANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT

CoNSULTATIoN & CoMMUNITY VALUES

CoMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLANIn order to gather these opinions a Community Engagement Plan was prepared at the beginning of the project. The plan was designed to:

▪ Inform the community, key stakeholders and specialist advisors about the project and its progress at each stage

▪ Invite community, key stakeholders and specialist input at each stage of the project

▪ Inform the analysis of landscape character in the study area (e.g. assist in developing an understanding of key views, the history of the area, environmental or archaeological significance etc.)

▪ Contribute to establishing the landscape management framework (whereby the people who use or live in the study area will have a role as ‘custodians’ of the landscape in its going management or protection).

Community values are sourced through communication and consultation with the people who live or work in, or visit, the study area. Landscapes hold different values for different people. Some people may enjoy the scenic values and settings they provide, or as havens for wildlife and biodiversity, and for others they are valued for productivity and economic return.

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CoNSULTATIoN oUTCoMESConsultation through the various methods revealed much about how the community values the landscapes of Big Hill and the Mandurang Valley. Many of these were unanimous, and popped up as recurrent themes across the responses. Positive values reflected appreciation for the details in the landscape that make these settings unique within their broader context. Conern about change to these values was reflected in the landscape threats that were identified, which has given a depth of insight into how the community would like to see the landscape managed into the future. This information was invaluable in assessment of landscape significance, which is detailed in the next chapter. It ensured that a wide range of voices were represented, from social, economic, historical and environmental perspectives.

The following pages summarise the landscape values that have been identified by the community.

AUDIENCE

Focussed Engagement

Focussed engagement was achieved through the establishment of a Project Steering Committee and Project Reference Group.

The Steering Committee included representatives of relevant City of Greater Bendigo departments, Councillors and DPCD.

The Reference Group included people with a specialist knowledge of the area including representatives from Parks Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Landcare groups, heritage organisations, Farming Consultative Committee, Field Naturalists Club and Aboriginal Affairs Victoria.

The Steering Committee and Reference Group met at all project milestones to provide input and feedback as the project progressed.

Broader Community

Engagement with the community aimed to reach the people who work, live in or visit the study area. Actions included:

▪ City of Greater Bendigo project website

▪ Project blog, for contributions and discussions at any stage of the project

▪ Community bulletins (posted on City of Greater Bendigo’s website and distributed in hard copy to the owners/occupiers in the study area) Community Workshop: Mandurang Valley

▪ An online survey, and survey forms available from project bulletins

▪ Community Photographic Exercise

▪ Community Workshops

▪ Articles in local media

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CoMMUNITY VALUES: BIG HILL

LANDSCAPE VALUES FRoM THE CoMMUNITY ▪ Spectacular views and scenery, unique setting

with rolling hills, granitic outcrops and distant views to the surrounding ranges

▪ Quiet and peaceful location, removed from but still within reach of the city centre

▪ Free from noise and light pollution

▪ Development exists, but has been done sensitively and is not visible from the main roads.

▪ Wattles in spring and pink granite at sunset - beautiful

▪ Beautiful entry to Bendigo, grand transition from the rural setting in to the density of Bendigo City.

▪ Evidence of history in the landscape including monuments and past land use such as sheep farming

▪ Beautiful old trees and remnant vegetation

▪ Revegetation that has occurred, and is occurring (eg. through Landcare), to restore balance in the ecology, mitigate salinity and create habitat for fauna

▪ Creeks and waterways with attractive vegetation and winding roads e.g. Bullock Creek

▪ Prolific presence of native wildlife, in particular, bird species and the kangaroos and wallabies.

▪ The local community have great knowledge of the landscape and really care about it and its future management

▪ Walking tracks and opportunity for recreation

▪ Wineries are an asset to the region, they maintain a rural feel and encourage tourism

▪ Peaceful, rural roads

CoMMUNITY CoNCERNS ABoUT THE LANDSCAPE ▪ Small acreage subdivision and development on

Big Hill or within its landscape setting

▪ Limited services such as health and schooling, few young people

▪ Telecommunications towers and wind turbines on Big Hill

▪ Intense farming techniques destroying the land

▪ Trail bikes and horses

▪ Development of dams

▪ Realignment or widening of roads e.g. along Bullock Creek

▪ Walking opportunities limited by private land ownership and lack of tracks

▪ Loss of vegetation

▪ Long grass can be a fire hazard

▪ Rubbish building up on the side of the roads

▪ Interest in Landcare appears to be declining

CHANGES DESIRED BY THE CoMMUNITY ▪ No small acreage subdivision and development

on Big Hill or within its landscape setting

▪ Any development needs to subtle, incremental and done in a sensitive manner

▪ Views to and from the ridge line need to be preserved.

▪ Erosion, salinity, weed species and pest animals all need to be managed. New development needs to be done in a manner that is sensitive to these issues and newcomers need to be informed to they can contribute.

▪ Natural revegetation needs to be encouraged (such as not allowing stock to graze to the base of trees), and old, remnant trees standing singly in paddocks need to be protected

▪ Development of biodiversity corridors and revegetation along creeklines and areas prone to erosion.

▪ Residents and Landcare groups need to communicate and cooperate

▪ Financial incentives to improve land through reduction in rates

▪ Council needs to control subdivision

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A view from Trig Point looking across the Big Hill range. Photo courtesy of Bruce Carpenter

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View from Belvoir Park Road showing the trig point hill

“A little known monument erected in memory of three workers killed during the construction of the Big Hill railway tunnel. “

The trig point

“Trig Point” hill in summer (middle) and winter (right), taken from 72 Belvoir Park Road.

Top of Big Hill ridge (west side of Calder Hwy) wire fence barb.

CoMMUNITY PHoToGRAPHIC ExERCISE: BIG HILL

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Top of Big Hill ridge (west side of Calder Highway) looking south east.

Habitat for local bird species

Habitat for local bird species

“A proud gateway, this main entrance from melbourne to Bendigo via the Calder Highway through Big Hill. A wonderful contrast from one side to the next and shows the difference in the trees that grace these areas.”

“This view is typical of the environment on either side of the Calder Highway leading into Bendigo over Big Hill. Houses built up on this south side of Big Hill would destroy this special landscape.”

“Iron Barks so typical of Bendigo – brilliant contrast & entry to Bendigo. It is nice then to see the gradual build up of houses on larger allotments before reaching Kangaroo Flat and the more dense housing rather than a sudden shock of urban sprawl.”

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LANDSCAPE VALUES FRoM THE CoMMUNITY ▪ Great area to live in, the mixture of scenery and

land use is well balanced. there is a sucessful integration of the wild, the domestic and the agricultural

▪ Tremendous, scenic views

▪ Being surrounded by National and Regional Parks

▪ Diversity in forests, including Box Ironbark and Redgums.

▪ Small farm lots surrounded by bush, development that is sited sensitively into this setting

▪ Secluded and quiet, but not isolated. Still in close proximity to Bendigo’s urban area.

▪ Old trees and dry stone drains along Tannery Lane

▪ Geographic Centre of Victoria

▪ Old homesteads and bridges, mining relics and evidence of history

▪ Indigenous history and artefacts

▪ Native flora and fauna: kangaroos, wallabies, sugargliders, the highly endangered phascogale, numerous bird species, orchids and spectacular wildflower displays

▪ Biolinks that exist between the forests through private property and roadside reserves

CoMMUNITY VALUES: MANDURANG VALLEY

▪ Great work done by local Landcare groups

▪ Strong sense of community, space for kids to play and good relationships between Parks Victoria and other user groups

▪ Enclosed, human scale, comforting coming home

▪ Bicycle routes and paths that traverse through a diverse range of topographic and vegetation conditions

▪ Dirt roads support a rural characteristic

▪ Low density development

CoMMUNITY CoNCERNS ABoUT THE LANDSCAPE ▪ Destruction of old trees

▪ Traffic threatens quiet enjoyment and beauty of this area

▪ Houses that are double storey, are not well sited on lots and don’t blend with the landscape

▪ Horticulture occuring areas zoned rural-residential and pink orchard netting

▪ Open areas populated with housing, the landscape becomes vulnerable to the preferences of landowners

▪ Increases in housing densities

▪ Motorbike gouge tracks through the bush and cause noise pollution.

▪ Loss of buffer zone between the forest and developed areas

▪ Introduction and lack of control over weed species

▪ Loss of privately owned forest and farming land to development

▪ Dams threaten natural water flows

▪ Domestic animals harming wildlife

CHANGES DESIRED BY THE CoMMUNITY ▪ Underground power lines in Tannery Lane to

prevent further damage to old trees caused by power companies

▪ Development that merges with the landscape

▪ There is potential to build on the relationship between the built and natural environments, and develop a world-class standard of living while improving the environment.

▪ Gain a better understanding of indigenous history, including stories and knowledge of the landscape.

▪ Encourage rare and indigenous flora and fauna species to return to the area

▪ Weeds need to be controlled

▪ Motorbike tracks need to be mapped and restricted.

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▪ Provide wildlife corridors through cleared areas and the built environment to encourage movement and healthy populations of the brush-tailed phascogale, and other threatened species

▪ Maintain high levels of biodiversity

▪ Healthy creeks and catchment areas

▪ Install traffic calming measures along Nankervis Road

▪ Consider climate change and population increase in future planning

▪ Promote the landscape of the National Park as a tourist attraction, highlighting the natural environment, gold mining history and goldfields track

▪ Restriction of cat and dog ownership

▪ Development of a Mountain Bike Park in the forest

▪ Ring Road issue needs to be resolved

▪ Encourage small scale businesses that are compatible such as nurseries, vineyards and olive groves

▪ Dirt roads need to be maintained

▪ The pink bird netting on Tannery Lane needs to be removed

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“Strong and Silent – snakes, lizards, lichens. Looking out the window and seeing the light play off them, knowing the life they support and the serenity of their presence is a simple joy. This photo is from Ford Rd North Harcourt.”

“The trees are alive and have watched time pass by for the last 500 years. We preserve old buildings and the environments around them to stave off decay, yet trees are thinned and built around and labelled fire risks... - so “get rid of them”. I don’t understand the distinction...”

“In spring the gold-dust wattle is so prolific and colourful in a section of Dyson’ track in the National Park near Fadersons Lane. We have taken friends and family members plus various club tours to view this wattle and other wildflowers in springtime.“

“It is not an area where those who crave notoriety through “tagging” bother with, where those who find the act of wilful damage can have their work displayed. Walking the track that winds beside it is peaceful and those who walk it respect the area.”

CoMMUNITY PHoToGRAPHIC ExERCISE: MANDURANG VALLEY

“The main race between Bendigo and Malmsbury runs through the Sedgwick/Mandurang Valley. It runs through areas of farmland and forest, areas where it has not been desecrated but has been marvelled at and admired and preserved.”

Hay rake and remnant tree located on a property near Sedgewick & North Harcourt Road

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Geographical Centre of Victoria in Mandurang Valley“It is very significant that we have preserved these trees that blend so well with the plumage of the frogmouths so that their habitant is not destroyed and we can continue to enjoy their presence.”

Stone ruin located on the farm of the Wilkin family in Springs Rd

“Hot day at South Mandurang - not just for the birds Feb. 2012”“The beauty of the area has been interrupted by the horticultural vandals who have pollarded the trees rather than looking at the possibility of bundling the wires, ridding the lane of the wiggly line of poles, and thus preserving the beauty of the lane for the future.”

“This image shows some of the diversity of colours and form in the spring in the National Park. Given that we have so much land now needed for farming pursuits it is significant that we still have protected sections of native landscapes.”

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4. Landscape Significance & Values Assessment

4

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Determining LAnDScApe SignificAnce

Landscape significance is the designation of a particular landscape as special or important arising from its landscape values, including aesthetic values and other documented values such as historic, environmental, scientific, social or other values.

Landscape significance is not merely visual, a landscape may be deemed special or important based on other values including associations, memories, knowledge, experiences, cultural heritage and natural values. The fact that values are held both by individuals and communities, and that many values exist in the subjective territory of human perceptions is what makes the assessment of landscape character and significance a challenging and often contentious exercise.

For every landscape, a range of factors will combine to create an overall appreciation of its value. In some instances, a landscape with many identified values will be considered to have a high degree of significance and may warrant a specific approach to its management.

In this study, three sources of information have been used to provide a holistic understanding of the landscapes of the study area and to identify their values:

▪ Detailed field surveys conducted by the study team focussing mainly on the aesthetic or visual values of the study area.

▪ Review of secondary sources, including historic, environmental, scientific, cultural and social information or research material; and

▪ Community consultation which has helped to understand the different ways that the landscapes are seen through the eyes of people who live or work in, or visit, the study area.

LAnDScApe VALueS cAtegorieSFive categories of landscape values have been used in this study. All values are considered to have equal weight in determining the future management objectives for a particular area.

1. Visual ValuesTo understand the overall visual qualities of the landscape, the value of its various components have been considered:

▪ Landscape features such as a headland or mountain range that are iconic and/or visually dramatic.

▪ Edges or contrasts found at the intersection of two landscape elements such as a forest and cleared area, mountain range and plain or a deeply incised valley. These provide visual variety which is associated with scenic value.

▪ Views, which are assessed on composition, visual interest, tourism value and community support.

2. Historical & cultural Values

Does the landscape have documented heritage value? This include pre- and post-contact heritage, and can include information from sources such as the Aboriginal Affairs Victoria Register, Victorian Heritage Register and National Heritage List to local historic information such as photographs and early maps.

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3. environmental /Scientific Values

Does the landscape have documented environmental or scientific value? This includes archaeological, flora and fauna habitats and geological values.

4. Social Values

Does the landscape have established social values, such as lifestyle, tourism, recreational or artistic values? Is it a popular destination, or has it provided artistic inspiration as seen through artworks, poetry or other writing?

5. economic Values

Is the landscape used to generate income through agriculture, or does it attract visitors to the area?

other Values

Is the landscape significant for other documented reasons, not covered by the preceding categories?

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Big HiLL LAnDScApe VALueS

Character Area

Source Driver of change / management issue

Reference to Landscape Management Framework

Visual Values

Uncommon formation of the Big Hill Range has a high level of geological significance

1, 2 (Community, Survey, Research)

(eg: Development) (Topic in LMF)

character type(Big HillMandurang ValleyBox Ironbark Forests)

identified Landscape Value

Which Character Area within the Landscape Type is the value relevant to? What source was used to identify the value?

What trends or landscape management issues are occurring in the landscape that may impact on the identified value?

Which part of the Landscape Management Framework (LMF) may be referenced to see how landscape issues relating to the value are addressed?

(Visual ValuesHistorical & Cultural ValuesEnvironmental & Scientific ValuesSocial ValuesEconomic Values)

Value category

LAnDScApe VALueS

The identified landscape values have been collated for each Character Type, and organised into a table with specific reference to individual Character Areas and notations on the source of the value.

The landscape management issues that may impact on each value (as identified by the study team, City of Greater Bendigo or the community) have been listed and reference is given to which part of the Landscape Management Framework may be referred to show how each of these issues can potentially be addressed through the planning scheme or other non-statutory measures.

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Character Area

Source Management Issues Landscape Management Framework Reference/Design Guidelines

Visual Values: Landscape Features

Uncommon formation of the Big Hill Range has a high level of geological significance

1, 2 Community, DSE, Survey, Research

Development on Big Hill that obscures the ridgeline or key topographical/geological features

Buildings & structures: siting & design

Signage & infrastructure

Subdivision & lot Sizes

Unused Roads

Undulating woodland setting and tree lined creeks

1 Survey Loss of indigenous vegetation

Spread of weed species

Prominent development that dominates the landscape

Land along strreams in private ownership

Vegetation


Subdivision & lot sizes

Remnant vegetation including grasslands, eucalypts and old River Red Gums

1, 2 Survey, Community Loss of indigenous vegetation

Spread of weed species

Grazing to base of trees

Vegetation

Rolling topography with wide views 2 Survey, Community Prominent development that dominates the landscape

Siting of development on ridgelines



Sculptural, granitic rock formations 2 Survey, Community, Rural Conservation Zone

Prominent development that dominates the landscape



Visual Values: Edges or Contrasts

The topographical transition from rural to urban area of Bendigo, marked by the edge of the Box Ironbark forests has a high level of local significance

1 Survey, Community Development on Big Hill thatinterrupts or detracts from the ridgeline or key topographical/geological features

Loss of Box Ironbark Forest



Vegetation

Public mand management

Existing development not highly visible from the main roads

1 Survey, Community Buildings & structures: siting & design

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Character Area


Visual Values: Views

Spectacular panoramic views and scenery, unique setting with rolling hills, granitic outcrops and distant views to the surrounding ranges

1, 2 Survey, Community Prominent development that dominates the landscape

Loss of vegetation



Vegetation

View towards Big Hill from the Calder Highway, which forms an iconic landmark gateway to the City of Bendigo

1 Survey, Community Development or signage/infrastructure on Big Hill that obscures the ridgeline or key topographical/geological features

Loss of vegetation




Vegetation

View from Big Hill across the metamorphic aureole towards Mount Alexander

1, 2 Survey, Community Prominent development that dominates the landscape

Loss of indigenous vegetation

Limited opportunity to appreciate view



Vegetation

Public viewing opportunities

View from the base of Big Hill (Skinner Road) that allows the scale and detail of the ridgeline to be seen.

1 Survey, Community Prominent development that dominates the landscape


Erosion of the Big Hill southern slopes

Limited opportunity to appreciate view



Erosion


Vegetation

Public viewing opportunities

Panoramic viewing point from the junction of Ford and North Harcourt Road

2 Survey, Community Prominent development or signage/infrastructure that dominates the landscape




Vegetation

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Character Area


Historical & Cultural Values

The route over Big Hill has marked the southern gateway to Bendigo since the gold rush days

1 Survey, Community Loss of landscape value, as previously noted Buildings & structures: siting & design


Evidence of Aboriginal occupation including scar trees and artefact scatters

1 Research Loss of vegetation

Disturbance of heritage sites

Cultural heritage

Post contact heritage sites including the Melbourne-Bendigo Railway structures(state significance) and Ravenswood Station

1 Victorian Heritage Register, Heritage Overlay

Protected under the Planning Scheme Cultural heritage

Evidence of history in the landscape including monuments and past land use

1, 2 Community, Research

Disturbance of heritage sites

Changing land use

Cultural heritage

Coliban Water Channel, and the associated Goldfields Track and Great Dividing Trail

2 Victorian Heritage Register

Protected under the Planning Scheme

Lack of interpretive signage

Cultural heritage

Environmental & Scientific Values

Bullock Creek & tributaries support remnant vegetation and provide habitat

1 Environmental Significance Overlay

Erosion

Salinity

Grazing

Loss of vegetation

Vegetation

Salinity & erosion

Remnant vegetation including scattered eucalypts and River Red Gums has values related to habitat and biodiversity

1, 2 Community Grazing

Little opportunity for natural regeneration

Spread of weeds

Tree removal

Fire

Vegetation

Bushfire


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Character Area


Uncommon formation of the metamorphic aureole has geological significance

1, 2 DSE Development on the hill slopes Buildings & structures: siting & design


Free from noise and light pollution 1, 2 Community Traffic

Revegetation that has occurred, and is occurring, to restore balance in the ecology, mitigate salinity and create habitat for fauna

1, 2 Vegetation Protection Overlay, Community

Discontinuation of revegetation programs and use of non-endemic native species

Loss of vegetation

Intensive agriculture

Vegetation

Prolific presence of native wildlife, in particular, bird species, lizards, kangaroos and wallabies.

1, 2 Community Loss of vegetation & habitat Vegetation

Social Values

Open spaces, eucalypts and dirt roads add to the rural feel of the area

1, 2 Survey, Community Loss of vegetation

Built form dominating the landscape

Sealing of roads

Native vegetation

Lot sizes


Quiet and peaceful location, removed from but still within reach of the city centre

1, 2 Community Higher density development

Traffic

Lot sizes


The local community have great knowledge of the landscape and really care about it and its future management

1, 2 Community Governance Landscape custodianship

Walking tracks and opportunity for recreation 1, 2 Community Access Public land management

Landowners involved in “Land for Wildlife” program

Survey, Community Governance Landscape custodianship


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Character Area


Economic Values

Local tourism and recreational ventures including the golf course and wineries. Also a popular destination for walking and cycling

1 Community Built form dominating the landscape

Agricultural value of the area is generally low (poor soils, and many lot sizes not viable for profitable production), but sheep grazing and limitied fruit production are of ongoing value.

1, 2 Community

Landscape provides setting for tourist accommodation

1, 2 Community Built form dominating the landscape Lot sizes



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Character Area

Source Managment Issue Landscape Management Framework/Design Guidelines


Rolling topography with a varied pattern of viewing

2, 3 Survey Development dominating the landscape

Loss of vegetation

Lot sizes


Vegetation

Balanced mixture of scenery and land use, integration of wild, domestic and agricultural

3, 4, 5 Community Development dominating the landscape

Loss of vegetation

Clutter on properties

Lot sizes


Landscape custodianship

Remnant vegetation including numerous old trees

3, 4, 5 Survey, Community Loss of vegetation


Vegetation

Financial incentives


Cleared, open rolling pastures adjacent to the hills sides of dense Box Ironbark forest

3, 4 Survey Development dominating the landscape Buildings & structures: siting & design

Open areas merge with adjacent forested areas

3, 4, 5 Survey Hard forest edges Vegetation


Alternating pattern of viewing from enclosed forest to open, long range views to the granitic uplands, forested valley walls and distant ranges

Survey Loss of vegetation

Development dominating the landscape


Vegetation

Viewing location on One Tree Hill Survey, Community Public land management


Heritage Buildings including the former Mandurang Primary School, Mandurang Bible Christian Church, Tannery

4 Heritage Overlay Protected in the Planning Scheme

Coliban Water Channel 3, 5 Victorian Heritage Register

Protected in the Planning Scheme

mAnDurAng VALLey LAnDScApe VALueS

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Character Area


Evidence of history in the landscape including old homesteads, bridges and mining history

3, 4, 5 Community Disturbance of heritage sites Cultural heritage

Geographic Centre of Victoria 4 Survey

Old trees and dry stone drains in Tannery Lane 4 Community Insensitive pruning of trees

Infrastructure (power lines, road works etc...)

Vegetation

History of Aboriginal occuption 4,5,6 Lack of detailed study Local history


Pockets of limited development where natural ecosystems and habitat have been protected

3, 4, 5 Community Development dominating the landscape

Loss of vegetation

Bushfire

Lot sizes


Bushfire

Vegetation

Adjacency to forested areas and the protected landscape of the National and Regional Parks

3, 4, 5 Community Loss of vegetation

Fragmentation of land

Lot sizes


Bushfire

Waterways and creeks 3, 4, 5 Environmental Significance Overlay

Private dams

Erosion

Loss of vegetation

Vegetation

Erosion

Roadside vegetation 3, 4, 5 Vegetation Protection Overlay

Loss of vegetation

Fire

Rubbish

Public land management

Bushfire

Vegetation

Lack of noise and light pollution 3, 4, 5 Community Development

Traffic

Lot sizes



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Character Area


Bio-links between the forests through private property and roadside reserves

3, 4, 5 Community Loss of vegetation

Discontinuity of biodiversity corridors

Vegetation

Native flora and fauna (including but not limited to kangaroos, wallabies, sugargliders, the highly endangered phascogale, numerous bird species, orchids and spectacular wildflower displays)

3, 4, 5 Community Loss of vegetation and habitat

Fire

Exotic weeds and feral animals

Loss/lack of biodiversity corridors

Damage caused by recreational activities

Vegetation

Social Values

Living Amenity 3, 4, 5 Community Traffic

Loss of vegetation


Lot sizes


Vegetation

Mandurang identity as a “hidden valley” 3, 4, 5 Community Road development

Traffic

Popular area for road and mountain bicycle riders

3, 4, 5 Community Traffic Public land management

Walking tracks and opportunities for recreation

3, 4, 5 Community Loss of access

Loss of vegetation


Strong community and good relationships between user groups

3, 4, 5 Community Governance Landscape custodianship


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Character Area


Economic Values

Popular lifestyle (“tree change”) destination 3, 4, 5 Community Fire

Loss of vegetation

Obtrusive development

Intensive agriculture/horticulture

Noise pollution/traffic

Lot sizes


Hobby farms, orchards and horse facilities 3, 4 Survey, Community Subdivision

Obtrusive development

Clutter on properties

Management of weeds

Lot sizes



Large allotments allow for productive agriculture

3 Survey Subdivision

Poor soil fertility

Erosion

Salinity

Erosion & salinity

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BenDigo Box ironBArk foreSt LAnDScApe VALueS

Character Area

Source Management Issue Landscape Management Framework/Design Guidelines


Dense vegetation of Box Ironbark Forests 6 Survey Loss of Vegetation

Fire


Striking, deep grooved texture of Ironbark trees

6 Survey Loss of Vegetation

Fire


Scattered granitic formations 6 Survey Public land management

Wildflower displays 6 Community Loss of vegetation

Fire


Bushfire


Forests merge with surrounding rural residential land

6 Survey Loss of vegetation

Hard forest edges

Fire


Bushfire


Views enclosed by dense vegetation 6 Survey Loss of vegetation

Fire


Bushfire

Forests provide setting and backdrop for the developed valley area

Loss of vegetation

Fire


Bushfire


Coliban Water Channel 6 Victorian Heritage Register

Protected by Planning Scheme Cultural heritage

Provides forested setting for the City of Bendigo

6 City of Greater Bendigo Policy

Loss of vegetation

Fire


Forests have re-grown from areas that were completely cleared during the mining era

6 Community Loss of vegetation

Fire


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BenDigo Box ironBArk foreSt LAnDScApe VALueS

Character Area

Source Management Issue Landscape Management Framework/Design Guidelines

Mining artefacts and sites scattered throughout the forests

6 Heritage Overlay Disturbance of heritage sites Local heritage


Habitat retention and nature conservation 6 National & Regional Park status, Public Conservation & Resource Zone, Community

Loss of vegetation and habitat

Fire



Vegetation

Bushfire

Native flora and fauna (including but not limited to kangaroos, wallabies, sugargliders, the highly endangered phascogale, numerous bird species, orchids and spectacular wildflower displays)

6 National Park status, Public Conservation & Resource Zone, Community

Loss of vegetation and habitat

Fire


Loss/lack of biodiversity corridors

Damage caused by recreational activities


Bushfire

Vegetation

Social Values

Recreational opportunities (sightseeing, walking, bicycle riding, nature study, camping)

6 National and Regional Park status, Public Conservation & Resource Zone, Community

Damage caused by recreational activities Public land management

Forests form part of the southern gateway to Bendigo

1,6 Survey Loss of Vegetation

Fire

Bushfire

Economic Values

Tourism potential 6 National Park status, Public Conservation & Resource Zone

Damage caused by recreational activities Public land management

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SummAry of LAnDScApe VALueS

SignificAnce of cHArActer AreASThe values analysis indicates that the highest landscape values are found in the two Big Hill Character Areas and the Box Ironbark Forests Character Area. The other three Character Areas are assessed as having a lower range of landscape values. While it is possible to infer a ranking of significance from the table on the opposite page (eg Higher could be taken to mean State, Moderate to mean Regional, Lower to mean Local), it may be wiser to defer a definitive ranking until a landscape assessment of the whole of Greater Bendigo has been undertaken.

This report does however continue an analysis that ultimately results (see Landscape Management Framework, Chapter 6) in conclusions about changes to planning controls, including a recommendation to apply the Significant Landscape Overlay to parts of the study area. The logic of this analysis follows the steps in the Method Diagram (page 12) – to be more specific:

▪ Every Character Area has been found to have some level of landscape value, including values originating in the local community

▪ The analysis of sensitivity to change, anticipated change, management issues, and planning control and policy gaps allows consideration as to whether key values are under threat, and might require additional planning scheme action

▪ Conclusions about management actions, including changes to the planning scheme, are arrived at in the Landscape Management Framework chapter

▪ The Landscape Management Framework includes recommendations to conserve and enhance landscape character throughout the study area, as well as actions targeted to specific areas

▪ Part of this suite of management measures is the recommended introduction of the Significant Landscape Overlay – generally to locations where higher landscape values coincide with high landscape sensitivity, anticipated threats and gaps in the current control regime

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Visual Values Historical & Cultural Values


Social Values Economic Values

CA 01 Big Hill Southern Slopes & Woodlands

CA 02 Big Hill Granitic Uplands

CA 03 Mandurang Valley South

CA 04 Mandurang Valley North

CA 05 Mandurang Forest Interface

CA 06 Bendigo Box Ironbark Forests

VALueS SummAry Higher Moderate Lower

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5. Future Directions

5

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Future character directions were developed for each Character Area during Stage 2 of the project. These have been reinforced through the investigation and collation of landscape values and significance assessment documented in the previous chapter.

Future CharaCter DireCtions

Future character directions provide a basis from which to manage the rate and scale of landscape change and, along with the landscape management objectives and guidelines, are central to the development of planning scheme provisions.

CharaCter area 1 Big Hill Southern Slopes & Woodlands

▪ Big Hill will remain a prominent natural landmark that defines the transition at Bendigo’s southern gateway from rural lands to the urban areas of the City.

▪ To reinforce the open, rural character of Big Hill, its upper slopes and ridgeline will be kept free of urban development.

▪ Big Hill’s surrounding landscape setting will remain a productive agricultural landscape with a strong rural character and an open, undeveloped aspect.

▪ Along the key viewing corridors new buildings and structures will be carefully designed and sited to avoid intrusion of views in the landscape setting.

▪ The geological significance and vulnerable soils of the area will be protected through considered landscape management and farming practices, including ongoing revegetation and salinity mitigation measures.

CharaCter area 2Big Hill Granitic Uplands

▪ The Big Hill granitic uplands will remain rural in character and the granitic rock formations preserved.

▪ The area’s character will be maintained by encouraging continued conservation alongside its agricultural and grazing activities.

▪ The existing indigenous and native vegetation, particularly River Red Gums and old paddock trees, should be protected and revegetation using endemic species encouraged.

▪ The slopes and ridges in the area will be kept free from development.

▪ Any development in the lower areas will be carefully sited and well integrated within the landscape with minimal impact on key views.

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CharaCter area 3Mandurang Valley South

▪ Mandurang Valley South will continue to support a range of productive agricultural activities, set within gently rolling pastures that are predominantly rural in character.

▪ Additional planting of native vegetation will complement the backdrop of the heavily forested valley walls that are visible throughout the area.

▪ Revegetation will also help to restore the natural, underlying landscape and mitigate environmental issues associated with land clearing.

▪ Further subdivision of the land for residential use will be avoided and any new development will be sited to integrate well with the surrounding landscape.

CharaCter area 4Mandurang Valley North

▪ Mandurang Valley North will support a range of residential, tourism and community activities, within a picturesque rural setting.

▪ Additional planting of native vegetation will help to restore the natural, underlying landscape character of the area and strengthen wildlife corridors to the surrounding National Park.

▪ New development will be sited and designed to integrate well with the surrounding landscape and to frame views to the distant backdrop of the forested valley walls.

CharaCter area 5Mandurang Forest Interface

▪ This Character Area will continue to create a smooth transition between the forested landscapes of the hills surrounding the Mandurang Valley and the open rural residential development on the valley floor.

▪ Habitat and wildlife links will be strengthened through the protection of remnant vegetation.

▪ New development will be sited to sit nestled within the vegetated surrounds, while being designed to take into account fire risk and the potential need for clearing around dwellings.

CharaCter area 6Bendigo Box Ironbark Forests

▪ The Box Ironbark forests surrounding the City of Greater Bendigo will remain as one of the most intact and expansive of this kind in Victoria.

▪ The ongoing conservation and management of the forests will support their role in defining the northern edge of the Big Hill ridgeline and creating the forested backdrop to the Mandurang Valley.

▪ Where appropriate, additional opportunities for public access to and appreciation of the forests will be provided.

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Some types of change may be detrimental to landscape character, for example, a large industrial development, greater sub-division densities or loss of vegetation. Other changes may contribute positively to the character of a landscape, such as the variations to patterns and colours of agricultural landscapes across the seasons. Other changes still, such as the revegetation of degraded sites, are the physical exhibition of community desires for a different type of landscape.

As landscapes are a changing entity, the aim of this study is to manage the rate, scale and type of landscape change, and to ensure that decisions relating to landscape change are consistent with the future character directions for that landscape.

The landscape management issues that are responsible for, or influenced by, landscape change within the study area include:

▪ Settlement and urban expansion

▪ Rural residential development

▪ Subdivision and lot size

▪ Agricultural activities

▪ Opening of unused government roads

▪ Public land management

▪ Design and development in the landscape

▪ Protection of heritage sites or culturally significant landscapes

▪ Bushfire

▪ Erosion and salinity

▪ Vegetation (including native vegetation, landscaping on private property, roadside vegetation and weeds)

▪ Threatened fauna & vegetation communities

▪ Infrastructure

▪ Signage

▪ Existing state or local government policies, including policies of adjacent municipalities.

iMPLiCations For this stuDYKnown factors of change, and the relative sensitivity of landscapes to this change, will inform the development of future management strategies. Where it is considered that anticipated change might negatively affect landscape character or significance, management of that change may be warranted. The Landscape Management Framework in the following section provides a range of actions and initiatives to address anticipated change within the study area. This includes management through the planning system, as well a range of other actions and initiatives that can be undertaken by the various parties responsible for the management or ‘custodianship’ of the landscape.

Change in the LanDsCaPe

The landscape is continually evolving and change is part of landscape character. Past change has produced the landscape we see today. Trends and future changes need to be anticipated so that their effect – positive and negative – on the significance and valued character of landscapes can be managed.

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House on Springs Road, 1939 Former Junction Hotel at the corner of Tannery Lane and Mandurang Road c1920

The same house as above on Springs Road, 2012 (Photo: Robin Crocker) The same building as above, 2012 (Photo: Robin Crocker)

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A range of issues have been identified through the landscape values assessment that have the potential to affect landscape management, development and design outcomes.

LanDsCaPe ManageMent issues

settLeMent anD urban exPansionBendigo has a clearly defined Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) which excludes all land in the study area. It is expected that land within the UGB will see a gradual change to urban style development with higher densities.

While the location of the UGB is an issue related to the broader planning of the City, it is recognised that the current location of the UGB plays an important role in protecting the valued landscape characteristics that exist outside Bendigo’s urban area.

There is a striking contrast in the experience, or relative sense of place, of the Big Hill ‘arrival’ landscape. The journey over Big Hill, and then through the forest of the Greater Bendigo Regional Park, acts as prelude to the progressively urbanised landscape that unfolds over several kilometers thereafter. This forms a definitive and remarkable gateway to southern Bendigo, which is the primary place of access and egress to the City.

objective

▪ Retain the character of the ridgeline and southern slopes of Big Hill as key elements of the gateway experience to the City of Greater Bendigo

ruraL resiDentiaL DeveLoPMentRural residential living is a popular choice for people wishing to make a lifestyle change, where additional space and a rural environment can be enjoyed while still being located close to the convenience of a regional city. The outskirts of Bendigo have been an ideal location for this kind of development, with many areas containing dwellings on lots that are large by typical standards, but too small for agricultural use.

A number of landscape management issues can sometimes arise from rural residential development. This includes the loss of productive agricultural land, the spread of weeds and feral animals, development dominating the landscape, exotic vegetation in gardens contrasting with existing native vegetation and properties that are visually cluttered or poorly maintained.

objective

▪ Manage rural residential development so that it complements the valued landscape character of Big Hill and the Mandurang Valley

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The Rural Areas Strategy (2009) has identified an over supply of land zoned for rural living, and recommended that further fragmentation of agricultural land be prevented.

Proposed Zone amendments, 2012

Proposed amendments to rural zones may see an increased potential for subdivision.

It is proposed that the minimum lots size of the Rural Living Zone be reduced from 8 hectares to 2 hectares. Within the Farming Zone, the requirement for Section 173 Agreements to limit re-subdivision of land may be removed.

objectives ▪ Maintain lot sizes that are suitable for

management of the valued landscape character

▪ Sensitively design future development to minimise impacts on natural and landscape values

subDivision & Lot siZeFragmentation of land into smaller lot sizes can significantly affect the landscape character of an area by allowing more intensive development, the creation of new roads and inevitable loss of vegetation and natural values. Subdivision should be designed to respond to landscape features, such as topography and boundaries like forest edges.

The Big Hill Character Areas are mostly contained within the Farming Zone where the minimum for new subdivision is 40 hectares. As many of the existing lots are greater than 40 hectares, potential exists for further subdivision and development to occur in the future.

Additionally, within the Big Hill areas, undeveloped subdivision patterns comprise numerous lots that are less than 40 hectares. If these lots were developed to their full potential a significant change to this rural landscape could result.

The Mandurang Valley South Character Area is predominantly zoned Rural Living, which has a minimum lot size requirement of 8 hectares. As many lots in this area are greater than 8 hectares, there is again great potential for this landscape to be further fragmented and developed.

Rural residential development with exposed built form and formal planting styles is a dominating feature of the landscape in Mandurang Valley North

Subdivision and development of the land south of Big Hill may impact on the landscape values if not sited and designed sensitively (Photo: Robin Crocker)

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agriCuLtureAgricultural land uses and structures, such as machinery sheds, dams, orchard netting, barns or horse ménages, are an integral element of rural and farming environments.

While forming an important part of the function and character of rural areas, if poorly designed or located, these rural land uses or structures can be an unwanted visual intrusion into landscapes.

The rural landscape of Big Hill and the Mandurang Valley could potentially be adversely affected by new structures which are out of scale or character with their setting, or intrude on available views.

By clustering rural buildings and structures together, their visual impact can be reduced and the area affected can be minimised.

Intensive agricultural activity often includes large temporary or permanent structures, including netting / sheeting of orchards and vineyards which enclose crops to improve productivity. These structures are a necessary element of contemporary farming practices and their visual presence in the landscape is increasingly common. Muted colours that help to minimise the visual presence of these structures should be preferred.

There are issues of conflict with rural residential development placing pressure on the viability of agricultural land by fragmenting the landscape and making it difficult for productive farmers to expand their holdings. Intensive agriculture

and farming practices can in turn can affect the amenity of rural residential development.

In some instances, agricultural activity can put pressure on fragile and ecologically sensitive landscapes, such as in areas prone to salinity and erosion, and threaten the health of creeks and waterways. For example, stock grazing to the base of trees has prevented the natural regeneration of new seedlings, and old trees are often damaged through earth compaction and the stripping of bark and leaves.

objectives

▪ Retain productive agricultural land

▪ Manage amenity issues in areas that integrate agricultural practice with residential or lifestyle properties

Orchard netting impacts on rural landscapes..

Sheep grazing on the southern slopes of Big Hill. Photo courtesy of Bruce Carpenter

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unuseD governMent roaDsThere are a number of unused government roads within the study area (particularly in the Big Hill Southern Slopes & Woodlands Character Area to the north of Ravenswood) that have the potential to significantly change the character of the landscape if opened for use.

The development of roadways may result in the loss of vegetation and create visual scarring from identified view points.

Whether or not roads are opened or remain closed is dependent on City of Greater Bendigo’s planning decisions for development or subdivision.

objectives

▪ Sensitively design future development to minimise impacts on natural and landscape values

PubLiC LanD ManageMentAlthough they have not been surveyed in detail in this study, the public lands of the National and Regional Parks make a significant contribution to the landscape values of the study area.

It is recommended that City of Greater Bendigo liaise with public land managers, including Parks Victoria (for activities within Regional and National Parks), VicRoads (eg. for roadside management approaches) and DSE (crown land) to ensure consistency of landscape management across jurisdictions and to recognise the value that public lands make to the landscapes of the study area.

objectives

▪ Protect the underlying ecological and landscape values of the Bendigo Box Ironbark Forest, as a key feature of the study area

heritage sites / CuLturaL LanDsCaPesThe major threat to places with historical significance is that they have not been recorded and therefore are often destroyed through ignorance.

The Big Hill area has been surveyed in detail due to works on the Calder Highway requiring a Cultural Heritage Study, and numerous sites of aboriginal heritage significance including scatter sites and scar trees were found in the area.

Sites that have been identified and listed on Victorian Heritage Register and the Heritage Inventory (archaeological sites) are protected by the Heritage Act, 2006.

Aboriginal Affairs Victoria have done statewide predictive modelling to locate areas where it is probable similar sites of aboriginal heritage may occur. Located within the study area, these include the north side of the Big Hill ridge, the Box Ironbark forests and along the extents of Sheepwash Creek (see Figure 12). These areas need to be surveyed in detail in order to ensure any significant sites of aboriginal heritage are identified and protected.

objective

▪ Identify and protect sites of cultural heritage significance within the study area

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▪ Buildings & Structures: Siting

▪ Buildings & Structures: Design

▪ Rural ‘dependant’ Land Uses & Structures

▪ Infrastructure & Signage

▪ Property Entrances, Front Boundary Fencing and Gates

▪ Car Parking, Formed Driveways & Roads

▪ Ecological Values

▪ Cultural Heritage ValuesA set of design guidelines and strategies has been prepared for managing these landscape elements and may be found in Appendix D.These Design and Development Guidelines may be used as the basis of the ‘decision guidelines’ in any proposed planning scheme overlay schedule, and can be incorporated into local policy to help in determining planning permit applications

objectives

▪ Ensure a high design quality of new development that respects and enhances identified landscape values.

Use of muted colours and ‘light’ articulation of built form assists to blend development into the landscape

Use of bright colours causes built form to stand out from the surrounding landscape

Design anD DeveLoPMentDesign and development should contribute positively to the surrounding landscape. Good site planning and building design is essential if new developments are to respect and reinforce the existing character of the surrounding environment.

Community feedback and field surveys have shown that the integrity of landscapes within the study area has been threatened by new land uses or development which do not respond to the local characteristics of the area.

Key design issues within the landscapes of Big Hill and the Mandurang Valley include the design, size and scale of buildings, the siting of dwellings in prominent locations, the presence of multiple out-buildings and other structures, use of reflective materials, clearing of vegetation, private landscaping, and other elements such as signage, fencing and lighting that all potentially compromise the valued landscape qualities of Big Hill & the Mandurang Valley.

Landscape elements that have been identified as having a potential impact on these landscapes include:

▪ Subdivision layout & Design

▪ Vegetation & Landscaping

▪ Views & Vistas

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bushFireA large portion of the Study Area is covered by the Bushfire Management Overlay. In recent years the devastating effects of bushfire has become a reality for many Victorians, which has had follow through in the development of new planning provisions relating to wildfire precaution.

A new State Planning Policy for Bushfire was introduced in November 2011 into every planning scheme in Victoria to strengthen the consideration of bushfire protection measures at different stages of the planning and building process.

It is recognised that clearing and maintaining defensible space around buildings can increase the chances of a building surviving a bushfire. As such new planning provisions have been introduced regarding the removal of vegetation in areas affected by the Bushfire Management Overlay.

For new developments, the appropriate level of defendable space is based on the requirements of the Bushfire Management Overlay and is determined as part of the planning permit application.

For existing dwellings in the Bushfire Management Overlay, a new ‘10/50 rule’ has been introduced to enable residents to clear any vegetation within 10 metres and any vegetation other than trees within 50 metres of an existing house. This allows for increased bushfire mitigation in the areas with the highest hazard

For existing dwellings in other areas, the 10/30 rule applies state-wide except in 21 metropolitan municipalities and allows residents to clear any vegetation within 10 metres of their house and any vegetation other than trees within 30 metres.

Clearance may be conducted on public land, such as roadsides and national or state parks, that fall within this perimeter when located adjacent to existing dwellings. The siting of dwellings away from areas with conservation value is therefore imperative to retaining the vegetated characteristic, and biodiversity values.

objective

▪ Prevent development that will result in excessive clearing of vegetation, particularly when located adjacent to protected areas such as National Parks and other public land.

House cleared of surrounding vegetation in Mandurang Valley Forest Interface

Controlled fuel-reduction burns in forested areas

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erosion anD saLinitYErosion and salinity are natural processes that have been accelerated by land clearing and heavy grazing. These have the potential to impact on the identified values of the landscape, and how the landscape is managed may exacerbate or remediate these.

While this is not a detailed study into the ecological impacts of development in the landscape, there are known factors such as retaining and replanting vegetation and sensitive design of roads and location of hard surfaces that may play a role in the mitigation of salinity and erosion.

objective

▪ Address issues of erosion and salinity through sensitive management of development within the landscape

native vegetation In all parts of the study area, the retention or careful management of native vegetation is an important aspect of protecting landscape character. The issue of native vegetation management across Victoria is addressed through the Planning Scheme and State Government policy.

objective

▪ Encourage the protection or revegetation and regeneration of endemic species on public and private land

LanDsCaPing on Private ProPertYLandscaping on private property can play an important role in integrating a development with its surrounds. Perimeter planting on private land adjoining roadsides can add to and strengthen existing roadside vegetation and help to create a strong sense of connection

Private open spaces should be designed to maximise their amenity value and, where possible, make use of natural features within the site. New vegetation - in particular, decorative and garden plantings - should reinforce the dominant landscape character of the area.

Rural residential land uses in areas such as Mandurang Valley North and along Belvoir Park Road has resulted in landscape detail that is dependent on the preferences of landowners, with suburban style gardens that contrast with the bushland and forested surroundings.

The use of native and indigenous species for all landscaping on private property is favoured generally. Drought resistant and fire retardant species will also be favoured. The need to manage such factors as fire prevention, erosion and invasive plants is paramount; but where appropriate, the capacity of new planting to enhance the visual character of the landscape is an important consideration for property owners. In preparing landscape and planting plans for new development, it is important that landscaping and vegetation minimises the obstruction of existing views.

objective

▪ Design vegetation and gardens within private property to respond to the surrounding forested setting

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roaDsiDe vegetation The character of highway and main road corridors are important elements of the appreciation of the City of Greater Bendigo’s rural areas, especially for visitors who come to experience its landscapes and vistas, and do this predominantly from cars. Road environments and the views from them rely on natural features, vegetation and greenery to give them their particular character. Roadsides often contain the last remnants of vegetation that was once more widespread. Remnant vegetation, dead trees and fallen timber on road reserves and river/ creek reserves are increasingly important habitats and corridors for native wildlife. They also add to the rustic and natural character of the environment. More intense uses of abutting land and construction of roads and associated infrastructure can reduce the extent of such vegetation. It is important that existing public realm vegetation, particularly indigenous remnant vegetation, is retained and reinforced, as far as reasonably possible.

The City of Greater Bendigo has completed a study of roadside vegetation which has assigned a conservation status of high, medium or low to all roadsides within the municipality. This work is reflected in the City of Greater Bendigo’s Strategic Directions: Rural Roadside Conservation 2011.

objective

▪ Retain and rehabilitate roadside vegetation where possible

WeeDsAppropriate management of invasive plant species on roadsides, within public land and on private property can help prevent their spread across the wider municipality and region. City of Greater Bendigo has committed to control and eradicate weeds on land they own and manage, and have taken on the responsibility of maintaining a leadership role for the remainder of the community. Education and identification of common and widespread weeds for the greater community could assist in this role. The eradication of weeds will enhance the landscape values found in the study area.

objective ▪ Manage weeds on public and private land

Roadsides often contain old trees and significant remnant vegetation

Weeds in the roadside reserve

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threateneD sPeCies & vegetation CoMMunitiesThe City of Greater Bendigo contains a high number of threatened vegetation communities and species, including 60 plant species that are threatened in Victoria (8 of which are threatened nationally), and 71 animal species that are threatened in Victoria (8 of these also threatened nationally).

The majority of these are contained within the Box Ironbark forests of Bendigo. Adjacent rural residential development and agricultural activities threatens the conservation and rehabilitation of these species. Particular threats include wandering domestic animals such as cats and dogs, changes to the flows of rivers and streams, and loss of habitat such as hollow trees.

objective

▪ Increase awareness of threatened species and vegetation communities

Telecommunications tower on One Tree Hill

inFrastruCtureLarge infrastructure such as electrical pylons can be unattractive and therefore detract from the valued character of a landscape. The location of lineal infrastructure should be appropriately sited to have minimal visual impact on the landscape through minimising vegetation removal as far as reasonably possible, and sited to follow contours of the land.

It is also common for infrastructure such as telecommunications towers to be located at topographic high points where they can be visually prominent and dominate landscape features. These should be located away from viewing corridors and locations, and be as low or non-intrusive visually as possible.

objective

▪ Locate and design infrastructure to have minimal visual impact on the landscape

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signageSigns are a necessary and informative element of the landscape. They provide road safety, they advertise the type of businesses or services available in an area and they can add interest and vitality to the public environment. Excessive signage is counter-productive. Too many signs or unnecessarily large or brightly-lit signs dominate the streetscape and lose their individual and collective effect and usefulness.

Commercial, property identification and promotional signage should be of a size related to their purpose but recessive and unobtrusive, and complementary to the local character, in size, style and design, rather than dominating the visual environment. Signage should be adequately provided to alert approaching motorists, but should not detract from the visual amenity of the roadside environment. A balance is required between visibility of information, way finding, safety and visual intrusiveness.

objective

▪ Minimise the visual impact of signage, particularly when visible from identified significant viewing corridors and viewing locations

existing state anD LoCaL governMent PoLiCies anD MuniCiPaL bounDariesA detailed analysis of the existing State and Local Government policies is provided in the following section. This provides the basis of recommendations for future protection of the landscape through the Planning Scheme.

It is of concern that the municipal boundary of the City of Greater Bendigo crosses the Big Hill landscape. The landform continues as a significant feature into the Mount Alexander Shire. While policies may be written to protect the landscape within the City of Greater Bendigo, this will not prevent inappropriate development from occurring on the slopes and ridge lines of Big Hill outside the municipal boundary.

objective

▪ Extend recognition of the significance of the Big Hill landscape into adjacent Shire of Mount Alexander

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PLanning ControL & PoLiCY gaPs

Current statutorY ProvisionsThe Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme is an important part of the approach to implementation as it legally binds the City of Greater Bendigo, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), applicants and the community to consider the landscape management objectives identified through a study such as this.

A detailed analysis of current Planning Scheme controls and policies that relate to landscape management has been undertaken. A general overview is included as Appendix A, and further detail provided in each Character Area Analysis Paper, included in Appendix C.

In summary, the following gaps have been identified in the planning policy and control framework:

state PLanning PoLiCY FraMeWorkThe State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF) provides a number of high-level strategic directions for the protection of landscape character. However, these are of a broad nature and will not directly assist the consideration of issues that are specific to the study area.

MuniCiPaL strategiC stateMent & LoCaL PLanning PoLiCiesThe MSS and Local Planning Policies include references to landscape character and various related design issues, however, there are no specific references to the landscapes of the study area to assist in determining permit applications.

Clause 21.08 Environment of the MSS notes the significance of the Box-Ironbark forest surrounding Bendigo. Assessment of landscape significance of residential areas of the fringe of Bendigo are recommended, with a view to apply further planning controls to protect landscapes as required.

Of particular relevance to this study, Clause 22.01 Development at the Urban-Forest Interface Policy includes a range of requirements for residential development adjoining forested areas.

Overall, the Local Planning Policy Framework lacks direction about landscape character and the basis of landscape significance to assist in determining permit applications.

Zones & overLaY ControLsVarious zones and overlay controls apply to the study area (Refer to Figures 15 and 16). Each has different permit requirements for land use or development that will affect different aspects of landscape management.

In July 2012 the State Government announced

The existing policy and control regime needs to be examined to assess the extent to which it recognises the character and significance of the landscape, and adequately responds to the changes or threats identified. These are the policy gaps.

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changes to rural zones which may ultimately affect the planning requirements for land within the study area. These revised zones will take at least 12 months to be introduced into the Planning Scheme.

Farming Zone

The Farming Zone, which applies to a large portion of the Big Hill area, provides primarily for agricultural land uses. It has a minimum lot size of 40ha. Permits are not required for dwellings on lots over this size, or for farming related structures. It includes broad decision guidelines that relate to visual amenity, landscape character and environmental issues.

The proposed revisions to the Farming Zone would allow variation of the minimum 40ha lot size to suit local circumstances and ease restrictions on re-subdivision of land.

As many lots within the Big Hill area are over 40ha, a high portion of development would not fall under the scrutiny of the planning system, and this could potentially increase under the revised zones.

Further, the area within the Farming Zone is under pressure for redevelopment and subdivision into rural residential lots. While these proposals would require a planning permit whereby a local policy could be considered, reliance upon this measure alone in protecting the significance of the area is not considered adequate. The full impacts and effects of this type of development must be

assessed against the clear objectives and decision guidelines that can only be provided through an overlay control.

rural Conservation Zone

The Rural Conservation Zone applies to the part of the Big Hill Granitic Uplands Character Area. It is primarily concerned with protecting and conserving rural land for its environmental features or attributes. It also has a minimum lot size of 40ha, but more extensive permit requirements that relate to all types of buildings. Decision guidelines have a focus on environmental considerations, as well as visual amenity and landscape character. The provisions of this zone, in conjunction with application of a local policy, are considered to be adequate in protecting the significance of this area.

rural Living Zone

The Rural Living Zone applies to the southern and northern parts of the Mandurang Valley. It is designed to cater for lots in a rural setting that are large enough to accommodate a dwelling and a farming use. The minimum lot size is 8ha and permits are not required for dwellings on lots over this size, or for any rural related structure under 50m2. The proposed revisions to this zone would reduce the minimum lot size to 2ha and increase the size of buildings requiring a permit to 100m2.

The Mandurang Valley South and Forest Interface Character Areas are noted as having a moderate

degree of sensitivity to change and would require additional control to assess the impact of new development.

Low Density residential Zone

The Low Density Residential Zone applies to parts of the Mandurang Valley South and Forest Interface Character Areas. This zone provides for low density residential development on lots which, in the absence of reticulated sewerage, can treat and retain all wastewater. The minimum lot size is 0.4ha and a permit is generally not required for a dwelling. Two dwellings on a lot may be permitted. Permits are required for rural related structures. The proposed revisions to this zone would reduce the minimum lot size to 0.2ha. Again, areas of significance and sensitivity within this zone would require additional control to assess the impact of new development.

Public Conservation & resource Zone

The National and Regional Parks fall within the Public Conservation & Resource Zone. This zone refers to the relevant management plans for the forest areas.

overlay Controls

Overlay controls apply throughout the study area (Figure 16), such as the Environmental Significance Overlay and the Heritage Overlay. These relate to specific sites or aspects of the landscape, but do not address the protection of landscape values across the study area.

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existing ZonesFigure 15

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existing overLaYsFigure 16

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6. Landscape Management Framework

6

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Landscape ManageMent FraMework

The Landscape Management Framework proposes a range of measures to protect and enhance the landscapes of the study area. It is structured in two broad categories:

1. Actions for Promotion, Education & Support; 2. Management of Landscape Issues, followed by a summary explanation of planning scheme implementation.

The Landscape Management Framework includes:

▪ Actions that can be undertaken to manage the landscapes into the future

▪ The individuals, groups or organisations who have primary responsibility for the implementation of each action

▪ People who may be able to offer assistance in the implementation of each action

▪ An indication of the priority of each action.

In determining these implementation measures, it has been necessary to understand the context within which development or management decisions are made. This has included:

▪ Developing an understanding of the landscape character, values and significance of the study area.

▪ Identifying changes or threats to the landscape and current management or design issues.

▪ An exam of the existing management practices for protecting or enhancing landscape character.

▪ Identifying gaps in the current management regime.

If a landscape has significance, is subject to present or anticipated changes, and there are gaps in controls and policies, then a strategic justification exists to take action (eg. to amend the planning scheme, or other appropriate action)

priority of actions

An indicative priority for each recommended action is provided to assist with planning the implementation of the study.

The timeline for implementation is classified as follows:

Immediate: within 18 months

Short term: within 5 years

Medium term: 5 - 15 years

Long term: 15+ years

On-going: will require continued implementation once commenced

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Protection and enhancement of valued landscapes is ultimately a collective responsibility. All people who live or work in, visit or manage development within the study area can play a role in the ‘custodianship’ of the landscape. A collaborative approach between all parties is required to offer a holistic and comprehensive approach to landscape management.

city of greater Bendigo

The City of Greater Bendigo can manage land use and development in the study area via the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, maintain public realm elements such as roads and open spaces through its capital works program, promote information about landscape values and consider financial incentives for landscape protection initiatives.

community

Property owners play a significant role in the management of landscape and environmental values on individual sites. The way in which property owners use or develop land can impact significantly upon landscape values, and the way in which individual sites are managed will have a cumulative impact across the study area.

Only certain types of land use or development can be managed through regulatory measures. Otherwise it is the responsibility of individual land owners to consider how their actions might affect the landscape values of the broader area.

Community groups, such as volunteer, ‘friends of’ or Landcare groups are active in the study area and can greatly assist with protection of the natural environment.

Landscape management can form part of education programs at all levels. It may also be included in the activities of community groups such as local service or recreational clubs.

government agencies

Government agencies, including Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE), manage a significant portion of public land within the study area.

Other agencies are responsible for specific aspects of the landscape, including VicRoads, Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV), Heritage Victoria and the North Central Catchment Management Authority.

infrastructure service providers

Powerlines, electricity pylons, mobile phone towers and radio masts are all evident in the study area and in some locations could be considered to have an impact upon the landscape. Dialogue with infrastructure service providers is essential to communicate the objectives for landscape management in the study area.

Coliban Water is also a significant public land manager in the study area.

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proMotion, education & support

coMMunity education & invoLveMentCommunity support and engagement is an essential part of landscape management. As a starting point, it is recommended that City of Greater Bendigo develop a community education program to disseminate information about the findings of this study and appropriate approaches to landscape management. This could include providing information for landowners and increasing awareness of the value of landscapes through formal education streams. Landscape management could also become a part of local community building initiatives.

grants and FinanciaL incentivesPrivate landowners potentially play an important role in enhancing the landscape character and/or environmental quality of land that has suffered environmental degradation or is less productive for farming. Financial incentives could be offered to landowners to assist with initiatives such as additional planting i.e. a rate reduction for each significant tree or ecological community that has been protected, or for good grazing management.

City of Greater Bendigo may consider establishing a funding program for smaller scale projects that would have wider community benefit, and could also assist landowners in applying for State or Federal government grants through funding streams such as the Landcare program.

Media and MarketingA media and marketing campaign to inform the community of the study and its recommendations is an important starting point for its implementation. The range of assistance offered by The City of Greater Bendigo and other groups or agencies should be promoted to landowners or managers. Recognition of landscape management initiatives is also important and could be achieved through an awards program.

tourisM and recreation opportunities The tourism opportunities of the study area’s landscape values could be promoted in various ways.

Public ‘viewing areas’ for the local community and visitors to photograph and enjoy particular landscapes could be developed, or existing viewing areas upgraded as required. These could include interpretive information that describes the pre- and post-contact history of the place, links to artworks and education about the significance of the landscape and how it is being protected.

A tourist trail or map could be produced to promote viewing points and scenic driving routes. The opportunities for appreciation of the study area by cyclists and bushwalkers could be further promoted.

LocaL historyEvidence of historic human integration with the landscape can form an integral part of the landscape character. The study has revealed a strong local history within the area, of pre- and post-contact people.

Existing heritage groups are active in the collection of historical material within the study area, much of which relates to our interaction with the landscape. This important work should be offered continued support.

Landcare networks and Market prograMsLandcare networks are already well established throughout the study area and there are opportunities to promote the recommendations of this study through these groups. The City of Greater Bendigo may be able offer assistance to expand and provide funding for discreet projects undertaken by Landcare groups.

A number of landowners are engaged in market programs such as Trust for Nature, which are a means by which landowners can permanently protect native plants and wildlife on their properties through the application of covenants on their property title. This is a strong commitment to future environmental and landscape management and should be supported and promoted.

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city oF greater Bendigo staFF skiLLing and supportIt will take time to become familiar with the findings of this study and its implementation through the planning system, and City of Greater Bendigo planners will need support and skilling to get the most out of the recommendations.

Correct approaches to site analysis, knowledge about acceptable design solutions for particular landscape character areas and consistency are all important.

Above all, the City of Greater Bendigo must send out the right message to the development community through consistent decision-making as well as communication about the value of the landscape character to the image and economy of the area.

The City of Greater Bendigo may consider providing training sessions to assist staff in assessing applications within the proposed SLO areas.

Other measures that will assist in the implementation of landscape management practices include enforcement of permit conditions and active monitoring of illegal works, and increased publicity regarding penalties.

governanceAt the completion of the project, a Implementation Working Group should be established to oversee the roll-out of implementation activities, initiatives and programs. This would be set up by The City of Greater Bendigo and include members of the Community Reference Group and other interested parties.

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actions For proMotion, education & support

Community Education & InvolvementObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? Priority

Increase community awareness of and involvement in the protection and management of landscape character.

Ensure that community education and awareness actions related to landscape character are considered in the review of the CoGB Natural Environment Strategy.

SEU

Community groups

Landowners

Local media

Short term (2012–2016)

Ongoing

Include information about local landscapes and planting guidelines in the online new residents’ information kit which is to be developed.

CCDCommunity / environment groups

Landowners


Ongoing

Support local networks to develop and participate in area volunteer planting programs. SEU

Landowners

Public land managers


Ongoing

Grants & Financial IncentivesObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? Priority

Provide incentives to encourage the protection and management of landscape character.

Promote the CoGB Bushcare Incentive Program to local landowners and residents. SEU

Community / environment groups

Landowners

Local media


Ongoing

Continue to promote the benefits of private membership and involvement in Landcare to local landowner and residents.

SEU LandownersShort term (2012–2016)

Ongoing

Landcare Groups & Market ProgramsObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? Priority

Offer support to local landscape management networks.

Continue to support Landcare and other environment groups. SEU Landowners


OngoingProvide information to landholders who wish to investigate or participate in market based programs such as BushBroker to provide financial support

SEUCommunity Groups

Landowners


Ongoing

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actions For proMotion, education & support

Tourism & Recreation OpportunitiesObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? Priority

Increase tourism and recreation opportunities for active and passive appreciation of Bendigo’s landscapes.

Include the Big Hill and Mandurang Valley areas in the CoGB Tourism Strategy to promote associated tourism and recreation opportunities and broader appreciation of local scenic qualities.

TourismLocal media

LandownersShort Term (2012-2016)

Continue to promote and provide information about tourist drives, bicycle touring and walking trails. Tourism

Bicycle use groups

Bushwalking groups

Tourism Vic

Parks Vic

Short Term (2012-2016)

Work with local tourism-related businesses to improve their understanding of local landscape values. Encourage businesses to assist with enhancement of landscape qualities.

TourismLocal businesses

Tourism VicShort Term (2012-2016)

Investigate opportunities to establish or improve public viewing and appreciation of the landscape at the following locations:

▪ Ravenswood – opportunity for public reserve near stone cottages, with picnic facilities and interpretive information

▪ Springs Road – opportunity for improved signage to informal parking area and interpretive information about Coliban Chanel, historic channel structures and Great Dividing Track walk

▪ Big Hill viewing point – opportunity to open existing sealed road as a public viewing point

▪ Bullock Creek and Old Coach Road – opportunity to create informal picnic area with interpretive information

▪ Calder Alternate Highway viewing point – opportunity for interpretive information at viewing point to Big Hill

Engineering & Public Space Design

DSE

Landowners

Parks Vic

VicRoads

Medium term (2016-2022)

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ManageMent oF Landscape issues

Landscape management issues identified for the study area and discussed in the previous section of this report include:

▪ Settlement & Urban Expansion

▪ Rural Residential Development

▪ Subdivision & Lot Size

▪ Agriculture

▪ Unused Government Roads

▪ Landscaping on Private Property

▪ Roadside Vegetation

▪ Weed Control

▪ Infrastructure

▪ Signage

▪ Public Land Management

▪ Municipal Boundaries

To address each issue, a range of actions are recommended.

This includes actions that will require implementation through the policies and controls of the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme.

It also includes actions that are non-statutory in nature, sitting outside of the scope of Planning Scheme. Many of these actions are intrinsically liked to management of other issues, such as the environmental protection, land use or heritage planning, for example.

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actions For ManageMent oF Landscape issues

AgricultureObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? Priority

Retain productive agricultural land.

Manage amenity issues in areas that integrate agricultural practice with residential or lifestyle properties.

Continue to support environmentally sensitive land management practices through promotion of the Federal Government’s Caring for Our Country publications.

CCD / SEU LandownersShort term (2012–2016)

Ongoing

Settlement & Urban Expansion, Rural Residential Development, Subdivision & Lot SizeObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? Priority

Retain the character of the ridgeline and southern slopes of Big Hill as key elements of the gateway experience to the City of Greater Bendigo.

Manage rural residential development so that it complements the valued landscape character of Big Hill and the Mandurang Valley.

Maintain lot sizes that are suitable for management of the valued landscape character.

Sensitively design future development to minimise impacts on natural and landscape values.

As part of the Bendigo Residential Development Strategy Review, consider the important role the existing Urban Growth Boundary plays in maintaining the identified landscape values of the study area.

StrategyLandowners

DevelopersShort term (2012–2016)

Develop and introduce planning policy changes to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, including:

▪ Strengthened Municipal Strategic Statement.

▪ The addition of a new Local Planning Policy.

▪ A Significant Landscape Overlay (SLO) applied to specific parts of the study area.

▪ Inclusion of the Landscape Assessment Report and the Design and Development Guidelines as a Reference Document.

StrategyStatutory Planning

SEUShort term (2012–2016)

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Roadside VegetationObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? Priority

Retain and rehabilitate roadside vegetation where possible

Implement the CoGB Roadside Management Plan and Policy.

SEU

Parks and Natural Reserves

Presentation and Works

VicRoads

Landowners


Ongoing

Support service authorities in planning the maintenance of utility infrastructure by supplying available data on significant biodiversity.

SEUDSE

Service Authorities


Ongoing

Unused Government RoadsObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? Priority

Sensitively design future development to minimise impacts on natural and landscape values.

Prepare a policy on the development of unused government roads, including management of vegetation, road design response to landscape values and support for wildlife corridors.


SEU

Statutory Planning

Strategy



Landscaping on Private PropertyObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? PriorityDesign vegetation and gardens within private property to respond to the surrounding forested setting.

Continue to promote landowner awareness of appropriate plant species selection for home gardens.

SEU LandownersShort term (2012–2016)

Ongoing

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InfrastructureObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? Priority

Minimise the visual impact of infrastructure, particularly when visible from identified significant viewing corridors and viewing locations.

Coordinate with service authorities on the siting and alignment of new utility infrastructure to achieve safety standards whilst minimising impacts on landscape character.

Statutory Planning


Service Authorities

VicRoads


Ongoing


Weed ControlObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? Priority

Manage weeds on public land. Implement the CoGB Invasive Plants and Animals Strategy.


Presentation and Works SEU

SEUShort term (2012–2016)

Ongoing

Public Land ManagementObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? PriorityEndeavour to protect the underlying ecological and landscape values of the Bendigo Box Ironbark Forest, as a key feature of the study area.

Engage with public land managers to discuss how CoGB can contribute to protection of the local ecology and landscape values

SEUDSE

Parks VictoriaShort term (2012–2016)

Municipal BoundariesObjective Action Responsibility Who can assist? Priority

Extend recognition of the significance of the Big Hill landscape into adjacent Shire of Mount Alexander

Initiate discussion with the Shire of Mount Alexander to extend landscape assessment of Big Hill to cover the extent of the range.

Strategy Shire of Mount Alexander Short term (2012–2016)

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Policy gaps can be addressed through a package of statutory and non-statutory implementation techniques. The planning scheme is perhaps the most important part of implementation as it legally binds the City of Greater Bendigo, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) and applicants to consider the landscape management objectives identified through a study such as this.

In view of the identified gaps in planning provisions and the options for statutory implementation, the following recommendations are made. Discussion with City of Greater Bendigo planning staff, the community and the Department of Planning and Community Development will shape final recommendations for the Planning Scheme implementation.

guideLinesCity of Greater Bendigo may resolve to adopt the findings of the study and the Character Area Analysis Papers (or specifically, the Landscape Management Guidelines) for use in the assessment of planning applications, but not to proceed further with amending the planning scheme. The advantages of this option are that City of Greater Bendigo could commence using the guidelines immediately as no planning scheme amendment would be required to implement, and that the guidelines could be changed at any time.

The significant disadvantage is that the study will not have any statutory weight and could not be of assistance at VCAT as the guidelines will not be considered to be of relevance to the consideration of applications without some reference in the scheme. The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) actively discourages stand-alone Council policies. Other than as a temporary measure, while an amendment was being prepared and exhibited, this option would not be recommended.

MunicipaL strategic stateMent (Mss)The MSS is the City of Greater Bendigo’s primary statutory tool, and it must provide the strategic rationale and context for all statutory controls introduced into the planning scheme. A number of changes to the aspects that address landscape and landscape management are warranted.

Reference to the outcomes of this Study should be embedded within the strategic vision of City of Greater Bendigo’s MSS. This could include an overarching reference to the importance of protecting landscape character in Clause 21.02 Key Issues and Influences.

More detailed direction relating to the study area, including reference to key issues, objectives and strategies, could be included within Clause 21.08 Environment, under a new heading of Landscape Character.

iMpLeMentation through the pLanning scheMe

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LocaL poLicyA new, comprehensive Local Policy is recommended to specifically address the landscape character issues of the study area in more detail. This might be titled ‘Big Hill and Mandurang Valley Landscapes’.

This policy would refer to the landscape character areas of the study, and include design objectives and direction on siting and design issues. It would refer to each of the elements addressed in the design guidelines.

Inclusion of a Local Policy would ensure that all proposals requiring a planning permit would be assessed against these objectives and design requirements.

In addition, the existing Development at the Urban – Forest Interface Policy at Clause 22.01 should be expanded to include land within the Farming Zone and Rural Living Zone. This would assist in addressing issues of protection of forested areas adjoining new subdivision or development.

scheduLes to the ruraL ZonesThe planning provisions which relate to the rural zones include the ability for City of Greater Bendigo to alter certain use and development provisions, however, these would relate to all land included within that zone. These vary between zones but typically include such things as minimum subdivision area or minimum area for which a permit is required for a dwelling.

Presently, minimum areas for subdivision and for which no permit is required to use land for a dwelling are specified in the Farming Zone, Rural Conservation Zone and Rural Living Zone. In most instances, typical buildings and works relating to agricultural land uses will be consistent with the character of landscapes within the zone.

For landscapes of high sensitivity to change, whereby the siting or design of a single dwelling may have an impact, the DPCD have previously recommended that the application an overlay control is the most appropriate approach.

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signiFicant Landscape overLay (sLo)The comprehensive assessment of landscape values, sensitivity to change and existing planning controls has found that parts of the study area warrant further statutory protection through the Significant Landscape Overlay.

This would apply to

Big Hill Southern Slopes and Granitic Uplands Character Areas, which have demonstrated landscape value and significance, are subject to pressure for change and a high sensitivity to that potential change. For those parts of the Character Areas within the Farming Zone, landscape management issues are not considered to be adequately addressed and the SLO should be applied.

Mandurang Valley South and the Forest Interface also have demonstrated landscape value and significance, pressure for change and a moderate sensitivity to that potential change. For these areas, the current (and potential future) provisions of the Rural Living Zone and Low Density Residential Zone will not adequately address landscape management issues.

sLo schedule

The first part of the overlay schedule will read as a ‘statement of significance’ for the landscape area. It will describe the character and significance of the landscape, based on the contents of the relevant character area paper and significance assessment undertaken as part of the study.

The objectives in the overlay schedule will reflect the principles contained in the ‘future character directions’ statement and the objectives contained in the character area analysis paper

The permit requirements specified in the schedule to the SLO will be based on the sensitivity to change of the landscape, and the threats to landscape that have been identified.

A permit will be required for buildings and works within the SLO area (with some exemptions), as well as fencing other than traditional ‘open style’ rural fencing.

Exemptions from permit requirements will be tailored for each area and might include:

▪ Within the Farming and Rural Living Zones, construction of a structure associated with farming, such as a shed, up to 3 metres in height and 50 square metres in floor area.

▪ Construction of a small building, up to a certain floor area, that is ancillary to a dwelling e.g. up to 3 metres in height and 20 square metres in floor area.

▪ Buildings that are outside of a nominated setback area from key viewing corridors.

▪ Works undertaken by a public authority relating to watercourse management, environmental improvements or infrastructure services.

reFerence docuMentThe study and design guidelines should be included as a Reference Document in the Planning Scheme, to ensure the strategic intent of the controls is also included in the decision making process.

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proposed sLo areaFigure 16

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actions For character areas

ca1 Big hill southern slopes

Application of the SLO to maintain the open rural character of the area, protect outlook from ridgeline and to prevent development of the visible southern slopes and ridgeline above a nominated elevation.

Minimisation of new development by maintaining the 40ha minimum lot size, unless stringent control on new development is introduced to ensure structures remain visually subordinate, and obscured by, vegetation.

Remediation of natural landscape values (environment and biodiversity) through revegetation and prevention of weed spread.

Management of salinity on the southern slopes.

Opening of walking tracks along Big Hill ridgeline.

Opening of public viewing points on Big Hill with interpretive information, including reference to the area’s geological significance.

Initiate discussions with Mount Alexander Shire regarding the continuation of landscape assessment to cover the extents of the Big Hill Range beyond the municipal boundary.

ca2 Big hill granitic uplands

Inclusion of Local Policy in Planning Scheme to assist with decision guidelines for Rural Conservation Zone.

Application of the SLO on the Farming Zone area to maintain the open rural character of the area, and to prevent development of the visible southern slopes and ridgeline above xx contour level.

Enhancement of public viewing opportunity at Harcourt North.

ca3 Mandurang valley south

Application of the SLO to maintain the open rural character of the area, and to ensure development is designed and sited sensitively within the rolling topography of the landscape.

Enhancement of public access point to Coliban Channel and Goldfields Track at Springs Road, including interpretive information.

ca4 Mandurang valley north

Inclusion of Local Policy in Planning Scheme to assist with decision guidelines where a permit is required.

Strong encouragement and promotion of revegetation opportunities of endemic species on private property.

ca5 Mandurang Forest interface

Application of the SLO to ensure development is designed and sited sensitively within the heavily vegetated forest interface.

ca6 Box ironbark Forest

Public land management will address development issues within the Character Area.

Improved access to forest for bushwalkers or mountain bike riders, in appropriate locations.

Additional interpretive information about the history and ecological significance of the forest.

suMMary oF actions speciFic to each character area

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appendices

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APPENDIX A: BACKGROUND REVIEW

Bendigo Landscape Assessment | Background Review

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BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS

CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO THEMATIC ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY

Lovell Chen, May 2012

This study was undertaken to identify, protect, maintain and promote the cultural history of the City of Greater Bendigo. The report contains a quantity of information relating to the study area, including details of:

Aboriginal heritage, including specific clans and how they gathered from the landscape

The geological and geomorphological significance of the Big Hill Range (scientific significance)

The impacts and historical significance of the gold mining era and immigration to the region

The climatic conditions and development of the water supply chain (incl. Coliban Water Channel)

Timber getting from the Box Ironbark forests, and resultant uses and industries

The agricultural foundations of Mandurang

CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO CULTURAL HERITAGE STUDY

City of Greater Bendigo & Dale Sampson, 2010

This study addresses Aboriginal archaeology before and post‐European contact, and the land disturbance and degradation of waterways that occurred as a result of gold mining.

It describes how the search for gold in the Bendigo region caused intensive change to the landscape, primarily through felling of the forests and churning up of creek and river banks into muddy expanses through the gold mining process of ‘puddling’, and how this has had a continual effect on the gullies, creeks and floodplains.

The Study focuses on land primarily within the city’s Urban Growth Boundary, and concludes that there are no recorded Aboriginal sites within the region. This is primarily due to ground disturbance as a result of gold mining.

It is noted that scattered stone artefacts and stone resources have been recorded around Big Hill (Tulloch & Thomsom, 2003).

CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO HERITAGE STUDY STAGE 2

Context, 2009

The study makes brief mention of the Big Hill/Mandurang area.

It suggests an SLO within 50 m of Tannery Lane to control the scale and siting of new buildings so that they respect the heritage values in the area that cannot be controlled through the Heritage Overlay alone. The Lane is best represented in three roadside properties, hedging and trees and bluestone culverts on either side of the road (p 16). Also suggests changes to the MSS to better recognise landscape and other values (p 17). Further assessment is proposed of Excelsior Vineyard roadway, Tannery Lane.

Heritage register places are listed. The Heritage Victoria website currently lists two sites of State Significance related to the study area: the Big Hill Railway Precinct (VHR H1787) and Coliban Water Supply System (VHR H1021). There are three mining sites at Mandurang on the Victorian Heritage Inventory: the Tannery Lane Puddler is exceptionally well preserved. A large old River Red‐gum on Mandurang‐Sedgwick Road,


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which marks a campsite of the Burke and Wills Rescue Party, is a National Trust significant tree. The Mandurang Uniting Church and Chateau Dore Winery are also recognised by the Victorian Heritage Inventory (H7724‐0595). (http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/vhd/heritagevic)

HEATHCOTE-STRATHFIELDSAYE THEMATIC HISTORY

Earthtech, 2002

The history includes useful information on the Big Hill and Mandurang areas.

Mandurang forests were decimated supplying charcoal to blacksmiths in the gold rush period. Furnaces for charcoal production were also subsequently built at Big Hill before and during WWII.

Wines, fruit, vegetables and dairy products were produced at Mandurang and Big Hill in the gold era. Mandurang/Strathfieldsaye had 29 wineries and produced 12% of Victoria’s wine in 1882. Chateau Dore is a notable winery today. The Edinburgh Tannery on Tannery Lane successfully supplied belts for mining machinery for many years. Extensive ruins remain.

Granite was quarried around Big Hill including stone for entrance work on the Big Hill tunnel. The 390 m tunnel was a significant engineering feat. The Big Hill School (on Calder Highway) was erected in 1875 and later extended and remodelled; some pine trees remain. The Cherry Tree Hotel and Post Office at Big Hill featured gardens and a small zoo and was popular for picnics. The area subsequently became a vegetable garden.

RURAL AREAS STRATEGY

City of Greater Bendigo Strategy Unit, 2009

This strategy recommended that assessments be made of landscapes that are subject to development pressures, including the Big Hill area and the Mandurang Valley, and that parts of these be included in a Significant Landscape Overlay.

It contains a summary of the landscape character, challenges and change relating to rural land in the municipality (p.9) and references the Urban‐Forest Interface Development Requirements as detailed in the Residential Development Strategy, 2009 (see below).

The study also noted that the City of Greater Bendigo has an over‐supply of land zoned Rural Living, and that new housing development is one of the greatest threats to productive agricultural land.

Lot sizes within the Farming Zone (FZ) recommended to prevent the fragmentation of agricultural land, improve the viability of commercial activities and maintain farm valuation are: 100ha (F1Z), 40ha (F2Z) and 8ha (F3Z).


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CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Parsons Brickerhoff, 2004

This strategy contains a number of objectives relating to residential development and landscape values including:

Conserving and managing places, streetscapes and landscapes of natural and cultural significance which will protect and maintain the municipality’s character and sense of place.

Protect , enhance and avoid fragmentation of the National and Regional Parks and other areas of ecological significance for future generations

Protection of productive agricultural land for farming purposes, and to avoid further fragmentation of this important asset.

This Study discusses the potential for Big Hill to be developed as a satellite suburb, however it was not considered an appropriate site due to environmental, infrastructure provision and sustainability issues.

Section 4.1.4 addresses the Urban‐Forest Interface, stating that the beautiful ‘green’ surrounds of Bendigo provides an important contribution to the city’s character, and contributes to the attraction of the area as a place to work, live and visit.

This interface will be an important consideration in the Assessment of Bendigo’s Landscapes. It is highlighted that the Regional and National Parks surrounding the city face a number of threats stemming from urban development, including increased fire risk, spread of weeds and nutrient run‐off from gardens, wind‐blown and dumped litter, tree removal, illegal collection of fire wood, trail bike riding, entering parks

at non‐designated entry points and the threat of domestic pets to native animals.

Section 4.1.5 discusses Environmental Features and states that it is important that the outside design of houses suits the landscape they are in with regards to neighbourhood character and the adjoining National/Regional Parks.

Appendix A: Urban‐Forest Interface Development Requirements provides a table outlining the minimum standards recommended to be applied to Residential development at these edges.

CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO INVASIVE PLANTS AND ANIMALS STRATEGY 2012-2015

RMCG, 2012

This strategy was developed to provide a strategic approach to invasive plants and animals management on land owned by the City of Greater Bendigo. It recognises that weed and pest control is a responsibility that falls on a number of different groups within the community, and notes that Council can play a leadership role through the effective management of these weeds and pests in roadsides, parks and reserves, and in the design and management of streetscapes and other public land.

CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS - RURAL ROADSIDE CONSERVATION 2011-2015 (2011)

This plan supports work that acknowledges the importance of roadside vegetation in the municipality for the role it plays in conservation of threatened vegetation communities, and as corridors for biodiversity


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and habitat for native flora and fauna. Strategic directions for roadside management are to ensure the:

Provision of safe transport corridors

Protection and enhancement of the quality and viability of our natural biodiversity a

Protection of Aboriginal and non‐indigenous cultural heritage.

Roadsides within the municipality were assigned a conservation values of high, medium or low based on a range of attributes including:

The proportion of remanet native vegetation including grasslands

Percentage of weed cover

Degree of site disturbance

Potential habitat value

Width of road reserve

The presence of any threatened species of flora and fauna

This is based on a simplified assessment of the method used for determining the conservation significance in Victoria’s Native Vegetation Framework.

CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO OPEN SPACE STRATEGY

HM Leisure Planning/Inspiring Place Pty Ltd./Conceptz Pty Ltd./ Centre for Land Protection Research, 2004

This report provides a comprehensive recording and analysis of Open Space within the City of Greater Bendigo. The study outlines that there is a lack of design guidelines for reserves, a lack of sustainable development in terms of landscaping and amenity and that there is

significant urban pressure on the condition of the fringes of the National Park and other Nature Reserves.

BENDIGO INDUSTRIAL LAND STRATEGY

Gutteridge, Haskins & Davey (GHD) Pty Ltd, 2001

Industrial zoned land within the Big Hill Study Area features in Precinct 19 of this plan. It is noted that the land is constrained by nearby residential development, though as only 50% of the land is currently developed there is potential for the further industrial development to be expanded to the south. It is recommended that this land be retained as Industrial Zone 1.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY: THE GREEN PLAN 2 2007-2010

City of Greater Bendigo Strategy Unit, 2007

This environment strategy sets out five Key Action Areas to be addressed to meet the Vision:

“The City of Greater Bendigo will become an ecologically sustainable community.”

Action Area 2: Enhancing and Restoring our Natural Assets addresses issues relating to land and landscape management including dryland salinity, healthy water systems, biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, clean air and the National, State and Regional parks surrounding the city.

The strategy is being reviewed and updated (2012)


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HEALTH & WELLBEING STRATEGY (& MUNICIPAL EARLY YEARS PLAN) 2009-2013)

City of Greater Bendigo, 2009

This document highlights challenges that have the potential to negatively impact on the health and wellbeing of the community. Those that have the potential to relate to landscape and landscape values are the Physical/Built Environment (transport & provision of additional walking trails and bicycle paths) and the Natural Environment (Drought conditions and climate change, and the importance of maintaining public open space including walking/bush trails and cycle paths).

MANDURANG VALLEY OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Meldrum Burrows for the Shire of Strathfieldsaye, 1992

The Outline Development Plan applies to the Mandurang Valley, Mandurang that was previously zoned Environmental Living. The plan’s objectives include:

To retain the rural character of the area.

To ensure the preservation and enhancement of the environmental features of the area.

To encourage a range of rural residential styles and densities.

The objectives relating to landscape include the protection of the exiting character of the area, significant views (especially the foregrounds) and significant features as well as ensuring development is not visually prominent by concealment, screening and clustering. It also aims to require tree planting of selected areas prior to development.

In the appendices, five landscape character types in the area were identified as well as a number of vegetation types. These were also

mapped. The character types were assessed by their capacity to absorb development visually as follows:

Forested areas – high capacity

Broad open valley – low capacity

More confined cleared slopes along Tannery Land – low capacity in the local context, moderate capacity in the broader context

Semi‐cleared Dairy Maid Flat area – moderate capacity

Areas surrounded in whole or part by treelines – moderate capacity

Potential for tree planting to screen areas – potential moderate capacity

This section also includes possible constraints and opportunities, proposed aims and development criteria and the following list of significant landscape features and views:

Enclosure of the Mandurang Valley by the State Forest

The central broad open valley contrast with the surrounding forested hills

Long views along the valley

Views to escarpment north of Tannery Lane

Tannery Lane – treelined avenue at western end contrasts with more open slopes loaded to forested hill at eastern end

BOX-IRONBARK FORESTS & WOODLANDS INVESTIGATION

Environment Conservation Council (ECC), 2001

This investigation aimed to identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values and uses of the Box‐Ironbark forests and woodland areas in


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northern Victoria and respond to these findings with recommendations. The report led to the creation of a number of parks including the Greater Bendigo National Park and the Bendigo Regional Park.

The report explains how the heavy cutting of the original Box‐Ironbark forests had significant ramifications for the landscape. Originally the forests dominated by large, wide‐crowned, hollow‐rich and widely‐spaced trees. By contrast, today’s forests are dominated by very high densities of small trees. The loss of these forests also led to the disappearance and decline of species in the area. The vision for the area is restoration of the original forest structure, though this is expected to take many decades:

The ECC’s broad vision for Box‐Ironbark forests on public lands sees extensive landscapes dominated by conspicuously fewer, wider‐spaced and much larger and older trees than is currently the case.


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PLANNING SCHEME CONTEXT

STATE PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK The State Planning Policy Framework (SPPF) provides a number of high‐level strategic directions for the protection of landscape character.

In Clause 10.02 Goals, it lists one of the objectives of planning in Victoria to be “To conserve and enhance those buildings, areas or other places which are of scientific, aesthetic, architectural or historical interest, or otherwise of special cultural value”.

Open space planning and management are addressed in Clause 11 Settlement, with strategies of planning for regional open space networks for recreation and conservation of natural and cultural environments, and protecting sites and features of high scientific nature conservation, biodiversity, heritage, geological or landscape value. “Preserving and protecting features of rural land and natural resources and features to enhance their contribution to settlements and landscapes” is a strategy that applies to the promotion and support of regional development.

Clause 12 Environment and Landscape Values states: “Planning should help to protect the health of ecosystems and the biodiversity they support… and conserve areas with identified environmental and landscape values.” Strategies address the protection of significant environments and landscapes.

Clause 12.04 Significant Environments and Landscapes contains the objective “to protect landscapes and significant open spaces that contribute to character, identity and sustainable environments”. Strategies to achieve this include recognising the natural landscape for

its aesthetic value and as a fully functioning system, and ensuring that natural key features are protected and enhanced.

Clause 14 Natural Resource Management relates primarily to environmental quality and sustainable development; however it also includes several references to the protection of areas of landscape significance.

Clause 15 Built Environment & Heritage contains urban design principles that include the objective of protecting sensitive landscape areas. These state that landmarks, views and vistas should be protected and enhanced by new development, and that it responds to the underlying landscape character and heritage values.

Clause 16 Housing requires that planning for rural living protects existing landscape values of the area.

The provision of renewable energy in a manner that ensures appropriate siting and design considerations are met is a key objective in Clause 19 Infrastructure.

LOCAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK

MSS

Council’s MSS notes the importance of the Box‐Ironbark region as a distinctive area of Victoria and the home to a diverse range of flora and fauna species. Strategies for natural resource management include the protection of these habitat areas and prevention of their incremental clearance and fragmentation.

Clause 21.01 Municipal Profile identifies Bendigo, the municipality’s main centre, as “the ‘city in the forest’ as it is almost encompassed by the Box Ironbark forests of central Victoria”. It states that one of


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Council’s main challenges is managing the urban‐forest interface, particularly given large areas of vegetation in private ownership.

Clause 21.02 Key Issues and Influences also mentions the urban‐forest interface issue and notes that the Bendigo Residential Development Strategy (2004) provides development guidelines to address this. Other issues the Clause raises include the management of open space by a variety of land managers, dryland salinity and the duplication of the Calder Highway.

The Council’s vision statement at Clause 21.03 Vision refers to the unique Box‐Ironbark Forest. Strategies to achieve the Council’s vision include the protection of the natural assets and planning for responsible urban development.

In the strategic framework for Bendigo’s urban area, Clause 21.04 Strategic Directions promotes access improvements to Melbourne by the Calder Highway upgrade and roughly identifies Mandurang as a key low density residential area and Mandurang South as an important environmental living area.

One of the aims of Clause 21.05 Settlement is to protect areas of native vegetation for reasons of character, ecological significance and economic benefit by directing development away from these areas and towards areas within the Urban Growth Boundary and by ensuring environmentally sustainable development.

Clause 21.06 Housing encourages urban containment, focusing in centres, with any new development areas to be located within the urban growth boundary. This is intended to emphasise the transition between the urban area and rural hinterland, especially the forest.

Clause 21.07 Economic Development discusses forestry. In particular, it mentions how the Box‐Ironbark forests are a significant Statewide

resource, a source of durable fencing timbers locally and a source of domestic firewood regionally.

Clause 21.08 Environment identifies the Box Ironbark region as a distinctive natural area of Victoria with vegetation spanning at least 17 Ecological Vegetation Classes and distinctive and diverse fauna. Its strategies include reversing the incremental clearance of native vegetation that reduces landscape values. Implementation recommendations include applying the Significant Landscape Overlay to residential areas on the fringe of Bendigo and Heathcote with identified landscape characteristics. Further strategic work includes completion of a landscape assessment of rural areas such as Big Hill.

LOCAL POLICIES

Clause 22.01 Development at the Urban‐Forest Interface Policy applies to land in Residential 1 Zone, Low Density Residential Zone or proposed new development areas that abut forested areas. It sets minimum standards to be applied to residential development to protect ecological significance and the City’s character. This includes providing a 30m buffer between residential development and the forest boundary and preparation of a vegetation management plan for new subdivisions.

Clause 22.02 Rural Dwellings Policies and Clause 22.03 Rural Subdivision Policy discourage the fragmentation of rural land and the construction of dwellings on small lots to protect agricultural production and land with significant environmental values.

Clause 22.04 Salinity and Erosion Policy highlights the importance of protecting the City’s natural environment, particularly the Box‐Ironbark forests from the risks of salinity and erosion.

Significant assets and resources for central Victoria mentioned in Clause 22.06 Heritage Policy include landscapes. Cultural and heritage


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assets generally are regarded as important for the City’s character and sense of place. The policy lists the tannery on Tannery Lane as a site that may be included in the Heritage Overlay following the preparation and consideration of full citations.

Clause 22.08 Highways Entrances and Boulevards Policy and Clause 22.09 Calder Freeway and Calder Highway Environs both concern the planning of the Calder Highway and the appearance of its surrounding landscape. Clause 22.08 is focused on the urban design aspects while Clause 22.09 focuses more on the highway’s performance.

ZONES

FARMING ZONE (FZ)

A large portion of the study area falls within the Farming Zone. The Farming Zone (Clause 35.07) provides for the use of land for agricultural purposes. In addition, the purpose of the zone includes ensuring sustainable land management practices and protecting the natural resources and biodiversity of the area.

The Schedule specifies that land in the study area has a minimum subdivision area of 40 hectares and a permit is required to use land for a dwelling if the lot size is less than 40 hectares. It also requires minimum setbacks from a road as being 100m from a Road Zone category 1, 20m from a Road Zone category 2 and 20m from any other road, from a boundary as 5m and from a dwelling not in the same ownership as 100m.

Of particular relevance to the project study area are the decision guidelines that relate to visual amenity, landscape character and environmental issues. Consideration must be given to the design, siting, height, bulk, colours and materials of buildings and their impact upon on the natural environment, landscape features and vistas, scenic

quality and heritage values. Environmental issues that must be considered include the degree of impact on the flora and fauna of the site, the need to enhance and protect the biodiversity of the area and the need to revegetate land and riparian buffers along waterways, gullies and ridgelines.

Summary of key provisions relating to landscape character

Agricultural land uses – no permit required for general agricultural use

Subdivision – minimum lot size of 40ha

Dwelling – no permit required when on a lot more than 40ha, access and services requirements and setback provisions apply

Rural related structures – no permit required where related to Section 1 use

Removal of vegetation – no permit required, but protection of vegetation and habitat is included as a decision guideline

Paving – no specific design requirement

Tennis courts, horse ménages – no specific permit or design requirement

Fences – no permit or design requirement

Signage – no specific permit or design requirement

Tourism – a permit may be granted for a winery and for a restaurant, provided it is in conjunction with an agricultural use

RURAL LIVING ZONE (RLZ)

The Rural Living Zone applies to some land in the study area in the localities of Mandurang, Mandurang South and Sedgwick.


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The Rural Living Zone (Clause 35.03) provides for residential use in a rural environment. It is designed to cater for lots in a rural setting that are large enough to accommodate a dwelling and a farming use. The farming use is likely to be carried on for reasons other than the need to provide a significant source of household income.

The Schedule specifies a minimum subdivision area of 8 hectares for Rural Living Zone land in the study area. A permit is required to use this land for a dwelling if land is larger than 8 hectares. The maximum floor area for which no permit is required to alter or extend an existing dwelling is 100 square metres. The Schedule also requires a 5 metre minimum setback from a boundary and a 50m minimum setback from a dwelling not in the same ownership.

The Zone also includes decision guidelines that relate to visual amenity, landscape character and environmental issues.


Agricultural land uses – permit required for general agricultural use


Dwelling – no permit required when on a lot 8ha or greater, access and services requirements and setback provisions apply

Rural related structures – no permit required where less than 50m2






Tourism – a permit may be granted for a range of tourism related uses

RURAL CONSERVATION ZONE (RCZ)

Land zoned Rural Conservation in the study area is located at the south of the study area and at a few lots within or adjacent to Greater Bendigo National Park.

The Rural Conservation Zone (Clause 35.06) is primarily concerned with protecting and conserving rural land for its environmental features or attributes. The conservation values of the land must be identified in the schedule to the zone and could include historic, archaeological, landscape, ecological, cultural or scientific values.

Land use and development is strictly controlled in the zone to safeguard the natural environment and conserve the identified environmental qualities of the land. Some uses may only be considered if they are in conjunction with a specified farming activity or meet certain limitations on size or scale.

Under the RCZ most agricultural uses require a planning permit. In general, there is an expectation that a proposal will only be permitted if it conserves the values identified for the land, the site is environmentally capable of sustaining the proposal, and it is compatible with surrounding land uses.

The Zone also includes decision guidelines that relate to visual amenity, landscape character and environmental issues.





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Dwelling – permit required for a dwelling, access and services requirements and setback provisions apply

Rural related structures – permit required except for minor alterations or extensions to existing buildings


Paving – a permit is required for all earthworks however there are no specific design requirements relating to paving

Tennis courts, horse ménages – a permit is required for all earthworks




LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL ZONE (LDRZ)

There is an area of Low Density Residential Zone at the heart of the Mandurang Valley.

The Low Density Residential Zone (Clause 32.03) provides for low‐density residential development on lots which, in the absence of reticulated sewerage, can treat and retain all wastewater. The Schedule does not specify any variations applicable to the study area.

For use or development requiring a permit (such as two or more dwellings, or development on sites not connected to reticulated services) decision guidelines include protection and enhancement of the natural environment.



Subdivision – minimum lot size of 0.4ha (4,000m2)

Dwelling – no permit required when the only dwelling on a lot and a permit may be granted for two dwellings on a lot, access and services requirements and setback provisions apply

Rural related structures – permit required







PUBLIC CONSERVATION & RESOURCE ZONE (PCRZ)

The Greater Bendigo National Park and the Bendigo Regional Park fall within the Public Conservation & Resource Zone.

The Public Conservation & Resource Zone (Clause 36.03) is applied to land of high conservation value that is subject to public land management. The purpose of this zone includes “to protect and conserve the natural environment and natural processes for their historic, scientific, landscape, habitat or cultural values”. The zone provides for facilities for education and interpretation of these environments.

A permit is required for any buildings or works, with the exemption of planting or landscaping or those carried out through public land


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management. A permit is also required for subdivision. Permit applications must identify sites of flora or fauna significance or places of cultural heritage or scientific value.

PUBLIC PARK & RECREATION ZONE (PPRZ)

This zone applies to a few lots in Mandurang and Mandurang South. The Public Park and Recreation Zone (Clause 36.02) aims to provide open space for public recreation and to protect and conserve areas of significance.

A permit is required to construct a building or carry out works, however amenity and recreation structures associated with public parks such as picnic tables, barbeques, playgrounds navigational aids, planting, landscaping and rubbish bins are exempt. Any permit application must identify sites of flora or fauna significance or places of cultural heritage or scientific value.

PUBLIC USE ZONE (PUZ)

A few areas are zoned Public Use. The zone is applied to the railway line, roughly parallel to the Calder Highway and in two other areas which are covered in forest. The purpose of the Public Use Zone (Clause 36.01) is to recognise public land for public utility, community services and facilities, and to provide for associated uses that are consistent with the intent of the public land reservation or purpose.

ROAD ZONE (RDZ)

The Calder Highway and Calder Alternative Highway are both zoned Road Zone Category 1. Road Zone Category 2 is applied to Mandurang Road, Sedgwick Road and Tannery Lane.

Road Zone (Clause 36.04) aims to identify significant existing roads and identify land which has been acquired for a significant proposed road.


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OVERLAYS

BUSHFIRE MANAGEMENT OVERLAY (BMO)

The Bushfire Management Overlay is applied to more than half of the study area covering all of the parkland and the Mandurang Valley.

The Bushfire Management Overlay (Clause 44.06) aims to ensure minimum bushfire protection measures are taken and that development does not proceed unless risk to life and property is managed at an acceptable level.

EROSION MANAGEMENT OVERLAY (EMO)

Within the study area, there are large areas to the south and a smaller area to the north‐west covered by the Erosion Management Overlay.

The purpose of the Erosion Management Overlay (Clause 44.01) is to protect areas prone to erosion, landslip or other land degradation processes, by minimising land disturbance and inappropriate development.

The Schedule specifies a few instances where a permit is not required for works, extensions and alterations.

VEGETATION PROTECTION OVERLAY (VPO)

Three Vegetation Protection Overlays apply in the study area:

VPO1 Wildlife Corridor Protection – few lots east of study area

VPO2 Significant Vegetation – few large areas, including along Big Hill’s ridge

VPO3 Roadside Remnant Vegetation –

along some roads that travel to and from the national park

The purpose of the Vegetation Protection Overlay (Clause 42.02) is primarily to protect and preserve vegetation.

VPO1 aims to protect wildlife corridors, particularly box ironbark vegetation around Bendigo and other indigenous flora and fauna species.

VPO2 is designed to protect areas of significant vegetation. It aims ‘to maintain and enhance Bendigo’s scenic and recreational landscape assets’ and identifies remnant vegetation as a key feature of Bendigo’s landscape. It recognises extensive clearing of vegetation occurred in the municipality due to European settlement, agricultural land uses and exploitation of forests during the gold‐rush era and the remaining vegetation is significant for its diversity and environmental value providing habitat areas.

VPO3 aims to protect remnant roadside vegetation because in areas of cleared farmland it makes up a large part of the remaining natural environment and much roadside vegetation includes rare, vulnerable and significant flora species.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN OVERLAY (DPO)

One Development Plan Overlay applies in the study area to land zoned Low Density Residential in the Mandurang Valley:

DPO1 Low Density Residential Zone‐ Density Management Areas

The Development Plan Overlay (Clause 43.04) is used to identify areas which require the form and conditions of future use and development to be shown on a development plan before a permit can be granted to use or develop the land. If an application is generally in accordance with a development plan it is exempt from notice and review.


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DPO4 stipulates a minimum lot size of 2ha. It requires a development plan that demonstrates the consideration of and responses to a number of environmental and infrastructure details.

ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE OVERLAY (ESO)

Within the study area, two Environmental Significance Overlays generally overlap and apply to waterways:

ESO1 Watercourse protection

ESO2 Groundwater Recharge Protection Area (Salinity mitigation)

The Environmental Significance Overlay (Clause 42.01) aims to identify areas where the development of land may be affected by environmental constraints and ensure that development is compatible with identified environmental values.

ESO1 aims to maintain water quality, soil stability and flora and fauna habitats along watercourses.

ESO2 aims to maintain and manage groundwater resources and groundwater quality and limit consequent saline discharge.

HERITAGE OVERLAY (HO)

A number of site‐specific Heritage Overlays have been applied within the study area:

HO15 Big Hill Railway Precinct, Calder Highway, Big Hill

HO31 Ravenswood Railway Precinct, Calder Highway, Ravenswood

HO309 Coliban Water Supply System, Big Hill and Mandurang South and Sedgwick and Harcourt North

HO558 Uniting Church, 13 Hollidays Road, Mandurang

HO629 Buckeye Creek Rail Bridge Complex, Buckeye Lane, Ravenswood

HO630 Ravenswood Homestead, 4912 Calder Highway, Ravenswood

HO631 Ravenswood Railway Siding, Calder Highway, Ravenswood

HO633 Single Arch Granite Road Bridge, Beilharz Road, Ravenswood

HO712 Former Mandurang South Primary School, Mandurang South Road, Mandurang South

HO711 Big Hill Railway Precinct (Murray Valley Railway, Melbourne to Echuca), Railway Reserve, off Calder Highway, Big Hill and Mandurang and Mandurang South

The Heritage Overlay (Clause 43.01) is used to conserve and enhance heritage places of natural or cultural significance.

DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY (DDO)

One Design & Development Overlay applies in the study area along a section of the Calder Highway.

DDO3 Noise Attenuation measures along the Calder Highway between Faraday and Ravenswood

The Design & Development Overlay (Clause 43.02) is applied to areas which are affected by specific requirements relating to the design and built form of new development.

DDO3 aims ‘to ensure that any new development of land near the future alignment of the new Calder Highway is undertaken with


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appropriate noise attenuation measures to minimise the impact of traffic noise on noise sensitive activities’.

SALINITY MANAGEMENT OVERLAY (SMO)

The Salinity Management Overlay applies to a few small pockets of land within the study area to the north and west.

The Salinity Management Overlay (Clause 44.02) is applied to encourage a series of salinity management and mitigation measures. It relates to development and environmental practices.

The Schedule stipulates a number of instances where a permit is not required for works, construction and the removal of vegetation.

RESTRUCTURE OVERLAY (RO)

A Restructure Overlay applies to land around Ravenswood:

RO2 Ravenswood

The Restructure Overlay (Clause 45.05) is used to identify old and inappropriate subdivisions which are to be restructured.

Land in RO2 is subject to the Ravenswood Restructure Plan, April 2008.


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PLANNING SCHEME AMENDMENTS

C163 HERITAGE STUDY STAGE 2

Amendment C163 to the Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme intends to implement the findings of the City of Greater Bendigo Heritage Study Stage 2: Former Shires of McIvor and Strathfieldsaye (2009).

The amendment has been with the minister for approval since June 2011.

It proposes the following new Heritage Overlays at:

HO743 Big Hill School No. 1551, 5644 Calder Highway, Big Hill

HO793 Château Doré, 303 Mandurang Road, Mandurang

HO794 Former Schools and Residence, 69 Nankervis Road, Mandurang

HO795 House and outbuilding, 306 Nankervis Road, Mandurang

HO796 Tannery Lane culverts and tree, Tannery Lane, between Mandurang and Nankervis Roads, Mandurang

HO797 Junction Hotel (former), 6 Tannery Lane, Mandurang

HO798 House and outbuilding, 88 Tannery Lane, Mandurang

HO799 Edinburgh Tannery, 145 Tannery Lane, Mandurang

The amendment also seeks to correct some of the details of the existing Heritage Overlays in the study area:

HO558 – Correcting the name and address in the schedule to 9 Hollidays Road Mandurang, Uniting Church (former

Bible Christian Church)

Correcting a mapping error in map no. 27HO at the former church located at 9 Hollidays Road, Mandurang (Lot 1 TP849724), now shown at 13 Hollidays Road, Mandurang

HO712 – Revising the description in the Schedule to Mandurang South State School No. 1628 (Former), 86 Mandurang South Road, Mandurang South


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APPLICATIONS

PLANNING & BUILDING APPLICATIONS

Planning and building permit application data from the last five years was analysed to gain an understanding of the type of new development occurring in the study area and the pressure for future change. The following observations are made:

Big Hill

60 planning permit applications were made, 57 of which were approved, with the remainder not requiring a planning permit or the application having lapsed

57 building permits were issued

Most applications were submitted for the construction of dwellings

Other applications included construction of sheds, swimming pools, car structures and dwelling extensions

Six applications were received for subdivision.

Mandurang

92 planning permit applications were made, 80 of which were approved, with the remainder not requiring a planning permit or the application being withdrawn

88 building permits were issued

Applications were made mostly within the Rural Living Zone and Low Density Residential Zone

One application for subdivision affected land within the Public Conservation and Resource Zone

Most applications were submitted for the construction of dwellings

Other applications included construction of sheds, swimming pools, car structures, dwelling extensions, removal of native vegetation and development of a winery

Seven applications were received for subdivision.

Conclusions

The analysis shows that:

There is a degree of change occurring within the study area which may have an impact upon landscape character or significance

New dwellings are the most prevalent form of development

A planning permit is required for most buildings and works occurring within the study area.

LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT BEST PRACTICE REVIEW

This section provides a summary of documents related to landscape assessment and values, originally prepared for the National Trust website by Robin Crocker (updated January 2012)

LANDSCAPE INFORMATION: 1. INTERNATIONAL/UKThe 2004 European Landscape Convention aims to encourage public authorities to adopt policies and measures at local, regional, national and international level for protecting, managing and planning landscapes throughout Europe. It covers all landscapes, both outstanding and ordinary, that determine the quality of people’s living environment’ underpinned by principles of sustainable development. http://www.coe.int/t/dg4/cultureheritage/heritage/landscape/

UNESCO recognises the importance of cultural landscapes, including intangibles associated with literature, poetry, painting, music, photography, rituals etc, and includes these in assessments. ‘Landscapes transcend the directly observable.’

The UK

In the UK, there has been a shift to a landscape character focus, with emphasis on input by experts, communities and others. Assessment of landscape character is integrated with biodiversity, historic character, recreation etc.

‘Characterisation’ has become popular in recent years. This ‘helps to manage change in the historic environment by tracing the imprint of history. It shows how the past exists within today’s world.’

Assessment of landscape values has led to the designation of national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs), covering 22% of the UK. These are largely private land managed through the planning system and sympathetic landowners.

[In Victoria, many significant natural landscapes and some significant cultural landscapes are protected in the 16% of the state managed by Parks Victoria in national, state and coastal parks and other reserves – all on Crown land. Some protection of landscapes on private land is provided through municipal planning schemes, eg via Significant Landscape Overlays and other mechanisms.]

Regional landscape partnership/protection/appreciation strategies have been developed recently in the UK involving agencies and councils, eg East Midlands. Overall in the UK, landscape is a key consideration in land use asset.

LANDSCAPE INFORMATION: 2. AUSTRALIAThese notes focus on landscape values and assessment.

‘A landscape is a place but landscape values are held by people and communities.’ Inspirational landscape studies, National Heritage List (NHL) assessment guidelines, and the Burra Charter provide useful information on identifying community values and perceptions. Sources of information on landscape values include interested stakeholders, art/ literature/ film/ TV/ music/ journals/ books, park and tourist guides, technical reports and the internet.

LANDSCAPE INFORMATION: 3. VICTORIAThese notes focus primarily on landscape values and assessment in Victoria.

Recent national windfarm development guidelines, and landscape assessments, eg of the Great Ocean Road Region and ‘Coastal Spaces’ in Victoria, have developed and refined landscape assessment methods. These include guidelines for determining significance based on:



▪ Community opinion (locals, groups, agencies etc) re values. Includes non-visual aspects - memories, experiences etc.

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1. International/UK

Document Subject Summary

World Heritage Cultural Landscapes, A Handbook for Conservation and Management, UNESCO, 2009

http://whc.unesco.org/en/series/26/

Cultural landscapes

Identifies 3 categories of cultural landscape – defined (designed), organically evolved, associative

Cultural landscapes include associated literature, poetry, painting, photography and rituals.

‘Landscapes also exist in people’ s memories and imaginations and are linked to place names, myths, rituals and folklore… Stories and myths endow landscapes with meanings transcending the directly observable and thereby help to create people’s ‘mental maps’, or awareness of place… Cultural landscapes can be seen as the repository of collective memory. Inspirational landscapes may become familiar to people through their depiction in paintings, poetry or song.’

The East Midlands Regional Landscape Framework 2010

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/regions/east_midlands/ourwork/characterassessment.a

Character, values A UK example of regional landscape character assessment and partnership/protection strategy (see Natural England reports and leaflet on website). Wide range of agencies and councils involved in partnership to protect landscape and increase understanding.

Landscape value integrated with biodiversity, location of development etc.

Characterisation: new ways of valuing the historic environment, Jim Gardner, Historic Towns in the Landscape Forum, HC, 2006 [on CD]

Assessment, Characterisation, AONBs

Overview of landscape changes and values in the UK, and Historic Landscape Characterisation – used to broadly assess/ understand range of landscapes.

Also discusses protection of major landscapes in national parks (7% of UK), and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (15% of UK). AONBs are similar to national parks but with less emphasis on recreation.

Characterisation Introduction, Grenville, J et al (and other articles), English Heritage, Conservation Bulletin, No 47, 2004-5

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/professional/research/landscapes-and-areas/characterisation/

Characterisation Outline of Characterisation work in UK. ‘Characterisation helps to manage change in the historic environment by tracing the imprint of history. Piecing together information from maps new and historic, from aerial photos, and from the wealth of data that we already have about archaeology and buildings, it builds up area-based pictures of how places in town and country have developed over time. It shows how the past exists within today’s world.’

Also related articles on Historic Landscape Characterisation and European Landscape Convention. ‘The ELC contains a range of measures aimed at promoting landscape protection, management and planning, underpinned by principles of sustainable development.’

AONBs in the UK

http://induction.aonb.org.uk/pages/english/fullscreen_fs.htm

AONBs The primary purpose of AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) designation is to ‘conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape’. The natural beauty of AONBs is threatened by long-term pressures, including continual demands for housing, mineral extraction, transport infrastructure, recreation and leisure developments.

‘The finest countryside in England and Wales has been designated by the Government as National Parks or AONBs. These areas are protected by law to ensure conservation and enhancement of their natural beauty.

The approach to protecting landscapes is based on the fact that almost all of the land in these areas is in private ownership and is depended on the control of development through the planning system, and the sympathetic management of the landscape by farmers and landowners.

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1. International/UK


Landscape Character (UK) 2002

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/landscape/englands/character/default.aspx

http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/ourwork/landscape/englands/character/assessment/topicpapers.aspx

Character, assessment, input

Overview of landscape character and assessment in UK.

Topic paper 1 gives overview of changing approached to landscape assessment in UK from 1970s to 2002 – shift to landscape character focus, emphasis on stakeholder views etc.

Integrated assessment of landscape character with biodiversity, historic character, recreation etc. now used.

2. Australia


National Wind Farm Development Guidelines – Draft, Environment Protection and Heritage Council, July 2010

http://www.ephc.gov.au/taxonomy/term/25

Assessment, values, community

IExtension of 2007 Auswind/NT report. Includes comprehensive account of landscape assessment, significance and visual impact assessment.

Provides guidelines for determining significance based on:



▪ Community opinion (locals, groups, agencies etc) re values. Includes non-visual aspects – memories, experiences etc.

Scenic Amenity: Managing the Scenic Amenity of the Urban Edge, UDA/ AILA Queensland 2010

http://www.aila.org.au/lapapers/papers/scenic-amenity/default.htm

Assessment, management

Papers by Davies and Piper of interest. Discuss landscape character assessment and management of landscapes.

Recent information on landscape assessment derived in part from UK experience.

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2. Australia


Guidelines for the Assessment of Places on the NHL, Aust Heritage Council, 2009

http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/ahc/publications/nhl-guidelines.html

NHL Discusses criteria (a to g), and significance.

Criterion (e) – Aesthetic value is the response derived from the experience of the environment … either to visual or to non-visual elements and can embrace emotional response, sense of place, sound, smell and any other factor having a strong impact on human thoughts, feelings and attitudes.

Art, poetry, music etc inspired by place can provide evidence of aesthetic value.

A place must be highly valued by a community or cultural group.

Wind Farms and Landscape Values, Foundation Report, and National Assessment Framework, Planisphere et al for Auswind/ ACNT, 2007

http://www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/cec/accreditation/certified-wind-farms-australia/Landscape-Values.html [see Foundation Report and Consultation Report]

Landscape values, character, consultation assessment

The Foundation Report provides a valuable review of landscape values and assessment methods including character, scenic amenity, visual impacts, etc. Also details of community involvement – communities may include nearby residents, people with holiday houses or passing through, and those who value the place remotely.

‘Landscape values include the existence value of a landscape or its value to present or future generations. Landscape values may include biodiversity, geo-diversity, historic and aesthetic values. The focus of this project is the development of methodologies for landscape values which derive from an individual’s response to the landscape’s natural or cultural character (including visual and aesthetic responses) or which otherwise arise from a person’s associations, memories, knowledge or experiences of that landscape.’

‘Communities define their values of landscape based on a combination of memory, knowledge, associations and emotional responses to the environment.’

‘Landscape evaluation that is not based on sound social research is inevitably a subjective process. Training, for example as a landscape architect, rural or natural resource planner or as a fine artist, may inform and refine the exercise of such subjective judgments. However, in the absence of reference to wider social values, the opinion of an individual remains just that – an interesting and informative guide but nothing more.’ (Bald Hills Wind Farm Project Panel Report, 2004:97)

Identifying Inspirational Landscapes – Stage 2, Robin Crocker and Associates, for DEH, 2005 (unpublished)

Natural landscape values assessment

Built on 2003 Stage 1 project, refining methodology. Identified 107 places across Australia, refined to short list of 29 places including 11 World Heritage Areas. Draft NHL nominations prepared for Pt Campbell coastline and Alpine NP.

Highest ranking places in Victoria were Alpine NP, Pt Campbell coast, Gt Ocean Rd, Grampians NP, Mt Buffalo NP, Wilsons Promontory NP, Hanging Rock Res, Otway NP, Mornington Penin NP, Dandenong Ranges NP, Croajingolong NP, Lt Desert NP.

Data sources included technical reports, art/literature/film/ journals/books, park and tourist guides, internet, interested stakeholders.

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2. Australia


Inspirational Landscapes (4 volumes), Context, for AHC, 2003

Special values of natural landscape

Set out to define qualities of outstanding natural (and some cultural) landscapes – often associated with positive aesthetic perceptions and memorable experiences.

Emotional, spiritual and intellectual responses to physical landscapes identified as well as meanings, associations, stories and history.

Identified 8 landscape categories (indicators) and linked these to National Heritage criteria (a to i). Thresholds and significance also included.

Relevant sources on landscape values include professional assessments, community input, art forms, tourism info, oral sources.

The Illustrated Burra Charter: good practices for heritage places, Australia, Walker, M. & Marquis-Kyle, P, ICOMOS Inc., 2004

Values Key document on cultural heritage.

Provides guidance on determining cultural significance of places – related to aesthetic, historic, scientific, social and spiritual values (p. 80).

Aesthetic value includes sensory perceptions, composition, visual landmarks, inspirational places, or may be represented in art, literature photography, folk lore, etc.

Social values include symbolic landmarks, and meanings developed from long term or deep associations.

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3. Victoria


Securing our Natural Future – A white paper for land and biodiversity, DSE, 2009

Landscapes A guide to strategic actions re landscape, water, and biodiversity management and restoration for the next 20+ years.

Maps include cultural heritage but not significant landscapes. Natural and cultural landscapes are not discussed in any detail.

The paper discusses landscape-scale issues but does not discuss landscape type, character, values or protection, i.e. it demonstrates a major difference between broad scale planning here and in the UK.

Raises the issue of the importance of broad-scale landscape management and protection in Victoria in comparison with biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Landscape Assessment Guidelines for Cultural Significance, Heritage Victoria, 2002, updated 2009

Cultural landscape assessment

Guidelines for registration on VHR, local planning schemes etc.

Uses 3 landscape types similar to UNESCO (designed, organically evolved, associative).

Uses dated references and says little about experience of landscapes, community sources, art and literature, tourism material etc.

Heavy reliance on assessment by ‘experts’.

Identification and Assessment of Aesthetic value in the West Forest Region Victoria: Robin Crocker & Associates, for EA and NRE, 1999 (Unpublished)

Landscape assessment - aesthetics

Findings on aesthetic value based on data from seven community workshops, three workshops with ‘forest critics’ (forest officers and park rangers), key art and literature sources, tourism publications and other published sources.

Identified 37 places for nomination to RNE.

(Part of RNE RFA project - see also similar reports for Gippsland (1999) and North East (1997) Regions)

Landscape Character Types of Victoria. Forests Commission Victoria, Leonard and Hammond, 1984.

Character Early assessment of landscape character types in Victoria. Based on assessment of scenic quality related to landforms, vegetation, waterforms, land use and climate. Considered naturalness, ruggedness, diversity etc. Essentially an ‘expert’ assessment.

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3. Victoria


Great Ocean Road Regional Landscape Assessment Study, 2004, and Coastal Spaces Landscape Assessment Study, 2006, Planisphere, for DSE

Coastal landscape assessment

Key study of landscapes in Victoria. Essentially an assessment by experts but with some community and peer input.

Assessment of most of Victoria’s ocean coast and associated hinterland including all of Otways and Bellarine Peninsula (but with limited coverage of urban areas and national/coastal parks).

The Character Types in each region were identified through a study of key landscape character elements including landform, waterform, vegetation and land use, as well as a detailed field survey. Established landscape classification mapping by Leonard and Hammond (Landscape Character Types of Victoria, 1984), also reviewed as part of the identification of coastal landscape Character Types.

At a local level, each Character Type was divided into landscape Character Areas, considering key features landscape characteristics settlements pattern of viewing community and other identified values landscape change and sensitivity to change existing policies opportunities and threats management considerations preferred future character landscape management objectives and guidelines

The Character Areas form the basis for describing the coastal character of Victoria at a detailed level. It is from this underlying character that guidelines for appropriate development in the landscape were derived

The views of members of local communities, community groups, agencies and others with an interest in the coastal environment were sought by various means during the study process. These views were considered in relation to significance ratings:

Includes detailed recommended changes to planning schemes to protect landscape values at risk (through SLOs etc).

Proposes community education programs re landscape values and protection, and training of council statutory planners re permits in SLO areas.

Landscape Assessment Toolkit: Management of significant landscapes in Murrindindi and Baw Baw, 2004, Planisphere

Landscape assessmen

Uses methodology similar to GOR and Coastal Spaces studies (above). SLOs seen as key planning mechanism; proposes a ‘Touring Routes SLO’ to minimise impacts along viewing corridors.

Consultation included community round table discussions, use of disposable cameras and review of a draft brochure on significant landscapes.

Aireys Inlet/Torquay/Jan Juc neighbourhood character study and vegetation assessment, Surf Coast Shire, Draft 2004, 2006

Neighbourhood character

Community studies in Surf Coast area, e.g. those undertaken by Green at Torquay/Jan Juc, Aireys Inlet/Eastern View and Lorne, have shown that local communities value natural landscapes and vegetation. They also strongly prefer any buildings to be of small scale set in well vegetated settings, to maintain local character. Green found that there is a high correlation between the aesthetic landscape value of indigenous vegetation, and the environmental value of that vegetation, i.e. indigenous vegetation rated very highly for aesthetic value.

APPENDIX C CHARACTER AREA ANALYSIS PAPERS

Bendigo Landscape Assessment | Character Area Analysis Paper – BIG HILL SOUTHERN SLOPES & WOODLANDS

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01 BIG HILL SOUTHERN SLOPES & WOODLANDS

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

The long crested ridgeline of Big Hill is the distinguishing topographic feature at the southern gateway to Bendigo. It marks the transition from undulating agricultural land to the City’s urban areas on the northern side of the ridgeline. This Character Area also includes the southern slopes and foreground of Big Hill, with its mix of grazing land and patches of grassy woodland. Here, partly cleared land and low density housing reveal a pattern of human interaction with the land. The underlying geology of the Character Area is expressed in the landform, with granitic outcrops scattered through the paddocks. The southern slopes of Big Hill are a relatively open landscape, with scattered or clustered vegetation, allowing an expansive view of the Big Hill ridge to gradually reveal itself to travellers on the Calder Highway.


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The key features of the Big Hill Southern Slopes and Woodlands Character Area are:

Prominent ridgeline visible from a distance south of the study area, forming an important southern entry point to the City

Undeveloped upper slopes of Big Hill where no dwellings or permanent structures are visible

Grazing on the lower parts of the slope which has contributed to erosion and salinity, and diminished the values of the original woodland

Open, undulating agricultural land interspersed with patches of native woodland

Underlying granitic rock formations, which are exposed at the surface in some locations

A range of land uses along Belvoir Park Road, including large residential allotments, vineyards and the golf course, which have cleared areas and exotic plantings replacing original woodland vegetation.

Landform

Big Hill is on the edge of a geomorphic aureole that stretches across the southern boundaries of Greater Bendigo, and veers southeast to join the granitic landscape of Harcourt North. This ridgeline continues south to connect with Mount Alexander and associated ranges.

The ridgeline bedrock is largely hornfels (exposed in the cutting on Big Hill), a hard metamorphic rock formed between the Ordovician sediments to the north, and granite to the south. Granite has offered less resistance to erosion and underlies the lower lying slopes and flatter areas. Granitic outcrops are present on the lower slopes, with large rocks strewn throughout paddocks.

From a distance, Big Hill appears to include a series of discreet hills, however upon approach it becomes evident that it is a single connected landform.

[photo of layers through cutting to be included]

Waterform

Dry, eroded drainage lines run down the cleared slopes of the range towards the well‐vegetated Bullock Creek that runs approximately parallel to Belvoir Park Road. The creek is included in the North Central River Health Strategy1, however, no actions are listed.

Dams on private properties are a prevalent waterform in the area and support the rural use of the landscape.

Vegetation

There are three defined Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) for this Character Area.

Most of the Character Area originally carried Granitic Grassy Woodland (EVC 175_62) at the time of European settlement. This EVC is a eucalypt woodland over a shrub layer and diverse ground layer of grasses and herbs. It occurs on sites with moderate fertility on plains or weathered undulating granitic hills. Trees include River Red Gum, Candlebark, Manna Gum and Swamp Gum.

The upper slopes of Big Hill carried Grassy Dry Forest (EVC 22, conservation status: Depleted). This EVC typically has an over storey of Red Stringybark, Red Box, Yellow Box and Bundy, a shrubby mid storey and diverse drought‐tolerant grasses and herbs.

The southern section of the Character Area carried Granitic Hills Woodland (EVC 72). This EVC is mainly restricted to granite rocky outcrops and consists of a low woodland, with the dominant trees often being stunted. Typically the tree canopy comprises Red Stringybark and Bundy.

Today, the vegetation of this Character Area mostly comprises cleared land for grazing or rural residential. While the overall woodland appearance of the landscape has been retained, there are large areas with few or no trees remaining. Grazing of the land has prevented natural regeneration of trees.

There are still some areas of native grasslands on Big Hill, These are contained on private property and access to them is limited.


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Remnant native vegetation, some of which is very old, has considerable habitat and aesthetic value, and special meaning to Aboriginal people. Incremental loss of trees is a major threat2.

A large vegetation and reseeding program has been established by the Ravenswood Valley Landcare Group, with a focus on the upper slopes of Big Hill. The program is designed to reduce groundwater recharge and assist with salinity mitigation in the surrounding pastoral land. While native vegetation was used, it was not endemic to the area.

A golf course provides a manicured landscape to the south of Belvoir Park Road.

Much of the Calder Highway roadside reserves south of the municipal boundary have been revegetated with native species in recent years. These are thick and low, with few tall or mature trees and have an appearance of a designed landscape. This contrasts with the roadside reserves heading north towards Big Hill, which are wider and have a more open appearance, supporting mature trees and vegetation that is representative of the endemic vegetation classes.

On the northern side of the Big Hill ridgeline the Box Ironbark forest of the Greater Bendigo National Park forms a distinct edge to this Character Area.

Land Use & Built Form

The Character Area comprises predominantly agricultural land used for grazing, as well small‐scale horticulture and viticulture, housing, and hobby farming.

The Melbourne‐Bendigo Railway and historic tunnel under Big Hill are a significant feature and include structures built from local granite. Ravenswood Homestead, located off the Calder Highway, dates from the 1850s. Both sites are included on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Rural residential development has occurred on Farming Zoned land around Beilharz Road and Hilda Drive, Buckeye Lane and Belvoir Park Road. This comprises large houses surrounded by gardens, many of which support substantial exotic vegetation, complemented by small scale rural uses.

The golf course on Belvoir Park Road is an established use in the area with a distinct character of a formalised landscape within its rural and mostly undeveloped setting.

Settlements

This Character Area is located south of the Bendigo urban growth boundary, and is separated from urban development by a band of the Greater Bendigo National Park. While Big Hill is technically the most southern suburb of Bendigo within the urban growth boundary, the name also refers to the general region around the Big Hill ridge. To the south is the rural locality of Ravenswood, and to the west is Lockwood South. These two settlements contain clusters of rural residential and hobby farm style development.

PATTERN OF VIEWING

Journeying north along the Calder Highway the first glimpse of Big Hill in the distance occurs just south of Ravenswood. At the fork of the road with the Calder Alternative Highway, this vista of the Big Hill landform becomes more evident.

The granitic hillsides and adjacent undulating country are highly visible from the Calder Highway and present a mix of grazing land and grassy woodland with limited development.

From the crest of the Big Hill range (immediately south of the cutting) long range, panoramic views to the south are available. There is a parking bay on the eastern side of the Calder Highway which provides an informal lookout point.

Expansive views to the south and southwest are also provided from a high point on the powerline easement above the railway tunnel at Big Hill.

A high point on Hilda Drive affords panoramic views across the landscape south of Big Hill, with views to the ridge itself available through gaps between built form and vegetation.


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The majority of the southern side of Big Hill, where panoramic views would be available across the aureole towards Mt Alexander, is within private land and inaccessible.

Walking and 4WD tracks in the National Park on the northern side of the ridge allow some access to the highest point of the ridge and views to the south, however, this is not easily accessed by car.

Belvoir Park Road is the longest road with views of Big Hill. However, these views are often obscured by residential development on the northern side of the road, and only glimpses of Big Hill are available through between buildings.

Glimpses of Big Hill are also available from the Calder Alternate Highway, though these are often blocked by the undulating topography and vegetation in the fore and middle ground.

Attractive short distance views occur at sites such as Bullock Creek and gravel roads such as Old Coach Road.

LANDSCAPE VALUES

Landscape values that have been identified by the community or documented in background research for this Character Area include:

The uncommon geological formation of the range, which forms part of a wider metamorphic aureole extending south to North Harcourt and Mt Alexander.

Attractive undulating woodland with many large River Red Gums and other eucalypts adding to the rural feel of the area

Remnant vegetation, including scattered eucalypts and River Red Gums, has considerable habitat and aesthetic value

The Bullock Creek corridor and its tributaries which support significant remnant vegetation and are protected by Environmental Significance Overlays

The ridgeline of the Big Hill range which forms the southern gateway to Bendigo

Remnant vegetation, including scattered eucalypts and River Red Gums, has considerable cultural value

Evidence of Aboriginal occupation such as scarred trees and artefact scatters

Post contact heritage sites including the Melbourne‐Bendigo Railway structures and Ravenswood Station, which are included on the Victorian Heritage Register

Local tourism and recreational ventures such as the Golf Course and wineries

Agricultural value of this area is low, revegetation ultimately has a higher value to the area in terms of aesthetic and economic value

PLANNING SCHEME POLICIES & CONTROLS

A range of planning policies and controls currently address landscape change within this Character Area.

The State Planning Policy Framework includes strategies to protect sites and features of high scientific nature conservation, biodiversity, heritage, geological or landscape value. It also aims to ensure that new development responds to the underlying landscape character and heritage values of an area, and protects significant views and vistas.

Council’s MSS notes the importance of the Box Ironbark region as a distinctive area of Victoria and the home to a diverse range of flora and fauna species. Strategies for natural resource management include the protection of these habitat areas and prevention of their incremental clearance and fragmentation.


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A local planning policy concerns land within 100 metres of the Calder Highway which traverses the Character Area. It aims to protect the service, safety and amenity of the road and minimise any adverse effects of traffic noise from the road.

The Farming Zone applies to most land within this Character Area and provides for agricultural land uses. It also encourages sustainable land management practices and protection of the natural resources and biodiversity.

The Rural Conservation Zone applies to land at the southern end of the Character Area, with the objective to protect the natural resources and biodiversity of the area and encourage sustainable land management practices.

There is also a small area of Public Conservation and Resource Zone, which relates to land of high conservation value that is subject to public land management.

Environmental Significance Overlays are placed upon the Bullock Creek and its tributaries, aiming to protect the waterways and associated remnant vegetation and to manage salinity along these corridors.

The Erosion Management Overlay is applied to a small area along the Big Hill ridgeline and an area at the south of the Character Area, with the aim to protect against further land degradation processes and minimise land disturbance.

The Salinity Management Overlay also applies to small pockets of land within this Character Area.

The Vegetation Protection Overlay controls the removal of remnant native vegetation along the Big Hill ridgeline, providing a buffer area at the interface with the National Park.

The Restructure Overlay aims to identify old and inappropriate subdivisions for their restructuring and preserve and enhance the amenity of the area. Schedule 2 is applied to land around Ravenswood and is subject to the Ravenswood Restructure Plan, April 2008.

The Heritage Overlay is applied to several heritage sites as noted, which are also included on the Victorian Heritage Register.

CHANGE IN THE LANDSCAPE

Imprint of the Past

Dja Dja Wurrung people lived in the area for thousands of years. Recent surveys have located numerous sites, particularly in this Character Area, including scarred trees and artefact scatters. Other sites can be presumed to occur e.g. along watercourses. The Dja Dja Wurrung may have burnt the area regularly, affecting the understory vegetation.

European settlement in the area commenced in the 1840s‐50s when very large pastoral holdings including Mt Alexander Station – later Ravenswood Station – were established3. The land was subsequently subdivided and sheep grazing became a common land use.


Granite was quarried around Big Hill including stone for entrance work on the Big Hill tunnel. At its time of construction in 1862, the 390m tunnel was a significant engineering feat.


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Source: National Library of Australia

Extensive revegetation programs have been implemented on the upper slopes of Big Hill to assist in the reduction of groundwater recharge and rising salinity. Vegetation used was native but not endemic to the area.

Today, heavy erosion is evident along the drainage lines and roadside swales in the area and overhead powerlines are a strong visual element.

Sensitivity to Change

Big Hill is highly visible because the foreground landscape is only gently undulating, and is only lightly vegetated. The landscape both of Big Hill itself and its foreground setting is therefore sensitive to change.

Anticipated Landscape Change

Anticipated and ongoing changes to the landscape of this Character Area include:

Recent subdivision will see a greater amount of development on the land between the existing row of houses on Belvoir Park Road and the slopes of Big Hill. There have been recurring discussions about development of Big Hill’s foreground setting, which could threaten the landscape character of this important entry point into Bendigo. Existing large lots add to the pressure of subdivision. There are a number of gazetted government roads from old subdivisions that have not been developed throughout the foreground of Big Hill. If these are to be formalised for access to undeveloped properties it will result in the loss of native vegetation.

FUTURE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER DIRECTIONS

Big Hill will remain a prominent natural landmark that defines the transition at Bendigo’s southern gateway from rural lands to the urban areas of the City. To reinforce the rural and natural character of Big Hill, its upper slopes and ridgeline will be kept free of urban development. Elsewhere, the Character Area will remain a productive agricultural landscape with a strong rural character and an open, undeveloped aspect. Along the key viewing corridors new buildings and structures will be carefully designed and sited to avoid intrusion of views across the open landscape to Big Hill. The geomorphic significance and vulnerable soils of the area will be protected through considered landscape management and farming practices, including ongoing revegetation and salinity mitigation measures.

There are a number of threats evident to the ongoing management of the landscape and its potential to achieve the future landscape character direction. These include:

Further loss of native vegetation or farming practices that would exacerbate issues of salinity and erosion


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Loss of old trees and lack of practices that encourage natural regeneration

Buildings, sheds or farming infrastructure on the slopes and ridgeline of Big Hill, or that are located along the key viewing corridors to block views to Big Hill

Further subdivision and development of land

Salinity and erosion which are a threat to soils and vegetation

Impacts on cultural heritage from disturbance

Opportunities that would help to strengthen the character of the landscape include:

Protection of native vegetation and ongoing revegetation with endemic tree species

Introduction of land management practices that encourage the regeneration of old trees, such as fencing off saplings and not allowing grazing to the base of all trees.

Sensitive siting and design of new buildings within key viewing corridors or vistas

LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

To achieve the future landscape character direction for the Big Hill Southern Slopes and Woodlands Character Area the following landscape management objectives are recommended:

Retain the open rural outlook offered by the slopes of Big Hill

Enhance the southern slopes of Big Hill as a key gateway to the City of Greater Bendigo

Assist in salinity and erosion mitigation measures including ongoing revegetation programs using endemic species and encouragement of complementary farming practices

Retain existing indigenous vegetation and encourage natural regeneration, particularly of old trees, where possible

Encourage additional planting of endemic vegetation along roadsides and within private properties

Ensure any future development is sensitively designed to minimise impacts on natural and landscape values

Minimise the visual impact of buildings and structures within the natural landscape.

Ensure buildings and structures demonstrate a high standard of design and respond to the character of the surrounding environment

Incorporate best practice environmental sustainability principles

Minimise the visual impact of signage and infrastructure, particularly when visible from identified significant viewing corridors and viewing locations

Increase landowner awareness of cultural heritage (presence, values and management.)

Encourage landscape change that is consistent with the cultural heritage values of the Big Hill and Mandurang landscapes.

1 North Central CMA (2005)

2 North Central CMA (2005) pp 15‐18.

3 To Big Hill and Back, p3

Bendigo Landscape Assessment | Character Area Analysis Paper – BIG HILL GRANITIC UPLANDS

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02 BIG HILL GRANITIC UPLANDS

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

This Character Area features rolling pastoral uplands that extend from the southern end of the Big Hill ridgeline and are characterised by granitic rock formations that stand out from the cleared, grassed paddocks. Here the viewer is placed within the distinctive granitic landscape of Big Hill, which is elsewhere inaccessible. The elevation provides panoramic viewing opportunities over the Mandurang Valley to the Box Ironbark forested ranges to the north and west.


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The key features of the Big Hill Granitic Uplands Character Area are:

High elevation and rolling topography

Large number of granitic rock formations and outcrops

Cleared, grassy paddocks with remnant trees scattered throughout and concentrated in low points

Panoramic viewing opportunities over Mandurang Valley to the uplands and ranges beyond

Heritage, natural and recreational values along the Coliban Channel.

Landform

The area consists of rolling uplands that form part of the same geomorphic aureole that connects Big Hill to Mount Alexander in the south. The bedrock in the northern part of this area is largely hornfels, a hard metamorphic rock formed between sedimentary rocks to the north, and granite to the south. Granite underlies grazing areas, with large rocks outcropping in paddocks, particularly on higher slopes.

Waterform

Dams on private property support the rural uses of the landscape. They are present at low points and appear to make good use of topography, rather than utilising extensive excavation and shoring.

Vegetation

There is little native vegetation remaining in this character area. Substantial clearing has reduced tree and shrub cover except along the Coliban Channel. Paddocks are mostly cleared and covered with long, golden grass. Large River Red Gums and other eucalypt species are scattered throughout paddocks and in stands along low points in the topography. Several small vineyards have been planted on some of the lesser slopes.

The dominant Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) for this Character Area is Grassy Dry Forest (EVC 22). Originally, most of this area would have supported an over storey of Red Stringybark, Red Box, Yellow Box and Bundy, a shrubby mid storey and diverse drought‐tolerant grasses and herbs.


Houses and farming structures such as sheds are set back from the roadside. Allotment sizes range from a minimum of 10 hectares to around 40‐50 hectares, and are mostly cleared for grazing. Vineyards have been established on a couple of properties, as has bed and breakfast accommodation and alpaca studs. There are a number of rural residential / hobby farm properties.

The Coliban Channel, opened in 1877 and subsequently modified, is a significant structure in this area. The Goldfields Track provides public access along the Channel from Springs Road.

Settlements

The area was used for grazing from about the 1850s, following European settlement in the Bendigo area.

The closest town centre of Harcourt is approximately 15 kilometres south of the Character Area.

PATTERN OF VIEWING

Access to the area is from North Harcourt Road which winds along a valley floor with steep granitic hills towering on either side. The road rises up at the junction with Ford Road to a panoramic viewing point over Sedgwick and the Mandurang Valley.

More intimate views of bushland are provided along the Goldfields Track / Great Dividing Trail which follow the Coliban Channel.


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The cleared roadsides and paddocks allow for open views across to surrounding hill slopes.

LANDSCAPE VALUES


Granitic rock formations that stand out from the cleared, grassed paddocks

Bird life in the area, there are high numbers of Flame Robins despite heavy grazing

Remnant vegetation, including scattered eucalypts and River Red Gums, has considerable habitat, aesthetic and cultural value

Panoramic viewing point at the junction of North Harcourt and Ford Roads

Historic Coliban Channel, parts of which are included on the Victorian Heritage Register and the associated Goldfields Track / Great Dividing Trail.

Values identified by the community – to be included


A range of planning policies and controls currently control landscape change within this character area.



Most of this Character Area is included within the Rural Conservation Zone, which provides for agricultural uses that are consistent with the conservation of environmental and landscape values of the area, and aims to conserve and enhance the cultural significance and character of open rural and scenic non urban landscapes.

The Development Plan Overlay Schedule 1 covers the majority of the Character Area. It requires a development plan to be prepared in some cases before a permit can be granted for its use or development to ensure the land is environmentally managed.

The Erosion Management Overlay is applied to most of the Character Area, with the aim to protect against further land degradation processes and minimise land disturbance.

Extensive revegetation programs have been implemented on the upper slopes of Big Hill to assist in the reduction of groundwater recharge and rising salinity.

The Bushfire Management Overlay is applied to the forest adjacent to this area. It aims to ensure minimum bushfire protection measures are taken and that development does not proceed unless risk to life and property is managed at an acceptable level.


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The Environmental Significant Overlay Schedule 1 covers the northern part of the Character Area and aims to protect important waterways.


Imprint of the Past

Dja Dja Wurrung people lived in the area for thousands of years. Recent surveys have located numerous sites, particularly in this Character Area, including scarred trees and artefact scatters. Other sites can be presumed to occur e.g. along watercourses. The Dja Dja Wurrung may have burnt the area regularly, affecting the understory vegetation.

European settlement in the area commenced in the 1840s‐50s when very large pastoral holdings including Mt Alexander Station – later Ravenswood Station ‐ were establishedi. The land was subsequently subdivided and sheep grazing became a common land use.

Substantial clearing has reduced tree and shrub cover except along the Coliban Channel. In addition, weed infestations, erosion and salinity have occurred over time since European settlement.


Minimal vegetation along or adjacent to roads allow clear views across paddocks, whereby additional buildings or structures could become a highly prominent feature of the landscape. However, the undulating topography provides the opportunity to nestle development into the contours of the land and thereby reduce their visual impact upon the rural and uncluttered landscape.

Given the relatively isolated location of this Character Area, it is unlikely that the landscape would be as frequently viewed as other parts of the study area.


Anticipated and ongoing changes to the landscape of this Character Area might include farming structures or occasional dwellings. However, there appears to

be minimal pressure for new development or change within this Character Area.


The Big Hill granitic uplands will remain rural in character and the granitic rock formations preserved. The area’s character will be maintained by encouraging continued conservation alongside its agricultural and grazing activities. The existing indigenous and native vegetation, particularly River Red Gums, should be protected and revegetation of endemic species encouraged. The slopes and ridges in the area will be kept free from development. Any development in the lower areas will be carefully sited and well integrated within the landscape with minimal impact on key views.



Loss of old trees and lack of practices that encourage natural regeneration

Large sheds or farming infrastructure located close to the roadside blocking views

Development on the slopes and ridgelines particularly on areas that are highly visible from North Harcourt Road

Further subdivision into small holdings that have low agricultural productivity and may lead to additional development that detracts from landscape values.

Opportunities that would help to strengthen the landscape character of the area include:

Protection of native woodland trees and vegetation and ongoing revegetation with endemic species to enhance landscape and natural values.


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Introduction of land management practices that encourage the regeneration of old trees, such as fencing off saplings and not allowing grazing to the base of all trees.

Sensitive siting and design of new buildings within key viewing corridors or vistas


To achieve the future landscape character direction for the Big Hill Granitic Uplands Character Area the following landscape management objectives are recommended:

Retain the open rural outlook offered by the slopes of Big Hill

Assist in salinity and erosion mitigation measures including ongoing revegetation programs using endemic species and encouragement of complementary farming practices

Retain existing indigenous vegetation and encourage natural regeneration, particularly of old trees, where possible







Increase landowner awareness of cultural heritage (presence, values and management).


i To Big Hill and Back, p3

Bendigo Landscape Assessment | Character Area Analysis Paper – MANDURANG VALLEY SOUTH

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03 MANDURANG VALLEY SOUTH

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

This area features a broad, gently undulating valley floor surrounded by the hills of the adjoining National and Regional Parks that are cloaked in Box Ironbark forests. From within it feels like a ‘hidden valley’, with the area’s main access point from the north. Large, cleared allotments and relatively sparse development create an open, pastoral character. There is much remnant vegetation throughout this area, which creates a sense of connection to the surrounding forests. In some locations views are also afforded to granitic uplands.


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The key features of the Mandurang Valley South Character Area are:

Rolling, pastoral valley floor with a backdrop of forested hills

Valley enclosed by the Box Ironbark forests of the National and Regional Parks

Large, open allotments dominated by rural uses that include productive agricultural land or small rural residential development

Remnant native vegetation throughout paddocks and along roadsides

Views across paddocks to forested hills or open, granitic uplands of Harcourt North

Sense of isolation created by limited access; the ‘hidden valley’

Limited development that has provided some protection of remnant ecosystems and habitat.

Landform

The Mandurang Valley is an undulating landscape of low hills that lies between two ridgelines running approximately north‐south. To the southwest, the edge of the valley is formed by the northern slopes of Big Hill which are underlain by metamorphic rock and support Box Ironbark forests. To the northeast the valley floor curls around the southern tip of a forested range.

Waterform

Most paddocks and properties have dams, some of which are quite large and could almost be considered to be small lakes. The Coliban Channel crosses a number of side roads that transition into access paths to the National Park. Ephemeral gullies and creek beds meander through the valley floor.

Vegetation

There are two defined Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) for this Character Area.

Most of the area carried Box Ironbark Forest (EVC 61) at the time of European settlement. These usually grow on stony, infertile soils and have an open overstorey of eucalypts – particularly Grey Box, Red Ironbark, Red Box and Yellow Gum, a shrubby mid storey, and sparse ground layer of herbs and grasses (DSE EVC 61 benchmark notes).

There are also small areas of Alluvial Terraces Herb‐rich Woodland (EVC 67) crossing Springs Road. This was originally open woodland with an overstorey of Grey Box, Yellow Box, Yellow Gum and Buloke, and a ground‐layer with high species‐richness.

Much of the original vegetation has been lost. Today, this Character Area comprises mostly cleared paddocks set against the heavily vegetated backdrop of the adjoining Box Ironbark forests.

Remnant vegetation exists along creek lines, in stands within paddocks and at the edges of property boundaries, blending in with the surrounding protected forests. Woodland vegetation in the roadside reserves spreads into grassy cleared paddocks.

The presence of planted exotic species is minimal, although a number of properties have avenues planted along driveways and front fences, and around gates and property entrances. Weed species such as blackberries are occasionally found in roadside reserves. Agricultural weeds include Patersons Curse (a major threat), Horehound, Golden Thistle and Blackberry.


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This area features rural allotments of predominantly 5‐10 hectares, with a number of larger properties up to 30 hectares and several large grazing properties.

Sheep grazing is a significant agricultural use near Springs Road. Elsewhere most land is being used for hobby farming and small scale agricultural production, including grazing, vineyards and orchards. Horse facilities are also common, with post and rail fencing, shelter boxes and jumps set up in paddocks, and stables and ménages adding to rural outbuildings surrounding development.

Dwellings, sheds and outbuildings are mostly set back from the road, and are occasionally cluttered with farm equipment. Styles of development vary with the building era, including ranch style or country cottages, or contemporary buildings designed to sit within the landscape. Occasional ‘suburban’ style dwellings that sit heavily in the landscape are also present.

The former Mandurang South Primary School is a significant heritage building within the area.

Settlements

This Character Area is situated to the south of the rural locality of Mandurang, and west of Sedgwick, which is accessed indirectly via Springs Road.

PATTERN OF VIEWING

The density of roadside vegetation and the undulating topography along the valley floor has created a pattern of viewing that alternates between enclosed tunnels of vegetation to open cleared spaces. Views are often terminated at close range, with occasional long range views towards the more distant forested valley walls. There are also occasional views to the bare, granitic slopes north of Harcourt.

LANDSCAPE VALUES


Pockets of limited development where natural ecosystems and habitat have been protected, including area of identified environmental or vegetation significance that have been protected by overlays


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Areas of identified environmental or vegetation significance that have been protected by overlays

Adjacency to forested areas and the protected landscape of the National and Regional Parks

The sense of Mandurang as a ‘hidden valley’

Proximity to the Coliban Channel and walking trails

Popularity of the region with road and mountain bicycle riders

Former Mandurang South Primary School, included in the Heritage Overlay.

Popular liefestyle (“tree change”) destination





The Development at the Urban‐forest Interface local policy applies to Low Density Residential zoned land and proposed new development areas which abut forested areas. It aims to ensure residential development protects and maintains the environmental values of forested areas surrounding Bendigo.

The Character Area is mostly zoned Rural Living, which provides for residential use in a rural environment.

Some of the area is zoned Low Density Residential, which also provides for rural living where all wastewater can be treated on site.

Small areas are included in the Rural Conservation Zone which provides for a range of uses while conserving the natural environment and landscape.

Development Plan Overlays (DPO) cover the area. DPO4 covers land in the Rural Living Zone and DPO1 covers the remaining land. Both require a development plan to be prepared in some cases before a permit can be granted for its use or development. Schedule 1 aims to ensure the land is environmentally managed and Schedule 4 is concerned with density and adequate infrastructure for development.

The Bushfire Management Overlay is applied to Character Area except south east of Kerrs Road. It aims to ensure minimum bushfire protection measures are taken and that development does not proceed unless risk to life and property is managed at an acceptable level.

Environmental Significance Overlays are applied to waterways. They aim to protect the waterways and remnant vegetation and manage salinity along these corridors.

The Vegetation Protection Overlay Schedule 3 is applied along a few roads to protect remnant roadside vegetation.


Imprint of the Past

Dja Dja Wurrung people lived in the area for thousands of years. Recent surveys have located numerous sites, including scarred trees and artefact scatters. Other sites can be presumed to occur e.g. along watercourses. The Dja Dja Wurrung may have burnt the area regularly, affecting the understory vegetation.


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European settlement in the area commenced in the 1840s‐50s when very large pastoral holdings including Mt Alexander Station – later Ravenswood Station ‐ were establishedi. The land was subsequently subdivided and sheep grazing became a common land use.


Much of the original Box‐Ironbark Forest was lost following the discovery of gold, being a valuable source of fuel and timber during early settlement.

The forest was largely replaced by pasture, with pockets of indigenous vegetation surviving. Water carried in spur channels from the Coliban Channel, and farm dams, was used to irrigate tomatoes, potatoes and fruit, including apples and cherries. By the 1940s, mixed farms were common, with cows, poultry, bees, sheep and some dairying. In 1953 it was reported that a Mandurang farmer had constructed an 8 million gallon dam to support dairying and tomato growing.

In recent times, sheep grazing has continued on larger properties to the south, water rights have been sold to Harcourt landowners and agricultural production elsewhere has declined as hobby farms have developed. Cherries are still grown in the area.

Hobby farm and “tree change” development has led to the spread of weeds, the loss of indigenous vegetation and difficulties for farmers, such as roaming dogs or objections to some farming activities.


This is a moderately sensitive landscape. The undulating topography and dense vegetation in many parts of this Character Area would assist in screening development, if appropriately located and designed.



Removal of indigenous vegetation for farming or bushfire management

Prominent built form

Introduction of exotic plant species and formal garden design

Further sub‐division and fragmentation of land.


Mandurang Valley South will continue to support a range of productive agricultural activities, set within gently rolling pastures that are predominantly rural in character. Additional planting of native vegetation will complement the backdrop of the heavily forested valley walls that are visible throughout the area. Revegetation will also help to restore the natural, underlying landscape and mitigate environmental issues associated with land clearing. Further subdivision of the land for residential use will be avoided and any new development will be sited to integrate well with the surrounding landscape.



Landscaping that provides little connection to the surrounding natural environment

Further subdivision and loss of unproductive farmland

Residential or commercial development that does not respond to the landscape character, or blocks long range views, where these are available

Adverse environmental impacts of weeds, salinity and erosion


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Non‐sustainable uses adjacent to creeks, including septic outflows, grazing, weeds etc.

High kangaroo population due to prevalence of farm dams, which poses a threat to indigenous vegetation.


Protection and enhancement of native vegetation and ongoing revegetation with endemic tree species

Sensitive siting and design of new buildings within key viewing corridors or vistas.

Roadsides provide an opportunity for revegetation.


To achieve the future landscape character direction for the Mandurang Valley South Character Area the following landscape management objectives are recommended:

To retain the secluded rural feel of the Mandurang Valley South.

To maintain views to the forested hill slopes of the surrounding valley walls.

To provide opportunities for revegetatation with endemic species that will assist in strengthening wildlife and landscape corridors to the surrounding forested areas.

Retain existing indigenous vegetation and encourage natural regeneration where possible.

Encourage additional planting of endemic vegetation along roadsides and within private properties.

Ensure any future development is sensitively designed to minimise impacts on natural and landscape values.


Ensure buildings and structures demonstrate a high standard of design and respond to the character of the surrounding environment.

Incorporate best practice environmental sustainability principles.

Minimise the visual impact of signage and infrastructure, particularly when visible from identified significant viewing corridors and viewing locations.

Protect and respect the cultural heritage values of the Big Hill and Mandurang landscapes.


Bendigo Landscape Assessment | Character Area Analysis Paper – Mandurang Valley North

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04 MANDURANG VALLEY NORTH

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

The Mandurang Valley North Character Area comprises the middle and northern regions of the Mandurang Valley along Nankervis Road, Mandurang Road and Tannery Lane. Here the landscape is generally flat and open with a mixture of remnant native vegetation and exotic planting. There are numerous rural residential, small agricultural and hobby farm allotments within this Character Area and the landscape has been significantly modified through clearing and development. Tree canopies still dominate the skyline in most views across the area, and often provide a setting for structures and buildings.


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The key features of the Mandurang Valley North Character Area are:

Small rural residential allotments with remnant indigenous vegetation and exotic plantings

Proximity of National and Regional Parks which are visible in the distance

Open, cleared paddocks, many of which include farming infrastructure

A range of developments and building styles, many of which are set close to the road.

Landform

The northern section of the Mandurang Valley has a relatively flat valley floor with only slight undulations. The area overlies Ordovician sedimentary bedrock.

One Tree Hill to the north of the valley is a prominent landform.

Waterform

Most paddocks and properties have dams and there are a number of ephemeral/seasonal creeks and gullies, including Sheepwash and Emu Creeks.

Vegetation

At the time of European settlement most of this Character Area would have carried two Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs).

Predominantly Box Ironbark Forest, this is still evident in remnant patches within paddocks and along roadside reserves, particularly on the outer edges of the area. However, much of the forest has been cleared and in some areas it has almost completely disappeared.

A section of Grassy Dry Forest occurred at the northern edge near Tannery Lane (DSE 1750 EVCs map).

Exotic species are common, particularly on lots where front setbacks have been used for extensive gardens rather than rural uses. This occurs most frequently along Tannery Lane, which also features an avenue of exotic trees. While this planting is incongruous with the native forested surroundings, it assists in defining the individual character of the area.

Weeds are widespread, particularly in areas where indigenous vegetation has been lost. Spiny Rush occurs in some low‐lying areas, indicating salinity.

Adjoining this Character Area are the Box Ironbark forests of the Greater Bendigo National Park to the southeast of Nankervis Road, and the Bendigo Regional Park to the northwest.


Most of the land is being used for rural residential, small scale agriculture (such as orchards, limited sheep grazing and horses) and hobby farms. Lots typically range from two to five hectares.

Built form in the area includes large, estate‐style homes, sheds and barns. Tannery Lane, which is older and more established than other areas, contains more commercial activities, including wineries and a native plant nursery.

Settlements

This character area is situated in the rural locality of Mandurang, in the northern section of the Mandurang Valley. Mandurang contains a Post Office, General Store and Sports Ground. These developments are set back on large blocks.


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PATTERN OF VIEWING

The landscape of this Character Area is easily seen from Nankervis Road and the other roads that cross the area. The One Tree Hill Lookout provides an expansive view over the area.

LANDSCAPE VALUES



Geographic centre of Victoria (recognised in 2001) and adjacent historic Mandurang Bible Christian Church, listed in the Heritage Overlay

Isolated areas of remnant ecosystems and habitat

Adjacent to forested areas and the National and Regional Parks

Proximity to the Coliban Water Channel

Gold rush heritage sites within Tannery Lane, noted in Council’s Heritage Policy

Local tourism and recreational ventures such as wineries

Popular region with road bicycle riders.





The Development at the Urban‐forest Interface local policy applies to Low Density Residential Zone land and proposed new development areas which abut forested areas. It aims to ensure residential development protects and maintains the environmental values of forested areas surrounding Bendigo.

The Heritage local policy lists the tannery on Tannery Lane as a site that may be included in the Heritage Overlay following the preparation and consideration of full citations.

The Character Area is mostly zoned Rural Living which provides for residential use in a rural environment. An area of land at the south is zoned Low Density Residential Zone.

The Bushfire Management Overlay is applied to the Character Area and aims to ensure minimum bushfire protection measures are taken and that development does not proceed unless risk to life and property is managed at an acceptable level.


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Development Plan Overlays (DPO) almost cover the area. DPO4 covers land in Rural Living Zone and DPO1 the remaining land. Both require a development plan to be prepared in some cases before a permit can be granted for its use or development. Schedule 1 aims to ensure the land is environmentally managed and Schedule 4 is concerned with density and adequate infrastructure for development.


Vegetation Protection Overlays (VPO) are applied to a few small areas. VPO1 aims to protect wildlife corridor at a few lots at the east of the Character Area. Close to this, the VPO2 protects two areas of significant vegetation. The VPO3 is applied along Pearces Road to protect remnant roadside vegetation.


Imprint of the Past

Dja Dja Wurrung people lived in the area for thousands of years. Recent surveys have located numerous sites, including scarred trees and artefact scatters. Other sites can be presumed to occur e.g. along watercourses. The Dja Dja Wurrung may have burnt the area regularly, affecting the understory vegetation.

Much of the Box Ironbark Forest in the area was logged from the 1850s for fuel and use in gold mining in Bendigo. Parts of the forest subsequently regenerated but substantial areas were cleared for uses including sheep grazing, dairying and housing.

There are three mining sites at Mandurang on the Victorian Heritage Inventory: the Tannery Lane Puddler is exceptionally well preserved. A large old River Red‐gum on Mandurang‐Sedgwick Road, which marks a campsite of the Burke and Wills Rescue Party, is a National Trust significant tree. The Mandurang Uniting Church (built 1863) and Chateau Dore Winery are also recognised by the Trust (H7724‐0595) (Context 2009).

Small lot subdivisions along creeks, e.g. Sheepwash and Emu Creeks, suggest that water was available for small scale growing of fruit, vegetables and vines from the 1860s.

Wines, fruit, vegetables and dairy products were produced at Mandurang and Big Hill in the gold era. Mandurang/Strathfieldsaye had 29 wineries and produced 12% of Victoria’s wine in 1882. The vines were wiped out by Phylloxera in the 1890s. The Edinburgh Tannery on Tannery Lane successfully supplied belts for mining machinery for many years.

More recently, hobby farm and residential development have maintained the largely open landscape with limited tree cover.


The clearing of vegetation in paddocks and roadside reserves has given this character area a much more open outlook than the more densely vegetated adjacent areas. Built form is prominent, with large sheds and ranch‐style houses dominating the foreground of views to forested ranges and ridgelines beyond.

This landscape is highly modified by human activity and rural residential development. While any development is generally likely to be visible, sensitivity to change is relatively low because of the extent of existing development.



Removal of indigenous vegetation for farming or bushfire management

Prominently sited built form that fails to integrate into the landscape character of the area


Further sub‐division and development of land.


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The Mandurang Valley North Character Area will continue to enhance its rural character. Additional planting of native vegetation will complement the bushland setting of the area, help to restore its natural, underlying landscape character and strengthen wildlife corridors to the surrounding National Park. New development will be sited and designed to integrate well with the surrounding landscape and to frame views to the distant backdrop of the forested valley walls.


Further subdivision for residential or commercial development that does not respond to the underlying landscape character

New buildings that visually dominate the landscape through their siting, form, colour or materials selection

Further loss of native vegetation or new landscaping that provides little connection to the surrounding natural environment

Adverse environmental impacts of weeds, salinity and erosion.


Protection and enhancement of native vegetation

Increased sense of connection with adjoining natural bushland areas

Revegetation with endemic tree species, on private property and along road verges

Sensitive siting and design of new residential or commercial buildings that allows the natural landscape character of the area to re‐emerge and strengthen

Enhanced landscape settings for heritage sites.


To achieve the future landscape character direction for the Mandurang Valley North Character Area the following landscape management objectives are recommended:

Maintain views to the forested hill slopes of the surrounding valley walls

Provide opportunities for re‐vegetatation with endemic species that will assist in strengthening wildlife and landscape corridors to the surrounding forested areas

Strengthen native vegetation buffers along property boundaries and road verges


Minimise the visual impact of buildings and structures within the natural landscape




Protect and respect the cultural heritage values of the Big Hill and Mandurang landscapes


Bendigo Landscape Assessment | Character Area Analysis Paper – MANDURANG FOREST INTERFACE

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05 MANDURANG FOREST INTERFACE

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

This character area occurs within the interface between the forested hill slopes and cleared land of the Mandurang Valleys. Dominated by the vegetation of the Box Ironbark forest, it forms a transition zone between the protected forest regions and other Character Areas that have been more heavily cleared or altered by human activity. Dwellings are typically set well into the bushland to be largely concealed by surrounding vegetation, which remains the key characteristic of the area. With limited access, it has the feeling of being located within a ‘hidden valley’.


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The key features of the Mandurang Forest Interface Character Area are:

Dwellings nestled into an undulating, forested setting

Lifestyle allotments with limited likelihood of adjacent development

Valley enclosed by the Box Ironbark forests of the National and Regional Parks

Sense of isolation created by limited access; the ‘hidden valley’

Limited development that has provided some protection of remnant ecosystems and habitat.

Landform

This character area occurs predominantly adjacent or close to the National and Regional Parks, in the transition between the undulating to flat valley floor and the steeper forested ridgelines and hill slopes. The topography generally rises up towards the edge of the valley. The area is underlain by Ordovician sedimentary bedrock.

Waterform

Most paddocks and properties have dams and there are a number of ephemeral/seasonal creeks and gullies. A water channel (similar to the Coliban Channel) crosses Fadersons Road and heads into the forest.

Vegetation

There are two defined Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) for this Character Area.

Most of the area carried Box Ironbark Forest (EVC 61) at the time of European settlement. These usually grow on stony, infertile soils and have an open over‐storey of eucalypts – particularly Grey Box, Red Ironbark, Red Box and Yellow Gum, a shrubby mid storey, and sparse ground layer of herbs and grasses (DSE EVC 61 benchmark notes).

There are also small areas of Alluvial Terraces Herb‐rich Woodland along streams (EVC 67). This was originally open woodland with an over‐storey of Grey Box, Yellow Box, Yellow Gum and Buloke, and a ground‐layer with high species‐richness.

Away from roadsides, much of the original vegetation has been lost, replaced largely by pasture and exotic plantings, however, Box Ironbark forests are still the dominant characteristic of this Character Area.

Trees of 25‐30m surround dwellings and merge with the roadside vegetation and adjacent forest. While land is often cleared around houses and between sheds and outbuildings, a significant number of trees still remain on each allotment. There are occasional exotic species in gardens around houses and at property entrances.


This area features bushy, rural residential allotments of predominantly 2‐5 hectares. Some allotments include horse keeping facilities.

Settlements

This area occurs within the localities of Mandurang and Mandurang South.


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PATTERN OF VIEWING (VIEWS & VISTAS)

Tall vegetation in the roadside and within properties gives this Character Area an enclosed viewing pattern. Occasional breaks allow for long range views at the edges of the Character Area, though the view lines are predominantly terminated at short range due to the density of vegetation.

LANDSCAPE VALUES



The sense of Mandurang as a ‘hidden valley’

Limited development that has enabled protection of ecosystems and habitat to some degree

Many landowners participating in "Land for Wildlife" program

Adjacency to forested areas and National and Regional Parks

Proximity of the forest and associated flora and fauna, and conservation values

Allotments adjacent to these parks are assured that no further development will happen in these areas

Popular region with bicycle riders.





The Development at the Urban‐forest Interface local policy applies to Low Density Residential Zone land and proposed new development areas which abut forested areas. It aims to ensure residential development protects and maintains the environmental values of forested areas surrounding Bendigo.

The Character Area is mostly zoned Rural Living which provides for residential use in a rural environment. An area of land in Mandurang South is zoned Low Density Residential Zone, which also provides for rural living where all wastewater can be treated on site.


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Development Plan Overlays (DPO) almost cover the area. DPO4 is applied to land in Rural Living Zone and DPO1 to the remaining land. Both require a development plan to be prepared in some cases before a permit can be granted for its use or development. Schedule 1 aims to ensure the land is environmentally managed and Schedule 4 is concerned with density and adequate infrastructure for development.


The Heritage Overlay is applied to the former Mandurang South Primary School and the Uniting Church in Mandurang for their conservation and enhancement as heritage places.

Vegetation Protection Overlays (VPO) are applied to a few areas. VPO2 is applied to land around Fadersons Road to protect significant vegetation. VPO3 is applied along Pearces Road to protect remnant roadside vegetation.


Imprint of the Past

The area was logged in the gold mining era and subsequently for fuel, charcoal production etc. Some areas were utilised for sheep grazing, dairying and tomato growing but the area has evolved into small holdings with little productive value.

The zoning of this land to rural residential has seen development that is relatively sympathetic to the forested surroundings, although some loss of habitat has occurred and some buildings and developments are intrusive elements in the landscape. There has been more recent clearing of land around houses, most probably due to the risk of fire.


This is a moderately sensitive landscape because its character is dependent on maintaining a dominance of vegetation over built form. The undulating topography and dense vegetation in many parts would assist in screening development, if located appropriately.



Removal of indigenous vegetation, e.g. for bushfire management or farming/recreational purposes

Prominent built form that does not appear recessive to the tree canopy


Further sub‐division and fragmentation of land.


This character area will continue to create a smooth transition between the forested landscapes of the hills surrounding the Mandurang Valley and the open rural residential development predominant on the valley floor. Habitat and wildlife links will be strengthened through the protection of remnant vegetation within these properties. New development will be sited to sit nestled within the vegetated surrounds, and will be designed to take into account fire risk and the potential need for clearing around dwellings.


Loss of vegetation and the creation of ‘hard lines’ between the forest and interface development.


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Development that is not designed to respond to the bush setting, for example, ‘suburban style’ houses that visually dominate the landscape

Gardens that heavily feature exotic vegetation and formal styles

Weeds and animal pests spreading from settled areas into the surrounding forest

Poor management of land that results in allotments with a cluttered appearance.


Protection and enhancement of natural and landscape values

Buildings with a low profile and site coverage that are designed to blend into the bushland setting.


To achieve the future landscape character direction for the Mandurang Forest Interface Character Area the following landscape management objectives are recommended:

Retain the secluded rural feel of the Mandurang Forest Interface Character Area

Retain existing indigenous vegetation and encourage natural regeneration where possible


Design buildings and structure to visually integrate with the bushland setting






Bendigo Landscape Assessment | Character Area Analysis Paper – BENDIGO BOX IRONBARK FOREST

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06 BENDIGO BOX IRONBARK FOREST

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

This Character Area comprises the hills and ridges of Box Ironbark forests that enclose the Mandurang Valley and clothe the area north of the Big Hill escarpment. Most of this Character Area is included within the Greater Bendigo National Park and Bendigo Regional Park which form the forested upland areas surrounding Bendigo. The Box Ironbark forests of Bendigo are a remnant of a much greater ecosystem that extended across the uplands and goldfields regions of central Victoria, originally covering 13% of the State. This Character Area supports significant remnant vegetation and wildlife habitat that contributes to the conservation and recreation value of the wider study area. It provides a heavily forested backdrop that is visible throughout the Mandurang Valley. The dark, deeply furrowed bark of Ironbark trees contributes to the characteristic appearance of these forests.


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The key features of the Bendigo Box Ironbark Forests Character Area are:

High coverage of Box Ironbark forests

National and Regional Parks

Remnant vegetation and wildlife habitats that contribute to conservation values and recreation opportunities

The park areas are relatively inaccessible by regular vehicles; four wheel drive tracks and walking tracks criss‐cross the forest

Occasional dirt roads navigable by regular vehicles lead to settled areas

In many areas the forest edges blend with the adjacent agricultural land where remnant vegetation exists on private property.

Landform

The northwest‐southeast ridgeline of Big Hill is a strong landscape element to the study area. The Box Ironbark forest occurs mainly on Ordovician sedimentary rocks occurring north and northeast of the metamorphic aureole (crescent‐shaped ridge) at Big Hill.

Waterform

Natural waterforms include dry / seasonal gullies and creek beds throughout this area.

The Coliban Water Channel and other spur channels provided water for goldfields and, subsequently, irrigation to surrounding farmland. The Spring Gully and Sandhurst Reservoirs are large water storage reservoirs present in the area.

Dry / seasonal gullies and creek beds are scattered throughout the forest, as are dams, particularly at the edges, near cleared land.

Vegetation

There are two defined Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) for this Character Area: Box Ironbark forest occurs on undulating rises and low hills and Heathy Dry Forest on hills, ridge tops and steep slopes.

Most of the area carried Box Ironbark Forest (EVC 61) at the time of European settlement. These usually grow on stony, infertile soils and have an open overstorey of eucalypts – particularly Grey Box, Red Ironbark, Red Box and Yellow Gum, a shrubby mid storey, and sparse ground layer of herbs and grasses (DSE EVC 61 benchmark notes).

A closely related EVC, Heathy Dry Forest, occurs in close association with the Box Ironbark Forest, for example, in the Mandurang South to Mandurang area. Dominant trees include Red Stringybark, Red Box, Red Ironbark and Bundy (DSE EVC 20 benchmark notes). This forest also grows on stony soils and often has a sparse understorey.

Some areas have been cleared e.g. at Mandurang South and along Nankervis Road and the forest replaced with pasture species or exotics.

Wildflowers bloom prolifically through the forest from August to October.


This Character Area is largely reserved in National and Regional Parks, with some forest also remaining on private land and in road reserves. There is minimal built form, except in developed areas such as along the Calder Highway towards Kangaroo Flat.

Walking and four wheel drive tracks provide recreational access for bushwalking, bird watching, wildflower and nature study, picnics and camping. The principal walking through the area is The Goldfields Track, which follows the Coliban Water Channel.

Built form or structures evident in the area includes powerlines, infrastructure associated with the reservoirs, the Coliban water channel and the Melbourne‐Bendigo railway line and its historic infrastructure.


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Settlements

The Box Ironbark forest within the Study Area separate the City of Greater Bendigo from outlying settled areas of Mandurang, Mandurang South, Strathfieldsaye and Sedgwick in the south east, Big Hill and Ravenswood to the south and Lockwood South to the west. The settlement at Big Hill along the Calder Highway is located to the north.

PATTERN OF VIEWING

The lookout from One Tree Hill provides expansive views to the northeast and south over the Mandurang Valley and its forested areas.

Major walking trails in the Character Area allow access into the forest and provide views over the surrounding ridges and valleys. This includes the Bendigo Bushland Trail, which traverses the northern edge of the Character Area, and the Great Dividing Trail.

Major roads in the study area pass through the forests ‐ the Calder Highway and Mandurang and South Mandurang Roads. Unsealed roads that access settled areas within the Mandurang Valley, such as Kerrs Road and Hogans Road, also pass through the forest. Private properties adjacent to the forest boundaries have access via walking trails.

The Box Ironbark forest of the Big Hill ridgeline forms part of the arrival experience into Bendigo when travelling along the Calder Highway. At the Big Hill tunnel, the railway line emerges into the forest before reaching Bendigo.

The Box Ironbark forests surrounding the study area form a constant and enclosing backdrop to the Mandurang Valley.

LANDSCAPE VALUES



Very high natural values, particularly forest areas on public land

Significant Aboriginal and post‐European settlement heritage values

The Big Hill Railway Precinct and Coliban Water Supply System which are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register

High recreational values ‐ for sightseeing, walking, bicycle riding, nature study etc.

Important forest setting for Bendigo including the approach experience via Calder Highway and the railway.


A range of planning policies and controls currently address landscape change within this Character Area.



One of the local planning policies concerns land within 100 metres of the Calder Highway which acts as a boundary and cuts through the Character Area. It aims to protect the service, safety and amenity of the road and minimise any adverse effects of traffic noise from the road.

The Character Area is generally zoned Public Conservation and Resource with a few areas of Rural Conservation and Public Use. Protection of environmental and ecological values are offered through these zones.


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The Erosion Management Overlay is applied to a small corner of this Character Area. It aims to protect against further land degradation processes and minimise land disturbance.

The Vegetation Protection Overlay controls the removal of remnant native vegetation along the Big Hill ridgeline, providing a buffer area at the interface with the National Park.

The Development Plan Overlay Schedule 1 covers the Rural Conservation zoned land in the Axe Creek area. It requires a development plan to be prepared in some cases before a permit can be granted for its use or development to ensure the land is environmentally managed.

The Heritage Overlay is applied to a few heritage sites for their conservation and enhancement as heritage places including the Big Hill railway precinct and Coliban water supply system.

Vegetation Protection Overlays is applied along a few small sections of roadway to protect remnant roadside vegetation.

Environmental Significance Overlays are applied to a very small portion of the Character Area. They aim to protect the waterways and remnant vegetation and manage salinity along these corridors.

The Salinity Management Overlay is applied to a small area and aims to manage salinity.

The Great Bendigo National Park is subject to a management Plan. The 2004 draft of this plan is listed as a reference document.


Imprint of the Past

The Dja Dja Wurrung people lived in the area for thousands of years as evidenced by scarred trees and artefact scatters. Little is known of their

influence on the Bendigo landscape but burning may have been used to reduce understorey growth and assist in hunting.

Box Ironbark forests changed substantially following European settlement of Victoria in the 1830s. The shallow, stony soils were of low fertility and poorly suited to agriculture, however the forests provided a valued source of timber for fuel and props used in the gold mining industry from the 1850s.

All forest areas within about 16 km of Bendigo were cleared in the early days of mining – One Tree Hill is named after the single remaining tree in the area, and even that was later cut down. By 1887, mining timber was carted from up to 160 km away and firewood from 65 km awayi.

Today, the forests that surround Bendigo are largely protected in National and Regional Parks. Only 17% of Victoria's original Box‐Ironbark vegetation remains today. Virtually all the Box Ironbark forest in the Bendigo area is regrowth with dense eucalypt occurrence of 500 stems/ha compared with as few as 5 trees/ha before gold mining.

Settlement in valleys within the Box Ironbark forest has resulted in loss of indigenous vegetation, reduced habitat value and the introduction of buildings and infrastructure into the landscape.


Remaining forests on private land are highly sensitive to clearing, which will result in the loss of habitat and conservation values. The likelihood of this occurring at present is minimal due to the zoning and conservation status that is applied.

The dry, woody forests are sensitive to fire. While many species of tree within the Box Ironbark forests have a high capacity to tolerate fire, and are quick to rejuvenate afterwards, the scrubby understory is more vulnerable.


Limited change is expected to occur in this Character Area. Ongoing conservation will see an increase in flora and fauna species and reduction of weeds.


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The Box‐Ironbark forests surrounding the City of Greater Bendigo will remain as one of the most intact and expansive of this kind left in Victoria. Their ongoing conservation and management will support their role in defining the northern edge of the Big Hill ridgeline and creating the forested backdrop to the Mandurang Valley.

Land in this Character Area is mostly protected from inappropriate development. Otherwise, potential threats to the ongoing management of the landscape and its potential to achieve the future landscape character direction include:

Fire

Proliferation of weeds or animal pests

Intrusion from recreational activities, such as trail bikes, that might affect natural values.


Retention and management of the forest as important natural, landscape and recreation resource

Recreation activities that foster and appreciation of and care for the natural environment amongst the community.


To achieve the future landscape character direction for the Bendigo Box Ironbark Forest Character Area the following landscape management objectives are recommended:

Protect the underlying ecological values of the Bendigo Box Ironbark Forest

Conserve and enhance the Bendigo Box Ironbark Forest as a key landscape feature of the Mandurang Valley

Retain existing indigenous vegetation and encourage natural regeneration where possible








APPENDIX D DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

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Design and development should contribute positively to the surrounding landscape. Good site planning and building design is essential if new developments are to respect and reinforce the existing character of the surrounding environment.

Community feedback and field surveys have shown that the integrity of landscapes within the study area has been threatened by new land uses or development which do not respond to the local characteristics of the area.

Key design issues within the landscapes of Big Hill and the Mandurang Valley include the design, size and scale of buildings, the siting of dwellings in prominent locations, the presence of multiple out-buildings and other structures, use of reflective materials, clearing of vegetation, private landscaping, and other elements such as signage, fencing and lighting that all potentially compromise the valued landscape qualities of Big Hill & the Mandurang Valley.

DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES

Landscape elements that have been identified as having a potential impact on these landscapes include:

▪ Subdivision Layout & Design

▪ Vegetation & Landscaping

▪ Views & Vistas

▪ Buildings & Structures: Siting

▪ Buildings & Structures: Design

▪ Rural ‘dependant’ Land Uses & Structures

▪ Infrastructure & Signage

▪ Property Entrances, Front Boundary Fencing and Gates

▪ Car Parking, Formed Driveways & Roads

▪ Lighting

▪ Edges and InterfacesA set of design guidelines and strategies has been prepared for managing these landscape elements and may be found in Appendix D.These Design and Development Guidelines may be used as the basis of the ‘decision guidelines’ in any proposed planning scheme overlay schedule, and can be incorporated into local policy to help in determining planning permit applications

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Landscape Element

Objectives Design Response Avoid

Subdivision Layout & Design

Sensitively design future development to minimise impacts on natural and landscape values

▪ Design allotment boundaries, driveways and access roads to respond to the existing features of the landscape (eg. follow contours of the land and natural boundaries such as the forest edges)

Lot boundaries, driveways and roads that create hard divisions or edges that contrast with the natural form and lines of the landscape.

Vegetation & Landscaping

Protect and enhance vegetation as an important character element

To encourage natural regeneration, particularly of old trees and understory vegetation where possible


Assist in salinity and erosion mitigation measures

To provide opportunities for revegetation with endemic species that will assist in strengthening wildlife and landscape corridors between settled and forested areas

▪ Where practical, protect and rehabilitate stands of remnant indigenous and/or native vegetation, particularly at roadsides, throughout paddocks, and along creek corridors, subject to considerations such as farming requirements, fire protection and safety.

▪ Encourage landowners to protect and manage paddock trees such as old River Red Gums by fencing around old trees, retaining understory vegetation, trimming diseased or damaged branches, leaving dead trees standing for wildlife habitat (where practical), and planting new trees, particularly in bare paddocks

▪ Minimise indigenous and/or native vegetation removal in new development, particularly remnant vegetation

▪ Where vegetation loss cannot be avoided, balance the loss of vegetation with rehabilitation on the site or nearby areas, and replace any native or indigenous trees lost with indigenous trees that will grow to a similar size

▪ Design revegetation on private land to reinforce natural forms such as the meandering forest edge, using both canopy trees and appropriate understory planting.

▪ Reinforce vegetative linkages and biodiversity corridors to natural features such as the surrounding Box Ironbark forest through private properties and existing creek environs.

▪ Encourage the removal of environmental weeds and their replacement with local native and indigenous species.

Refer to the State Government’s Native Vegetation Management: A Framework For Action

Loss of significant stands of vegetation, particularly remnant River Red Gums

Ad hoc clearing and removal of vegetation.

Development which requires permanent clearing of vegetation.

Lack of landscaping and substantial vegetation in new development.

Landscaping that provides little connection to the surrounding natural environment and existing landscape character.

Hard surfaces and hard edges in landscaping.

Uniform, formal and ‘urban’ style planting (eg. avenue trees, exotic plant species and straight lines).

Continuous spreading / planting of environmental weeds.

Degradation of significant flora.

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Landscape Element


Buildings & Structures: Siting

Minimise the visual impact of buildings and structures within the natural landscape


Retain the rural outlook offered by the slopes of Big Hill

▪ Ensure that buildings, structure and other infrastructure are sited:

─ Within existing clusters of buildings where possible

─ Away from visually prominent places such as ridge lines and hill faces

─ Away from landscape features such as river and creek corridors.

─ Among established vegetation and/or screened with substantial landscaping of locally appropriate species.

─ To follow the contours and/or natural form of the landscape.

─ To minimise visibility from identified significant viewing corridors and other main roads.

▪ Where development cannot be avoided on prominent hill faces or in steep locations:

─ Site development in the lower one third of the visible slope, wherever possible.

─ Integrate buildings and structures with existing vegetation, and/or establish settings of indigenous and/or native vegetation.

─ Design buildings to follow the contours or step down the slope to minimise earthworks.

─ Articulate buildings into separate elements, and avoid visually dominant elevations.

▪ In open rural areas, ensure that buildings and structures are set back sufficient distances from roads to ensure minimal visual intrusion.

▪ Minimise the number and floor area of storage areas, outbuildings and ancillary structures, wherever possible

Buildings and structures that are visually dominant or located in prominent locations.

Buildings and structures that break the ridgeline silhouette.

Development of residences and other buildings and structures at the roadside.

Buildings and structures that impact on the character and environmental quality of watercourses.

Buildings and structures that do not have sufficient vegetative screening.

Buildings that do not follow the natural contours of the site, and require excessive cut and fill.

Conspicuous or intrusive developments on prominent hill faces.

Numerous storage areas / outbuildings on a site.

Scattering of buildings and structures across a site.

Visual clutter.

Buildings and structures that protrude above the dominant tree height of the vegetated (or proposed vegetated) backdrop.

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Landscape Element


Buildings & Structures: Design

To ensure that buildings and structures demonstrate a high standard of design and respond to the character to the surrounding environment

▪ Ensure that the design and external appearance of buildings and structures complement the surrounding landscape by:

─ Using simple, pared-back building forms and design detailing, with consideration of the Australian rural architectural vernacular.

─ Utilising colours and finishes that best immerse the building within the landscape and minimise contrast with the surrounds (such as muted colours and matte finishes, or corrugated iron or timber that will weather over time).

─ Using a mix of contemporary and traditional rural materials, textures and finishes including timber, stone, brick and corrugated iron.

─ Making use of building materials with minimal environmental impact and encouraging the use of recycled materials where possible.

─ Utilising materials and finishes that reduce distant visibility (e.g. darker colours on hill slopes, and lighter colours on sky lines).

▪ Ensure that development does not visually overwhelm the landscape setting by:

─ Designing building and structures of a scale that does not dominate the surroundings.

─ Achieving a minimal building footprint, and ensuring that adequate space is available on the site for the retention of existing vegetation and/or new landscaping.

─ Using building forms and heights that sit beneath the existing or future tree canopy height.

─ Utilise open style fencing that is not visually obtrusive and is traditionally used in rural areas, such as post and wire or post and rail fencing.

─ Incorporate best practice environmental sustainability principles into the design and construction of all new buildings.

Buildings or structures that do not harmonise with the character of the surrounding natural / rural environment.

Ad hoc or large scale urban development outside of settlements.

Large, bulky building masses / footprints that are conspicuous elements within the spacious landscape setting.

Sheer, visually dominant elevations.

Mock historical style buildings with excessive use of ‘reproduction’ or decorative detailing.

Highly colourful materials and finishes.

Building design that has little or no regard to environmentally sustainable design practices, such as residential buildings with excessive western or southern orientation.

High, solid or non-permeable fencing.

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Landscape Element


Views & Vistas Preserve and enhance scenic views and the surrounding rural environs, as viewed from main roads and other publicly accessible locations

To maintain views to the forested hillslopes of the Mandurang Valley walls

▪ Where possible, buildings, structures and other infrastructure should be sited away from prominent views along identified viewing corridors

▪ Retain the sense of openness in the agricultural/ rural farm landscape, with buildings and structures subservient to this quality.

▪ Consider the cumulative impact of developments visible from main roads and other publicly accessible areas, on the open, rural character of these views.

▪ Consider the impact of developments on immediate views within the area

▪ Design vegetation planting and regeneration works to retain viewing opportunities where possible

▪ Enhance and prioritise access roads/ points to the Bendigo National and Regional Parks, to direct and facilitate viewing and visitation opportunities whilst protecting existing landscape and environmental values

Conspicuous or incongruous buildings and structures that obscure views of the Bendigo National and Regional Parks and surrounding rural environs.

Loss of the open, isolated rural character.

Conspicuous or incongruous buildings, structures or infrastructure that impact on the open, rural character of the landscape, as viewed from all publicly accessible locations

Vegetation that disrupts viewing opportunities.

Lack of viewing opportunities.

Rural ‘Dependent’ Land Uses & Structures

To continue to recognise the value of productive agricultural land /activities without detracting from the landscape character of the area

To maintain and encourage the future use of the land for buildings dependant on the rural context

▪ Any increase in agricultural activity should be consistent with the future character direction of the related Character Area.

▪ Shade materials, hail netting, glasshouses and large machinery or equipment sheds should be located and designed so that they do not dominate the landscape, when viewed from main roads or other publicly accessible areas. (Refer to the Buildings and Structures: Siting section above).

▪ Ideally, site coverage of structures should not exceed 60 per cent.

▪ Locate structures and other rural uses such as machinery, within existing clusters of buildings and screen with vegetation of locally appropriate species.

▪ Minimise storage areas/ outbuildings.

▪ Encourage the use of temporary netting/ sheeting, in preference to permanent structures, where possible. Where netting/ sheeting must be erected as a permanent structure, encourage open sides and darker, less obtrusive materials and colours that blend in visually with the surrounding landscape.

Uses and structures which visually intrude on the landscape character

Conspicuous structures and other agricultural uses that dominate the low scale rural environment when viewed from main roads or other publicly accessible areas.

Light, reflective materials and colours which do not blend in with the surrounding landscape.

Scattering of structures across a site.

Lack of vegetation screening.

Visual clutter within the landscape.

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Landscape Element


Signage & Infrastructure

To minimise the visual impact of signage and infrastructure, particularly when visible from identified significant viewing corridors and viewing locations.

▪ Group signage, including tourism signage, at particular locations to minimise visual impact, avoid signage clutter, and to maintain scenic outlooks.

▪ Infrastructure should be sited to avoid scenic locations, particularly identified significant views, and in the case of power lines and other utility services, be underground wherever possible.

▪ Locate power lines, access tracks and other infrastructure in areas of low visibility, preferably in previously cleared locations.

▪ Strongly discourage the loss of vegetation in locations that create visual scars visible from identified key viewing corridors and key viewing locations.

▪ Use materials and colours that minimise contrast with the surrounding landscape and distant visibility, and use vegetation to screen infrastructure from identified significant viewing corridors, viewing locations and other main roads.

▪ All new infrastructure development should be accompanied by a landscape plan utilising appropriate indigenous and/or native plant species and demonstrating how the affected area will be screened and remediated after development.

▪ Design roads to reflect the existing rural character using asphalt and gravel surfaces with swales to the side

▪ Limit public lighting of roadsides to high volume/high risk intersections

Signage clutter in the landscape.

Visually obtrusive and/or colourful signage in natural landscape settings.

Highly visible infrastructure.

Infrastructure that dominates views, particularly from identified significant viewing corridors or locations.

Landscape scarring as a result of vegetation removal.

No consideration of siting, design, vegetation or remediation in association with the development of infrastructure.

Roads featuring concrete kerb and channel treatment, commonly found in urban situations

Street lighting that illuminates large areas roadsides in rural areas

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Landscape Element


Property Entrances, Front Boundaries & Gates

To minimise the impact of property entrances, front boundary fencing and gates on the dominant rural landscape character

▪ Property entrances, front boundary fencing and associated entry gateways, should be in scale and character with the open rural environment.

▪ Minimise the visual impact of property entrances. Materials, height, lighting, vegetation and other elements should complement rather than dominate the existing roadside environment.

▪ Ensure that front boundary fencing and entry gateways are small and constructed of light traditional materials (e.g. timber, post and wire or stone) in preference to large heavy materials and structures.

▪ Avenues of trees should not detract from the wider native landscape character of the Area.

Property entrances, front boundary fencing and gates that dominate the open rural environment.

Front boundary treatments that include urban or suburban-style fences and landscaping.

Large entry features, particularly in heavy materials such as brick, wrought iron, cast iron or concrete.

High front boundary fences that enclose and conceal the property frontage, where the property frontage adds to the landscape character of the Area.

Tree avenues that are not consistent with the native landscape character of the Area.

Ecological Values To assist in salinity and erosion mitigation measures including ongoing revegetation programs using endemic species and encouragement of complementary farming practices

▪ Encourage revegetation along creeks, gullies and waterways with endemic species to stabilise banks, improve water quality and prevent further erosion

▪ Site and design new buildings and structures to be setback to creeks, gullies and waterways

▪ Discourage allowing stock to graze to the edges of creeks, waterways and gullies

Loss of existing vegetation in areas prone to salinity and erosion

Development and grazing close to the edges of creeks and drainage lines

Cultural Heritage Values

Encourage landscape change that is consistent with the cultural heritage values of the Big Hill and Mandurang Landscapes

Increase landowner awareness of the cultural heritage (presence, values and management)

▪ Relate landscape character to the relevant heritage values of significant places by setting back, avoiding or carefully designing buildings, structures and other landscape alterations.

▪ Identify and prevent the disturbance of landscape conditions and settings of places of pre- and post-settlement cultural heritage value.

▪ Respect the cultural heritage values of significant places by setting back, avoiding or carefully designing buildings, structures and other landscape alterations to avoid impacts on places, objects or landscapes that have Aboriginal heritage value.

Loss of cultural heritage values associated with the landscape.

No regard for the cultural heritage values of the landscape in new development.

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