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Overall Controls

01. Natural Environment

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01. Natural Environment

BackgroundThe natural environment is essentially aninterplay between the following elements:

• Geology and Soils• Vegetation and Flora• Fauna• Water• Aquatic Ecology

Geology and SoilsBundeena and Maianbar have a fairly complexgeology containing four main soil landscapes.

• Bundeena – Derived from HawkesburySandstone with minor shale lenses.

• Yarrawarrah – Derived from HawkesburySandstone.

• Kurnell – Wind blown sands formingdunal system with highly permeable soils.

• Hawkesbury – Rolling to very steeptopography with exposed sandstonebenches.

Vegetation and FloraThe variety of soil types in the region supports awide variety of vegetation.The Kurnell soils support the followingvegetation types:• Kurnell Dune Forest• Coastal Dune Heath – Open Scrub• Coastal Dune Heath – Open Heath

The Yarrawarrah soils support the followingvegetation types:• Sydney Sandstone Ridge top Woodland• Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest• Sedgelands and Wet Heath

The Bundeena soils support:• Open Heath and Closed Heath• Sydney Sandstone Woodland• Sedgeland and Wet Heath• Sydney Sandstone Ridge top Woodland• Sydney Sandstone Gully Forest• Sydney Freshwater Wetlands• Sydney Coastal Estuary• Swamp Forest Complex

FaunaThese diverse vegetation communities supporta wide range of faunal species. The adjacentRoyal National Park contains:

• over 190 species of birds• over 30 species of mammals• approximately 50 species of reptile and

amphibian

WaterWhilst water quality in Bundeena Creek hasconsistently shown faecal contamination, the tidalflushing of the foreshore has assisted inimproving water quality along the beachfrontareas.

Aquatic EcologyThe aquatic areas contain significant anddiverse wetlands, ranging from the Zosteracapricorni seagrass beds off Simpsons Bay andthe Zostera Psidonia beds off the western sideof Maianbar to the important mangrove and saltmarsh areas of Cabbage Tree Basin being anEstuarine Protected Area.

There are significant and extensive freshwaterhabitats within the Bundeena + Maianbar area.Jibbon lagoons and the Yarmouth Swamps, inRoyal National Park, support a unique ecologyrich in flora and fauna species.

Acid Sulphate Soils (ASS)Acid Sulphate Soils have been detected in thebed of Bundeena Creek and Cabbage TreeBasin. Whilst these soils/sediments remainwaterlogged they do not represent anyproblem. However, when they are exposed toair, the sulphides oxidise to produce sulphuricacid.

Any development (especially in the wetter areasof Bundeena Creek) must consider the impactof ASS. Excavation should be avoided or limitedin extent.

Endangered Species.Endangered Ecological Communities are listedon Part 3 Schedule 1 of the ThreatenedSpecies Conservation Act (1995). Anydevelopment needs to consider the potentialimpacts to these communities if they are presenton site. Several of the communities mergetogether and boundaries are difficult to define.The Map opposite should only be taken as aguide to the extent of the communities.The endangered ecological communities fall intothe following groupings.• Kurnell Dune Forest• Sutherland Shire Littoral Rainforest• Sydney Freshwater Wetlands• Sydney Coastal Estuary Swamp Forest

Complex

A detailed explanation about these communitiescan be found in the Bundeena + MaianbarEnvironmental Study.

Significant FloraAngophora floribunda (Rough BarkedApple)A handsome small medium to large tree withfibrous rough bark and contorted upper limbs. Itprefers moist valleys, with deep soils andindicates areas that would tend to rainforest if notburnt regularly. This tree is restricted to areas inthe Woronora flood plain, Cronulla, andBundeena + Maianbar.

Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum)A tall tree (30-40m), with a smooth trunk ofmottled pale and dark greys It typically occurson well-drained clay soils and alluvium. It ismore common on the Cumberland Plain and inthe Shire is restricted to small populations onalluvial soils at Como, Cronulla and Maianbaras well as the shale soils at Menai.

Valuable VegetationEstuarine ComplexThe Estuarine Complex occurs along tidalwaterways and shallow mudflats on Holocenealluvium. The tidal influence may vary fromhighly significant to very minor. The estuarinecomplex is a productive system that provides animportant link between land and water. It assistswith the assimilation of impacts of land baseddevelopment, and provides organic matter thatforms the basis for the associated aquatic foodchain. These wetlands are protected by a StateEnvironmental planning Policy outside of theSydney Region. As suggested by the name,this vegetation community consists of a complexof several distinct units outlined below.

• Mangroves – These are present on thelower portion of the complex. Theyexperience regular tidal inundation.Mangroves form an open scrub to 5m andconsist of Grey Mangrove (Avicenniamarina) and the less common Rivermangrove (Aegicerus corniculata) in theBundeena/Maianbar area.

• Saltmarsh – Where present these occuron the landward edge of the Mangroves.They experience irregular tidal inundation,mainly during peak tides. They are asedgeland or herbland of saline tolerantplants, such as Samphire (Sarcocorniaquinqueflora), Austral Seablite (Suaedaaustralis) and Sea Rush (Juncus kraussii).Saltmarsh has been extensively destroyedthroughout Sydney with only an estimated5% remaining.

Objectivesa. Minimised interference to significant natural

environmental features.

b. Protected, maintained and enhancednatural vegetation and endangeredecological species, significant remnanttrees and communities of the Bundeenaand Maianbar areas.

c. Preserved and conserved sensitiveaquatic ecosystems by minimising pollutionimpacts and sedimentation.

d. All waterways at the highest achievablewater quality.

e. Minimised disturbance of Acid SulphateSoils

Standards1. Development must not adversely impact

on any identified endangered ecologicalspecies or regionally significant trees.Where appropriate endangered speciesand regionally significant remnant treesand street trees should be regenerated(propagation from seed) with furtherplanting of these species to ensureregeneration.

2. No net loss of indigenous tree canopy inthe Bundeena and Maianbar study area.

3. No net loss of native understorey inBundeena and Maianbar area.

4. Any new planting of trees and shrubsshould be native or indigenous and ofsimilar species to that of adjoining speciesor immediate character area.

5. Developments and works must• Minimise soil loss during construction

to prevent soil degradation;• Minimise hard surfaces;• Minimise excavation.

6. Water quality within Bundeena(Serpentine) Creek to comply withANZECC guidelines and Guidelines forRecreational Waters set by the NationalHealth and Medical Research Council foraquatic ecosystem protection.

7. All development in Acid Sulphate Soilareas to comply with Clause 22 ofSutherland Shire Local EnvironmentalPlan 2000 (including the Acid SulphateSoils planning maps).

02. History and Heritage

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02. History and Heritage

BackgroundBundeena and Maianbar have a rich heritageof place that provides the underpinning for theunique natural and built character of thevillages. Both townships were private landgrants alienated from the Parish of Wattamolla'ssurrounding crown lands prior to the 1879dedication of the Royal National Park, and bothBundeena + Maianbar began their post-1930sdevelopment enjoying only water access to therest of Sydney.

These twin circumstances favoured thedevelopment of small houses with buildingmaterials transportable by boat. Consequently,Port Hacking southern shoreline's climaxangophora and bangalay vegetation werespared even as the villages developed.

Until the late 1960s-mid 70s (and in someplaces, to the present day), the visual appeal ofBundeena and Maianbar as a seaside andnational park set holiday place, was a directresult of this twin heritage and history. Thetowns became visually emphatic villages of smallfibro houses amongst large, mature apple-gumsand eucalypts, with "soft", unkerbed laneways,rights-of-way, and simple streetscapes thatserved pedestrian movement from ferry wharf tofront doorways. These complemented the tracksand walks of both villages' surrounding NationalPark environs. The town centres also reflectedthis small town character: both village areas hadverandahed general stores set in open spacesetting where townsfolk could congregate andeven celebrate on documented occasions.

In the late 1990s, much of this distinctive village-scale urban fabric is in the process of being lost.The huts, holiday homes, and fibro dwellings offisher folk and weekenders are being replacedby much larger and more expansive surfaceareas and dimensions of brick and tilecommuter's homes. The streetscape is beingradically altered through piping of watercourses,widening and straightening of streets,conventional kerbing and guttering, grass turfingof road verges, and increased provision of carparking facilities.

The consequences of this development are theremoval of interspatial trees, vegetation and aradical altering of the character of Bundeena +Maianbar from pedestrian to car basedcommunities.

In Bundeena the visual and historical heritagethat most flavours the town's overall character isprincipally the unique combination of structureand physical inheritance left in its commercialcentre at the corner of Loftus and BrightonStreet.

This amalgam consists of:

• The town's original general provisionsstore (the 1939 "Park Store");

• The 1890 "Yarmouth Wharf" within sight ofits distributive enterprise (the store); the1958, imported "Bundeena House"(an oldCronulla homestead floated across PortHacking) set on top of a mirror-bend inSerpentine (Bundeena) Creek;

• The extension of Horderns Beach to theferry wharf;

• The backdrop mass of Quarry Hill'sbushland reserve opposite the store andthe beach;

• An area of undeveloped, open-areaprivate land surrounding the store that hasserved on many occasions in the village'shistory as a meeting and gathering placefor town celebrations and festivals.

The preservation and reinforcement of theseitems are of upmost importance in the future ofBundeena.

Items and sites of Local Historical Interest asshown on Map No. 4 are described in furtherdetail in the Bundeena/Maianbar Studydocument.

1. The proposed Heritage Walk as shownon Map 4 aims to link many of the sites ofLocal Historical Interest. This long-termproject will require grant funding andcommunity support to reach completion.(refer to Urban Design Elements insection 11 of this plan)

Statutory ListingsThe following heritage items are listed under theSutherland Shire Local Environmental Plan2000.

Schedule 3 – Heritage Items Archaeological Sites

BundeenaBrighton StreetA030 – site of 1920 Bundeena WharfSimpsons RoadA060 – Bonnie Vale cabins groupA061 – Simpsons Hotel site including seawall,stone steps, trees and picnic area.Royal National ParkCabbage Tree BasinA075 – Bundeena/Maianbar water supplyJibbon HeadA110 – PlaqueA111 – Shell grit beach mine.Miscellaneous ItemsA056 – Royal National ParkPort HackingA002 – Ballast Heap, Yennibilli Point.

Schedule 4 – Heritage Items Built & Landscape

BundeenaL114-R – Horderns Beach (betweenCrammond Avenue and Brighton StreetBrighton StreetL113 – Bundeena Wharf (eastern end ofHorderns BeachBundeena DriveB004 – Nos.25-31, “Bundeena House”Loftus StreetB276 – Nos. 96-98, “Bundeena Park Store”(corner of Brighton and Loftus Streets)Scarborough StreetL115 – Bundeena Caravan ParkSimpson Road (off Crammond Avenue)B277 – No. 8, houseMiscellaneous ItemsL037-2 – Royal National ParkPort HackingL034-R – Ballast Shoal (just north-east ofMaianbar)NOTE: A = Archaeological

B = BuildingL = Landscape Item

Heritage AssessmentAll items heritage listed in Sutherland ShireLocal Environmental Plan 2000 are subject toappropriate heritage assessment andconservation principles.

Demolition of andWorks to HeritageItemsAny works to, or demolition of, heritage listedbuildings requires a Development Application.

Aboriginal HeritageSites of Aboriginal heritage previously not listedshall be referred to National Parks and WildlifeService and Sutherland Shire Council forappropriate assessment.

Objectivesa. Reinforce Bundeena and Maianbar’s

historical built form.b. Reinforce the existing tree canopy

character of both townships.c. Restore the dominance of pedestrian

access throughout the townships with soft-edged laneways and retention of naturallandscape features.

d. Reinforce the cultural significance of thetown centres of Bundeena and Maianbaras community gathering places within thecontext of the surrounds.

e. Development must not threaten evidenceof Aboriginal habitation in the area.

f. Protection of all Heritage items listed in theSutherland Shire Local Environment Plan,2000 identified in this plan.

Standards1. All items of Local Historical Interest shown

on Map No 4 Opposite shall take thefollowing guidelines into consideration

Guidelines1. All development to respect and reinforce

the existing Bundeena and Maianbarhistorical built form

2. All development to have minimal impact,both visually and physically, on the builtand natural surroundings.

3. All development, road and drainageconstruction to demonstrate maintenanceand management of key vegetation typesamong houses, in open spaces and alongmovement corridors, especially significantlarge upper storey trees.

4. Development and road design mustencourage the dominance of pedestrianaccess throughout Bundeena andMaianbar with soft edged laneways andretention of natural landscape featuressuch as outcrops and natural drainagechannels.

5. Existing pathways to be maintained andembellished in respect to tree species,understorey and general character.

03. Recreational Open Space

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03. Recreational Open Space

BackgroundOpen spaces within and around urban areasadd to its amenity and aesthetic appeal. Theyinclude the public domain, parklands, andreserves, sporting grounds, pedestrian accessareas and road verges.

They are valuable areas for social contact,activities and enjoyment of nature, adding toaesthetic and cultural qualities of the community,and its health and well being. Ideally, openspaces should be available for a range ofneeds such as children’s activities, youthactivities, sports and exercise (both people andpets), and quiet retreat.

Bundeena and Maianbar are surrounded bybushland from the Royal National Park andmarine environment of Port Hacking. This openspace is valued and used by visitors andresidents and has regional significance. Itsmanagement, however, requires carefulattention especially when viewed from the river.Currently, there is no strategy for dealing withthe interface issues between the Royal NationalPark and the townships. There are a number ofaspects to this interface, which need ongoingmanagement and dialogue.

In comparison to the rest of the Shire Bundeena+ Maianbar have and average Local OpenSpace per person of 10.53 sq metres(July1998)which is slightly higher than the averagefor the rest of the Shire which is 8.68 sq metres(1998).

Funding for the embellishment of district andlocal open space will be derived from s94contributions collected from new developments(eg dual occupancy, villas and townhousesetc). Refer to Councils Open Space ContributionPlan

Objectivesa. Maintained and enhanced ecological and

visual integrity of all open space inBundeena and Maianbar especially alongthe foreshore, while allowing appropriatemulti-purpose community use.

b. Improved pedestrian access includingpathways to all open spaces thatencourages use and enjoyment bypedestrians.

c. Preserved and enhanced indigenousstreet trees that provide shade andpromote the character of the streetscape.

d. Improved management of the interfacebetween the Royal National Park and thetownships.

Standards2. Improve the quality of open space as

required with additional tree planting,appropriate “nature based” playgroundequipment seating, landscaping, gardens,works of art, shade, litter bins and detailconsiderations. (refer to Urban DesignElements in section 11 of this plan

3. Facilities in open space areas mustembrace ecologically sustainableprinciples. eg. Use of Solar lighting,composting toilets (Where sewer notavailable) and indigenous nativeplantings.

4. Use indigenous genetic tree stocks todevelop a street-planting program.

ActionsIssues about the management of the interfacebetween urban areas and the national parkshould be conducted in an ongoing foruminvolving the NPWS, Sutherland Shire Counciland community representatives. Issues whichneed to be addressed are:-

• The urban impact of the townships on thebushland (eg. stormwater, weed infestation;firebreaks, and pet invasions).

• The effect of visitors who use Bundeenaand Maianbar to access the Royal NationalPark and Port Hacking’s waters andbeaches

• National Parks and Wildlife regulations thatlimit types of access (bikes, dogs and wateraccess by boat) between the two townshipsof Bundeena and Maianbar through BonnieVale.

• The destructive effects of feral animals,particularly deer and foxes on thetownships.

• The function of open space within thetownships that act as corridors betweenareas of the Royal National Park.

Specific Management Plans are required forthe Roger Summer Reserve and theCommunity Centre Complex.

Table of Recreational Open Space throughout Bundeena and MaianbarName Location Type Significance Access Usage Users Use/Activity Standards

1. Bombora Avenue Reserve Malibu Street Playground/Picnic Local Easy Sparse Locals Active/Passive 1 2 3 4 52. Rymill Place Reserve Rymill Place Bushland Local None None Wildlife Passive 13. Roger Summers Reserve Main Street Playground/Picnic Local Easy Heavy All Active/Passive 1 2 3 4 5 Should relate closely to Bundeena Commercial Centre4. Newcombe Street Reserve Cullen/Newcombe Bushland /Picnic Local Hard Sparse Local Passive 1 2 55. Bundeena Community Complex Bundeena Drive Community Use Local/District Easy Heavy All Active/Passive 1 2 3 56. Jibbon Beach Foreshore Sand Beach Regional Easy Heavy All Varied 1 57. Gunyah Beach Foreshore Rock Regional Medium Heavy All Varied 1 58. Bundeena Reserve Headland Bushland/Picnic Regional Easy Varies All Varied 1 2 4 59. Horderns Beach Foreshore Sand Beach Regional Easy Heavy All Varied 1 510. Cabbage Tree Point Headland Bushland/Picnic Regional Easy Varies All Passive 1 2 511. Bonnie Vale Foreshore Beach Regional Easy Heavy All Varied1 1 3 512. Sand Flats Foreshore Sand Regional Medium Medium All Active/Passive 1 No structures allowed on Sand Flats Pedestrian access Only13. Deeban Spit Foreshore Sand Regional Medium Medium All Active/Passive 114. Pacific Crescent Pacific Parade Playground/Picnic Regional Easy Medium All Active/Passive 1 2 3 515. Constables Point Foreshore Sand Beach Regional Easy Heavy Locals Varied 1 516. Fishermans Bay Foreshore Bushland/Picnic Regional Medium Sparse Locals Varied 1 5