landscape design brief - home-new · 2019. 5. 16. · 1.6 study area ... new landscape design plan...

North Gardens Indigenous Sculpture Park Lake Wendouree, Ballarat

Landscape Design Consultancy Services Brief

October 2017

Page | 2 City of Ballarat - Consultancy Services Brief – Indigenous Sculpture Park Landscape Design Plan – October 2017

Contents 1.0 Project Overview ......................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 3

1.2 Objectives and Key Messages ................................................................................................. 3

1.3 Strategic Background .............................................................................................................. 4

1.4 2017 Lake Wendouree Master Plan Recommendations ........................................................ 5

1.5 Previous North Gardens Landscape Design ............................................................................ 5

1.6 Study Area ............................................................................................................................... 6

1.4 Project Schedule ..................................................................................................................... 7

1.5 Project Budget......................................................................................................................... 7

1.6 Resource Material ................................................................................................................... 7

1.7 Project Management and Reporting ...................................................................................... 7

2.0 Consultancy Requirements ......................................................................................................... 9

2.1 Consultancy Tasks ................................................................................................................... 9

2.2 Consultation and Engagement ................................................................................................ 9

2.3 Public Art, Planning and Design Principles .............................................................................. 9

2.4 Project Outcomes ................................................................................................................. 10

3.0 Tenders ..................................................................................................................................... 11

3.1 Tender and Consultancy Milestones ..................................................................................... 11

3.2 Key Selection Criteria ............................................................................................................ 11

3.3 Relevant Experience .............................................................................................................. 12

3.4 Tender Submissions .............................................................................................................. 12

4.0 Contractual Matters .................................................................................................................. 12

4.1 Contracts ............................................................................................................................... 12

4.2 Ownership ............................................................................................................................. 13

4.3 Budget ................................................................................................................................... 13

4.4 Payment Schedule................................................................................................................. 13

4.5 Changes to the Brief .............................................................................................................. 13

Appendix A: Precinct Plan 6: Fairyland from Lake Wendouree Masterplan Final Draft, September 2017 ................................................................................................................................................. 14

Appendix B: North Gardens Wetlands Landscape Masterplan 1999…………………………………………….16 Appendix C: Resting Place Project Outline including examples of contemporary Aboriginal public art and sculptural practice .............................................................................................................. 17


1.0 Project Overview

1.1 Introduction The City of Ballarat seeks the services of suitably qualified and experienced consultants to prepare a new Landscape Design Plan to guide the future development of a sculpture park featuring the work of Aboriginal artists at North Gardens, Lake Wendouree. This contract position is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants only. Lake Wendouree is Ballarat’s most cherished and iconic landscape. It also has a rich and significant history of recreational and cultural use by the community. The City of Ballarat in consultation with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal representatives have initiated a unique and significant, sculptural landscape project within the North Gardens precinct of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. In addition, the City has developed a new Master Plan to support the activation of Lake Wendouree as an inclusive centre of community life, whilst protecting its character, views, trees and environmental functions. The Master Plan includes a recommendation to implement the ‘Resting Place Sculpture Trail’ concept in the North Gardens wetlands area as another method of identifying and educating the community about the significance of the Lake to the Wadawurrung and local Indigenous residents. This concept was widely supported by community participants, local residents and the expert panel involved in the Master Plan consultation. The Lake Wendouree Master Plan will be adopted by Council in late 2017. Consultants are required to prepare and participate in a community engagement process, prepare the Landscape Design Plan documentation and drawings and present them to key stakeholders at both the Preliminary Draft and Final Draft stages of the Landscape Design Plan’s development.

1.2 Objectives and Key Messages The major objectives of developing the North Gardens Landscape Design Plan are to:

1) Deliver a quality high profile 6 month engagement process that seeks to celebrate, recognise and adequately consult in the development of an Indigenous Sculpture Park at North Gardens, Lake Wendouree

2) Ensure a Landscape Design Plan for the site incorporates local Aboriginal stories and aspirations

3) Assess, review and prioritise key features of the Indigenous Sculpture Park project including sculpture commissions

4) Identify features and community values that have historical, cultural, environmental, and landscape significance, with particular regard to Aboriginal heritage

5) Establish principles for the siting, development and commissioning of artworks at North Gardens

6) Improve landscape development and management outcomes 7) Improve pedestrian connections and linkages.

Some of the key messages to be promoted during the development of the Landscape Design Plan include:

• Lake Wendouree, and the whole Lake precinct, including the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, is very important to the people of Ballarat. The Indigenous Sculpture Park concept for North Gardens has been strongly supported by Wadawurrung and Council’s Koori Engagement


Action Group (KEAG) and by the wider community during the recent development of the Lake Wendouree Masterplan

• A thorough consultation with local Aboriginal stakeholders and Wadawurrung will be undertaken during this project to ensure that any works undertaken at the North Gardens connect deeply with local Aboriginal cultural heritage.

• Several high-quality artworks will be commissioned by the City of Ballarat as part of this project

• All employment throughout the duration of this project will be aimed at meeting the objective identified in the City of Ballarat’s Reconciliation Action Plan to provide opportunities for personal and professional development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

1.3 Strategic Background

“Lake Wendouree is recognised by the Ballarat community as the cultural heart of Ballarat. Both its indigenous and European histories should be appropriately protected, enhanced, acknowledged and celebrated.” – Lake Wendouree Masterplan 2017

Water Security As a man-made waterway, Lake Wendouree is naturally fed by stormwater from a relatively limited urban catchment. Devastatingly for the community, it was closed to most activities in 2004 before becoming completely dry in 2006 after a 10 year period of below average rainfall. It remained unusable until 2010 when it was again at capacity. Over recent years the City of Ballarat and partners have successfully implemented a storm water harvesting project which, in conjunction with natural rainfall, is providing a stable water supply. With ongoing management, these arrangements are considered sufficient to ensure the Lake remains full to 2040. The Lake has been stocked with 90,000 rainbow trout and visitors to the Lake in 2040 will find a premier recreational fishery. The North Gardens wetland has been designed as a water filtration area to utilise weeds to improve storm water before it enters Lake Wendouree. Managing Development and Improving Biodiversity Lake Wendouree has a much-loved character which includes wildlife, biodiversity, historic features, heritage buildings, trees and key views to Mt Warrenheip, Mt Buninyong and the forested ridge to the east. When the leaves are on the trees it can feel like you’re not in a city at all. Ballarat’s community have told us how much they love Lake Wendouree. It is also a key tourist destination, events precinct and cultural landscape in Ballarat. It is essential development does not diminish the much-loved character of this very special place. There are opportunities to improve biodiversity and native plantings, particularly in the ‘Fairyland’ parts of the Lake and in the North Gardens wetlands area. Community Use Lake Wendouree and its foreshore in combination with the Ballarat Botanical Gardens Precinct (including the North and South Gardens) host and provide facilities for a diverse range of events each year. The Lake precinct is heavily utilised on a daily basis for recreation and sport. However, there are more opportunities for more public access clubs and facilities that have been envisioned in the 2017 Master Plan. The North Gardens currently provides a relatively flexible outdoor events space which could be compromised by inappropriate development proposals or works. North Gardens will continue to be used as a temporary, flexible events space while maintaining its open parkland character and ensuring that events and attractions, such as the sculpture park, do not adversely impact the environmental and biodiversity values of the area. Missing footpath sections across Wendouree Parade through the South and North Gardens will improve accessibility in the


Lake and Gardens precinct. The wetlands are also a popular area for locals to walk and offer a more rustic and intimate environment than the Lake foreshore.

1.4 2017 Lake Wendouree Master Plan Recommendations Appendix A shows the precinct plan developed for Fairyland and North Gardens from the Lake Wendouree Master Plan Final Draft, September 2017. Masterplan recommendations for the Resting Place (Indigenous Sculpture Park) Concept • Sculptural elements be extended from the wetlands towards the Fairyland areas of the foreshore to help to visually connect and physically unify these areas.

• The number of sculptures be limited to ensure that they are not visually cluttered, are meaningful in their context, and are of a quality befitting the Botanical Gardens precinct.

• Ballarat’s indigenous communities and stakeholders be consulted and intimately involved in all stages of the planning and development of the Trail.

Masterplan recommendations improving biodiversity • The open parkland landscape character, with established trees and lawn, is a historical and iconic part of the Lake and Gardens precinct and should therefore be given the highest priority in relation to the assessment of the impact of any current or future development proposals.

• Formalise a Tree Management Plan which:

- Achieves a canopy coverage percentage of 40% in line with Council’s policy.

- Achieves recommended biodiversity levels of maximum 20% family representation, maximum 10% genus representation, and maximum 5% species representation.

- Maintains a tree register to record all removed and newly planted trees.

• Continually implement the Tree Management Plan to maintain a largely European style of tree planting using informal plantings of predominantly exotic and some native trees in lawn on the Lake Foreshore and within the North and South Gardens.

• Concentrate areas of indigenous tree planting and underplanting in areas with the highest biodiversity values and potential such as the North Gardens wetlands and Fairyland.

• Limit the use of shrub planting to areas where it is required for habitat or for the screening of buildings, fences, etc.

1.5 Previous North Gardens Landscape Design In 1999 the City of Ballarat prepared a landscape design for the North Gardens area to develop the site as a wetland, shown in Appendix B. Key features of this design, many of which have been implemented, include:


• Undertake works to create a network of water bodies and establishing reeds and grasses in the

wetlands beds to improve water quality entering the lake

• Planting additional indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses to increase wetlands biodiversity

• Establishing a network of granitic sand paths and timber boardwalks to access wetlands

area.

• Installation of interpretive signs including integration of a local foods trail

• Installation of a gross pollutant trap to capture litter entering the wetlands system

• Improved linkages with Fairyland through raising of roadside asphalt

• Provide bird habitat through plantings and ensure selective openings for public viewing of bird

life

• Opportunities exist through this project to complete sections of paths and boardwalks not yet

constructed (subject to funding). This landscape design plan should consider establishing some

incomplete sections of the 1999 and how public art and sightlines to artworks can become an

integral part of the landscape design plan

• Note – the current planting layout and condition may need to be reviewed, adapted or

complemented as part of the landscape design plan to increase Indigenous plantings (as

indicated in the Lake Wendouree Masterplan) and/or to align with Council’s general

maintenance requirements.

1.6 Study Area The Study Area is outlined in the maps below.

wetlands

North Gardens Reserve

Public art to be included across Parade

to link to Fairyland


1.4 Project Schedule The development of the Landscape Design Plan will be conducted over approximately 6 months in accordance with the Project Schedule below.

Milestone Dec 2017

Jan 2018

Feb 2018

Mar 2018

Apr 2018

May 2018

Consultant engaged and briefed for landscape design

Consultation with internal and external stakeholders and review

Draft landscape design preparation and consultation

Final draft landscape design consultation

Landscape design adoption

1.5 Project Budget Council has committed a budget of $50,000 for consultancy services for the preparation of the landscape design in accordance with this brief.

1.6 Resource Material The City of Ballarat will make available the following resource materials to the successful consultant.

• City of Ballarat Reconciliation Action Plan (2013-17)

• City of Ballarat Public Art Policy and Public Art Masterplan (2010)

• Our people, Culture & Place: A plan to Sustain Ballarat’s Heritage (Final draft 2017)

• Lake Wendouree Landscape Master Plan (Final draft 2017)

• Lake Wendouree Conservation Analysis, Positive Space (1994)

• Aerial photography and GIS data

• Photographs and access to the historical postcards collection

• All documents being developed for community consultation

• Other documents as required subject to availability.

1.7 Project Management and Reporting The City of Ballarat Project Manager for this project will be: Kate Gerritsen | Public Art Co-Ordinator City of Ballarat | PO Box 655, Ballarat, Victoria, 3353 [email protected] P: (03) 5320 5199 | M: 0429 942 076

All consultant communications and reporting should be directly through the Project Manager unless otherwise agreed.


The overall development of the Landscape Design, including community engagement, shall be undertaken within a project structure that includes consultation with the Koori Engagement Action Group, Public Art Advisory Committee, and an internal officer Project Control Group (PCG). The consultants will be required to brief and present to these groups at critical stages of the Landscape Design development. Regular reporting to Councillors and the Lake and Gardens Advisory Committee will also be provided by Council officers.


2.0 Consultancy Requirements

2.1 Consultancy Tasks The successful consultants will be required to undertake the following major tasks:

• Design and attend consultations and Project Control Group meetings (when required).

• Research and analyse all reference material and documentation

• Prepare a comprehensive Preliminary Draft Landscape Design Plan that responds to the directions and outcomes of the consultations undertaken

• Amend and prepare a Final Draft Master Plan following community consultation on the Preliminary Draft.

• Amend and prepare a Final Landscape Design Plan following community consultation on the Final Draft.

• Present the Preliminary and Final Draft versions of the Landscape Design Plan to key stakeholders at both the Preliminary Draft and Final Draft stages of the project.

2.2 Consultation and Engagement Community and stakeholder consultation will be co-ordinated by the City of Ballarat and conducted by the consultant in collaboration with the City of Ballarat throughout the development of the Landscape Design. The outcomes of the community and stakeholder consultation will be summarised by the consultants to provide strategic direction for the preparation of the landscape design plan. The consultant team will be required to consult directly with the community during the development of the Landscape Design and should allow for the following:

• Attendance and participation at two consultation sessions with Wadawurrung Corporation and Council’s Koori Engagement Action Group

• Attendance and participation at a full day project forum

• Presentations to the Project Control Group, the Koori Engagement Action Group, Public Art Advisory Committee and project conception and Final Draft stages of the Landscape Design development.

2.3 Public Art, Planning and Design Principles Consultants will be required to consider and address a range of public art, planning and design principles in the project development including: Public Art Principles (also see Appendix C for a description of the Resting Place Public Art project concept)

• Ballarat’s public art will exemplify the best of contemporary art practice and processes to help create a vibrant city that engages with and meets the needs of its communities, both now and into the future, creating a significant cultural legacy equal to that of its past.

• Public art will contribute to a strong feeling of identity, public ownership and pride in public spaces

• Contribute to the wellbeing and empowerment of communities through their participation in helping to shape their environment


• Contribute to the quality and design, amenity and character of these spaces or provide a creative or unexpected aspect to the interaction of people within or around particular spaces

• Help alter people’s attitudes about and responses to specific environments

• Create landmarks within the urban environment that will become natural gathering places

• Provide a focus for local pride, history and storytelling

• Provide space and the opportunity within the built environment for play and exercise, reflection and quiet, comment, humour, performance and exhibition

• Reflect and express the rich diversity of the Ballarat community

• Increase the understanding and enjoyment of contemporary art by the community

• Establish Aboriginal art and artists as recognised assets of the City

• Provide employment opportunities for artists and associated industries

• Contribute to the destination branding of Ballarat

• Enhance cultural tourism opportunities and product. Facility Development Principles

• Proposed developments and facilities shall be in accordance with reservation status of the land and suited to the proposed function and purpose of the reserve and public space.

• Identify opportunities for new or adapted facilities and community infrastructure to meet shared recreation, community and event objectives and demands.

• Universal Design Principles, ESD, Healthy by Design and Safety by Design principles shall underpin the Landscape Design development.

Landscape and Vegetation Planning Principles • Utilise methods of visual impact and landscape character assessment to assess all

development proposals within the precinct.

• Consider opportunities for improving and increasing the function and beauty of the North Gardens wetlands area through modification and works to improve access, plantings and other work to provide a suitable landscape for sculpture

Historical and Cultural Landscape Principles • Consider the HUL approach which provides a basis for understanding the historic

environment and identifying the complex elements that make our cities distinctive and create a sense of place and identity. For further information visit: http://www.hulballarat.org.au/

• Consider and re-apply the relevant recommendations and principles of the Lake Wendouree Masterplan (2017)

• Identify and provide recommendations for improved interpretation of key Indigenous stories at North Gardens.

Event Infrastructure and Social Amenity Principles • Enhance and develop physical amenity of the study area to maximise participant, spectator

and visitor experience and ensure infrastructure provided caters for a broad range of age groups, community events and sporting activities. Equity of access.

2.4 Project Outcomes The major outcome of the Landscape Design is to deliver a high-quality document that:

• Provides a framework for inclusion of Aboriginal stories for interpretation at Norths Gardens

• Establishes principles for the siting and commission of public artworks

http://www.hulballarat.org.au/


• Provides a strategic plan to guide the future planning, design and development of the North Gardens wetlands

• Recognises and builds community consensus by responding to the directions and outcomes of the community consultation undertaken

• Assesses, reviews and prioritises major works, proposals and ideas in the Resting Place concept

• Preserves and enhances features and landscapes that have historical, cultural, and environmental values.

• Improves landscape planning, development and management outcomes

The Landscape Design Plan will also be required to:

• Address the Planning and Design Principles in this brief (2.3)

• Consider the project concepts outlined in Appendix A of this report

• Prepare all documents in pdf format with a high level of graphic representation of concepts and recommendations suitable for website publishing, downloading and digital printing throughout the Landscape Design’s development.

• Include costings and an Implementation Framework in the Final Draft

3.0 Tenders

3.1 Tender and Consultancy Milestones

Milestone Date

Consultant services tenders invited 1 November 2017

Consultant services tenders closed and awarded 1 December 2017

Client inception meetings December 2017

Community & Stakeholder Consultation Jan-Feb 2018

Preparation of Preliminary Draft Landscape Design Feb-Mar 2018

Preparation of Final Draft of Landscape Design Plan April-May 2018

Preparation of Final Landscape Design Plan May 2018

3.2 Key Selection Criteria Tenders should be prepared to address the following Key Selection Criteria:

• A lump sum price

• Relevant and proven experience of similar projects and scale

• Appropriate skills within the project team

• Understanding of the project and methodology

• Demonstrated high level graphic skills for presentation of design solutions

• Ability to engage with, present to and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders

• Ability to undertake the work within the designated timeframe


• Value of the proposed service

3.3 Relevant Experience Extensive and relevant experience in the preparation of Landscape Design and strategies for public spaces such as reserves, parks, open space, particularly those with public art components. Excellent graphic design capabilities, is considered to be the primary requirement to undertake this project. Landscape, public art and community consultation skills and experience are considered essential. Secondary skills or expertise in the areas of Creative Production, Graphic Design, Architecture, Strategic Planning, Recreation Planning, and economic modelling and feasibility assessment are desirable but not essential.

3.4 Tender Submissions Tender submissions should address the Key Selection Criteria and provide details of the following:

• Relevant details (qualifications and experience) of the proposed team and their respective roles

• Relevant experience in the preparation of design plans for public art sites, public spaces, reserves, parks, open space – of particular relevance are projects that involve interpretation of Aboriginal heritage

• Description of the project methodology, including identification of stages and associated tasks and the timeframe within which each stage would be completed;

• Demonstration in the preparation of high quality digital imagery

• A lump sum price

• Ability to commence and complete work within the designated timeframe. Tenders should be emailed to [email protected] and must be received no later than 5.00pm on Friday 1 December 2017.

4.0 Contractual Matters

4.1 Contracts The Principal will be the City of Ballarat. The Principal reserves the right to:

• Seek clarification for further information in connection with any submission.

• Not proceed with issuing of tender documents.

• Amend the submission documents and provide further information by giving written notice to the tenderers.

• Seek tender submissions from a selected number of the submissions at a date to be advised or deal directly with one or more of the submissions without formal tendering.

The contract between the Principal and the Consultants will be based on AS 4122 General Conditions of Contract. The following conditions shall also apply:

• The appointed Consultant will not be considered or deemed to be an employee of the Ballarat City Council, particularly with regard to Workcover, superannuation, public liability and professional indemnity. The Consultant will be required to provide Council with

mailto:[email protected]


evidence that public liability and professional indemnity insurance has been obtained before commencement of the project.

• The Consultant shall ensure their employees/sub-contractors are covered under the provisions for Workcover and supply verification that the policy is correct and fully paid prior to commencing work on the contract. Vehicles operated by the Consultant shall be fully registered and insured in accordance with Statutory requirements, including a current vehicle license, if required.

• No submission shall be deemed to have been accepted unless and until confirmation of such acceptance has been notified to the successful consultant in writing by the Council.

• All submissions will be treated as strictly confidential. The Ballarat City Council will not disclose details of any submission or part thereof to any other party without prior written consent.

• The Contractor must not during or after the contract divulge to any person whatever or otherwise make use of any confidential information concerning the Ballarat City Council.

• All communication, transportation, office and other costs must be met by the consultant, unless otherwise agree to and confirmed in writing by the City of Ballarat.

4.2 Ownership Ownership and the rights to use any of the material submitted for the project shall remain with Council.

4.3 Budget The Consultant / Project Design Team must agree to a fixed fee for carrying out the entire project, including any nominated provisional cost sums. This must include all sub-consultant fees, travelling and related expenses. No claim for disbursements or other fees will be approved unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated, and the said fees are agreed in writing before being incurred.

4.4 Payment Schedule A fixed fee submission is required outlining relevant costs for each component of the project. A payment schedule may be negotiated with successful consultant such as a progress claims for works or stages completed.

4.5 Changes to the Brief Council and the Contractor must agree in writing to the arrangements of this Brief. The Consultant must carry out the requirements of this Brief within the specified timeframes. Should either Council or the Contractor find it necessary to seek changes to the arrangements specified in this Brief, all parties are to consult at the earliest possible opportunity in order to discuss such matters fully with a view to reaching a mutually satisfactory position. Any amendments to the brief or timeframe must be confirmed in writing.

Lake Wendouree Master Plan Final Draft | September, 2017 | 50

5 PRECINCT PLANS

5.6 PRECINCT 6: FAIRYLAND

Precinct 6 Summary

Precinct 6 comprises ‘Fairyland’ along the Lakes north-west foreshore, and the North Gardens Reserve which forms part of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

‘Fairyland’ is a gardenesque style landscape with a sense of wonder and mystery. It derives its name from its wild flowers, abundance of weeping willows, concentration of islands and numerous footbridges. It also has extensive areas of wetlands and water bodies that provide significant habitat to support the Lakes ecology and biodiversity. Whilst there are opportunities to improve nature play and appreciation of the natural environment through indigenous plantings, care should be taken to retain and enhance this character.

The North Gardens area comprises a pavilion and BBQ shelter and facilities associated with the Botanical Gardens to the south, a large central open parkland area, and recently constructed wetlands with native plantings at the northern end. These areas generally function well however there are significant opportunities to improve the public’s use and appreciation of the North Gardens by:

Maintaining the original open parkland areas to provide flexibility for large events and temporary car parking.

Implementation of the Resting Place Sculpture Trail concept around the wetlands to better recognize the indigenous history of the Lake.

Undertaking further indigenous plantings around the wetlands to improve biodiversity and better integrate it to Fairyland and wetlands on the Lake foreshore.

Installing new post and rail fencing around the Boulevarde and Gregory Street to tie this area in with the rest of the North Gardens.

Reinstatement of the original Caretakers Cottage to support education within the Botanical Gardens.

Demolition of the Sound Shell which does not comply with access requirements and is no longer used.

Replacement of the asphalt in Zoo Drive for granitic gravel to enhance the park like setting.

Providing new paths through the reserve to better connect to existing features and the Lake to the Wendouree Railway Station.

Wendouree Parade acts as both a psychological and physical barrier between Lake Wendouree and North Gardens. The historical tram runs through this section of Wendouree Parade. A narrow bicycle lane in close proximity to the tram creates a hazard for cyclists and improved safety measures should be sought.

North Gardens wetlands

Aerial of Lake Wendouree wetlands

North Gardens open parklands with Nursery Drive

Lake Wendouree Master Plan Final Draft | September, 2017 | 51

5 PRECINCT PLANS

Precinct 6 Recommendations

1) Connect footpath along south side of Gregory Street path.

2) Continue post and wire fence along boundary of North Gardens. Ensure room for off street parking and remove existing fence around wetland after.

3) Remove sound shelter and retain power and water access to support events.

4) Formalise ‘goat trails’ into granitic gravel connection paths for greater connectivity with Gillies Street and Wendouree Train Station.

5) Formalise path with granitic gravel.

6) Explore option to replace asphalt road along Zoo Drive with granitic gravel.

7) Retain historical open parkland character of North Gardens and flexiblity of space to support events and overflow car parking precinct.

8) Install new footpath along north side of Wendouree Parade, where missing.

9) Make improvements to stretch of track with both asphalt and granitic gravel surface to better integrate the two surface types and read as one.

10) Relocated Gatekeeper’s Cottage.

11) Opportunity for ‘Fairyland’ nature play space.

12) Improve biodiversity of wetlands precinct by expanding wetland and indigenous planting between North Gardens and Fairyland. Further design development required.

13) Potential location through existing and proposed wetlands for Resting Place Sculpture Trail.

14) Improve interpretive signage and awareness through precinct of indigenous history of the Lake.

15) Consider improvements to cyclist safety alongside tramline.

N

Precinct 6 - Fairyland 1:4000

North Gardens Ballarat - Aboriginal Sculpture Park Project (Resting Place - working title) The City of Ballarat in consultation with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal representatives have initiated a unique and significant, sculptural landscape project within the North Gardens precinct of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. The aims of the project are to:

• Showcase contemporary Aboriginal culture of South East Australia in Ballarat

• Build further recognition of Wadawurrung culture and country

• Create a nationally significant place for experiencing contemporary sculpture by South East Aboriginal artists

Who is involved? The City of Ballarat’s Public Art Advisory Committee will commission artworks for the site in line with commitments made to the community in Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan, the Lake Wendouree Masterplan and through its public art policy. Wadawurrung Elders, members of the Ballarat Koorie Engagement Action Group, the Central Highlands Local Aboriginal Network and Ballarat and District Aboriginal Corporation are working in collaboration with the City to ensure meaningful long-term recognition of South East Aboriginal culture is achieved. The project will invite a senior contemporary Aboriginal artist to work as the lead creative and cultural producer for the public art commissions. This role will assist the Public Art Coordinator to attract, mentor and co-ordinate commissioned artists. The wider Koorie community will be invited to participate in development of the Resting Place as the project progresses. Why North Gardens in Ballarat? The word Ballarat is derived from ‘balla arat’ meaning ‘resting place’ in Wadawurrung language. The area was named for the gatherings that Aboriginal people in south eastern Australia have carried out for centuries. The wetlands around Lake Wendouree have been identified as being one place where gatherings have taken place, subsequently indigenous plantings have been a strong feature of the landscape design. The City of Ballarat has recently identified wide community support for development of an Aboriginal sculptural landscape project within the North Gardens area. What will the project look like? The North Gardens area is a serene, garden landscape with paths and indigenous plantings connecting to a larger outdoor space used for live music presentation. This project will commission new landscape design elements and contemporary sculptures created by South East Australian Aboriginal artists. The artworks will provide cultural interpretation using contemporary narratives. North Gardens could become a place for education, ceremony, tanderrum, storytelling, skills development or demonstration and contemplation. It is anticipated that a website and other digital platforms will be developed alongside sculpture and landscape elements as an educational, visitor experience guide.

How will the project be achieved? Consultation phase

• Wadawurrung Elders, members of the Ballarat Koorie Engagement Action Group, the Central Highlands Local Aboriginal Network and Ballarat and District Aboriginal Corporation introduced to the project and invited to input in to key conceptual and methodological aspects of the project

• The City of Ballarat Public Art Advisory Committee briefed on the project direction and co-opt two Wadawurrung representatives to assist in ongoing project decision-making

• The City of Ballarat confirms local support for development of the North Gardens site through the Lake Wendouree Masterplan process (to be adopted by Council by end of 2017)

Landscape design phase

• Development of an Indigenous Landscape Design for the site in consultation with Wadawurrung elders and local community representatives

Artist recruitment phase

• Senior Aboriginal artist invited to work as a cultural producer and mentor for the project

• The invited artist, Elders and the City of Ballarat Public Art Advisory Committee select a Wadawurrung artist through an open call to work in a mentor/mentee relationship to create the initial commission

First Public Art commission

• City of Ballarat work with the artists to launch the initial commission (anticipated in late 2018)

• City of Ballarat seek additional funding where required to produce the initial and further commissions and achieve the long-term vision for wide Victorian Indigenous participation in the project

Ongoing site development

• In the tradition of the ‘Resting Place’ Wadawurrung Elders will invite artists to contribute further site specific sculpture installations commissioned by City of Ballarat and external funders

• The City of Ballarat will continue community consultation with Wadawurrung, local Aboriginal people and the broad community regarding development of the North Gardens site Key project contact: Kate Gerritsen | Public Art Co-Ordinator, City of Ballarat P: 03 5320 5199 | M: 0429 942 076 | [email protected]

Project Partners:

Koorie Engagement

Action Group

http://www.wathcorp.com.au/home

Images show the diversity of SE Aboriginal Australian artists working in contemporary mediums: 1. Murri Totems 2013, Reko Rennie 2. Possum Skin Cloak Blackfella Road 2011-13, Lorraine Connelly-Northey 3. He’s learning the Language 2014, Christian Thompson 4. Tunnerminnerwait and Maulboyheener marker 2016, Brooke Andrew and Trent Walter 5. Sorry 2008, Tony Albert 6. Iron cross 2011, Yhonnie Scarc. 7. Green Room 2016, Sharyn Egan 8. Three Rivers Country 2010, Lorraine Connell-Northey 9. Polemics 2000, Brook Andre. 10. The weight of history, the mark of time 2015, Brooke Andrew 11 Birrarung Wilam Sound Installation 2006, Vicki Couzens, Lee Darroch and Treahna Hamm 12. Untitled 2013, Destiny Deacon.

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13. A wolf in sheeps clothing 2013, Bindi Cole. 14. Birrarung Wilam 2006, Vicki Couzens, Lee Darroch and Treahna Hamm. 15. Trawlwoolway People Data 2008, Julie Gough. 16. Yininmadyemi 2015, Tony Albert. 17. Weak In Colour But Strong In Blood 2013-14, Yhonnie Scarce. 18. Kurtonitj 2007, Carmel Wallace and Vicki Couzens 19. Sea Country Spirits 2016, Jenny Crompton 20. Always Was Always Will Be 2012, Reko Rennie 21. The Ancient Yarra 2008, Glenn Romanis.

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http://carmelwallace.com/sculpture-outdoor-2/carmel-wallace-vicki-couzens-2007_kurtonitj-sculpture-tyrendarra_detail/

landscape design brief - home-new · 2019. 5. 16. · 1.6 study area ... new landscape design plan...

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