Rathmines Master Plan
LMCC is currently in the process of developing a Master Plan for the NSW Heritage listed Rathmines Park and has engaged the services of heritage consultants Umwelt Consulting to develop a Conservation Management Plan for Rathmines Park. This plan has now been released in draft form and can be viewed here.
The RASNG has prepared a submission regarding this plan as follows:
The RASNG has prepared a submission regarding this plan as follows:
Submission by Rathmines Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group to LMCC re Rathmines Park Conservation Management Plan
August 2018
Introduction
The Rathmines Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (RASNG) promotes active citizenship by participating in public life and decision making. Its vision is a strong, connected and resilient neighbourhood where we care for our natural, historic and cultural assets and enjoy a safe, active and friendly lifestyle. To this end, the Group has been active in seeking voices from those who use the park frequently, and addresses the areas raised in the CMP which impact our vision. This submission summarises those voices.
Youth voices
To ascertain the views of children and teenagers the RASNG used a simple survey. Eighty-eight (88) responses were received from the local primary students and 60 from the high school participants. Primary-aged students made 23 different suggestions for the Park which can be distilled into five themes: a more diversified playground; an improved skate park; more trees, rest areas and tables; a tree house; and better toilet facilities. Notably their views accord with the CMP. These themes were reflected in the views of the high school students: an improved skate park with the possibility of a BMX park; a more diversified playground including facilities more appropriate to their age groups and better swimming facilities in the water adjacent to the Park. Again, their views support the suggestions in the CMP.
Heritage Listings (2.1, 2.2.4)
The RASNG agrees with the obligation to protect areas of Aboriginal significance, especially related to pre-European settlement of the area. While the CMP emphasises the importance of the RAAF wartime Base to the establishment of Rathmines Park, RASNG regards the early First Nation occupancy of the area is of equal importance both to the historical aspects and the recognition of their lengthy occupancy. More research needs to be undertaken into the pre-European settlement of First Nation’s people within the Park precinct. This story should also be told through Park signage.
The CMP recommends adaptive re-use in the park. In addition to the CMP acknowledgement that the wider area was used by the Awabakal people for many thousands of years, there is more than purely archaeological evidence that this area was a significant site for the First Nation People. The RASNG would like to see an Interpretative Centre providing an interpretation of Aboriginal life and culture in Rathmines Park that is both educational for our youth and informative for the general public as very little is displayed in the Lake Macquarie Council Area of our First Nation People habitation of the area. Newcastle’s MiromaaCentre has a collection of original European drawings and paintings depicting Aboriginal ceremony and life style in the area which is a possible source of information for this Interpretative Centre.
Physical Evidence (3.2)
The RANSG is concerned that the historical buildings are in need of attention. The Sergeant's Mess, now the Westlakes Music Centre, is the southernmost intact historical building entrance. While the building has been looked after, its surrounds (as shown in Plates 3.40, 3.42. 3.43, 3.44 & 3.45) are in disrepair and as such do not present well as part of Rathmines Park.
The Christadelphian Complex with its high security fencing is not contributing to the historical aesthetics of the Park. The overall effect resembles a prison enclosure complete with barbed wire. The RASNG is concerned that the asbestos roofing is degraded and visibly flaking. Despite having been advised verbally by Council that the asbestos roof is safe if not disturbed RASNG believes that there is a danger that asbestos fibres are being distributed over the surrounding areas. The Group supports the CMP recommendation that the complex be reacquired by Council.
Interpretive signage throughout the Park is in poor condition (Plates 3.288 & 3.289) and should be replaced with appropriate long lasting materials. The scope of interpretive signage should cover not only the historical nature of the air base, but Aboriginal heritage and usage pre-Europeans.
The RASNG is not opposed to the reinstatement of 'lost' elements and the development of a museum such as to house a Catalina aircraft, but agree with the recommendation to reconstruct the bomb and fuel wharf. Perhaps this reconstruction could be suitable for a disabled fishing platform.
Plantings (3.3.5, 9.3.5, 10.3.6, 11.12)
The CMP admits that it is deficient (s.1.7, p.6) in addressing the natural heritage values of the Park.The Park has suffered considerable degradation through the non-replacement of trees within the historical, parkland and natural bushland precincts. The CMP notes the benefits of natural heritage. This can only be activated by a tree regeneration program. Such a program should protect the foreshore from storms and the resulting wave action and erosion as well as providing more shade in a period of climate change. Currently, the coastal casuarinas are being undermined by coastal erosion and weed growth.
Formal plantings are noted as historic in the CMP but the RASNG would like to challenge the classification of the row of oleanders along Stilling Street as part of the historic fabric of the former base. This classification is not backed by any evidence in the CMP linking the plantings to the base although a local authority is acknowledged as saying that they were planted much later. This claim is supported by Plate 5.101, an aerial photograph taken in 1962 which does not show any plantings in the area currently occupied by the highly toxic species listed on the NSW weed register. They should be replaced by a row of native trees endemic to the Rathmines area.
Despite the foreshore and its ambience being graded as exceptional by the CMP, it is under threat by poor traffic control (inappropriate vehicle access), excessive mowing, failure to replace trees, and weed growth. The preservation of the Park environment must address these issues as well as the unfettered access to the Park by motor vehicles, right to the foreshore in some areas which leads to the destruction of both existing and new growth. The Council should support more Landcare volunteer involvement in the Park, restrict mowing in the wider areas especially under tree canopies, and in particular impose more vehicular barriers to deter entry to the sensitive foreshore areas. A maintenance program for the removal of weeds and invasive species within the Park is also a high priority as the small number of Landcare sites within the Park are struggling to remove these weeds and invasive species.
Opportunities – Well-being (10.3)
RASNG agrees that new developments are not appropriate where they interfere with the historical and natural vistas of the Park. However, we support the CMP recommendation for developments of short-term camping or campervan tourism in restricted areas but this should be limited in numbers to avoid encroaching on the ambience of the Park. Small numbers of campers in the Park would support surrounding nearby businesses as well as providing some security to the Park as the previous presence of caravans/campers deterred vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the Park.
Gym equipment/exercise stations, additional walking/cycling tracks, and playground and/or outdoor equipment more suited to older children (and adults) in appropriate areas of the Park precincts is strongly supported by the Group. These need to be of suitable scale and of minimum impact on the natural and historical environment especially in the case of camping tourism and trails.
The Group is pleased to see that the bushland trails (walking/cycling) with associated signage and interpretive material have been given a high priority. Such bushland trails and other exercise installations are consistent with community healthy life styles and are consistent with the installation of exercise stations along existing pathways in other parks within the Lake Macquarie area. These installations can be achieved without impact on the historical precinct and vistas and should be given priority.
The swimming area should also undergo repair/replacement as it was an important part of the recreational facilities of the RAAF Base. A safe swimming area would complement the on-ground activities of the Park and contribute to community healthy life styles.
Opportunities – commercial (10.3)
While not averse to the suggestion of small-scale commercial spaces (e.g., café, wine bar etc) RASNG believes that they would be inappropriate unless they are of the “pop-up” variety to complement temporary uses and events within the Park. The CMP suggestion that these commercial activities should be located within the area opposite the shops does not make sense given that the shops across the road supply such needs and there is scope for expansion of that shopping precinct on the side of the road facing the park. Any small scale commercial establishments would not contribute to the Park’s “overall setting and aesthetic presentation” which are considered significant in the CMP. The south-eastern tip of the Park should be maintained as an integral part of the Park.
The Group rejects the argument that the area opposite the shops does not contribute to the curtilage of the historical and natural precincts of the original base. No evidence has been provided by the CMP for the suggested possibility of excision of this land (Lot 4 DP 704472 and Lots 37-50 DP 11537). This area is suitable for, and is currently used for community activities such as the travelling library and picnickers purchasing food from the shops, as well as periodic small concerts and events. RASNG does not agree that there is a need for more commercial buildings as the two currently vacant shops have been for lease for over 12 months.
The rosemary hedge lining the path to the war memorial has been recently removed and RASNG understands the former hedge is to be replaced with roses. This is not in keeping with the CMP recommendations for this area.
Patricia Stanton
Assistant Secretary
August 2018
Introduction
The Rathmines Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (RASNG) promotes active citizenship by participating in public life and decision making. Its vision is a strong, connected and resilient neighbourhood where we care for our natural, historic and cultural assets and enjoy a safe, active and friendly lifestyle. To this end, the Group has been active in seeking voices from those who use the park frequently, and addresses the areas raised in the CMP which impact our vision. This submission summarises those voices.
Youth voices
To ascertain the views of children and teenagers the RASNG used a simple survey. Eighty-eight (88) responses were received from the local primary students and 60 from the high school participants. Primary-aged students made 23 different suggestions for the Park which can be distilled into five themes: a more diversified playground; an improved skate park; more trees, rest areas and tables; a tree house; and better toilet facilities. Notably their views accord with the CMP. These themes were reflected in the views of the high school students: an improved skate park with the possibility of a BMX park; a more diversified playground including facilities more appropriate to their age groups and better swimming facilities in the water adjacent to the Park. Again, their views support the suggestions in the CMP.
Heritage Listings (2.1, 2.2.4)
The RASNG agrees with the obligation to protect areas of Aboriginal significance, especially related to pre-European settlement of the area. While the CMP emphasises the importance of the RAAF wartime Base to the establishment of Rathmines Park, RASNG regards the early First Nation occupancy of the area is of equal importance both to the historical aspects and the recognition of their lengthy occupancy. More research needs to be undertaken into the pre-European settlement of First Nation’s people within the Park precinct. This story should also be told through Park signage.
The CMP recommends adaptive re-use in the park. In addition to the CMP acknowledgement that the wider area was used by the Awabakal people for many thousands of years, there is more than purely archaeological evidence that this area was a significant site for the First Nation People. The RASNG would like to see an Interpretative Centre providing an interpretation of Aboriginal life and culture in Rathmines Park that is both educational for our youth and informative for the general public as very little is displayed in the Lake Macquarie Council Area of our First Nation People habitation of the area. Newcastle’s MiromaaCentre has a collection of original European drawings and paintings depicting Aboriginal ceremony and life style in the area which is a possible source of information for this Interpretative Centre.
Physical Evidence (3.2)
The RANSG is concerned that the historical buildings are in need of attention. The Sergeant's Mess, now the Westlakes Music Centre, is the southernmost intact historical building entrance. While the building has been looked after, its surrounds (as shown in Plates 3.40, 3.42. 3.43, 3.44 & 3.45) are in disrepair and as such do not present well as part of Rathmines Park.
The Christadelphian Complex with its high security fencing is not contributing to the historical aesthetics of the Park. The overall effect resembles a prison enclosure complete with barbed wire. The RASNG is concerned that the asbestos roofing is degraded and visibly flaking. Despite having been advised verbally by Council that the asbestos roof is safe if not disturbed RASNG believes that there is a danger that asbestos fibres are being distributed over the surrounding areas. The Group supports the CMP recommendation that the complex be reacquired by Council.
Interpretive signage throughout the Park is in poor condition (Plates 3.288 & 3.289) and should be replaced with appropriate long lasting materials. The scope of interpretive signage should cover not only the historical nature of the air base, but Aboriginal heritage and usage pre-Europeans.
The RASNG is not opposed to the reinstatement of 'lost' elements and the development of a museum such as to house a Catalina aircraft, but agree with the recommendation to reconstruct the bomb and fuel wharf. Perhaps this reconstruction could be suitable for a disabled fishing platform.
Plantings (3.3.5, 9.3.5, 10.3.6, 11.12)
The CMP admits that it is deficient (s.1.7, p.6) in addressing the natural heritage values of the Park.The Park has suffered considerable degradation through the non-replacement of trees within the historical, parkland and natural bushland precincts. The CMP notes the benefits of natural heritage. This can only be activated by a tree regeneration program. Such a program should protect the foreshore from storms and the resulting wave action and erosion as well as providing more shade in a period of climate change. Currently, the coastal casuarinas are being undermined by coastal erosion and weed growth.
Formal plantings are noted as historic in the CMP but the RASNG would like to challenge the classification of the row of oleanders along Stilling Street as part of the historic fabric of the former base. This classification is not backed by any evidence in the CMP linking the plantings to the base although a local authority is acknowledged as saying that they were planted much later. This claim is supported by Plate 5.101, an aerial photograph taken in 1962 which does not show any plantings in the area currently occupied by the highly toxic species listed on the NSW weed register. They should be replaced by a row of native trees endemic to the Rathmines area.
Despite the foreshore and its ambience being graded as exceptional by the CMP, it is under threat by poor traffic control (inappropriate vehicle access), excessive mowing, failure to replace trees, and weed growth. The preservation of the Park environment must address these issues as well as the unfettered access to the Park by motor vehicles, right to the foreshore in some areas which leads to the destruction of both existing and new growth. The Council should support more Landcare volunteer involvement in the Park, restrict mowing in the wider areas especially under tree canopies, and in particular impose more vehicular barriers to deter entry to the sensitive foreshore areas. A maintenance program for the removal of weeds and invasive species within the Park is also a high priority as the small number of Landcare sites within the Park are struggling to remove these weeds and invasive species.
Opportunities – Well-being (10.3)
RASNG agrees that new developments are not appropriate where they interfere with the historical and natural vistas of the Park. However, we support the CMP recommendation for developments of short-term camping or campervan tourism in restricted areas but this should be limited in numbers to avoid encroaching on the ambience of the Park. Small numbers of campers in the Park would support surrounding nearby businesses as well as providing some security to the Park as the previous presence of caravans/campers deterred vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the Park.
Gym equipment/exercise stations, additional walking/cycling tracks, and playground and/or outdoor equipment more suited to older children (and adults) in appropriate areas of the Park precincts is strongly supported by the Group. These need to be of suitable scale and of minimum impact on the natural and historical environment especially in the case of camping tourism and trails.
The Group is pleased to see that the bushland trails (walking/cycling) with associated signage and interpretive material have been given a high priority. Such bushland trails and other exercise installations are consistent with community healthy life styles and are consistent with the installation of exercise stations along existing pathways in other parks within the Lake Macquarie area. These installations can be achieved without impact on the historical precinct and vistas and should be given priority.
The swimming area should also undergo repair/replacement as it was an important part of the recreational facilities of the RAAF Base. A safe swimming area would complement the on-ground activities of the Park and contribute to community healthy life styles.
Opportunities – commercial (10.3)
While not averse to the suggestion of small-scale commercial spaces (e.g., café, wine bar etc) RASNG believes that they would be inappropriate unless they are of the “pop-up” variety to complement temporary uses and events within the Park. The CMP suggestion that these commercial activities should be located within the area opposite the shops does not make sense given that the shops across the road supply such needs and there is scope for expansion of that shopping precinct on the side of the road facing the park. Any small scale commercial establishments would not contribute to the Park’s “overall setting and aesthetic presentation” which are considered significant in the CMP. The south-eastern tip of the Park should be maintained as an integral part of the Park.
The Group rejects the argument that the area opposite the shops does not contribute to the curtilage of the historical and natural precincts of the original base. No evidence has been provided by the CMP for the suggested possibility of excision of this land (Lot 4 DP 704472 and Lots 37-50 DP 11537). This area is suitable for, and is currently used for community activities such as the travelling library and picnickers purchasing food from the shops, as well as periodic small concerts and events. RASNG does not agree that there is a need for more commercial buildings as the two currently vacant shops have been for lease for over 12 months.
The rosemary hedge lining the path to the war memorial has been recently removed and RASNG understands the former hedge is to be replaced with roses. This is not in keeping with the CMP recommendations for this area.
Patricia Stanton
Assistant Secretary
