South Gippsland Shire Council

Korumburra Town Centre Framework Plan | Context Report 24
11 Landscape and visual setting
The visual setting of Korumburra is strongly influenced by its topography and the rolling
hills surrounding the township. Such elements contribute to establishing a distinctive
and memorable Town Centre character. The key landscape and visual setting features
of the study area are described below and illustrated overleaf.
The Town Centre is characterised by undulating topography with the Commercial
Street and Bridge Street intersection positioned at the highpoint with land falling
away to the north, south and west. From the ‘top of the town’, at the eastern end
of Commercial Street, the land falls dramatically away to the west. As a result of
the topography, the historic buildings located around this intersection are visually
dominant.
The western end of Commercial Street, as well as Radovick Street are relatively
flat, however there are significant level differences between the Railway Station
precinct and Commercial Street. As such, built form appears more dominant
along the elevated streetscapes and in many instances frames directional views.
Long range views to the hills are available at numerous vantage points within the
Town Centre, particular from the eastern ends of Commercial Street and Little
Commercial Street.
Whilst the undulating topography enables long distance views to the hills, it also
acts as a visual barrier due to the significant rise and fall in the landscape. The
topography also makes pedestrian mobility more difficult than in a relatively flat
township. This has an effect on pedestrian safety and amenity. Likewise, the use
of retaining walls often results in unattractive view termination, restricted
accessibility and the perception of unpleasant pedestrian environment.
The location of a large shed to the south of the Railway Station also prevents
visual connection between the Town Centre and this important historical landmark.
The pedestrian underpass forms a direct connection between the Town Centre
and the Railway Station. However, this connection is hidden behind industrial
buildings and its visual relationship to the Commercial Street shopping strip could
be improved.
There are a limited number of public open space areas within the Town Centre,
with the majority open space areas being located outside the study area in the
recreation precinct to the west, Coleman Park to the south, and further from the
Centre at Coal Creek and the Botanic Gardens. Access to these facilities is
limited and their presence is not well established or identified within the Town
Centre.
There are two pockets of public open space for passive recreation located within
the study area itself. These are located on the south side of the railway line and
include land at the Town Centre Entry and the Post Office car park. These spaces
variously include picnic benches, shelter and established landscaping, with the
Post Office car park providing the only public toilets in the Town Centre. Access
and visibility is limited to the Town Centre gateway area, whilst access to the Post
Office car park open space area is difficult due to the busy nature of the car park
intersection with Commercial Street.
The periphery of the Town Centre is defined by vegetation along the railway
reserve and canopy trees in the public and private realm. This is particularly
evident along the southern end of Radovick Street and along Victoria Street which
are both defined by strong landscape belt. Plantings include both native and
exotic varieties located within street verges and front yards of residential
properties. To the south, on Bridge Street, is an avenue of significant trees, which
were established by Rotary.
There is a lack of landscaping ng along both Commercial and Little Commercial
Streets within the Town Centre. Commercial Street does have centre median
plantings, however these appear pear poorly maintained
and lack a consistent design
theme or colour. There is some low scale landscaping provided in brick planters
along the footpaths in Commercial Street. Again, these lack a consistent theme
and display little colour or variety. Little Commercial Street comprises paved,
sealed and gravel areas with little, if any soft landscaping.
Draft