Williamstown Foreshore Strategic Plan 2010 - Parks Victoria

3.2.3 Key issues and opportunitiesViewsViews of significance available within this Precinct are outlinedin the Williamstown Foreshore Landscape & Visual Assessment2008 and include:• Views from the Yarra River’s edge taking in the Riverand West Gate Bridge in the foreground and Docklands,Melbourne CBD and Newport Power Station.• Views from the Memorial Park, looking out over theindustrial uses and the wetlands towards the CBD.• Views of the ships passing along the River to the Portof Melbourne.The contrast in landscapes is viewed as a positive feature of thePrecinct, but visual features such as rubbish, graffiti, erosionand barbed wire/high fencing are considered to detract fromthe views.EnvironmentStony Creek Park has high coastal flora and fauna valuesand activities that enhance these natural values should bepursued, particularly with regard to improving cleanliness ofthe area, improving water quality and revegetation works.A Neighbourhood Environmental Improvement Plan has beenprepared for the Park to address these issues.LandscapingProvision of consistent access along the foreshore forpedestrians and cyclists is seen as a critically importantoutcome, and has strong community and stakeholder support.Improvements to the linear parkland contained within thisPrecinct should focus on improving the cleanliness of the area(litter, weeds and graffiti), safety (lighting and landscaping) andinvestigating opportunities to improve the fencing and signagethat interfere with valued views.Pedestrian/Bicycle LinksStony Creek Park is the starting point of the Hobsons BayCoastal Trail, which continues the length of this RevisedStrategic Plan’s study area. Provision of a safe crossing pointwould improve access between the foreshore and areas westof Douglas Parade.The Punt opposite Scienceworks Museum provides anopportunity to cross the Yarra River and continue the Trailthrough West Gate Park to the east. Establishing saferpedestrian access in the vicinity of Scienceworks Museum andthe Punt would enhance this destination and encourage visitorsto use an alternative mode of transport. Bicycle parking facilitiesare presently available at Scienceworks.Riverside Park/Newport Industrial Buffer ZoneFrom Scienceworks south to the Newport Power Station, publicland has potential to provide for recreational activity, but is alsoconstrained by Port functions and public utilities.The location of the Warmies Boat Ramp within a State MarinePrecinct indicates the current significance of the boatingfacilities adjacent to Precinct One and potential to consider anupgrade/expansion of services offered.Several stakeholders have suggested new boating facilities(such as dry storage and marine servicing) near the NewportPower Station. The need and potential location for such afacility would require further investigation (as outlined in section3.1.1). A key consideration in the location and operation of anyfacility will be the impact on development and use at RiversidePark and the potential impact to the Port operations.The Council is not supportive of new boating facilities inthis area and has resolved to prepare a Master Plan for thedevelopment of sports fields and associated amenities on theRiverside Park land to cater for the increasing demand for juniorsporting facilities in the area.3.2.4 Recommended actionsThe following actions are recommended for Precinct One:• Enhance environmental values and vegetation in and aroundStony Creek Park, including continued implementation ofthe Neighbourhood Environmental Improvement Plan forthe Park.• Encourage the involvement of the Stony Creek FriendsGroup in vegetation and habitat management works.• Continue the regular monitoring and maintenance of thePrecinct.• Prepare a Master Plan for Riverside Park to provide futuredirection for the open space and integrate the Hobsons BayCoastal Trail into its redevelopment.• Provide improved access throughout the site for pedestriansand bikes, focusing on improving safety and opportunitiesfor uninterrupted views across the Yarra River and towardsindustrial elements within and adjoining the Precinct.• Establish a safe crossing point between the foreshore andthe areas to the west of Douglas Parade (in the vicinity ofScienceworks and The Punt).• Continue to investigate opportunities to improve thePunt service.16