Draft Plan of Management for Tyalgum Public Recreation and ... - Land

TYALGUM PUBLIC RECREATION ANDPRESERVATION OF NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNARESERVE TRUSTCROWN LANDSDRAFT PLAN OF MANAGEMENTTYALGUM PUBLIC RECREATION ANDPRESERVATION OF NATIVE FLORA AND FAUNARESERVEExhibition Draft:

DRAFT PLAN OF MANAGEMENTFOR TYALGUM PUBLIC RECREATION AND PRESERVATION OF NATIVE FLORA ANDFAUNA RESERVE (R66096)DisclaimerThis Draft Plan of Management has been prepared in good faith by Anne Duke for the Tyalgum PublicRecreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve Trust. Discussion and opinions givenin relation to the content and meaning of legislation are not to be construed as legal advice. Theauthor makes no representation, undertakes no duty and accepts no responsibility to any third partywho may use or rely upon the information, opinion or advice contained herein.Cover photo courtesy of Tudor WinterTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Flora ReserveTABLE OF CONTENTSEXECUTIVE SUMMARY 11. INTRODUCTION 21.1. PURPOSE AND LOCATION OF THE RESERVE 21.2. LANDS TO WHICH THIS PLAN OF MANAGEMENT APPLIES 21.3. WHAT IS A CROWN RESERVE? 3The Role of Reserve Trusts 31.4. WHAT IS A PLAN OF MANAGEMENT? 41.5. AIMS OF THIS PLAN OF MANAGEMENT 42. PLANNING AND CONTEXT 62.1 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 6Crown Lands Act 1989 6Crown Lands Regulation 2006 6Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 6Land Use Zoning 7State Environmental Planning Policy 21 – Caravan Parks 8State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 8Local Government Act 1993 10Rural Fires Act 1997 10Living and Working in Rural Areas Handbook 10National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 11Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) 113. RESERVE CONTEXT AND VALUES 123.1 REGIONAL AND LOCAL CONTEXT 123.2 CULTURAL CONTEXT: TRADITIONAL OWNERS 123.3 HISTORICAL CONTEXT 133.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXT 133.5 RESERVE VALUES 14Environmental Values 14Cultural Values 15Community Values 164. MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES 184.1 ENVIRONMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT 184.2 RESERVE MAINTENANCE 194.3 RESERVE INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES 19Infrastructure Management 19Sporting Facilities Management 20Passive Recreational Facilities 21Camping Management 22Parking Management 224.4 GOVERNANCE 23Financial Management 23Tenure Management 24TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Flora Reserve4.5 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS 244.6 RENEWABLE ENERGY PROPOSAL 244.7 ADJOINING CROWN LANDs 255. STRATEGIC ANALYSIS 276: PLAN OF MANAGEMENT 286.1 VISION 286.2 GUIDING PRINCIPLES 286.3 MANAGEMENT PRECINCTS 287. MANAGEMENT PRACTICES 307.1 GOVERNANCE 307.2 HEALTH, SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENT 317.3 BUSINESS MANAGEMENT 328: IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW 349. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN 35REFERENCES 39APPENDIX 1: COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 411. COMMUNITY PLANS 412. COMMUNITY WORKSHOP AND CONSULTATION 433. COMMUNITY WORKSHOP FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRE: SUMMARY 44LIST OF FIGURES1: Aerial View of the Reserve 32: Tweed Local Environment Plan 2000 Zoning Map for the Reserve 83: Location Map 124: Tyalgum District showing physiography 135: Tyalgum Town Parish Map 156: Current buildings - Ablution block on left, laundry area on right 197: Current kiosk/dining area, potential future camp kitchen/recreation area 208: Management Precincts 29TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveEXECUTIVE SUMMARYTyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve covers10.53 hectares and comprises Crown land set aside as Reserve 66096 for Public Recreationand the Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna. The Tyalgum Public Recreation andPreservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve Trust is charged with the care, control andmanagement of the Reserve. The affairs of the Trust are managed by a committedcommunity-based board of Trustees.The Reserve is located on the northern side of the main street of Tyalgum, a small villagesituated in the spectacular Tweed Caldera between the western foothills of Wollumbin(Mount Warning) and the Border Ranges World Heritage-listed National Parks. The OxleyRiver forms the northern boundary of the Reserve.Along its main street frontage the Reserve abuts the local state school, a park vested inTweed Shire Council and other reserved Crown lands under the management of CrownLands and Council. Together, these public lands visually connect Tyalgum with the rurallandscape and the surrounding volcanic caldera, helping to create a unique village andstreetscape of high scenic amenity.The Reserve contains a sports oval, flora reserve, an informal camping area and public openspace. Infrastructure present includes a small amenities and ablution block, kiosk, barbequearea, kitchen/dining area and storage shed. These are all basic structures in need ofupgrading or eventual replacement. In addition to local sport and recreation, the Reserve isthe site of several annual, regionally significant, festivals.This Plan of Management provides a five-to-ten year strategy that will inform and guide thefuture development and uses of the Reserve. It highlights the local community’s strongassociation with the Reserve and examines the exciting range of opportunities provided forby its iconic location.An important recommendation of the Plan is the establishment of an approved primitivecamping ground based on the suitability of the Reserve and opportunity to meet the demandfor this popular activity whilst expanding the income stream of the Trust. This will require theTrust to make application to Tweed Shire Council for approval to operate a primitive campingground on the Reserve under Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993.The strategic integration of the adjoining Crown Reserves with the existing management ofTyalgum Recreation Reserve was considered during the formulation of this plan and issupported in principle. However the future addition of these lands cannot proceed at this timeand is dependent on the resolution of issues associated with the contamination of theadjoining Crown lands resulting from their past use.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 1

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve1. INTRODUCTION1.1. PURPOSE AND LOCATION OF THE RESERVETyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve (theReserve) covers 10.53 hectares and comprises Crown land set aside as Reserve 66096 forPublic Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna notified 3 July 1936, withadditions notified 31 October 1969, 26 March 1970 and 6 June 1986.The Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve Trust(the Trust) is charged with the care, control and management of the Reserve. The affairs ofthe Trust are managed by an appointed community-based Board of Trustees.The Reserve is located on the northern side of Coolman Street, the main street of the Villageof Tyalgum, which is situated within Tweed Shire in the Northern Rivers Region of NewSouth Wales. Tyalgum is situated approximately 22 km west of Murwillumbah, the Shireadministrative centre, and 35 km from the Tweed Coast. Tyalgum Village and the TyalgumDistrict lie in a valley surrounded by the spectacular scenery created by a ring of highforested ranges and the steep escarpments of the Tweed Caldera, and between the westernfoothills of Wollumbin (Mount Warning) and the Border Ranges World Heritage-listedNational parks. This scenic rim provides a perfect backdrop to the rural landscape of thevalley.The Oxley River borders the northern boundary of the Reserve. The Village water treatmentplant and associated weir located on the River adjoin the north-west corner of the Reserve.Along its southern, main street frontage the Reserve abuts the local public school, a parkvested in Tweed Shire Council and two other parcels of reserved Crown land, presentlyundeveloped open space. Together, these parcels of public land provide the Village withvisual connectivity with the rural landscape and the ranges of the surrounding volcaniccaldera, helping to create a village and streetscape of high scenic amenity. Vehicular accessto the Reserve is available from both Coolman Street and Carraboi Terrace. The southernside of the main street facing the Reserve contains a mix of residential and commercialpremises and the community hall. These include a number of character buildings which addto the ambience of the Village.1.2. LANDS TO WHICH THIS PLAN OF MANAGEMENT APPLIESThe Reserve comprises several parcels of Crown land. These have been progressivelyadded to the Reserve over the years since its original notification in 1936 with additionsbeing notified on 31 October 1969, 26 March 1970 and 6 June 1986.The lands comprising the Reserve are described as:Lots 102, 103, and 104 DP 727788, lots 1-7, Section 2, DP 759012Parish of Tyalgum, County of RousThe land includes sections of Nobboi, Cudrigan, Bogum and Corrong streets formally closedby Gazette notification. The Reserve currently contains a sports oval, informal camping area,show ground and public open space. Infrastructure includes a small amenities and ablutionblock, demountable toilet block, kitchen/dining area, kiosk, barbeque area and storage.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 2

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveThese are all basic structures in need of upgrading or eventual replacement (see figures 4and 5).Figure 1: Aerial view of the Reserve1.3. WHAT IS A CROWN RESERVE?The Crown Lands Division of NSW Trade & Investment (Crown Lands) is responsible for theallocation and sustainable management of Crown land across New South Wales. Thisincludes managing Crown reserves in partnership with councils and community trusts. Crownreserves are parcels of Crown land retained or acquired by the State and set aside forspecific public purposes. The land can be reserved for many community purposes, includingpublic recreation, show grounds, cemeteries, environmental protection, public halls,racecourses and the preservation of scenery. ‘Where Crown land is set aside for a publicpurpose, it can be either ‘Reserved’ or ‘Dedicated’, which makes it available only for a usethat will deliver some public benefit or good…’ (LPMA 2007:1.1).The Role of Reserve TrustsA Reserve Trust is established under the Crown Lands Act 1989 and is a public authorityresponsible for the care, control and management of reserved or dedicated Crown Land. It isan autonomous body incorporated under the Act. A Trust can only make decisions and takeactions concerning the Reserve in the interests of the Reserve itself, and the community ofNSW.Any income generated by the Trust must be directly applied to fund management of theReserve unless otherwise approved by the Minister.The Trust can, with the Minister’s consent, enter into a range of dealings in respect to areserve. For example, the Trust can enter into leasing and licensing arrangements. In someTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 3

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reservecircumstances commercial use may be appropriate and can contribute to the financialsustainability of the Reserve. However, any use of a Reserve must be consistent with theReserve purpose unless otherwise authorised by the Minister.The Crown Reserve Reporting System (CRRS)CRRS is an online facility that allows trusts to lodge their annual reports electronically. Alltrusts are required to submit an annual report to the Minister for Regional Infrastructure andServices as prescribed under Section 122 of the Crown Lands Act 1989.The Trust is required to submit returns by 30 September each year. CRRS also allows thetrust to view and retrieve annual reports previously submitted online, making it easier fortrusts to provide on-going information.The Crown reserve reporting requirements provide important information to support thepartnership between Crown Lands and the Trust in the management of the Reserve. TheReserve Trust Handbook provides further information on managing Crown reserves.Public Reserve Management FundCrown Lands administers the Public Reserve Management Fund (PRMF), a fund providingfinancial assistance to trusts by way of grants and/or loans at competitive interest rates.These grants or loans are available for the development, maintenance and protection ofCrown reserves, and can also be used to improve infrastructure on reserves.As the PRMF is self-funded, most of its funds are allocated as loans rather than grants. Thisis to ensure the PRMF will be able to meet financial demands placed upon it into the future.All requests for financial assistance must be made on the relevant PRMF application formand submitted to the local Crown Lands office for review. Application forms are provided inAppendix J of the Reserve Trust Handbook.1.4. WHAT IS A PLAN OF MANAGEMENT?A Plan of Management (PoM) is a document that provides the framework for the futuremanagement of public land. It is a statutory plan under Division 6, sections 112-116 of theCrown Lands Act 1989, where provisions are made for the referral, public consultation, publicexhibition and formal adoption of PoMs.A PoM defines the values, uses, management practices and intent for the broad publicpurpose for which the land has been Reserved or Dedicated. The PoM is a statutorymechanism for setting directions and is a key strategic and operational document thatconsolidates information about reserve values, current and proposed future uses andmanagement issues, and guides the future management and development of the landconcerned.1.5. AIMS OF THIS PLAN OF MANAGEMENTThe Reserve has not had a formal management plan in place. The Trustees have identifiedthe need for a five-to-ten year plan that will:• Provide a blueprint for the management of the Reserve for the foreseeable future.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 4

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve• Satisfy the principles of Crown land management and other statutory requirements.• Satisfy the requirements of Crown Lands and the Minister for Regional Infrastructureand Services.• Identify the values of the Reserve to the community.• Identify and analyse issues, constraints and opportunities relating to the Reserve.• Identify potential opportunities for the future development and uses of the Reserveconsistent with community values, aspirations and priorities, and the purpose of theReserve.• Ensure that the Plan is compatible with the Tyalgum District Community StrategicPlan 2006 prepared by the Tyalgum District Community Association and the 2009Caldera Economic Transition Program: Tyalgum District Plan and considers relevantsections of the Draft Tyalgum Locality Plan.• Incorporate the principles of environmental, social and economic sustainability.• Identify appropriate management units and for each unit provide:o realistic and practical action plans that clearly identify planningtimeframes(short, being two years; medium, being five years; and long-term,up to ten years);o an indication of priorities (high, medium, low, and on-going); ando Achievable performance measures and indications as to how these should beassessed.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 5

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve2. PLANNING AND CONTEXT2.1 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORKThe planning and management of Crown land is subject to a range of legislative and policyprovisions, which form the legal framework for the preparation and implementation of PoMs.Those provisions relevant to the Reserve and this PoM are outlined below.Crown Lands Act 1989Crown reserves in New South Wales must be used and managed in accordance with theprovisions of the Crown Lands Act 1989. The principles for the management of Crown landare set out in Section 11 of the Act. They are:• That environmental protection principles be observed in relation to the managementand administration of Crown land.• That the natural resources of Crown land (including water, soil, flora, fauna andscenic quality) be conserved wherever possible• That public use and enjoyment of appropriate Crown land be encouraged.• That, where appropriate, multiple use of Crown land be encouraged.• That, where appropriate, Crown land should be used and managed in such a way thatboth the land and its resources are sustained in perpetuity. That Crown land beoccupied, used, sold, leased, licensed or otherwise dealt with in the best interests ofthe State consistent with the above principles.Part 5 of the Act sets out the requirements for the reservation and management of Crownland including the formation of reserve trusts, plans of management and the principles ofreserve administration. The proposed uses, development and management practices of areserve must be consistent with its notified public purposes, unless additional purposes havebeen approved.Crown Lands Regulation 2006The Crown Lands Regulation 2006 is made under the Crown Lands Act 1989 and deals witha range of matters relating to Crown reserves and reserve trusts, including the purposes forwhich temporary licences may be granted and the exhibition of draft plans of management.Trusts are required to furnish a report on their activities to the Minister for RegionalInfrastructure and Services each year pursuant to Section 32 of the Regulation.Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) provides the statutoryframework for the control of the use and development of land in New South Wales. It is alegislative requirement of the Act that councils develop Local Environmental Plans (LEP).An LEP is the principal statutory document guiding planning decisions in a particular LocalGovernment Area (LGA). It provides for the division of an LGA into various zones, sets outwhat developments can be carried out within each zone, whether the approval of Council isrequired for certain developments and/or whether any special requirements apply toproposed developments.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 6

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveThe EP&A Act provides the statutory basis for the development assessment process inNSW. Depending on the proponent and the scale of the development or activity proposed,different parts of the Act may apply.Most development proposals would be assessed under Part 4. Section 79C of Part 4 outlinesthe general matters a consent authority (generally a council) must consider when assessinga development application. These matters include:• the provisions ofo any environmental planning instrument;o any proposed instrument that is or has been the subject of public consultationunder the Act and that has been notified to the consent authority;o any development control plan;o any planning agreement that has been entered into under the Act, or any draftplanning agreement that a developer has offered to enter into under the Act;o the Regulations; ando any coastal zone management plan (within the meaning of the CoastalProtection Act 1979),that apply to the land to which the development application relates,• the likely impacts of the development, including environmental impacts on both thenatural and built environment, and social and economic impacts on the locality;• the suitability of the site for the development;• any submissions made in accordance with the Act or the Regulations; and• the public interest.Activities that do not require development consent are assessed under Part 5 of the EP&AAct. In these cases, the proponent must prepare a review of environmental factors which willdetermine whether the activities may proceed, or whether they are likely to have significanteffects on the environment, in which case an environmental impact statement must beprepared.Land Use ZoningUnder the current Tweed Local Environment Plan 2000, Lot 104 on DP 727788 is zoned‘Open Space’ (6a), while the remainder of the lots in the Reserve are zoned ‘Village’ (2d).The latter zoning is not compatible with the notified purposes of the Reserve.However, the current Tweed Draft Local Environment Plan 2010 incorporates all lots withinthe ‘Public Recreation’ Zone (RE1). The objectives of the proposed zone are congruent withthe Reserve’s purposes. They are:• To enable land to be used for public open space and recreational purposes.• To provide a range of recreational settings and activities and compatible land uses.• To protect and enhance the natural environment for recreational purposes.Under the draft zoning the following is permitted:• Permitted without consent: Environmental facilities; environmental protection works;roads.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 7

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve• Permitted with consent: Boat sheds; car parks; caravan parks; charter and tourismboating facilities; community facilities; helipads; heliports; information and educationfacilities; kiosks; marinas; markets; recreation areas; recreation facilities (indoor);recreation facilities (major); recreation facilities (outdoor); research stations;restaurants; sewerage systems; takeaway food and drink premises; waste orresource management facilities; water recreation structures; water supply systems.• Prohibited: Any development not specified aboveFigure 2 Tweed Local Environment Plan 2000 Zoning Map for the ReserveState Environmental Planning Policy 21 – Caravan ParksState Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) are planning instruments that cover mattersthe Minister for Planning and Infrastructure believes are of environmental planningsignificance to the State. They may apply generally across the State or apply to specificareas.State Environmental Planning Policy 21 – Caravan Parks ensures that, where caravan parksor camping grounds are permitted under an environmental planning instrument, moveabledwellings, as defined in the Local Government Act 1993, are also permitted.The specific kinds of moveable dwellings allowed under the Local Government Act 1993 incaravan parks and camping grounds are subject to the provisions of the Local Government(Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings)Regulation 2005. The Regulation ensures that development consent is required for newcaravan parks and camping grounds and for additional long-term sites in existing caravanparks. It also enables, with the council's consent, long-term sites in caravan parks to besubdivided by lease.State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) (Infrastructure) 2007 was introduced on 1January 2008 to simplify planning processes applying to the provision of infrastructurethroughout NSW. The SEPP consolidates and updates 20 previous State planningTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 8

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserveinstruments and amends a large number of local, regional and State instruments. Keyprovisions relating to Crown land are as follows:Parks and Other Public Reserves (Clauses 64 – 66)Development for any purpose may be carried out without consent if, in the case of land thatis a Reserve within the meaning of Part 5 of the Crown Lands Act 1989, by or on behalf ofthe Director-General of the DPI, a Trustee of the Reserve or (if appointed under that Act tomanage the reserve) the Ministerial Corporation constituted under that Act or anadministrator, if the development is for the purposes of implementing a PoM adopted for theland under the Act referred to above in relation to the land.Clause 65 (3) of the SEPP enables a trustee of a Crown reserve to carry out any of thefollowing types of development on a public reserve:• the construction of roads, cycle ways, single storey car parks, ticketing facilities andviewing platforms;• the establishment of outdoor recreational facilities, including playing fields, but notincluding grandstands;• the erection of information facilities such as visitors’ centres and information boards;• the installation of lighting, if light spill and artificial sky glow is minimised inaccordance with AS/NZS 1158: 2007, Lighting for Roads and Public Spaces;• landscaping, including irrigation schemes (whether they use recycled or other water);• the development of amenity facilities;• the construction of maintenance depots and• environmental management works.Clause 66 enables public authorities (including reserve trusts) to carry out the followingworks as exempt development provided they comply with the criteria in Clause 20(1) and thedevelopment standards listed in Schedule 1, being the construction, maintenance and repairof:• walking tracks, boardwalks and raised walking paths, ramps, minor pedestrianbridges, stairways, gates, seats, barbecues, shelters and shade structures;• viewing platforms with an area not exceeding 100m 2 ;• sporting facilities, including goal posts, sight screens and fences, if the visual impactof the development on surrounding land uses is minimal;• play equipment where adequate safety provisions (including soft landing surfaces)are provided, but only if any structure is at least 1.2 m away from any fence; or• routine maintenance (including earthworks associated with playing field regrading orlandscaping and maintenance of existing access roads).However other limitations may apply. For example the SEPP does not remove any existingrequirements to obtain relevant approvals under other legislation such as the National Parksand Wildlife Act 1974 and the Rural Fires Act 1997.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 9

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveLocal Government Act 1993The Local Government Act 1993 (LG Act) sets out the role and responsibilities of councilsand gives councils power to control local activities through an approval process underSection 68 of the Act.Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Groundsand Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005The operation of caravan parks and camping grounds is subject to an operational approvalissued under the LG Act in accordance with the Local Government (Manufactured HomeEstates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005.The Regulation specifies standards for caravan parks and camping grounds including thelevel of service required in a primitive camping ground.This PoM endorses the formalisation of a primitive camping ground within the Reserve. ThePoM will require the Trust to make application to Tweed Shire Council to approve theReserve as a primitive camping ground under Section 68 of the LG Act.Rural Fires Act 1997The Rural Fire Service (RFS) administers the Rural Fires Act 1997 (RF Act). The objectivesof the RF Act are to provide:• for the prevention, mitigation and suppression of bush and other fires in localgovernment areas (or parts of areas) and other parts of the State constituted as ruralfire districts; and• for the co-ordination of bush fire fighting and bush fire prevention throughout theState; and• for the protection of persons from injury or death, and property from damage, arisingfrom fires, and• for the protection of the environment by requiring certain activities referred to inparagraphs (a)–(c) to be carried out having regard to the principles of ecologicallysustainable development described in section 6 (2) of the Protection of theEnvironment Administration Act 1991.The RF Act provides for the mapping of bush fire prone land and provides the framework forcertain development to be referred to the RFS for approval as integrated development.Under this process the RFS is required to provide ‘general terms of agreement’ to theconsent authority, generally in regards to construction standards and the provision of assetprotection zones.Living and Working in Rural Areas HandbookThe DPI and Southern Cross University, in partnership with the Northern Rivers CatchmentManagement Authority have prepared a document entitled ’Living and Working in RuralAreas: A handbook for managing land use conflict issues on the NSW North Coast’ as aguide for managing and avoiding land use conflict and disputes in rural areas. The Living andWorking in Rural Areas Handbook provides guidelines and recommended land use buffersbetween rural land uses and other land uses.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 10

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveNational Parks and Wildlife Act 1974Aboriginal places and objects are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974and should not be disturbed in any way without prior consultation with the NSW Office ofEnvironment and Heritage (OEH). Where there is any confusion regarding Aboriginal culturalvalues or relics appropriate expertise should be sought. If necessary a formal siteassessment or archaeological study should be undertaken.Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS)Consideration of the potential impacts of development on Aboriginal heritage is a keycomponent of the environmental impact assessment process under the EP&A Act. A ‘DueDiligence Code of Practice for the Protection of Aboriginal Objects in New South Wales’ hasbeen introduced to inform the initial assessment of the environmental impacts of an activityon Aboriginal heritage.If it is found through the initial assessment process that Aboriginal objects will or are likely tobe harmed, then further investigation and impact assessment is required. The initialassessment is generally required prior to the carrying out any activity on land.The initial assessment comprises the following steps:1. Determine whether the activity will disturb the ground surface or any culturallymodified tree.2. Undertake a search of AHIMS database records on the NSW OEH website.3. Determine whether there are landscape features on the site that could have resultedin use by Aboriginal people or any other sources of information likely to identify thepresence of Aboriginal objects.4. Determine whether any identified objects can be avoided from harm or disturbance.5. Undertake a desktop and visual inspection if an activity is on undisturbed land orcontains known Aboriginal objects. The visual inspection must be undertaken by asuitably experienced person.6. Undertake further investigation and impact assessment if there is an indication thatAboriginal objects occur in the area.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 11

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve3. RESERVE CONTEXT AND VALUES3.1 REGIONAL AND LOCAL CONTEXTThe Village of Tyalgum is located within Tweed LGA in Far Northern New South Wales. TheLGA covers 1303 km 2 and adjoins Byron, Lismore and Kyogle LGAs. With 37 km of naturalcoastline, wetlands and estuarine forests, lush pastoral and agricultural land, the entire basinof the Tweed River and mountainous regions containing three world-heritage listed nationalparks, the Shire boasts a unique and diverse environment.Figure 3 Location MapTweed Shire’s population of nearly 81,500 is spread through 17 villages, two towns and themajor urban areas of Tweed Heads and South Tweeds. The retail, hospitality and tourismindustries are major employers, with construction, fishing and light industry being othersignificant contributors to the local economy.The Tyalgum District is defined by the catchment area of the Oxley River and encompassesTyalgum Village and the localities of Brays Creek, Eungella, Limpinwood, Pumpenbil andTyalgum Creek. The District’s population is approximately 1200, while around 300 peoplelive in the Village (ABS 2006 Census).The main industries are: cattle farming, some dairy farming, organic farming and otheragriculture; farm forestry and plant nurseries; and cottage industries, creative arts, tourismand education.Tyalgum Village services the District population and visitors through a garage, store and postoffice, hotel, two cafes, a public school and pre-school, as well as several art galleries andgift and home wares/clothing outlets.3.2 CULTURAL CONTEXT: TRADITIONAL OWNERSWhile there are some discrepancies in the written and oral records regarding the exactlocation of territories, according to recent research and recording (see, for example, FoxTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 12

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve2006) the Tweed Valley was the traditional country of three distinct groups and the TyalgumDistrict is part of the identified country of families and clans belonging to the Moorung-Moobar people.Linguistically, the recognised language name for these groups is Ngandowal and this in turnis regarded as a dialect of the Bundjalung-Yugembah language chain.3.3 HISTORICAL CONTEXTThe area in and around Tyalgum was first settled by Europeans in the late 1880s; thesurrounding forests being a source of highly prized cedar. Some of the timber was milled inthe Village and the rest transported by bullock teams to the Tweed River and floated toTweed Heads.Land was made available to selectors in 1903 and dairy and beef cattle farms joined loggingas key industries supporting the growth of the District. The name Tyalgum is derived from‘Tall Gums’. The chosen site for the Village, near the junction of the Oxley River andPumpenbil Creek, was known locally as ‘The Flat’ and was proclaimed as the Village ofTyalgum on 5 December 1906.A number of the early village buildings remain adding character and ambience to the mainstreet and providing tangible reminders of the past. Several of these are now 100 years old.3.4 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTEXTThe Tyalgum District is situated in the subtropics and is part of the NSW North CoastBioregion, recognised as one of Australia’s most diverse in terms of natural terrain, flora andfauna. Geographically, the District is comprised of a deep-dished valley on the westernperimeter of Wollumbin (Mount Warning) and surrounded by the ranges of the erodedcaldera of the Tweed Shield Volcano, of which Mount Warning now remains as an isolatedplug.Figure 4: Tyalgum District showing physiographyTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 13

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveAt over 20 million years old, the Caldera is one of the best preserved for its age in the world,and also one of the largest. It is remarkable for its size, prominent, central mountain mass,and the fact the Caldera floor has been eroded down to basement by the Tweed River. TheOxley River which borders the Reserve, together with its tributaries, forms the middle arm ofthe Tweed.The ranges and steep escarpments of the Caldera that create the borders of the District arepart of the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. They includeWollumbin, Mebbin and the Border Ranges National parks, and the Limpinwood NatureReserve. These protected areas contain areas of subtropical, warm temperate and cooltemperate rainforests that are home to numerous rare and threatened species. Althoughrainforests are the main vegetation types, there are also important stands of open forests,woodlands and shrub lands.The District community places a high value on the importance of recognising and preservingthe biodiversity and visual amenity of the World Heritage-listed ranges that form the scenicrim of the Tyalgum District.3.5 RESERVE VALUESEnvironmental ValuesTyalgum falls within the Tweed Volcano Caldera physiographic region of Tweed Shire, anarea of mixed geology forming a “subdued landscape” of low hills within the eroded calderaof the Tweed Volcano. The narrow alluvial plains of the Oxley as well as the Tweed andRous Rivers are also features. The soils of the Reserve are deep, moderately well drainedRed Podzolic Soils and Krasnozems and deep, well-drained Kraznosems and Red Earths(Kingston et al 2004, Tweed Shire Council 2005). Vegetation within the Reserve is primarilycontained within a riparian zone.A 2005 study (Aspect North 2005) classified the existing vegetation as Camphor Laureldominantclosed-open forest, freshwater wetland across a drainage line running from theVillage to the river, and disturbed riparian rainforest. Several vulnerable species wereidentified in the riparian zone: an individual Red-fruited Ebony (Diospyros mabacea) listed asendangered under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TS Act) and theCommonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1998; aMacadamia (Macadamia tetraphylla) listed as vulnerable under both acts; and severalindividual Fine Leaved Tuckeroos (Lepiderema pulchella) listed as vulnerable under the TSAct. Common environmental weed species present included Camphor Laurel, Small LeavedPrivet, Lantana, Cats Claw and Climbing Asparagus Fern (Aspect North 2005).Since the vegetation survey was carried out, the Trust has worked in partnership with TweedShire Council to ensure the protection of the endangered and vulnerable species andcommenced a riparian zone weed eradication and revegetation program. This will worktowards rehabilitating the area, improving river health, supporting and creating habitat fornative fauna, and contribute towards building a wildlife corridor along the River. The localcommunity strongly support the extension of the Reserve’s revegetation program andinitiatives that enhance biodiversity outcomes.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 14

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveCultural ValuesAboriginal Cultural HeritageWhile the Tyalgum District represents a holistic cultural landscape for traditional owners,within that landscape there are also number of places of particular cultural value andsignificance. These include ceremonial grounds, campsites and story places. Several placesof traditional as well as historic significance are located in the vicinity of the Reserve (IanFox, Tweed Shire Council Aboriginal Advisory Committee: pers.comm).The Trust recognises and respects the connection of traditional owners to Country and theimportance that they place on maintaining and enhancing the environmental values of theRiver and the Reserve.Historical Cultural HeritageSections of the Reserve were set aside for public use from as early as 1906, the year theVillage was officially proclaimed. The purposes of several parcels of the Reserve havechanged over time.However, it is interesting to note that the importance of protecting habitat and appreciatingthe region’s biodiversity is reflected in the fact the original parish plan includes a reserve for‘Preservation of Native Flora’; with a second area for the ‘Preservation of Native Flora andFauna’ being notified in 1919. Together these two parcels provided protection along almostall the riparian zone of the Reserve.Figure 5: Tyalgum Town Parish MapTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 15

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveThe history of Tyalgum community spirit and community connection to the Reserve isepitomised by the use of the Reserve for over one hundred years for the annual DiggersSports Day, a charity event that has been run in one form or another since 1908 and helpsraise funds for local community organisations and projects. First known as Empire DaySports, horse events, bullock riding and wood chopping were mainstay events. The SportsDay organisation was taken over by the Tyalgum Diggers in 1926, raising money for theDistressed Diggers Fund, Red Cross and Murwillumbah Hospital. In 1965 it became knownas Tyalgum Diggers and District Sports. Diggers Sports Day has been a continuingcommunity tradition with a program that includes rodeo, horse gymkhana, foot races, tug-ofwar,displays, children’s activities, live music, fireworks and fun for everyone. Over 2000people attended the event in its centenary year.Community ValuesSport, Recreational and EducationalOver the hundred plus years of community use of the Reserve, the type of community eventsand uses of the public domain have changed with the times to reflect community passionsand interests of the day. Primary current uses are outlined below.The Village Sports Oval is used on a weekly, sometimes daily basis by the Tyalgum PublicSchool which adjoins the Oval, providing a regular venue for school physical education andsporting activities as well as school sports carnivals. The school also uses the show groundarea for some events. The River and riparian zone are used for school environmentalstudies.The Oval is currently the home ground of the Taipans Junior Soccer Club teams and theTyalgum Cricket Club. It is also the scene of the annual Australia versus India junior andsenior cricket matches, where members of the Shire’s Sikh community join other locals forfriendly rivalry.The Show Ground is used for the annual Diggers Sports Day, an over 100 year-old tradition,and has been used for other festivals and activities. For example, the Ground has a history ofintermittent use for pony club and camp drafts and there is an expressed desire that theoption for this use is retained. Horses and horse-related activities are still seen as animportant part of District identity and community life.During consultation with current regular user groups a common theme was that, with respectto active sport and recreation areas, no one use should preclude current or futureopportunities for other activities. The Show Ground is a shared community space and peopleneeded to be willing to compromise where necessary.The Reserve is also regularly used by members of the broader community for informalactivities such as exercise and dog walking.SocialThe early and continued consolidation of land for the public domain in the area between theMain Street and the River has created a unique main streetscape of high visual amenity witha vista that links the village with the surrounding rural landscape and uninterrupted views ofTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 16

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reservethe surrounding hills and World Heritage Area. This pattern of development is highly valuedby the community and is seen as creating a tranquil ambience for both locals and visitors.Strong social value is attached to community ownership, stewardship and preservation of thisimportant public domain and asset and in initiatives that support improved biodiversityoutcomes.The Reserve facilities are on occasion used for private social events and concerts. Theextent to which this currently occurs is hampered by the lack of an all-weather venue and aneed to upgrade facilities for events.The annual Tyalgum Festival of Classical Music holds a regular Picnic in the Park in theReserve and the Diggers Sports Day is as much a social, as it is a sporting event. Musicconcerts are also held at irregular intervals. Again the limitations of the available facilitiesinfluence the extent to which the Reserve venues can currently be promoted.EconomicThe presence of a large expanse of public domain providing uninterrupted visual connectionwith the rural and natural landscape of the valley is an intangible, but highly important,economic asset to both the local and broader Tweed communities. It creates an outlook forpatrons of the Village businesses that reinforces the rustic charm, natural and humanheritage and rural lifestyle that visitors appreciate; and a point of difference in character fromthe ambience of the neighbouring villages of Uki and Chillingham.Tourism is of growing economic importance to the Tweed Valley and with the recognition of‘Australia’s Green Cauldron’ as an iconic landscape, low key ecotourism andexperiential/adventure tourism have been identified as local economic growth areas.Tyalgum’s location in close proximity to a number of different entry points to Mebbin andWollumbin National parks provides the District with the opportunity to develop as a hub fornature and adventure based tourism. The Reserve is well placed to cater for the demand forlow key tourist accommodation that can form a key part of the nature based tourismexperience.The ambience and informal nature of the Reserve and its facilities is becoming increasinglypopular for meetings of caravan and recreational vehicle clubs. These groups are largelyself-contained. As well as providing an income stream for the Reserve, these groups are aneconomic asset for Village businesses. For example, a recent group of 15 vehicles talliedtheir spending during a weekend in Tyalgum at $3000. This is a significant amount spreadacross local businesses. The development and promotion of district ecotourism opportunitieswill provide further potential for input into the District economy by this market segment.Formalising the current ad hoc camping arrangements associated with events on theReserve will maximise the existing potential for accommodating groups of hikers, mountainbikers, bird watchers and the like, as well as caravan and campervan groups and will helpexpand the income stream of the Trust. This plan recommends that application be made toTweed Shire Council to approve the Reserve as a primitive camping ground under Section68 of the Local Government Act 1993.The development of a new multi-purpose all-weather facility proposed in this plan will alsoprovide opportunity both for commercially based events, and part-time employmentassociated with, for example, assistance with event staging, catering and cleaning.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 17

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve4. MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENTThe Reserve contains sensitive environmental values due to its proximity to the Oxley River.With the exception of the riparian zone, the Reserve has been cleared for recreationalpurposes and the remaining vegetation has been invaded by weeds including CamphorLaurel and Privet. The Trust has in the recent past been working in partnership with TweedShire Council and the Tyalgum District Community Association using environmental grants toeradicate weeds and rehabilitate and revegetate sections of the riparian zone with plantingsof endemic species and fencing. The Trust also carries out ongoing weed eradicationworking bees. These works and activities need to be integrated with overall planning for thefuture of the Reserve.Landscape management is an important part of site planning especially for land in the publicdomain. However there is no formal landscape or vegetation management planning for theReserve. Within the context of a PoM, landscape planning can assist in defining spaces andhelp ensure the landscape and built environments are: practical for meeting communityneeds and uses; consistent with matters of sustainability and affordability; and recognise,protect and interpret the natural and cultural heritage of the Reserve and its context. Theimpacts of flooding and site drainage are major constraints and are important landscapeplanning considerations.A Landscape Management and Facilities Plan will form an essential component for theimplementation of this PoM. This will provide the Trust with clear guidelines for the stageddevelopment and rehabilitation of areas identified for the preservation and interpretation ofnative flora and fauna. This will lead to both improving and highlighting the environmentalvalues of the Reserve that are highly prized by the district community and also provide theopportunity for environmental education and interpretation.Environmental Management Actions• Develop a Landscape Management and Facilities Plan for the Reserve.• Develop a Vegetation Management Strategy that includes a list of endemic speciessuitable for the range of applications identified within the Plan.• Construct a pathway from the town weir along the river. This would then havepotential to link with a planned wheelchair accessible walkway from the main street tothe River.• Consider other options for pedestrian access circuits.• Provide opportunity for revegetation and environmental interpretation.• Develop the drainage line running from the Village down to the River as a wetlandarea.• Ensure environmental works are consistent with the development of therecommended primitive camp ground to assist with delineating and creating privacyand a sense of place for the area and softening internal camp sites (refer toInfrastructure below).TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 18

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve4.2 RESERVE MAINTENANCERegular maintenance such as mowing, preparing the grounds for events, minor works andcleaning is currently undertaken by volunteers. Working bees are undertaken from time totime with the assistance of a small dedicated group of volunteers.As the Reserve is developed, demand for maintenance, particularly regularly requiredmaintenance such as cleaning associated with the proposed camping ground, can beexpected to increase considerably. There will reach a point where the amount of time andregularity required may be beyond what should be expected, or is possible for volunteers.Reserve Maintenance Actions• In the short-to-medium terms, foster community volunteer programs to assist withReserve maintenance• In the medium-to-longer terms, investigate the opportunity for part-time casualemployment or contracting for carrying out duties such as cleaning and general sitemaintenance activities.• Formalise partnership with Tweed Shire Council regarding maintenance4.3 RESERVE INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIESInfrastructure ManagementThere are significant opportunities to develop new infrastructure for the Reserve and torefurbish some of the existing infrastructure for new uses. The existing infrastructure hasserved the community and visitors well in the past but it no longer meets all the existing andpotential community needs, with its last major refurbishment occurring around 40 years ago.The current ablutions block is old and insufficient for servicing large events and functions andlocated at some distance from other buildings. The original kiosk and dining area has rusticcharacter, however the kitchen area is open and does not meet contemporary basiccommercial requirements for catering.Figure 6: Current buildings; ablution block on left, laundry area on rightThe Reserve would benefit considerably from a new all-weather multi-purposeindoor/outdoor facility that includes a basic commercial kitchen, storage area, toilets andarea suitable for use as a stage. Combined with the high scenic amenity and ambience of theReserve this will provide potential for an increase in the number of events such as privateTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 19

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reservefunctions, music festivals, themed events such as sustainable lifestyle or food and wineexhibitions, and sporting events being held at the Reserve.It is recommended (subject to the Landscape Management and Facilities Plan) that the newbuilding be located in the south-western section of the Reserve between the current kioskand dining area and the Public School. This will provide the opportunity for the building totake in the visual amenity of the view of Wollumbin, minimise the visual impact on the scenicamenity afforded by the open space of the Reserve, and site it where it can tap into existingservices and areas suitable for car parking.Figure 7: Current kiosk/dining area, potential future camp kitchen/recreation areaAny new improvements and infrastructure should be sympathetic to the distinctive low keynature of the built environment of the Reserve and not impede on scenic amenity. Standardsof design should reflect the commitment of the Trust and the community to environmentallysustainable development. Where practical, all designs should seek to use renewable,recyclable and non-toxic materials, with buildings that are solar passive and use renewableenergy and rainwater.Infrastructure Management Actions• Refurbish the ablutions/ laundry block to service the proposed primitive camping area.• Refurbish the current kiosk/dining area to become the camp kitchen and recreationarea.• Construct a new all-weather multi-purpose indoor/outdoor facility that includes a basiccommercial kitchen, storage area, toilets and area suitable for use as a stage.Sporting Facilities ManagementThe current Village Sports Oval is not able to accommodate a full size soccer field, whichcreates problems for the older junior teams and for scheduling team round-robins on homegamedays. At present the soccer club has dispensation for Tyalgum fixtures to be held on areduced sized field. While this arrangement is currently a workable compromise, there is anexpressed desire for an appropriate space that can be developed for use as a football fieldduring the season, but remain available for other purposes at other times. The logistics ofpotential Oval use are also affected by the presence of a concrete cricket pitch.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 20

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveWith respect to the provision of additional playing space, several options are available forconsideration, For example: expansion of the area of the existing Oval to accommodate afield of the appropriate size; expansion of the Oval plus development of a grass wicket; orallowance for a full size field to the immediate northwest of the current Oval.Other issues that have been identified in relation to both the Sports Oval and the ShowGround area are the need for storage for sports equipment and a desire for the availability offlexible, sheltered seating for spectators. The current moveable public stands are notcovered. The area of the Reserve which contains the Sports Oval and the Show Ground areacomprise the sport and active recreation space of the Reserve.There is an expressed desire by current users that development of this area allows forflexibility into the future. In the circumstances it would be beneficial to develop a SportingFacilities Plan for the active sports precinct of the Reserve in consultation with current usergroups. This should be undertaken with the assistance of a specialist in sport and recreation.Tweed Shire Council should also be consulted for advice.Sporting Facilities Management Actions• In the short term, apply for grant funding to provide free standing sail type covers forthe moveable public stands to afford spectators with a covered viewing option.• Develop a Sporting Facilities Plan for the active sports precinct of the Reserve.Passive Recreational FacilitiesSeveral years ago the Tyalgum District Community Association obtained $10,000 in fundingtowards planning a wheelchair accessible walkway from the Village down to a Platypusviewing platform on the Oxley River. The planned walk extends from the adjoining CouncilmanagedCrown reserve through the Reserve to the River. The funding allowed forengineering plans and specifications to be drawn up by Tweed Shire Council and thenecessary approvals to be obtained.Tyalgum is becoming increasingly popular for respite and retirement village group outingsand the walkway would be a well used attraction and recreational opportunity in this respect.While this would be an asset for both the local community and visitors, substantial fundingwill be required to see the plans come to fruition.Construction of the wheelchair accessible walkway may be an appropriate fundraisingexercise for the proposed Friends of the Tyalgum Reserve to take on.There is potential to extend the proposed walk along the river and create informal seatingand picnic areas for the community and visitors.Passive Recreational Facilities Management Actions• Support completion of the planned wheelchair accessible walkway through theReserve.• Seek funding to construct the wheelchair accessible walkway.• Consider opportunities to develop an extended walking circuitTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 21

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveCamping ManagementCamping on the Reserve has in the past occurred on an ad hoc basis and has primarily beenassociated with events and festivals. There is potential to expand camping opportunities socamping can occur all year. This will require camping arrangements to be formalised withinrelevant regulatory guidelines.The number of camp sites allowed for a ‘primitive camping ground’ within the meaning of theLocal Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds andMoveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005 that has designated camp sites is not to exceed twoper hectare, calculated over the total area of the ground. For the current Reserve area thiswould allow for 21 individual campsites.Development and promotion of the Reserve as an approved camping ground is a strategicbusiness opportunity for the Trust, providing opportunity for increased cash flow, as well assupporting the development of local eco and adventure tourism opportunities.Camping Management Actions• The Trust to apply to have the Reserve approved as a ‘primitive camping ground’within the meaning of the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, CaravanParks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005 from TweedShire Council.• As a priority develop a Campground Management Strategy that includes:- a schedule of fees; and- a formal booking system and registration process; and- strict and enforced duration-of-stay (short term) rules.• Undertake planned landscaping to provide strategic visual barriers delineating thecamp ground area, providing a screen, and protecting the ambience and visualamenity of the Reserve. Landscape planning will need to consider spatial distributionof camp sites that accord with regulatory requirements.• In the short term, some minor refurbishment of the ablution facilities.• In the short term, some minor refurbishment of the existing kitchen and dining area.This will provide a character camp kitchen and recreation area in the medium term.• In the medium term, construct new ablution facilities.Parking ManagementAllowance needs to be made for event parking. An appropriate location, subject toassessment of any drainage and earthwork requirements for wet weather access, would beimmediately behind the School, adjacent to the proposed new multi-purpose building. It isrecommended this option be investigated.The Council-owned land on the western side of Caraboi Terrace has on occasion been usedfor overflow parking and is a good option for that purpose. Arrangements with Council shouldbe formalised to ensure the ongoing use of this area.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 22

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveParking Management Actions• Undertake a feasibility assessment of the proposed car park.• Seek formal arrangements for the possible use of Council owned land on the westernside of Caraboi Terrace for overflow parking.4.4 GOVERNANCEThere are several governance issues that are covered in the Reserve Trust Handbook thatrequire the attention of the Trust. These include financial planning, risk management,licensing, asset management, occupational health and safety, compliance and volunteers.(See also 7. Regulatory Compliance)Financial ManagementIn common with many other volunteer community bodies, the Trust does not have aguaranteed or currently predictable annual income making it difficult to plan ahead forimprovements, maintenance costs etc that rely on receipts for implementation. Without aformal plan in place it has been difficult to access grants for larger projects.Notwithstanding these factors, the Trustees have managed to maintain a positive cash flow,cover recurrent overheads and plan for and fund urgent improvements such as the recentprovision of additional (demountable) ablution facilities and laser levelling of the ShowGround/camping ground sections of the Reserve to improve drainage. However, additionalincome sources will be required in order to maintain existing Trust assets and plan for andimplement new projects.The proposed construction of a new all-weather multi-purpose indoor/outdoor facility that cancater for events such as private functions, music festivals, events and exhibitions and the likewould be a major financial commitment. However it would significantly expand the incomegenerating potential of the Reserve.It is not realistic to expect that income from current activities will be sufficient to fund all theinfrastructure development proposed in this Plan. The full range of avenues including grantand loan funding and sponsorship will need to be explored to help provide the incomenecessary to undertake the major capital works proposed. To optimise income in theimmediate future it is important that all user pays activities are conducted on a soundcommercial basis.Financial Management Actions• In the short-to-medium terms, Establish and promote the primitive camping area toincrease cash flow.• Develop a new all-weather multi-purpose facility.• Assess fees and charges regularly.• Maximise funding opportunities by actively seeking grants, sponsorships and otherappropriate partnerships.• Encourage community fund raising events to assist funding of selected projects; forexample, the proposed wheelchair accessible walkway from the Village to the River.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 23

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveTenure ManagementThe Trust is required to prepare standard and temporary licence templates as a basis forauthorising use of Reserve facilities. Standard provisions will include such elements as therules of hire/use including cleaning, damages, bond, power usage, fees and charges andinsurance requirements. Licences will clearly identify the facilities that are included in the hirearrangements. No deviation from the standard arrangements should occur without minutedapproval of the Trust. Note: the Reserve Trust Handbook provides guidelines.Tenure Management Actions• Develop standard and temporary licence templates as a basis for all licences issuedto users of Reserve facilities.• Benchmark current fee and bond structures and initiate annual reviews• Ensure any commercial use of Reserve facilities is subject to rental at a competitivecommercial rate.4.5 COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPSThis planning process identified some misunderstandings of the Crown land system and thestrict legislative and governance principles, obligations and limitations of Trusts, the role ofTrustees etc amongst some community members. A newsletter was circulated to all Districthouseholds providing a simple outline of the Crown land and Trust systems and the role of aPoM.In the past the Trustees relied on an informal network of family and friends whenmaintenance works etc were needed and have gone quietly about saving for, or accessingfunds to carry out, improvements with minimal fanfare.The result is that, while there is a high level of broader community support for the Reserveand the Trust, the Trustees have not created an avenue to: regularly inform the community ofthe amount of work being undertaken on a voluntary basis; keep them up to date with eventsand activities; or to formally seek and harness volunteers for maintenance activities, fundraising and so on.Community Partnership Actions• Establish a Friends of Tyalgum Reserve Group for community members wishing tovolunteer their assistance in, for example, maintaining and developing the Reserve,with fundraising activities and assistance at events. All activities of the group shouldbe undertaken with the knowledge and approval of the Trust.• Produce a biannual Trust newsletter. This will keep the broader District communityinformed of Reserve Trust work, initiatives, fund raising activities etc. This will alsohelp the broader community understand the financial imposts on the Trust inmaintaining and developing Reserve assets. It is sometimes difficult for localcommunities to understand why they are charged for the use of community facilitiesand there is pressure on Trustees to make exceptions regarding charges etc.4.6 RENEWABLE ENERGY PROPOSALDistrict strategic planning exercises have emphasised the community’s commitment tocreating a more ecologically sustainable and resilient local community. A proposal arisingTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 24

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reservefrom the 2009 Caldera Community Economic Transition Plan identified a goal of establishinga large scale solar demonstration project in the Uki-Tyalgum–Chillingham area.The community planning process identified the possibility of working with Essential Energy ina commercial trial of innovative new technology as a demonstration project for a large scalesolar farm (at least 240kW capacity and potentially more); the objective basically being topower an entire community from solar energy. The layout of Tyalgum Village was seen asthe most potentially suitable.The Community Plan identified that there is considerable potential for the creation of usefulpublic open space, through design associated with the structures supporting the photovoltaiccollectors for the proposed system or, alternatively, the system could be incorporated as partof the design of proposed new infrastructure (Caldera Economic Transition Program 2009).The solar demonstration project is at this stage an idea that has some expressed interestfrom parties wishing to showcase innovative technology.The project is one requiring major capital investment and significant research and analysiswill be required to investigate its feasibility. If implemented, this initiative in addition to thecommitment to an environmentally sustainable built environment has the potential, over time,for the Reserve to develop as a showcase of sustainability and regional biodiversity.Renewable Energy Proposal Actions• Investigate opportunities for potential renewable energy proposals for the Reserve• Ensure that principles of energy conservation and resource sustainability areincorporated in to the design and management of Reserve facilities and infrastructure4.7 ADJOINING CROWN LANDSThe strategic integration of the adjoining Crown reserves with the existing management ofTyalgum Recreation Reserve was considered during the formulation of this Plan.The adjoining Crown land has an area of 2.44 ha and comprises:• Reserve 95559 for Camping and Caravan Park notified 28 August 1981 described asLot 105 DP 728111; and• Reserve 95565 for Quarantine notified 28 August 1981 and described as Lot 106 DP728111.Tweed Shire Council is the appointed Corporate Manager of the Tyalgum (R95559) ReserveTrust, which is responsible for the care, control and management of Reserve 95559. This is astrategically significant reserve with frontage to the main street of the Village. Management ofReserve 95565 currently resides with the DPI – Tick Control Board.In the past the Reserve Trust has made formal approaches to have management of theadjoining reserves transferred to its control. Incorporation of the adjoining reserves under anintegrated management regime would clearly have strategic merit and would enable moreholistic planning and management of this significant public resource. The proposal hasstrong local support however the matter has been in abeyance for many years pending theresolution of contamination issues affected both reserves.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 25

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveThe contamination issues are a legacy of the historic use of the lands for tick control andquarantine purposes. They present a significant constraint on the future use anddevelopment of the affected reserves, which to this day remain undeveloped. There is anidentified area of contamination in the south-western corner of Lot 105 abutting CoolmanStreet and the public conveniences. It is understood this was the site of a storage shed andarea for mixing chemicals that was associated with the cattle dip previously located in thenorth-eastern corner of Lot 106. The cattle dip has been capped according to the DPI.It is understood that both Tweed Shire Council and DPI are open to considerations oftransferring management of the respective reserves. This PoM also supports the potentialintegration of R95565 and R95559 under a single management regime and recommendsthat this matter be actively pursued by key stakeholders. However, until the contaminationissue is satisfactorily resolved Catchment and Lands will not be in a position to supporttransfer of responsibility for the affected reserves to another party.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 26

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve5. STRATEGIC ANALYSISA SWOT analysis identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and is aneffective tool to assist land managers analyse and understand the context, constraints andopportunities of a particular area when preparing plans for the future use and management ofthe area.Strengths are the unique qualities that are observable and which people value about theReserveWeaknesses are any constraints and issues that may prevent the Reserve from achievingits identified potential; some may not be changeable and others represent opportunities forchange.Opportunities are possibilities to build on and enhance Reserve values into the future.Threats are factors that may impact negatively on the Reserve and its values into the future.The following summary for the Reserve is drawn from site inspections and the analysis ofmanagement issues and challenges that incorporates community consultation and feedback.Strengths• Location adjacent to Village mainstreet – good access possible• Expansive area of public domain• In an area of high visual amenity andenvironmental significance• Adequate power, water andsewerage available to site• Some infrastructure in place• Existing events and ad hoc campingproviding income• Village has infrastructure to supportevents• Committed Trustees• Positive bank balance and cash flowOpportunities• To create a sustainable multipurposefacility with stunning outlook• To enhance and build theenvironmental values of the Reserve• To rationalise community sport andactive recreation space• To seek approval for and develop acamping ground• Ecotourism and environmentaleducation potential• To develop the landscape of theReserve and improve infrastructure• Options to foster improvedcommunity understanding ofReserve management issues andincrease community support• Sourcing grant fundingWeaknesses• Lack of landscape development andassociated infrastructure• Limited day use facilities• Lack of environmental interpretationopportunities• Ageing infrastructure• Limited facilities to expandopportunities for events andfunctions• Insufficient income to finance newmajor infrastructure development• Lack of some community membersunderstanding of the role of theTrust and public reserves• No primitive campground approvalThreats• Limited current budget due to lowincome-generating potential• Reliance on outside funding formajor infrastructure development• Ongoing indecision by relevant landmanagers regarding contaminationand future of adjoining Crownreserves (R95565 and R95559)• Plan implementation will take time –community pressure/impatience maylead to ad hoc/temporary measuresthat will be counterproductive tosustainable, holistic andeconomically beneficial long termoutcomes.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 27

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve6: PLAN OF MANAGEMENTThis section of the PoM sets out a strategic framework to address the management issuesand challenges facing the Reserve.6.1 VISION“To manage the Reserve with due care and commitment in order to provide the communitywith a well maintained open space containing excellent recreational facilities in the midst ofpublic park lands and native gardens”.6.2 GUIDING PRINCIPLESVisual amenity: There is a unique and distinctive character to the form, scale andappearance of the Village, with the Coolman Street area having development on one sideand open space on the other. Any necessary new improvements that are required on theReserve should not impact negatively on this character and should preserve the dominanceof landform, vistas and relaxed open public space.Equity: Planning should be based on the principle that no one use should be developed tothe detriment of other existing and potential and appropriate uses. As a community weshould be willing to compromise and share the space and facilities. Multiple uses of Crownlands should be encouraged where appropriate.Sustainability: To ensure that the plan delivers outcomes that are economically,environmentally and socially sustainable.Biodiversity: In keeping with the Reserve’s dual purposes as a recreation and flora andfauna reserve, to protect, improve and enhance the Reserve’s biodiversity and provideenvironmental protection, interpretation and educational opportunities.Holistic: To develop an integrated plan where the relationships between spaces isunderstood and helps to guide future development.Cultural values: To recognise and respect Aboriginal cultural values.6.3 MANAGEMENT PRECINCTSThe Reserve has over the years developed quite distinct “precincts” that fit well withcommunity use and Reserve values. These are:1. A camping precinct2. An event precinct3. An active sport and recreation precinct4. An environmental/passive recreation precinctThis Plan has also proposed the development of an environmental and passive recreationprecinct based around the development of the planned walk from the Village to the OxleyRiver. Figure 8 on the following page indicates the location of the precincts. Whereappropriate, the relevant precincts are indicated in the management strategy.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 28

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve.Figure 8: Management PrecinctsTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 29

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve7. MANAGEMENT PRACTICESThe Reserve Trust Handbook provides best practice guidelines on reserve managementincluding good governance and regulatory matters. The following tables are a summary ofthe main requirements to be adopted by the Trust in the management of the Reserve.7.1 GOVERNANCEStrategyMaintain adequate insurance cover foractivities in the Reserve.Establish an electronic asset registerEstablish a roles and responsibilities registerCRRS ReportingRegulatory compliance.ActionAll tenures to include indemnity andinsurance coverage.Prepare a list of all structures andimprovements and obtain a valuation ofeach item.Review and update the register annuallyand update depreciation schedule.Define the role of treasurer includinglimits on payment of amounts,signatories on cheques.Define purchasing and expenditurelimits.Define roles of Trust members.Annual Trust report to be submitted toCrown Lands by 30 September eachyearEnsure that the onsite sewagemanagement system is registered andcomplies with Council’s minimumstandards.Obtain a primitive camping groundapproval under S68 of the LocalGovernment Act 1993Audit and manage regulatory signage onthe ReserveTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 30

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve7.2 HEALTH, SAFETY & RISK MANAGEMENTStrategyTo provide and maintain facilities inaccordance with requirements for occupationalhealth and safety.To ensure compliance with animal welfareregulations.Proactively manage risk to protect users of theReserve and limit liability of the TrustProactively manage risk to protect users of theReserve and limit liability of the TrustActionEstablish a policy and routine inspectionprocedure for maintenance of groundsand assets.Establish a bushfire hazard maintenanceprocedure.Establish an induction procedure forvolunteer workers.Establish a medical emergencyprocedure.Establish a keys and locks register.Prepare a maintenance schedule.Establish an emergency evacuation plan.Establish a procedure for storage anduse of chemicals.Establish an event procedure includingstaffing and responsibilities, spectatorsafety, traffic management, provisionand location of additional facilities,rehabilitation of the Reserve.Ensure currency and adequacy ofinsurances held by contractors, sportingand equestrian clubs, event organisersand consultants.Liaise with peak equestrian and campdraft organisations to provide currentanimal welfare policies.Ensure compliance with the provisions ofthe Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act1979 and Prevention of Cruelty toAnimals (General) Regulation 2006.Maintain an operational risk assessmentprocess at all levels of ReservemanagementPrepare an evacuation plan for theReserve in conjunction with emergencyresponse and evacuation planningProvide safe public access as part of anintegrated infrastructure maintenanceprogramIssue appropriate authorisation tovolunteers and other Reserve users asnecessaryTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 31

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve7.3 BUSINESS MANAGEMENTStrategyPromote the use of the Reserve to optimumcommercial gain.Establish a business plan.Provide cost effective improvements.ActionEstablish a calendar of events for theReserve.Establish a marketing budget.Identify potential opportunities foradditional uses.Identify and review sources of funding.Prepare a marketing and promotionalstrategy.Prepare an annual budget for operationsand improvements.The budget will include capital andrecurrent expenditure items and adepreciation schedule.Develop a funding programs calendar.Establish an income target andperformance review.Prioritise goals for the future.Establish a procedure to obtaincompetitive quotes for works.Establish a procedure to engage andverify contractors.Establish a best practice procedure formaintenance of assets.CampingStrategyTo optimise income from tourist visitationActionApply for a primitive campgroundapproval under S68 of the LocalGovernment Act 1993.Undertake a market analysis ofpotential accommodation numbers andpreference for type of accommodationincluding potential increase in demand.Establish a sustainable tourism strategyidentifying values of the site, its locationand interests in the area.Establish a management system toregulate camp sites. Employees orcontractors to manage and maintaincampground.Establish a tariff rate.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 32

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveStrategyTo provide additional onsite accommodation.ActionUndertake a bushfire hazard assessmentto define any limits on camping andfuture expansion.Prepare a layout defining areas foraccommodation type and facilities.Install additional facilities to meetcontemporary camping needs and tocomply with the requirements of Section68 of the Local Government Act 1993.Establish a rating for accommodationstandards.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 33

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve8: IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEWThis PoM has been prepared pursuant to the provisions of the Crown Lands Act 1989 toprovide an appropriate statutory basis for the continuing improvement and operation of theReserve.This PoM provides short, medium and long term strategies for the management of theReserve. It is anticipated the majority of the works described will be implemented over a fiveyear period; however some works will take longer to complete. Priorities for works andfunding are to be addressed on an annual basis to meet development priorities andcommunity needs.Progress in relation to the implementation of the Plan will be monitored by the Trust and theTrust will report on an annual basis to Crown Lands.This Plan is to be reviewed approximately every five years or as required to ensure itcontinues to be relevant to and consistent with government legislation and policy andcommunity expectations.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 34

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve9. IMPLEMENTATION PLANPROJECT TIMEFRAMES: (SHORT TERM: 1-2 YEARS; MEDIUM TERM: 2-5 YEARS; LONG TERM: 5-10 YEARS)Objective Action Precinct Timeframe• Develop a Landscape Management and Facilities Planfor the Reserve.ALLShort term• Construct a pathway from the town weir along theRiver. 4 Short/medium term• Provide opportunities for environmental interpretation.• Consider other options for pedestrian access circuitsALLALLShort/medium termMedium termEnvironmental ManagementReserve Maintenance• Develop the drainage line running from the Villagedown to the River as a wetland area.• All environmental works are to be consistent with thedevelopment of the recommended primitive campground to assist with delineating and creating privacyand a sense of place for the area and softening internalcamp sites.• Develop a Vegetation Management Strategy thatincludes a list of endemic species suitable for the rangeof applications identified within the Plan.• Foster community volunteer programs to assist withReserve maintenance• Investigate the opportunity for part-time casualemployment or contracting for carrying out duties suchas cleaning and general site maintenance.• Formalise partnership with Tweed Shire Councilregarding maintenance3 Short/medium term1 OngoingALLShort termALL Short-medium termALL Medium-long term2 Short termTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 35

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveInfrastructure ManagementSporting FacilitiesManagementPassive RecreationalFacilities ManagementCamping Management• Refurbish the existing ablution and laundry buildings toservice the primitive camping area. 1 Short term• Refurbish the current kiosk/dining area to become thecamp kitchen and recreation area. 1 Short term• Construct a new all-weather multi-purposeindoor/outdoor facility that includes a basic commercialkitchen, storage area, toilets and area suitable for useas a stage.• Apply for grant funding to provide free standing sail typecovers for the moveable public stands to affordspectators with a covered viewing option.Developed a Sporting Facilities Plan for the ActiveSports Precinct of the Reserve.• Support the completion of the planned wheelchairaccessible walkway through the Reserve• Seek funding to construct a wheelchair accessiblewalkway.• Construct a wheelchair accessible walkway• Consider opportunities to develop an extended walkingcircuit• Seek to have the Reserve approved as a primitivecamping ground within the meaning of the LocalGovernment (Manufactured Home Estates, CaravanParks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings)Regulation 2005 by Tweed Shire Council.• Develop a Campground Management Strategy thatincludes:- a schedule of fees- a formal booking system and registration process2 Medium-long term3 Short term3 Short termALLALLALLOngoingShort/medium termMedium term1 Short term/ongoing1 Short termTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 36

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveParking ManagementFinancial ManagementTenure Management• Undertake planned landscaping to provide strategicvisual barriers delineating the camp ground area and ascreen, and to protect the ambience and visual amenityof the Reserve.• Minor refurbishment of the ablution facilities• Minor refurbishment of the existing kitchen and diningarea.• Construct new ablution facilities• Undertake a feasibility assessment of the proposed carpark• Seek formal arrangements for the possible use ofCouncil owned land on the western side of CaraboiTerrace for overflow parking• Establishment and promote the primitive camping areato increase cash flow.• Develop a new multi- purpose facility.• Assess fees and charges regularly.• Maximise funding opportunities by actively seekinggrants, sponsorships and other appropriatepartnerships.• Encourage community fund raising events to assistfunding selected projects.• Develop standard and temporary licence templates as abasis for all licences issued to users of the Reservefacilities.• Benchmark current fee and bond structure and initiateannual review1 Short-medium term/ongoing1 Short termShort termMedium term2 Short-medium term2 Short term1 Short-medium term2 Medium-long termOngoingOngoingALL Short term/ongoingALL Short term/ongoingTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 37

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveCommunity Partnership• Ensure commercial use of Reserve facilities is subjectto rental at a competitive commercial rate• Establish a Friends of Tyalgum Reserve Group forcommunity members wishing to volunteer and assistthe Trust in maintaining and developing the Reserve.• Produce a biannual Trust newsletter.ALLALLALLShort term/ongoingShort term/ongoingShort term/ongoingRenewable Energy ProposalGovernance• Investigate opportunities for potential renewable energyprojects for the Reserve• Ensure that principles of energy conservation andresource sustainability are incorporated in to the designand management of Reserve facilities andinfrastructure• Compliance with all actions identified in Section 7.0 –Management PracticesALLALLShort termShort term/ongoingTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 38

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveAPPENDIX 1: COMMUNITY CONSULTATION1. COMMUNITY PLANSOver the past four years, members of the Tyalgum District community have undertakenseveral strategic planning exercises. The project brief required that these be reviewed toidentify and consider content relevant to the study area and the present study. Extracts fromthe plans of relevance to the present study are included below.Tyalgum District Community Strategic Plan, September 2006: Extract from core values(TDCA 2006)• Beautiful, pristine, outstanding landscape and scenery• Tranquil, peaceful locality with a sense of mystery• The heritage status of the Village and inherent historic value of the District• The rustic charm and rural lifestyle• Abundant and diverse flora and fauna• A rich Aboriginal cultural heritageIn addition, the preparation of a ‘Town Plan’ for Tyalgum was identified as a prioritisedproject. A number of residents spent considerable time preparing a draft Locality Plan for theVillage. Relevant extracts appear below.Caldera Economic Transition Program: Tyalgum District Plan 2009: Extract from corevalues (TDCA 2009)• Reaffirmation of the above relevant core values• Safe happy family (kids) environment• Sustainable energy – energy independenceDraft Tyalgum Locality Plan: (TDCA: 2007-8): Extracts relating to the ReserveLand UseProhibit any further commercial or residential development between Coolman Street and theCreek, so as to retain this area as public space.Building Form, Scale and AppearanceThere is a distinctive character that relates to the form, scale and appearance of the Village.The Coolman Street area is dominated by business on one side and open space on theother:• Develop a visually rich built environment, yet ensuring new and modified buildings arenot out of character; rather they are an interesting and harmonious part of the village.• Reflect and emphasize the built relationship to topography by maintaining andpreserving the dominance of landform and vistas; aligning new and modifiedbuildings, including garages, with the dominant landscape, maintaining scale andlimiting heights of undercroft spaces.Public DomainThe Village of Tyalgum has most of its public space located in a large area betweenCoolman Street and the Creek, which comprises a diverse and contrasting range of publicdomain environments and open space areas. Each area performs a different function, andTYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 41

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserveindependently these spaces are used extensively by sporting groups, festival groups and thecommunity. Cumulatively, these spaces play an important role in establishing the visual,cultural and environmental qualities identified for the Village, and provide extensiveopportunities for community cohesion and interaction. Appropriate liaison with TyalgumPublic Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve Trust and TweedShire Council will be required for future development of public domain spaces in the areasthat come within their jurisdictions. It is intended to reinforce the range of public open spacesthat exist in Tyalgum by pursuing the following strategies:• Develop the distinctive character of each space, helping the public to understand itspurpose and, where appropriate, any historical associations.• Identify detailed car parking, landscape and urban design objectives and outcomes inthe public domain spaces to enhance the facilities for lifestyle and passive recreationfor tourists and residents.• Identify management strategies (i.e. traffic and parking) for the public domain areasfor any future markets that may occur.• Reinforce existing and promote new pedestrian and cycle linkages between the publicdomain and open space areas within the Village and its environs.• Public amenities blocks to be maintained and upgraded, within the Village character.• All public domain areas to be appropriately signposted.Landscape CharacterThe distinctive landscape character and amenity of Tyalgum is a function of the hillsidevegetation and continuous tree canopy, the riparian vegetation along the natural waterwaysand vegetation established within private properties and the public domain.• Extend biodiversity outcomes through use of endemic habitat plants and avoidance ofinvasive non-endemic plants.• Use landscape to mitigate adverse visual impacts of new buildings by screening andframing views.Movement and Linkages• Create pedestrian and cycle path along the Creek in conjunction with Tyalgum PublicRecreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve Tyalgum PublicRecreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve Trust.• Create pedestrian and cycle path along the Tyalgum Creek bank.Community and Recreation Facilities• Develop movement linkages along the creek to improve safety and amenity ofpedestrians.• Proceed with the walkway down to the River.• Continuation of the Skate Park proposal and other recreation facilities within theparkland between Coolman Street and the Creek.• Improve and upgrade the public amenity blocks to enhance the facilities available atthe Show Ground.• Undertake a detailed urban design and landscape study for the key public domainspace between Coolman Street and the Creek.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 42

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve2. COMMUNITY WORKSHOP AND CONSULTATIONCommunity consultation is central to the Crown reserve planning process. A communityworkshop was held at the Reserve on Sunday 16 May 2010.The workshop was attended by58 residents plus four Trustees.The Trustees led the participants on a tour of the Reserve pointing out particularproblems/issues and discussing past and present initiatives and their ideas for the future.They also answered questions and listened to community comments, concerns and ideas.A questionnaire was prepared to gather feedback from workshop participants on the keyissues and options for the future management and development of the Reserve and to allowfor the community to make comments and suggestions. An aerial photograph and a planview were attached to each questionnaire for reference.Forty-five completed questionnaires were received. A number of people took the opportunityto write comments, some of which contained very constructive suggestions which have beenconsidered in the development of this PoM.With respect to the proposal to include the two extra parcels of Crown Land into the Reserve,of those people who supported the proposal, 17 offered comments. All of these suggestedconcepts that related to the development of park land/open space/passive recreation.A summary of questionnaire replies appears at the end of this appendix.Community NewslettersThree newsletters were delivered to the district’s 600 households. The first informed them ofthe community workshop and explained the roles of the Reserve, the Trust and the PoM. Thesecond was distributed following the workshop, and contained: a brief overview of the day;an invitation for those who had been unable to attend the workshop to collect and completethe questionnaire; and some brief background notes on the context of some of the workshopquestions. The third provided an update on the progress of the assessment of the Plan and abrief overview of the workshop questionnaire outcomes.Individual ConsultationsIn addition to the consultations held during the community workshop, a number of otherstakeholders were consulted on an individual basis. These stakeholders included DiggersSports and Rodeo Committee, Tyalgum Literary Institute (the ’Hall Committee’), TyalgumDistrict Community Association, Tweed Shire Council Aboriginal Advisory Committee;Taipans Soccer Club; Mr Peter Meadows, the Principal of Tyalgum Public School and staff ofTweed Shire Council.Consultation and Liaison with Traditional OwnersEnsuring that effective consultation and liaison with traditional owners occurs is an importantpriority for the Trust for many reasons, including.TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 43

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reserve• Recognising the connection of traditional owners to Country and the need to includethem as stakeholders when developing the PoM.• Adopting the cautionary principle with respect to traditional owner rights under theNative Title Act 1993 or the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. With respect toobligations under the two relevant acts regarding land rights, the Reserve TrustHandbook, Section 12 provides an overview of these matters which are importantplanning issues and considerations.The Trust has had initial consultations with the Tweed Shire Council Aboriginal AdvisoryCommittee to inform Committee members of the proposals and plans being considered aspart of this PoM and to receive their ideas and feedback.The traditional owners consulted thus far have expressed preliminary interest in buildingpartnerships with the Trust to implement projects involving the development of environmentalareas that provide interpretive opportunities (for example, in relation to traditional resourceuse and land management practices, and the biodiversity of proximate World Heritageareas).3. COMMUNITY WORKSHOP FEEDBACK QUESTIONNAIRE: SUMMARYsport and recreation AGREE DISAGREE UNSURE TOTALPlanning must allow space for a full size fieldsuitable for soccer and possibly other codes 36 3 6 45Planning must allow level usable space forequestrian activities such as pony club 36 3 3 42Planning must allow for storage space forsporting clubs 40 3 2 45Planning must allow for covering for at leastone set of grandstands 37 3 5 45The walkway( with wheelchair access) fromthe village to the rivers needs to becompleted when funds are available 43 0 2 45Planning should allow for creation of apedestrian and cycle pathway along the river 40 3 2 45infrastructure and relatedThere is a need for a new all weathermultipurpose structure/ building with kitchenfacilities that meet required standards 37 5 3 45The public amenities blocks need improvingand upgrading 42 1 2 45TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 44

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna ReserveThe stage needs to be realigned andimproved to reduce noise impacts, enhancevisibility for audiences and provide a largerperformance area 36 2 7 45Planning must consider future car parkingneeds and ensure sufficient parking 36 5 4 45All improvements and design guidelinesshould be based on the principles ofsustainability 39 0 6 45environment and relatedExtend the existing revegetation programalong the riparian zone 40 1 3 44Develop the drainage channel coming fromthe village into a wetland 38 0 6 44Extend biodiversity outcomes by the use ofcommon habitat plants 43 0 1 44Develop landscaping to provide shade,reinforce and enhance the atmosphere, andbe appropriate to the range of public use andopen space areas that form the reserve 43 0 1 44camping areaThe present informal camping area shouldbe developed into an official "primitive campsite" primarily aimed at group use, eg:walking/ mountain biking groups using thetrails network as it developed and caravanclubs 38 2 5 45community events and useSporting events and carnivals(eg athletics,equestrian) 44 1 0 45Music events(eg:jazz/folk/country/blues/rock/classical) 41 4 0 45Dance party events 21 23 0 44Food and wine events 39 6 0 45Other eventsbush poetry festival, community marketsDesired curfew time (pm) 11and11.30 midnight no limit & other9 and 6 24 2 and 4 45Environmental and historical interpretation(eg: signs plaques etc) 40 0 5 45Passive recreation (eg: areas to walk thedog, sit quietly and reflect, picnic) 42 1 2 45TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 45

Tyalgum Public Recreation and Preservation of Native Flora and Fauna Reservesolar TyalgumThe Reserve Trust should undertake a prefeasibility analysis of this 27 6 12 45acquisition of trusteeship of land 37 3 5 45The trust should seek to include theseparcels in the Recreation and Flora reserveabout youA village resident 15A village resident whose property is oppositethe Reserve 6A Tyalgum district resident 22Not residing in Tyalgum districtA business operator in the village 5A business operator in Tyalgum District 4A member of a community organisation inthe Tyalgum District 6TYALGUM RESERVE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT: EXHIBITION DRAFT 46