TOOROURRONG RESERVOIR PARK _ MASTER PLAN _ BACKGROUND PAPER MAY 2011 _

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1 TOOROURRONG RESERVOIR PARK MASTER PLAN BACKGROUND PAPER MAY

2 PART A BACKGROUND Toorourrong Reservoir Park, nestled at the base of the Great Dividing Range, is a popular and much-loved park. Toorourrong displays all the qualities of a traditional reservoir park - having ornamental trees in lawn with views across the water to the hills with the added attraction that some parts of the park, such as the picnic area in the eucalypts towards the park entrance, have a real Australian bushland character. Toorourrong Reservoir is managed by Melbourne Water and the 12ha Toorourrong Reservoir Park is managed by Parks Victoria. What s Happened? The Black Saturday fires of 2009 burnt most of the vegetation and damaged all of the park infrastructure, resulting in the loss of the park s toilets, picnic shelter, picnic furniture and barbecues. The aerial image in figure 1 shows the extent of damage to the park. The large stand of pines on the southern hill was badly burnt and any remaining pines on the hill were hazardous and have been removed. The historic reservoir wall did not meet modern dam safety standards and for some time Melbourne Water has been Figure 1. Aerial photo December 2009 source: land.vic.gov.au NOTE: Toorourrong Reservoir Park is currently closed to the public as a result of bushfire damage and dam wall strengthening works. 2

3 planning to strengthen the wall. In 2010 Melbourne Water commenced the detailed planning and preparation for the wall works. Details about the works can be found at Melbourne Water s website com. The works include increasing the size and height of the earthen embankment and building a concrete wave wall on top. The overall height of the wall will be raised by 2.4 metres. The base of the wall will extend out to about twice its current width in sections. For those who know the park well, this means that almost half of the existing lilly pond will be taken up by the wall expansion, refer to figure 2. The Need for a Master Plan These two events are having a major impact on the park, and hence Parks Victoria is developing a master plan to guide the restoration and redevelopment of the park. The plan will aim to retain the essential character and restore the park to being functional - being mindful that the enlargement of the wall and the damage from the fires mean that the park cannot be rebuilt exactly as it was. The planning also provides the opportunity to look at what wasn t working well in the park and to take into account community expectations around quality of design and environmental standards. reconstructed spillway borrow pits (excavated material for extended dam embankment) reconstructed clearwater channel dam embankment unsuitable material to be le as an island wave wall Figure 2. Dam wall works overlayed over pre 2009 aerial 3

4 Figure 3. Toorourrong Reservoir Park in the 1960s (photo provided by Stan Dipple) Visitors Prior to the 2009 bushfires, the park was a popular picnic and day trip destination, particularly for family groups. Approximately 80,000 people visited the park each year. Many large ethnic family groups, reflecting the makeup of Melbourne s multicultural northern suburbs, have enjoyed the park for barbecues and gettogethers. For some overseas -born Australians, the eucalypt picnic area of the park has been their first real immersion in the Australian bush. Importantly, the park has provided a safe and friendly place for people with a disability and their carers to come and relax and enjoy the outdoors. This takes on particular significance given that there is a relatively high amount of supported accommodation in the Whittlesea region. 4

5 History Toorourrong Reservoir has been in use since 1885, not long after Melbourne first experienced water shortages. It s likely that the name comes from the East Kulin Toururrong meaning the Laughing Jackass (Kookaburra). Its principal function is to allow silt to settle out prior to water being diverted via an aqueduct to the Yan Yean Reservoir. The aqueduct is constructed from granite and, further downstream, bluestone. The years 1876 and 1877 were dry and in 1879, with water in Yan Yean Reservoir at a low level, it was decided to investigate the tributaries of the King Parrot Creek with the idea of diverting them into Yan Yean. Wallaby and Silver creeks, north of the Great Dividing Range, were tapped to provide water in Off-take weirs were built and an open, granite-lined contour channel, the Wallaby Aqueduct, carried water across the Great Dividing Range just east of Mount Disappointment, then into Jacks Creek and finally Toorourrong Reservoir. The reservoir was to act as a settling basin before the water travelled nearly eight kilometres down the Clear Water Channel to Yan Yean and then into the distribution system. Until the Thomson Reservoir was built in 1984 this was the only Melbourne reservoir that drew water from north of the divide. Figure 4. Historic clearwater channel in the 1990s and

6 Heritage Protection An Interim Protection Order was placed on the reservoir in 2010 and in February 2011 Toorourrong Reservoir was listed on the Victorian Heritage Register (H2128). Extract from the Register: How is it significant? The Toorourrong Reservoir complex is of historical and scientific (technological) significance to the state of Victoria. Why is it significant? The Toorourrong Reservoir complex is of historical significance as an important part of the extensions to the Yan Yean Water Supply system, built in and still operating. Toorourrong was an essential stage in the nineteenth century development of Melbourne s water supply system, designed to improve the quality and increase the quantity of Melbourne s water as the population increased in the postgold rush period. It is of historical significance for its association with William Thwaites, the civil engineer and public servant who designed the 1880s extensions to the 1850s Yan Yean Water Supply system, and was also largely responsible for the design and construction of Melbourne s sewerage system, both considered to be among the greatest engineering feats in Victoria in the nineteenth century. The Toorourrong Reservoir complex is of scientific (technological) significance as an essential component of the 1880s additions to the 1850s Yan Yean Water Supply system. The construction of this system in the 1850s and 1880s was one of the major engineering projects of nineteenth century Victoria and the 1880s works allowed water from north of the Great Dividing Range to flow by means of gravity more than fifty kilometres across the Great Dividing Range as far as the city of Melbourne. The Toorourrong Reservoir complex is of scientific (technological) significance for the quality of the stonework in the stone-lined spillway and channels associated with the Reservoir. It is a demonstration of the craftsmanship of nineteenth century stonemasons and is a fine example of the use of stone in a major nineteenth century engineering project. Toorourrong Reservoir and Channel is also listed on the National Trust database (B6402) 6

7 Heritage Permit Required for Works Note that the whole of the site is included in the heritage registration and therefore Parks Victoria will be required to apply for a heritage permit to undertake works to rebuild the park. Staff from Heritage Victoria are assisting Parks Victoria in understanding how to carry the heritage elements of the park forward in an appropriate way. Melbourne Water has been granted a permit to carry out the dam strengthening works, with some of the main conditions of the Heritage Victoria permit requiring Melbourne Water to: Rebuild one major stairway to replace the two that existed Rebuild the three-arched sluice gates within the Clearwater Channel Retain any bluestone or granite blocks not needed in wall works for use in park restoration works Figure 5. Dam wall strengthening works 2011 Provide interpretation of the heritage elements 7

8 PART B PLANNING FOR REBUILDING Master Plan for the Park - key issues In 2010 Parks Victoria engaged Site Office Landscape Architects to assist with developing the master plan for the park. A large part of the effort to date has been in understanding how the dam wall strengthening works will impact on the experience of being in the park in particular the impact on the picnic area below the wall around the ornamental pond area. At least one half of the ornamental pond will be under the rebuilt dam wall. But with the need for a new, large borrow pit (from which clay for the wall is gained) comes the opportunity for a new pond. In early discussions, local people have spoken of the importance to them of the open, ornamental trees-in-lawn feel of the picnic area below the wall and Parks Victoria will work to carry this character forward. The wall The wall itself will no longer be a straight line, on the picnic area side, as large mounds of earth will be incorporated as part of the wall strengthening. The areas between and on top of these new mounds will provide new opportunities. The new concrete wave wall on top of the embankment will also make a difference to the way the wall looks. Access There are also implications for the entry to this area. Given that the wall height has increased, the picnic area will not be as visible from the entry road and ensuring universal (disability) access is not without challenges. The picnic/ bbq area in the bushland area near the entry to the park has been badly damaged and the extent Figure 6. Regenerating vegetation 8

9 Figure 7. Toorourrong Reservoir Park in the 1990s (photo provided by Maxine Watson) of replacement is a key issue. There is an opportunity to look at providing better facilities along the entry road, with its magnificent view over the reservoir. A chance to improve This is also an opportunity to look at the things that didn t work well such as the unreliable water supply to the toilets and the poor practice of using a sewerage field to treat the waste. In testament to Nature, the hill area formerly occupied by pines is regenerating with a new flush of indigenous trees, predominantly eucalypts and wattles (refer to figure 6). How the character of this hill should evolve into the future is a key question. A Possible Place for a Bushfire Memorial Parks Victoria has been approached by City of Whittlesea who, on behalf of its community, is exploring possible locations for a memorial and/or place of reflection to remember the impact of the Victorian bushfires on the Humevale, Kinglake West and Whittlesea communities. Should the local community chose Toorourrong as a preferred site, Parks Victoria will work with City Of Whittlesea to incorporate such a place within the park master plan as an integral part of the design. The timing of the two projects may not coincide exactly, but the master plan will be able to indicate the likely site for the memorial space and allow details of the space to follow in a subsequent process. 9

10 Guiding Principles Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water have put together a draft vision for the park and a set of guiding principles which will be a key reference throughout the development of the master plan and into implementation. This vision and guiding principles have been informed by extensive site analysis and by preliminary discussions with the community and key stakeholders. Figure 8. Toorourrong Reservoir Park in the 1990s 10

11 Vision Toorourrong Reservoir Park will be an exemplar contemporary reservoir park. Visitors will be encouraged to reflect on and celebrate its past forms, values, heritage, stories and associations. The new park landscape will reference its previous character and ambiance while supporting sustainable future functions. Its setting and facilities will provide for universal access and will support a range of experiences to foster community engagement, participation and ownership of the park Guiding principles The following are broad principles which will provide a framework for development and implementation of the master plan: Conservation (Healthy Parks) Recognise, build upon and interpret the existing natural values within and surrounding the park; Protect and interpret the Indigenous and European cultural heritage values on the site; Comply with the letter and spirit of approvals granted, particularly the Heritage Victoria permit conditions; Reintegrate surplus stone material and other heritage fabric back into the park landscape, ensuring it has a functional and enduring purpose; Reinstate one or more ornamental ponds; Reference the former landscape character and ambiance of the site. 11

12 Guiding Principles continued Engagement (Healthy People) Seek to understand and reveal the stories, associations, features and characteristics which have evolved and adapted since 1885; Establish a park identity which reflects the heritage value of the site while recognising its contemporary context and changing future demands; Provide a diverse range of visitor opportunities, cognisant of the opportunities which have attracted visitors in the past and those which are likely to attract visitors in the future; Provide opportunities for visitors to view and understand the role and history of the reservoir and dam infrastructure; Make the park appealing to different groups and demographics, particularly visitors with mobility issues or special needs, and ethnic groups which have a previous association with the park; Encourage increased participation and engagement with the broader landscape, complementary to Parks Victoria s Healthy Parks Healthy People philosophy; Encourage community ownership through provision of gathering spaces and opportunities for participation; Figure 9. Toorourrong Reservoir Park in (photo provided by Stan Dipple) 12

13 Sustainability Develop an integrated interpretation and signage scheme for the park which both addresses existing landscape values, the changes to the heritage fabric and provides park information and orientation; Develop services and facilities which inherently address ecologically sustainable development principles, primarily the need for low maintenance and durable outcomes long term; Consolidate and make more efficient the use of services, facilities and site infrastructure. Accessibility and Connectivity Ensure that the visitor s experience of arrival, entering and engaging with the park is optimised; Provide for adequate access into and within the park to enhance visitor experiences, manage future visitor flow and accommodate extended visitor stays; Ensure that the design reflects universal design principles; Promote improved walking and cycling connections into the park; Provide for efficient and safe vehicular and pedestrian circulation networks. Figure 10. Clear Water aqueduct 13

14 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT HAVING YOUR SAY Local people and others with a love of the park will have the opportunity to help shape the park at three different stages of the planning. Information will be generally provided through the local community Whittlesea Town Crier magazine and updates will be sent directly to anyone who adds their contact details to a Keep Informed/have Your Say list that can found on Parks Victoria s website. 1. Recollections In April 2011, Parks Victoria called on people to tell us what was important to you about the park. This will assist us in understanding the essential things that people treasured about the park and to carry that character forward in the rebuild. 2. Discussions Parks Victoria will meet with interested community members to outline the changes brought about by the fires and wall works; and the opportunities for the rebuild (likely timing: May 2011). Parks Victoria is very aware that the park is a popular place for carers and people with a disability and will be consulting directly with some of the local community services staff about what particular access needs and how these can be accommodated in the new landscape. The park has been well patronised by large ethnic family groups, and Parks Victoria will be consulting directly with some of the multicultural leaders. Figure 10. Toorourrong Reservoir Park in 2004 (photo provided by Rosie Moffat) 14

15 3. Draft From these discussions, Parks Victoria will develop a draft plan which will be widely displayed for community comment and input. During the six week consultation period there will be opportunities to discuss the plan directly with a member of the planning team. The feedback on the draft plan will be used to shape a final plan (likely timing for display of draft June/July 2011) Resourcing the Rebuild Parks Victoria will fund replacement of the park facilities lost in the fires using insurance funds. Melbourne Water will fund the reinstatement of any park facilities which its dam wall works have affected. It is likely that, with improvements to bring facilities up to date, these funds won t cover all the works that will be shown in the master plan and so implementation of the plan will be staged. Construction Melbourne Water s works will be completed in late September 2011 (weather dependent). Parks Victoria s rebuilding works will then commence with the aim of reopening the park in Keep Informed To be on the mailing list for updates, please provide your contact details via the Parks Victoria Toorourrong website or your details to toorourrong@parks.vic.gov.au or phone or post Toorourrong Master Plan, Parks Victoria Level 10, 535 Bourke Street Melbourne

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