Berringa and Staffordshire Reef Community Plan 2015 · 2016. 9. 2. · Berringa & Staffordshire Reef Community Plan Golden Plains Community Planning Prepared by the Berringa & Staffordshire

Berringa & Staffordshire Reef Community Plan

Golden Plains Community Planning Prepared by the Berringa & Staffordshire Reef community coordinators

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Berringa and Staffordshire Reef Community Plan 2015

Town Vision: An engaged community in a small town, which celebrates its rich heritage



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Berringa and Staffordshire Reef Community Plan 2015 - 2017

Community coordinators: John McNabb 03 5342 2245 [email protected] Terry Guy 03 5342 8210 [email protected] Anthony Wiggins

Community Development Team Leader, Golden Plains Shire Olivia Naughtin 03 5220 7159 [email protected] 0427 935 190 goldenplains.vic.gov.au

Consultants: Community Planning Facilitators, AXOS Urban Stephen Axford 03 9270 9120 [email protected] Christine Wallis 03 9170 9120 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au/



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Contents

How we prepared the Plan The process to review the plan All photos and diagrams by AXOS Urban unless otherwise credited The New Plan Priorities from Consultation

Roads Staffordshire Reef Triangle Fire Community Heritage Weeds and environment

The previous plan: Action Outcomes

Proposed Projects Actions Heritage signage Newsletter Heritage database Walking Track

Implementation Alterations or disputes How to get involved Become a coordinator Get involved in a project or initiative

Community planning workshop, Berringa Hall, March 2015



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How we prepared the Plan Every two years a new Community Plan is developed through a process of discussions with local residents for ideas, opportunities, residents inviting ideas, comments and advertising involvement in the consultation event. A meeting was held in February with the community coordinators discussing the old and new Plan in preparation for the consultation event. The consultation event was held on March 22nd and attended by 15 local residents facilitated by AXOS. The participants workshopped their ideas as a mapping exercise. This provided a basis for lively discussion and the focus for the development of ideas. The maps made it easier to describe the ideas and be specific needs and priorities.

The process for the 2015 Plan commenced with the co-ordinators reviewing the 2013 Plan and a notice to local residents. Everyone was active in writing, drawing and communicating ideas for the plan, and forming a shared set of priorities.

The 2015 Community Plan has six themes

Roads Triangle Fire Community Heritage Weeds and environment



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Roads

The safety of the roads in the area is a major concern. At the meeting on March 22nd 2015 residents identified the following as needing attention. Priorities are first to last as listed.

1. Speed limit 80km/hr a) Staffordshire Reef Rd to Strickland Rd to Berringa b) Derwent Jacks road from the edge of the bush (near Paul Watkins place) to Berringa c) Moonlight road d) Browns road from Strickland road to Victoria road e) Strickland road These roads are identified in the maps on page 11. Only through-roads need signs.

2. More warning signs are needed for kangaroos, school bus route and horse riding. The roads sub-committee will report on this.

3. Widening of existing seal Both Derwent Jacks road and Staffordshire Reef road carry significant traffic and are considered to be of equal priority. Widening to provide a traffic lane in each direction would improve safety and convenience.

4. Drainage a) At the intersection of Strickland road, Browns road and Staffordshire Reef road moderate rain events wash gravel onto the seal. b) At the intersection of Staffordshire Reef road and Italian Gully road water from Italian Gully road washes clay onto the seal and drains along the seal to the North. c) At the intersection of Grandma’s road and Speedwell Dam road water drains along the gravel surface and has caused damage over many years.

5. Blind Spots/ Obscured Vision a) At the intersection of Strickland road, Staffordshire Reef road and Browns road a blind spot occurs for traffic approaching along Browns road and Staffordshire Reef road; this combined with the narrow seal has resulted in several near-misses and could contribute to an accident. b) At the intersection of Derwent Jack’s road and Pitfield road pine trees need trimming to improve visibility. c) Some concealed driveways may benefit from signage- the roads sub-committee to report on this. d) Poorly placed rubbish/ recycle bins are causing a hazard and are sometimes left out for extended periods. An article about this in the GPS bulletin may help. e) Old Station road is overgrown and needs cutting back.

6. Road Sealing a) Moonlight road on the North end b) Grandma’s road and triangle c) Snowgum road



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7. Other Concerns a) It appears that the Shire is not made aware of accidents/incidents on Shire roads even when other authorities are involved. The community may need to keep a log and pass the information on. b) Staffordshire Reef road is still shown as Newtown-Berringa road on Google maps. How can this be corrected? Shire to advise. The meeting on 22nd of March 2015 suggested the above concerns be taken up with the Shire engineer. Action A sub committee has been formed to work on the issues of roads and safety: Steve Guy CJ Ellis Susan Morse Terry Guy John McNab

Community Plan 2013 Outcomes - Roads

Generally road reserves need to be managed better: mowing, weed control (especially gorse), removal of dangerous trees. Need to seal the Dereel Road to improve its safety and accessibility and viability as an alternative escape route. Widen Staffordshire Reef Road particularly at intersections. Those present were aware of several accidents although council says they have no record of accidents on this road; however, many regard it as dangerous Outcome; The Shire acted on three of the road safety items after the Roads Engineer inspection tour with coordinators. The narrow bridge on the Berringa –Derwent Jack Road needs attention: no side rails and trees block views to the approach. Outcome; The Shire installed the side rails and they are excellent. The tree obstructing sight lines needs trimming. There was some concern about the changing of road names in recent times: generally it was accepted that this is a reality now, however many maps now need updating. Action; This issue is to be carried forward. The suggestion is to request the Shire to approach Google to update their maps. Speed around horse riders: many drivers don’t slow down for horse riders and there is a desire to attract more recreational riders: suggested there could be advisory signs. Develop ‘The Great Dividing Trail’ to link to the Rainbow Bird Trail.



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Triangle

The Background In late 2011 the community coordinators made an application for a community grant to establish heritage information displays at Staffordshire Reef and at the site of the original Italian Gully Township. As no land was available at Staffordshire Reef, only Italian Gully went ahead. At the request of the community coordinators the Golden plains Shire has acquired the Triangle, which was part of a deceased estate. We can now go ahead with the project in this location.

The Project The Triangle land bounded by Staffordshire Reef Road and Grandmas’ Road provides many opportunities to support a range of community needs;

1. Grandmas Road corner triangle made into a park. 2. Have CFA tank with water tap. 3. The roads around the triangle reserve need to be formed and sealed. 4. Historical interpretation 5. Develop a shelter that can provide for many functions; i.e. school bus shelter, display of historic information, 6. Tourist information, historical boards and local information 7. Remove fencing and clean area to allow mowing 8. Shire mow the area once or twice a year 9. Provide a small holding yard for horse riders

Action A sub committee has been formed to work on the Triangle land projects; Steve Guy Michael Dittloff Terry Guy John McNab



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Fire

Continue to support local burn-offs.

Weeds and environment 1. Roadside Rubbish 2. Trees around triangle trimmed. 3. Automatic tank filler at Reserve to pump water from storage tank to header tank to keep water supply for toilets. 4. Spray the gorse on public land and notify property owners to spray gorse. 5. Remove pine trees on public land.

Community Plan 2013 Outcomes - Fire Safety Generally concern that as a fire prone area residents (particularly new residents to area) need to be assisted to understand the risks and what they should do. Council and State to update requirements, provide additional education opportunities, encourage fire plans, provide and maintain water pumps, adequate sized tanks, etc Outcome; The CFA has been distributing information packs. Encourage clean-up of weeds. Outcome; The spraying of weeds is to be done by Council pending the State Government go ahead. Explore the potential for a Fire Refuge /Safer Place Outcome; The community notes the refuge at Blackwood as an example facility. Long term: it was suggested that there could be a program to thin the forests to encourage a more traditional sparse canopy forest; Outcome; The community supports the proposed program of fuel reduction burns. Community Plan 2013 Outcomes – Motor bike noise Noise on forest tracks near houses continues to be a concern. Acknowledged that there is a role and room for trail riding if participants show restraint near houses. Proposed signage requesting quiet near houses. Education campaign, also signs warning that horses or walkers may be on tracks or roads and to pass with appropriate speed and distance. Outcome; The Shire requested a meeting with Police to discuss the issue but no action was achieved. 1995 Fire information at Berringa



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Community 1. Contact Haddon & District Lions Club to help with funds with Berringa Hall and work with the community Committee. 2. Community meals from shire for elderly citizens. 3. Support the newsletter for the area. The newsletter was very good for communications and distributing information. It requires a lot of work to produce the newsletter and funding could be allocated to support someone’s time.

Community Plan 2013 Outcomes Community social, Longer Term Carers and community work: recognition and support: it was recognised that there are a small number of community members who put in exceptional efforts or who provide generous support for others. Ideas to support could include community awards and/or public recognition. Outcome; Coordinators did not develop this idea. There is a limit to how much time people can put in and what can be achieved through self-help. It would be highly desirable to have some funds available to allow contractors to be engaged for some of the more specialised or intensive projects. Outcome; The Shire is proposing a Meals program for senior residents. There is a need for more community support for new residents and opportunities for all residents to build connections and share information. Suggested there could be public information sessions, more updates from council, assistance with content for the local newsletter. Outcome; Coordinators have been distributing general information.

The newsletter was an excellent way of providing local information.

Heritage 1. Restore Misery Creek Trestle Bridge. 2. Walking Track from triangle to Staffordshire Reef hill mine area. 3. Staffordshire Reef Webb site concerning history started. 4. Lookout on Berringa Hill. 5. Develop naming of bridges, water courses and old town sites Community Plan 2013 Outcomes- Heritage Generally wish more historical information to be on display. Interpretive Signage for historical landmarks Outcome; The Italian Gully signage project is 50% complete and the Staffordshire Reef will be commencing soon. The naming of Bridges is suggested to be added to the project. The community congratulates the coordinators undertaking the project. Lookout on Berringa Hill Outcome; This will be a long term project. Maintain the old school (COMMUNITY HALL): those involved in the hall say the buildings need more than the basic maintenance and require proper restoration; the community has been asked to raise funds for this but some guidance and assistance to get the project going is required. Also the recreation reserve and associated old facilities need recognition and improvement. This could include a skate ramp or similar facilities for the younger users. Outcome; The coordinators have been working with the Community committee. A suggestion is to approach the Haddon and District Lions Club for assistance with works.



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Proposed projects

Steve Guy has written up ideas and volunteered to lead several projects. Heritage database Develop a web-based process for collecting and recording the history of the area. The data base could be divided into different locations and be available for people to print information about the walks and of general interest so that it is retained for the future and shared publicly. Steve Guy proposes I would like to put a web site together as a place to collect all the information I have found and will find in the future. There is so much information out there mainly articles and stories that people may find interesting. This would be a massive undertaking taking 1000's of hours as there is literally that much work. Walking Track Develop a walking track from the Triangle reserve to the Staffordshire Reef mine area including the tram track. Approach the Council and agencies to involve work for the dole as a resource to participate in the project. Steve Guy proposes Develop a map of all the key features on the reef hill, this would include the major mines, tunnels, dams, tram track, batteries and other infrastructure. There were at least 4 batteries, one owned by Porter at the bottom of Long Gully, one that was associated with the Staffordshire Reef mine on the corner of Guy Rd. This mine was later renamed and worked under another company in the early 1900's.

There was also the Battery over the back of John McNabb’s on PRIVATE land and the one on Dean and Jesses’ place which was Freddie Meade’s also private. The tram track is a key feature as it is possibly 600 yards long and it connects many of the mines to the Porter battery. This was by far the biggest of the batteries and took from records I have found 68,000 tons of ore from just the Speedwell Tunnel mine far less any of the other mines. Porter was a part owner in many of the mines and over time the mines amalgamated or were bought out so the one company may have been operating on many leases towards the end. The Tram track itself was full railway line built from iron from the Alexander line. The line was used by at least 4 of the major mines, and they dug a tunnel just to connect other mines to the tram track to access the battery. There is also a lot of history in Staffordshire Reef itself. There were 5 hotels, a police station and bank, I have read petitions to get a Doctor here, there was coach travel to Ballarat and other gold fields several times a day. Frazer’s have an old photo circa 1930 showing Staffordshire Reef with the school and one of the churches, the house that occupied the triangle and other old buildings. I have found old gold maps as well so there is a fair bit to get started with. I propose the track takes a route down the tram track and as you pass the mines such as the Molly Darling, the Speedwell Tunnel Mine, The Mentor Company and others you could put information boards or bollards marking the sites. Information boards cost a lot of money are not easily set up whereas metal bollards would survive fires, minimise the infrastructure but you would have to have pamphlets to go with the bollards and that costs money and someone has to manage them and fill up a place where they can be picked up from. You would continue down the tram track to the old battery site which is also interesting then back



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up the old dray track or logging track back almost to the road passing between the Staffordshire Reef company mine on the corner of Guy Rd and the large open cut working to your east to give people a better perspective of more of the work. Hazards There are a few open mines in the area and Parks will get excited about that. There are open tunnels and that will make Parks even more wary and of course the open cut drops away a reasonable amount but I wouldn't consider it too dangerous. Of course the route could go in reverse as the gradient up the tram tracks is only a couple of degrees and would be easier as a return walk than the other way round.

Bigger Picture Staffordshire Reef is only a small PART of the whole. As you would be well aware there are hundreds and hundreds of other mines throughout the bush and there were townships of Italian Gully, Black Ball, Surface Hill which was a Chinese camp estimated to have 500 Chinese in one article, and another settlement down past Berringa on the misery crossing just to name a few. So a map outlining the mines some of the information about the mines, locate the old town as best we can and draw it all up. We will need more and more time to put this all together but it could be done if the resources were there and if we had someone PAID to help draw it all together. I don't reckon we need someone expensive just someone with the right knowledge or several people who can put it together. Terry Kelly could do the artwork and has to be paid; someone would need to be able to do the mapping of the historic relics. We had a bloke do that at the Jubilee and he was really good, he camped there for a week and plotted out everything he could see. The Reef hill is much more complex and it would take a lot more to do that sort of work and would be a lot more expensive but the final product that I envisage would be really good but it is hard to describe without seeing the Jubilee maps that are on the boards over there.



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Implementation

Administration and processes

The community planning group retains the right to establish procedures

that will manage community affairs when implementing the community

plan. These procedures will be developed to ensure transparency and

democratic processes.

Alterations to the Community Plan

Since the Community plan has been established through a public process,

any alterations to the Community plan also need to be undertaken

through a public process. The community planning group therefore

reserves the right to establish the procedures associated with any

proposed change in order to retain the Community plan as a vibrant,

flexible and dynamic document.

Review of the Community Plan

The Community plan will be reviewed approximately every two years

through a public process to be determined by the community planning

group.

Dispute Resolution

In the event of any dispute, all parties concerned should meet,

discuss and resolve the matter as soon as possible. If the parties are

unable to resolve the dispute, they must hold a meeting in the

presence of a person nominated through the Golden Plains Shire

Council. How to get involved Become a coordinator Get involved in a project or initiative Join a project sub-committee Keep informed (add your name to a contact list)

Documents

Berringa and Staffordshire Reef Community Plan 2015 · 2016. 9. 2. · Berringa & Staffordshire Reef Community Plan Golden Plains Community Planning Prepared by the Berringa & Staffordshire