ITEM 16 Draft Plan of Management for Coledale Beach ... of... · ITEM 16 Draft Plan of Management for Coledale Beach Reserve ... would be matched by Council either in kind or cash

Council General Business 28 June 2004

Council General Business 28/6/04

ITEM 16 Draft Plan of Management for Coledale Beach Reserve (SU21565)

Report of Manager Property (MT) 9/6/04

PRECIS This report outlines details of submissions received during the public exhibition period for the Draft Plan of Management for Coledale Beach Reserve and recommends that the draft plan of management be adopted with minor variations.

RECOMMENDATION Council adopt the Draft Plan of Management for Coledale Beach Reserve as revised and shown in Attachment 1.

BACKGROUND Council placed a draft plan of management for Coledale Breach Reserve on public exhibition from 1 January to 31 March 2004. The draft contained 3 different options in regard to camping in the reserve. Overwhelmingly, there was support for camping to continue as is throughout the reserve under Option 1, rather than be reduced (as 2 of the 3 options required). Community interest in this draft plan of management was high; approximately 112 submissions were made during the public exhibition period. A submission table is shown as attachment 2. Roughly 81% of the submissions were made by persons residing within the City Of Wollongong. A public hearing chaired by an independent chairperson was held on 1 April 2004 and attended by approximately 35 persons. The chairman’s report is shown as attachment 3. In light of the overwhelming support for the retention of the existing camping operations, it is proposed that Option 1 be adopted. This option provides for: 1 The surf club lodging an application for an approval to operate a camping ground

under section 68 of the Local Government Act within 90 days of the adoption of this plan of management and to obtain that approval within 12 months. In the event that the approval is not issued with 12 months, a further report will be submitted to Council regarding this matter.

2 The surf club and council entering into an agreement that will provide for the

granting of a licence to occupy and manage the camping ground. This licence will become effective upon the surf club obtaining approval under Section 68 to

General Manager Lord Mayor 1



operate the camping facility. The terms and conditions of this licence will be the subject of a further report to Council.

3 The ongoing management of the native vegetation zone in accordance with a

Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan.

4 The surf club agreeing to a percentage of the fees for each daily campsite rental to go towards vegetation maintenance and reserve amenity. This percentage will be determined during the lease/licensee negotiations. Part of these collected fees would be matched by Council either in kind or cash to fund recreational improvements across the reserve.

5 The granting of a lease of the existing surf club building to the Coledale Surf Life

Saving Club. The plan of management is silent on camping ground operating hours and if the surf club or new camp ground licensee/lessee begin to use the northern part of the reserve on a regular basis (rather than just at Christmas and Easter) it may cause community complaint as some of the support letters specifically requested that camping not be allowed outside of these times. However, prescribing operating hours is beyond the scope of a plan of management. The Surf Club desires to have the right to use the northern end of the camping ground at its discretion outside of Christmas and Easter. The Surf Club’s submission is shown as attachment 4. The requirement of a Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan and a clearly marked native vegetation zone should address the many concerns voiced over the poor state of the vegetation in the reserve as a result of past actions by the surf club. Additionally, the proposed fee structure will address concerns that not enough proceeds from camping have gone back into the care of the reserve. The creation of the vegetation zone in the reserve answers the concerns of those who requested that these areas be categorised as Natural Areas rather than park. Additionally, a sizable minority objected to the existing caretaker residences (one for the surf club and one for the camping ground) and to the provision to allow for a storage shed for the surf club as this was seen as alienating additional public land for no clear purpose as the existing structure is not used to its full potential. To answer this concern the draft plan of management allows the surf club to choose from redevelopment of the existing surf club to consolidate uses or to proceed with a stand alone storage shed, but not both. The existing boat shed and shipping containers will be removed from the reserve as a condition of any new development. The plan of management requires the club to upgrade to meet minimum safety requirements under the 1995 camping ground/caravan park regulations. This action will

2 General Manager Lord Mayor



limit council’s liability. Also, under the regulations, a community map of the camping ground will be freely available and campsites will be clearly delineated. This action should answer some of the lack of public disclosure criticisms. Finally, Aboriginal Heritage and Threaten Species issues were also raised during the comment period. The new draft incorporated an expanded NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (Protection of Aboriginal areas, sites and relics) and has added a Threaten Species Conservation Act 1995 section to accommodate the sooty oystercatcher, a “vulnerable” bird which has been sited at Coledale Beach foraging and resting in significant numbers. A pamphlet will be made available to the public regrading preservation of the rocky shore habitat at Coledale Beach. The changes noted above and other minor changes and are highlighted in attachment 1.

PROPOSAL Adopt the plan of management for Coledale Beach as attached to this report.

CONSULTATION The relevant Council divisions have been consulted during the drafting of this Plan of Management. Recreation and Natural Resources approves of the fee proposal but would like to limit camping to south of the access road (Option 3) due to the threat of flooding over Dalys creek in the north of the reserve. The development of emergency evacuation procedures for the reserve by the camping ground licensee/lessee should address this concern. Finally, the Coledale Surf Club has been consulted regarding the revised plan of management.

NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMITTEES

Neighbourhood Committee 2 did not submit a formal submission during the comment period; however, this issue was discussed at a regular meeting with support given to option 1 in the minutes of their February 2004 meeting. Previously, there had been a letter of written support for Option 3 prior to public exhibition.

PLANNING AND POLICY IMPACT The improvements called for under this Plan of Management are subject to annual budget allocations and are of a scale to be accommodated in that manner. Bringing the camping area into compliance with regulations would be the responsibility of any future licensee, not Council. The changes made in light of submissions received are minor in nature and do not alter the intent of the Option 1 and other provisions of the original draft document. Therefore, in accordance with section 40 (2)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993,




Council may adopt this revised plan of management for Coledale Beach Reserve without further public exhibition.

ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY

Section 7 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires that Council carry out its responsibilities with regard to the principles and philosophies of Ecological Sustainable Development (ESD). The Coledale Beach Coastline Processes and Hazards Study, prepared by WBM Oceanics Australia, highlighted the following areas of concern in relation to ecological sustainability for the reserve: • The erosion of an over steepened gully across the beach reserve by Daly’s Creek

has resulted in a potential hazard to the beach and beach reserve users. In particular, camping activities should be limited in the vicinity of this creek. (Options 2 and 3 heed this advice).

• The proper maintenance of dune vegetation and consideration of means to control

access across the dunes towards the northern end of the beach could be considered a strategy for minimising sand loss along this area of beach.

• The potential for human usage of the beach to disturb wading birds. • Disturbance to rocky shore habitats, including trampling and overturning of rocks. • Harvesting of organisms for various purposes including personal consumption

bait. • Stormwater quality and the potential deleterious effects on local ecology. • There is a significant presence of exotic plants and weeds within the terrestrial

habitats, particularly within the lower fore dune areas in the reserve. This issue could be addressed by an iterative program of rehabilitation and regeneration of natural habitats.

These issues are addressed by regulating the camping at the reserve and by the development and implementation of the Coledale Beach Reserve Native Vegetation Regeneration and Maintenance by the lessee/licensee.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Works called for in the draft Plan of Management are subject to future budget allocations and the seeking of outside funding in accordance with corporate planning objectives




OPTIONS 1 Adopt the revised plan of management 2 Reject the revised draft plan of management and continue the high liability exposure

to Council by allowing the camping ground to operate outside the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993

3 Adopt either Options 2 or 3 that provides for restricted camping activities.

CONCLUSION It is proposed that Council adopt the revised draft Plan of Management as outlined in this report and detailed in attachment 1. The revised plan of management meets the needs of the surf club and ensures that the bush regeneration project is maintained.

ATTACHMENTS 1 Revised Draft Plan of Management for Coledale Beach with changed text

highlighted. 2 Submission Table. 3 Independent Chairman’s Report. 4 Coledale Beach Surf Club Submission.




ATTACHMENT 1

REVISED DRAFT PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

FOR COLEDALE BEACH RESERVE




1.0 INTRODUCTION Coledale Beach Reserve is located approximately 18 km north of Wollongong city. It has been used for many years for camping and other recreational activities by both the local Coledale community and tourists from surrounding areas such as Wollongong, Sydney, Macarthur and the Blue Mountains. Camping at the reserve began in the 1920s, prior to Council ownership of part of the reserve in the 1930s. The Coledale Surf Lifesaving Club has been managing the camping activities on the reserve since 1988. Over time, there has been tension amongst different user groups including campers, surf club and the general community in relation to the use and management of the reserve. For example, in 1998 permanent caravans were removed from the reserve voluntarily by the Surf Club in response to community complaints. The small size of the reserve tends to magnify the pressures on the area, especially during periods of peak use during school holidays. To alleviate this pressure, this plan of management has been developed by Wollongong City Council and other parties. The overall goal of this plan of management is to provide an opportunity for the area to be used by both local residents and tourists in a manner that celebrates its unique position as a relatively undeveloped piece of beautiful Wollongong coastline and ensures that its future use complies with the relevant laws and regulations. 2.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION This revised draft plan of management for Coledale Beach is the result of an earlier draft which provided 3 options relating to how much of the reserve would be dedicated to camping. This revised draft incorporates the option which allowed camping on the largest portion of the reserve. Additionally, this revised draft incorporates other changes from the earlier draft as a result of comments received and issued raised at the public hearing that was held on 1 April 2004. This revised draft will be placed on public exhibition for comment in accordance with requirements under the Local Government Act. Comments received during the public exhibition period will be noted and considered when Council makes a decision on the adoption of this plan. There will be no additional public hearing for this revised draft as it is not required under the Local Government Act 1993. 3.0 BACKGROUND INFORMATION




The majority of the reserve was sold to the Council of the Shire of Bulli by The North Bulli Coal and Iron Mining Company Pty (Limited) in 1933 for public recreation. In 1944, the Council portion of the reserve was increased to its current size by another sale to the shire by the same company. Camping activities have occurred on the site since around the mid 1920s, where it was first associated with people occupying the land who were trying to avoid the paying of rent to the landowners (North Bulli Coal and Iron Mining Company). Since that time camping has continued to be a prominent use for the reserve. In addition to the camping, the beach provides opportunities for day trippers and local residents to enjoy a variety of pastimes such as picnicking, swimming, or walking. In 1988 the management of the camping activities were taken over from Council by Coledale Surf Lifesaving Club. In 1993 a joint project to renovate the amenities block and carry out the improvements and landscaping at the camping ground was funded by the Commonwealth Government and Council in the amount of $174,000, with $30,000 contributed by Coledale Surf Club. A development application for these works was approved on 30 June 1993 on the condition that the Club enter into a lease for the camping ground. Council approved lease conditions on 4 July 1994 which the Club did not find suitable and did not sign. Discussions regarding lease terms and conditions were held periodically over the years, but agreement has not been reached. In 2000, the Surf Club proposed to lodge a development application to construct a boat shed adjacent the southern side of the surf club. Council advised that a license agreement would be an essential condition of development consent. Additionally, Council advised that under the 1998 amendments to the Local Government Act concerning community land, a site specific plan of management had to be prepared before new facilities or use of community land could be approved. A working party for the Coledale Beach Reserve Plan of Management was created that included the Surf Club as a member. This working party has met 9 times; the last meeting was in October 2002. During the working party meetings the issue of non compliance with Local Government (Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 1995 was discussed. The Surf Lifesaving Club indicated that they would seek an exemption from the regulation from Government once a plan of management for Coledale Beach was adopted. Additionally, a Coastal Hazards Study for the reserve was conducted and a community survey was under taken as part of the plan of management process. The Coastline Hazard Study was accepted by the Department of Land and Water Conservation (now the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources) in June 2003.




This plan of management will clarify for the public what is required when using the public reserve.




4.0 THE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT PROCESS 4.1 WHAT IS A PLAN OF MANAGEMENT? A plan of management is a document that provides a framework for the current and future use of the area in regard to its management, maintenance and operation. The plan is driven by the values the community holds in regard to the site itself. The plan should also acknowledge the laws and governmental regulations that apply to activities that may occur on the site. Finally, the plan of management should outline actions to be taken by Council or by others to meet the plan’s objectives. This plan of management will enable the management of Coledale Beach Reserve to proceed in an efficient and sustainable manner and help reconcile competing interests. Periodic revision of the plan of management enables any changing conditions to be taken into account as they arise. The plan of management has been prepared in conjunction with the Coledale Beach Reserve Working Party. This Working Party was established by Wollongong City Council and comprises representatives of the main stakeholder groups, these being Council, Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Councillors, Coledale Surf Lifesaving Club and community representatives from Neighbourhood Committee 2 and Coledale Public School. The plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993. This plan is intended to be a policy document in relation to the crown land (the foreshore area) under this plan of management. 4.2 THE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT PROCESS The preparation of the plan of management has been undertaken in three steps 4.2.1 COLLECTION OF INFORMATION AND DEFINITION OF VALUES AND

ISSUES

• Analysis of the planning area and the determination of broad planning opportunities and constraints.

• Determination of community values and key issues through working party meetings, community survey, and community response to a public information session and public notice seeking comments.

• Assessment of relevant legislative and policy requirements. • Commissioning and carrying out the relevant specialist studies to provide

essential technical inputs into the plan.




4.2.2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE PREFERRED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES AND THE PREPARATION OF THE PLAN

• Establishment of management objectives for the reserve. • Analysis of management issues and existing situation. • Establishment of desired outcomes to satisfy the objectives of the plan and

the needs of the community and stakeholder groups. • Formulation and evaluation of development and management options of

the plan and the needs of the community and stakeholder groups. • Establishment of detailed management strategies and supporting actions. • Preparation of the draft plan of management document.

4.2.3 EXHIBITION AND MAKING OF PLAN

• Exhibition and public hearing of the draft plan of management for comment. • Consideration of public comment and subsequent amendment to the plan if

warranted a significantly amended draft plan of management would go on public exhibition again.

• Formal consideration of the plan or amended plan by Wollongong City Council.

• Adoption of the plan of management by Wollongong City Council • Future periodic review of the plan of management.




FIGURE 1




5.0 THE PLAN OF MANAGEMENT AREA The area covered by this plan of management is a coastal area approximately 6 hectares in size and is defined by Lawrence Hargrave Drive to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the east and Coledale Public School to the south (Figure 1). The area covered by this plan will be referred to as Coledale Beach Reserve or the reserve. The following land parcels are included in the plan of management for the reserve:

Land Parcels Landowner Description DP 752054 Lots 11 & 15

Wollongong City Council

The majority of the reserve that is not foreshore or road way.

DP 717404 Part Lot 11, DP 19066 Part Lots 2,3,4,5 & 6

Department of Education

Includes the pathways and vegetation along the southern boundary.

DP 5957 Part Lot 23

Sydney Water Small, steep parcel of land in the north of the reserve which is north east of the main drainage line.

Road Reserve

Wollongong City Council

The road, as well as part of the amenities block, caretaker’s residence, and storage shed is in this road reserve.

Part of Crown Reserve 88873 for Public Recreation, notified 16 March 1973. Managed by Wollongong City Council

Department of Lands

Foreshore area of the reserve.

Both Sydney Water and the Department of Education have approved the inclusion of their land in the plan of management, given that both areas are, for all intents and purposes, seen as part of the reserve. The inclusion of the private land in the plan of management is at the owner’s consent at all times. Use of the Crown Reserve portion of Coledale Beach Reserve will be in compliance with the Crown Lands Act 1989.




FIGURE 2

6.0 BASIS FOR MANAGEMENT - COMMUNITY VALUES RELATING

TO THE PLANNING AREA Part of the plan of management process is to define why the community values the reserve and to adopt management objectives and strategies that protect what is valued by the community. The following is a list of values for the reserve that were arrived at through the consultation process with all stakeholders and the wider community.




Natural Values for Coledale Beach

• Undeveloped and uncluttered by commercial development and activity

• Natural environment, particularly native flora and fauna, rock platforms and beach

Visual Values for Coledale Beach

• Unspoiled coastal views

• High scenic amenity through natural features such as headlands, rocky platforms, beach and ocean

Social/ Recreation Values for Coledale Beach

• Safety of patrolled beach

• Maintenance of facilities to cater for current passive and active recreational activities of picnicking, fishing, walking, camping, relaxing and swimming

Cultural Heritage Values for Coledale Beach

• Protection of Norfolk Island Pines on Reserve

• Continuation of Generations of families enjoying reserve and beach area

• Appreciation for Family tradition associated with camping at the site.

• Appreciation for any identified Aboriginal heritage significance at Coledale Beach

7.0 LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY SETTING Along with the community values, the plan of management must also conform to the requirements of relevant government legislation and policies. Following below is a list of the principle laws and regulations that will affect activities permitted under the plan of management for Coledale Beach Reserve.




7.1 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1993 – COMMUNITY LAND MANAGEMENT The study area contains community land owned by Wollongong Council and therefore this plan of management must be prepared in accordance with Division 2 of the Local Government Act 1993. Each area of community land managed by Council has been categorized in accordance with section 36(4) of the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (General) Regulation 1999 category guidelines. Community land may be categorised into one or more of the following:

• Natural area • Sportsground • Park • Cultural significance • General community use

Land that is categorised into ‘Natural Area’ must also be further categorised as one of or a combination of the following:

• Bushland • Wetland • Escarpment • Watercourse • Foreshore

Each community land category has its own core objectives as set out in the legislation. A Plan of Management must incorporate the applicable core objectives. 7.1.1 COMMUNITY LAND CATEGORIES AND CORE OBJECTIVES FOR THE

RESERVE The reserve includes land categorised as park, foreshore, and an area of cultural significance in accordance with Section 36(4) and 36(5) of the Local Government Act. The core objectives of each category present in the reserve follows. Figure 3 depicts the community land categories as they apply to the reserve.




FIGURE 3

7.1.1.1 PARK – SECTION 36(G) The core objectives for the management of community land categorised as a park are: (a) to encourage, promote, and facilitate recreational, cultural, social and

educational pastimes and activities, and (b) to provide for passive recreational activities or pastimes and for the casual

playing of games, and (c) to improve the land in such a way as to promote and facilitate its use to

achieve the other core objectives for its management. 7.1.1.2 FORESHORE – SECTION 36(N) The core objectives for the management of community land categorised as foreshore are;




(a) to maintain the foreshore as a transition area between the aquatic and the terrestrial environment, and to protect and enhance all functions associated with the foreshores role as a transition area, and

(b) to facilitate the ecologically sustainable use of the foreshore, and to mitigate impact on the foreshore by community use.

7.1.1.3 AREA OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE – SECTION 36(H) Land has been categorised as being culturally significant on this site due to the presence of Norfolk Island Pines which are listed as landscape items of heritage significance in the City of Wollongong, Local Environmental Plan 1990. These trees are of aesthetic significance due to their strong visual appeal. The Norfolk Island Pines are also a significant landmark on the eastern seaboard of Australia (1) The core objectives for management of community land categorised as an

area of cultural significance are to retain and enhance the cultural significance of the area (namely its aboriginal, aesthetic, archaeological, historical, technical or research or social significance) for past, present or future generations by the active use of conservation methods.

(2) those conservation methods may include any or all of the following methods:

(a) the continuous protective care and maintenance of the physical material of the land or of the context and setting of the area of cultural significance;

(b) the restoration of the land, that is, the returning of the existing physical material of the land to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing components without the introduction of new material;

(c) the reconstruction of the land, that is, the returning of the land as nearly as possible to a known earlier state;

(d) the adaptive reuse of the land, that is, the enhancement or reinforcement of the cultural significance of the land by the introduction of sympathetic alterations or additions to allow compatible uses (that is, uses that involve no changes to the cultural significance of the physical material of the area, or uses that involve changes that are substantially reversible or changes that require a minimum impact);

(e) the preservation of the land, that is, the maintenance of the physical material of the land in its existing state and the retardation of deterioration of the land.

(3) a reference in sub section (2) to land includes a reference to any buildings

erected on the land.




7.2 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1993 – SECTION 68 AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (CARAVAN PARKS, CAMPING GROUNDS AND MOVEABLE DWELLINGS) REGULATION 1995

Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993 (LGA 1993) prohibits a person from operating a caravan park or camping ground without prior approval of Council. Approvals may be granted subject to conditions, including conditions prescribed by the regulations. The Local Government (Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 1995 and subsequent amendments regulates the way caravan parks and camping grounds are to be developed, managed and operated. Council approval to operate the camping ground under section 68 has not been issued. A site inspection conducted in February 2002 revealed areas of non-compliance with the 1995 regulation. This Plan of Management requires any camping ground at the reserve to be in compliance with the Local Government Act 1993. The Coledale Surf Lifesaving Club must comply with the regulation no later than 12 months after Council resolution to adopt this Plan of Management. Failure to comply with the regulation by either improvements or by gaining exemption under section 82 of the Local Government Act 1993 – Objections to application of regulations and local policies, will result in camping activities under the management of the surf lifesaving club coming to an end in the reserve. 7.3 THE CROWN LANDS ACT 1989 The Crown Lands Act 1989 governs the planning, management and use of Crown land, including provisions to reserve or dedicate lands for a prescribed public purpose and for leasing and licensing. The collection of Crown land which has been set aside for a public purpose is called the Crown reserve system. The Department of Lands and the reserve trusts appointed by the Minister are responsible for the administration and management of the Crown reserve system. Coledale Beach forms part of Crown Reserve 88873 for Public Recreation. 7.3.1 USES ON CROWN LAND Uses and activities on land reserved for public purposes are broadly defined by the public purpose of the reservation, in conjunction with any conditions and provisions within the specific zoning in the local council's local environmental plan.




In addition, case law judgements influence the policy and practice of the Department of Lands and the trust manager. The body of case law which helps define acceptable uses and activities on public recreation reserves provides the following guidance: Improvements and developments to land which is reserved or dedicated are confined to those which support, or are ancillary to, the public purpose of the reservation; Land reserved or dedicated for public recreation must be open to the public generally as a right. The public may only be restricted from access to parts of the reserve and buildings thereon, if it is necessary for the public's enjoyment of the reserve to be excluded, e.g. a workshop, equipment storage or operational facilities; Right of access does not mean entirely free access. Reasonable entry fees and charges may be imposed as well as other legal constraints to entry, such as those relating to health and safety; Use of the reserve must be consistent with the public purposes for which the land is dedicated or reserved. A lease or licence must be consistent with the reason or purpose of the land's reservation or dedication. This plan of management has been prepared in accordance with the above and the principles of Crown land management as set out in Section 11 of the Crown Lands Act 1989. These principles are that:

• Environmental protection principles be observed in relation to the management and administration of Crown land.

• The natural resources of Crown land (including water, soil, flora, fauna and scenic quality) be conserved wherever possible.

• Public use and enjoyment of appropriate Crown land be encouraged. • Where appropriate, multiple use of Crown land be encouraged. • Where appropriate, Crown land should be used and managed in such a

way that both the land and its resources are sustained in perpetuity. • Crown land be occupied, used, sold, leased, licensed or otherwise dealt

with in the best interests of the State consistent with the above principles. 7.4 ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT ACT 1979 The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) forms the framework for planning within NSW. The EP&A Act sets up environmental planning instruments which provide a basis for development control at a state wide (State Environmental Planning Policy-SEPP), regional (Regional Environmental Plans-REP) and local level (Local Environmental Plans-LEP and Development Control Plans- DCP).




While this plan of management determines the permitted uses that take place on the reserve, any development or use that is to take place on the reserve still requires assessment under Part 4 of the EP&A Act as part of the development application process. Consent granted by Council must be in accordance with the planning instruments gazetted for the area. Coledale Surf Lifesaving Club did not meet all the conditions of consent for Development Application No. D91/667 issued by Council on 30 June 1993. To remedy the breach of consent conditions, the surf club is required to enter into a license agreement if approval to operate a camping ground is approved. 7.4.1 Land Zoning All land contained within the reserve is zoned as 6(a) Public Recreation under the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 1990. The objectives of this zone are: (a) to identify areas where recreation facilities for the general use of the

community for active and passive recreation may be developed; and (b) to cater for the development of a wide range of facilities for the benefit of

nearby communities. 7.5 NSW COASTLINE HAZARD POLICY 1990 The primary objective of the NSW Coastline Hazard Policy is to reduce the impact of coastal hazards and to reduce losses resulting from natural coastal forces on foreshore areas. This is achieved through this policy by the application of effective planning and development controls by local councils, and by undertaking timely and effective mitigating works and other measures. Consultants WBM Oceanics Australia conducted a Coledale Beach Coastline Processes and Hazards Study for Council to inform this plan of management. One of the recommendations of the study was to limit camping in the vicinity of Daly’s Creek due to storm water erosion processes that have carved a steeped gully across the northern part of the reserve. 7.6 NSW COASTAL POLICY 1997 The NSW Coastal Policy provides a framework for a balanced and coordinated management of the coast’s unique physical, ecological, cultural and economic attributes.




7.7 NSW NATIONAL PARKS AND WILDLIFE ACT 1974 (PROTECTION OF ABORIGINAL AREAS, SITES AND RELICS)

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 is the main piece of legislation covering Aboriginal heritage in NSW. All Aboriginal areas, sites and relics are protected under this Act. It is an offence under this Act to knowingly destroy, deface or otherwise disturb an Aboriginal relic without the permission of the Director General of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Coledale Beach Reserve is not listed as being of Aboriginal significance on any state or national heritage register. However, according to the 1995 Aboriginal Heritage Planning Study by Dallas and Sullivan, Coledale Beach Reserve is identified as an area of Aboriginal Site Sensitivity as there is a strong link between Aboriginal culture and coastal areas. Recent consultation with the Wadi Wadi Coomaditchie Aboriginal Corporation during the plan of management process confirms this site sensitivity. The corporation has requested that Aboriginal monitors are present during any works that disturb the ground surface (even where it has been previously disturbed) as there may well be artefacts or bones as there was once a midden removed from the reserve This request will be considered in any assessment of future development applications relating to proposed works or activities to be carried out in the reserve. 7.8 NSW Heritage Act 1977 This Act covers heritage of significance to the State. The disturbance of significant sites and the management of archaeological and maritime archaeology sites are also covered by this Act. There are no items on the State Heritage Register at this site. 7.9 NSW COASTAL CROWN LANDS POLICY The Coastal Crown Lands policy was issued in January 1991 and applies to all coastal Crown lands within one kilometre landward and three nautical miles seaward from low water mark. The objectives of the policy are to:

• Conserve and maintain the intrinsic environmental and cultural qualities of coastal Crown land.




• Retain all coastal Crown lands of an environmentally sensitive nature and/or required for a public purpose, in public ownership.

• Optimise public access and use of coastal Crown lands.

• Provide Crown lands, as appropriate, for recreation, tourism, residential

and commercial coastal development with due regard to the nature and consequences of coastal processes.

• Encourage the rehabilitation of degraded coastal Crown lands.

• Continue to acquire significant coastal lands for future public use.

7.10 THE ROADS ACT 1993 Within the reserve is a public road that is under the Council’s care control and ownership in accordance with the Roads Act 1993. The public road reserve has been built upon. For example, the amenities block is half on community land and half in the road reserve. To appropriately reflect the usage of the land, the existing public road be will be formally closed in accordance with the provisions of the Roads Act 1993. Upon closure and vesting in Council, the land will be classified community land under the LGA 1993 and incorporated with the adjoining community land. The existing access road will then be a private road on Council Land providing access to the surf club, beach and camping area for use by any person wishing to use the reserve. 7.11 THREATENED SPECIES CONSERVATION ACT 1995 The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC, which includes the former NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service) administers the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. A key objective of this act is to protect threatened species and their critical habitat. The sooty oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus) is classified as “vulnerable” under Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and has been located on Coledale Beach Reserve. According to the DEC, it has been estimated that up to 30 individual sooty oystercatchers regularly use the foreshore area of Coledale Beach to forage and rest. The primary local breeding site for this species is the Five Islands Nature Reserve situated immediately offshore from Hill 60 at Port Kembla. The total population in NSW is estimated to be 200-300 (Keating and Jarman 2002). While the species has been recorded throughout the foreshore area of the reserve, the rocky platforms and immediately adjacent beach areas at the southern and northern ends of the beach are particularly important habitat.




Potential adverse impacts on the species may include direct disturbance and hence a reduction in foraging time from human and dog access onto and near the rocky platforms, and reduced food availability due to competition from human collection of intertidal marine flora and fauna. Under this plan of management efforts will be made to increase public awareness about the possible impact on the sooty oystercatcher from the following activities: Removing large amounts of invertebrates for bait and human consumption along the rocky platforms and beach area. Disturbing foraging birds by excessive human and dog activity around and during low tides This awareness campaign will be in the form of a pamphlet made available to the users of the reserve. Any future lessee or licensee of the campground would be responsible for distributing these pamphlets to the public. 8.0 ATTRIBUTES OF THE PLANNING AREA 8.1 EXISTING PHYSICAL CONDITION The beach fronts a grassed reserve of approximately 6 hectares in size. There are headlands and rock platforms that define the northern and southern extents of the beach. Within the reserve are the following elements, in addition to the roadway mentioned previously: A car park adjacent to Lawrence Hargrave Drive and associated access pathways and landscaping. There are 30 car spaces in the formal car park and an additional 6 informal gravelled parking spaces adjoining the formal parking to the north. A Surf Lifesaving Club (SLSC) building at the southern end of the beach, including a shipping container used for storage and a caretaker’s residence as separate structures on the southern side of the building. The surf club uses another shed on the reserve for boat storage near the middle of the reserve which is in bad repair, but providing needed storage space. A foreshore reserve picnic and barbecue area containing 10 heritage listed Norfolk pines. There are 5 picnic benches (4 of which are in need of replacement or removal) and 2 electric barbecues. There is a brick memorial with a bubbler as well. The inscription reads:




Vigilance of service In memory of Andrew a. Flakelar Aged 21 years Who lost his life attempting A rescue at this beach 26 12 1967 Within the reserve there are 5 trash bins and 1 dumpster. A seawall fronting the foreshore reserve for a length around 200 m and including ramps and steps for beach access. Parts of the sea wall are decaying. The beach is separated from the reserve by the seawall at the southern end of the beach. Areas set aside for camping include most of the reserve below the carpark area except for the Norfolk pine and picnic area, the surf club buildings and foreshore. There is a public amenities building and a campsite caretaker’s residence. Log markers are used to indicate some of the camp boundaries. Additionally, stone retaining walls also help define camping areas. Three storm water outlets including one to the south of the SLSC building (Carricks Creek), one at the northern extent of the beach (Stockyard Creek) and one which crosses the additional camping areas toward the northern end of the beach (Dalys Creek). Access to the area to the north of Daly’s creek that is occasionally used for camping is marked by a low chain between two low poles. An unused boom gate arm is lying on the ground, put to the side, out of the pathway. The dune system which previously existed at Coledale Beach has been extensively capped with various fill materials to create the recreational areas that comprise the reserve. At the northern end of the beach, a small and degraded remnant of dune system fronts the camping reserve. 8.2 EXISTING USES The reserve is used by campers, day visitors, and local residents for a variety of beach related recreational activities. The Surf Lifesaving Club has a facility on site which provides for patrolling the beach and other surf lifesaving club activities. There are signs at the reserve indicating that there are 40 camping sites. The existing amenities block is used by the generic public and by campers and provides toilets, change room space and kitchen facilities. The camper only section of the amenities block is under key entry only.




9.0 MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES The objectives of this plan of management are based on the community values, legislative requirements, and the physical attributes of the planning area. The objectives are listed below- Recreation

• Ensure that the use of the area is ecologically sustainable.

• Maximise recreation opportunities, land and water based, formal and unstructured in order to enhance the recreational experience for both the local resident and visitor.

• Ensure that the reserve is able to accommodate an increase in visitation

without a reduction in the quality of the recreational experience.

• Ensure that the use of the reserve for passive and active recreation activities can be managed in a way that minimises the conflict between users.

Landscaping

• Ensure that the landscaping adequately reflects the natural coastal setting.

• Ensure that the buildings and hard stand areas blend into the landscaping and the surrounds to reinforce their coastal setting.

• Maintain and protect the beach and rock platform environment.

Access and Parking

• Maximise accessibility to facilities along the foreshore and ensure safe usage.

Heritage

• Protect and enhance items of cultural heritage from damage by users of the area.

Safety

• Ensure the safe use of the beach and recreation area by all visitors.

• Minimise opportunities for inappropriate/illegal activities.




• Provide appropriate signage to discourage inappropriate and/or illegal use of the reserve.

10.0 MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES A beach reserve that is shared by campers and day visitors throughout the year with no one group having a complete control of the reserve at any time. A beach reserve with improved amenity and enhanced natural setting that reduces the opportunity for vandalism and anti-social behaviour 11.0 PERMISSIBLE USES The following permissible uses have been developed to assist in creating the desired management outcomes. Permissible uses are allocated to zones that are numbered. A map of Permitted Use Zones is at the end of this document. CAMPING (Zone 4) Camping will be restricted to areas identified as Zone 4. Camping will be allowed to continue under the management of the Coledale Surf Life Saving Club under the following conditions: 1 The surf club lodging an application for approval to operate a camping ground within 90 days of adoption of this plan of management by Council. 2 The surf club entering into an agreement for license for the camping ground with Council within 90 days from the date of the lodgement of the application for the approval to operate a camping ground. This licence will become effective upon the issue of the approval under section 68 and meeting the requirements of the community land sections of the Local Government Act 1993. 3 Obtaining an approval to operate a camping ground within 12 months of the adoption of this plan of management by Council. Failure to comply with any of the above will result in camping activities managed by the Coledale Surf Lifesaving Club to cease in the reserve. Camping under the management of another party would be permitted under this plan of management subject to lease/license and approval to operate a camping ground.




Improvements to the reserve to bring camping activities up to the appropriate standard under the Local Government (Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 1995 are allowed under this plan of management. The number of camping sites will be determined under the regulation SURF LIFESAVING FACILITIES AND ACTIVITES (Zone 4) The use of the Surf Lifesaving Club building to carry out surf lifesaving club activities is permissible under this plan of management, including function room hire. Interior and exterior improvements to maintain and update the functionality of the Surf Lifesaving Club Building are permitted if they do not increase the size/foot print of the building. Additionally, a new boat shed/storage facility is allowable, subject to development approval, and not to exceed 200 square meters in area. Any new development for storage sheds should be located behind the 50 year hazard line as depicted in the options found at the end of this plan of management. Once the new storage facility is completed both existing storage facilities (the boat shed and on site shipping container) are to be removed from the reserve and/or demolished. The boat shed area should be returned to grassed reserve. It would also be permissible under this plan of management to incorporate the surf club caretaker’s residence and additional storage space into a future renovation and expansion of the current surf club building or the building of a new surf club facility. Any expansion of the existing building would need to be sited behind the 50 year hazard line identified on the map of permitted use zones. Under this option, the new or renovated surf club building could be up to one third larger in area than the current surf club building. Under this option, the boat shed, the on site shipping container, and the club caretaker residence are to be removed from the reserve and/or demolished. The boat shed area would be returned to grassed reserve. If this renovate/new option is taken by the surf club, a stand alone storage facility is not permitted. This option is only permissible if a development application for the new storage facility referred to in previous paragraphs of this section has not been lodged. In the event that the existing surf club building suffers destruction and rebuilding is a desirable option, any replacement structure must be placed behind the 50 year hazard line identified on the map of permitted use zones.




Notwithstanding the above, the boat shed must be demolished and returned to grassed reserve by 1 January 2008 either by the surf club because of the above requirements or by Council. This plan of management requires a lease for the use of the surf club building and associated structures for surf life saving purposes. AREA OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE (Zone 2) Zone 2 incorporates the area categorized as an area of cultural significance in figure 3. The area includes heritage listed Norfolk Island Pines and an existing picnic and barbecue area. Improvements that would add to the amenity of this picnic and passive recreational area are permissible. This may or may not include interpretive works to explain the site’s Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Heritage to visitors to the site Any proposed works within this zone are subject to funding availability and development consent. Any heritage interpretive works that are proposed in the development application will be developed in consultation with the relevant community representatives and/or organizations such as local history societies and Aboriginal community groups. The Wadi Wadi Coomaditchie Aboriginal Corporation has requested to be consulted if any Aboriginal heritage interpretive works are undertaken EXISTING CAR PARKING AREA AND ACCESS ROAD (ZONE 1) The use of the current paved road by pedestrians and vehicles to access the reserve is permissible, also works to maintain and/or upgrade the access road in the reserve. It would be allowable to end the access road before Daly’s Creek under future upgrades of the access road. The existing car park can be used for vehicle parking for users of the reserve. Works to maintain and improve the parking area are allowed. Car parking should not interfere with an existing bus shelter, unless there is a plan to relocate the bus shelter to a more suitable location prior to upgrading the parking in the area. FORESHORE AREA (ZONE 3) This area is the beach area of the reserve. The following activities are permitted under this plan of management:




• Beach lifeguard and surf lifesaving services and programs; • Posting of signs to enable safe use of the foreshore; • Beach and surf related recreational activities; • Approved projects requiring ecological restoration activities associated with

the protection and conservation of flora and fauna; • Dunal works including restoration, replanting, reshaping and construction of

appropriate coastal protection structures. • Repair or removal of existing concrete retaining wall

NATIVE VEGETATION ZONE (ZONE 5) In areas covered by this native vegetation zone any activity must be in accordance with this section. These native vegetation areas will be included in future leases or licenses for camping activities as they provide essential amenity to the camping area. Any future licensee or lessee will be required to improve and maintain this zone to facilitate the ecologically sustainable use of the foreshore and to mitigate impacts on the foreshore area in accordance with a Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan. This plan will be developed by Wollongong City Council in consultation with any future camping ground licensee or lessee and will form part of the lease or license. This plan must meet the following objectives: To maintain the native vegetation zone as a transition area between the aquatic and terrestrial environment. To improve the existing indigenous vegetation in accordance with established natural area restoration strategies and techniques that are carried out by appropriately qualified persons/organisations. To develop a restoration plan for the site that will include, at a minimum:

o a vegetation survey, (including weeds and appropriate indigenous species not presently there),

o identification of impacts o an assessment of resilience o a weed density map o an assessment of priorities and strategies o time frames and methodologies.

The above vegetation restoration work must occur on a regular scheduled basis (as indicated in the restoration plan) so as to maintain the amenity once it has been restored by appropriately trained persons/organisations. The agreed upon schedule of regeneration and maintenance by the future licensee or lessee will form part of the Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan.




Future plantings are to be from an approved list (see above) included in the plan. This list will be provided to nearby residents, Neighbourhood Committee 2 and the appropriate bush care group for comment prior to its finalisation to ensure that chosen plants are true to the coastal area without detracting from existing views. Copies of the Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan will be made available to the public via written request to Council. 12.0 LEASING AND LICENCING Section 47D of the Local Government Act 1993, prohibits the exclusive occupation or exclusive use by any person of community land otherwise than in accordance with: (a) a lease, licence or estate to which section 47 or 47A applies, or (b) a sublease or other title directly or indirectly derived from the holder of such a

lease, licence or estate, is prohibited. Therefore, this plan of management allows for the granting of the following leases and licences:

• A license or lease for the operation of a camping area to the Coledale Surf Lifesaving Club or any other party as determined by Council. The number of camping sites will be included in any public notices about a proposed camping ground lease or license.

• A lease for the Surf Lifesaving Club building and associated facilities

(storage/caretaker residence) to the Coledale Surf Lifesaving Club to carry out surf lifesaving activities and engage in fund raising activities as provided in the lease

• Short term casual licenses as listed below in accordance with clause 24 of

the Local Government (General) Regulation 1999

o the playing of musical instruments, or singing for a fee or reward; o engaging in a trade or business; o the playing of a lawful game or sport; o delivering of a public address; o commercial photographic sessions; o picnics and private celebrations such as weddings and family

gatherings; o filming for cinema or television.

The maximum period for any lease or license is 21 years (including any option) and unless exempt by the Regulations, all such leases, licenses or grant of other estate




must be advertised and the community notified in accordance with the provisions of Section 47 and 47A of the Local Government Act 1993. Additionally, the foreshore area of Coledale Beach Reserve is crown land. As such, leases and/or licenses may be granted in accordance with the public purpose of the crown reserve and the requirements of the Crowns Lands Act 1989. 13.0 ACTION PLAN

Management Issue Objectives & Performance Targets

Means of Achievement

Manner of Assessment

Poor condition of existing native vegetation in the reserve

Improved native vegetation in Zone 5

Development of the Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan To apply a percentage of the daily campsite rental fee to undertake activities called for in the Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan. The camping ground lessee or licensee is responsible for topping up these funds if works called for under the plan cost more than collected fee amounts

Annual assessment of progress under the maintenance plan. Agreement in the leas or licence for the camping ground on a set percentage to apply towards Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan activities And Periodic site visits by qualified Council staff to monitor vegetation quality in the reserve.

Inadequacy of Surf Life Saving Club facilities

Provide appropriate and safe storage for surf club property. Demolition of the boatshed in the middle of the reserve. Removal of the shipping container from the reserve.

Surf Life Saving Club providing funds, obtaining development consent and making improvements subject to section 11 permissible uses.

Monitor the progress of the Surf Life Saving Club towards its building objectives. Number of old storage structures demolished or removed from the reserve

Camping – conflict of uses between campers and day visitors to the reserve.

Campers, day visitors and local residences using the reserve without conflict. Aim for 20% reduction in complaints.

Ensure camping activities are in accordance with the relevant legislation and regulations by licensee entering into a licence agreement with Wollongong City Council and obtaining an approval to operate a camping ground under section 68 of the

Number of complaints received.







Local Government Act. Formalise use of Caretaker’s Residences

Ensure that caretaker residences are included in the approval to operate a camping ground application and included in a licence/lease.

Surf Life Saving Club to include the caretaker residences as community buildings in their approval to operate a camping ground application.

Approval to Operate a Camping Ground application determined.

Lack of recreational amenities and facilities in the reserve.

Provide quality amenities and facilities in the reserve.

A percentage of the daily camp site rental to be collected by the Surf Club to be spent on works to improve the recreational amenity of the reserve. These funds would be matched by Council in kind or cash to fund works to improve the recreational amenity throughout the reserve in accordance with the corporate plan. Works in Zone 2 and/or repair/removal of the concrete retaining wall would have priority. The proceeds from the charge would be submitted to Council annually for matching purposes and to authorise works using these funds. Funds may be held over annually so as to accrue enough funds for larger projects.

Number of complaints received about the reserve. Number of improvements made to the reserve.

Poor state of repair of the access road and parking areas

Reserve to be well sign posted for both camping ground and recreation area. Parking to be upgraded.

Entrance signage, parking and access road to be improved subject to funding availability.

Number of signs posted/improved in the reserve. Number of improvements to the access road and parking areas.

Need to ensure informal parking adjacent to Lawrence Hargrave Drive and north of the access road does not conflict

Walkways to be safe for all users of the reserve.

Investigation of the appropriateness of informal parking area and measures to decrease pedestrian/motorist

The number of complaints received regarding informal parking.







with the pedestrian walkway.

conflict within the reserve. Improve the pedestrian walkway subject to funding availability.

Creeks & Drainage – Noxious weeds have infested much of the vegetated areas of the reserve, in particular along the creek lines.

Creeks and drainage lines to be clear of noxious weeds as much as is feasible.

Investigate and implementation of means to clear reserve of noxious weeds in compliance with the Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan.

Amount of noxious weeds removed from reserve.

Concrete retaining wall Removal or stabilisation of retaining wall in the reserve.

Investigation of means to treat the retaining wall. Seek funding for the preferred treatment implementation.

The rate of progress toward retaining wall solutions by Council.

Management of the reserve – lack of firewood, drinking of alcohol, collection of rubbish. Beach – unclean as result of littering, campfires, broken bottles, uncontrolled dogs.

The reserve to be a fire and alcohol free area. Dogs in reserve on a leash. Increase in the frequency in rubbish collection at the reserve during the peak camping periods.

Posting of signs declaring the consumption of alcohol and the burning of fires both carry a penalty. Posting of signs giving notice about the requirement to leash pets while in the reserve. Camping licensee/lessee increases the frequency of rubbish collection during peak camping periods. Camping licensee/lessee to prohibit campers from bringing their dogs to the campground as it is not feasible to leash a dog for an extended period of time.

Number of signs posted in the reserve. Number of complaints concerning the management of the reserve.

The unique local environment of the area needs to be conserved. The use of adjacent

Property maintained dunes in the reserve. Rock platform in ecological balance.

Public education campaign aimed at increasing the community’s awareness of the fragility of dunes and

Periodic review of local environment at the reserve.







rock platforms for harvesting, walking and investigating could have deleterious effect on the ecology of the area.

Wading birds using Coledale Beach without disturbance. Improved amenity from lessened sand drifts in the northern part of the reserve.

the importance of rock platforms to wading birds and aquatic bird life.

Heritage listed Norfolk Island Pine trees – of landmark importance while their root systems may be causing problems on the walkway and the dropping needles may lead to an untidy appearance in the picnic area.

Norfolk Island Pines in a healthy condition providing shade for the reserve.

Investigation and implementation of the strategies that improve the health of the landmark trees. Regular reserve maintenance to include pine needle collection.

Periodic monitoring of the health of the Norfolk Island Pine trees.

Stormwater Erosion – an over steepened gully across the reserve caused by Daly’s Creek presents a potential hazard to the beach and beach reserve users.

Potential hazard to reserve users minimised.

Limited use of reserve in the vicinity of the creek.

Monitor status of Daly’s Creek in the reserve periodically.

Coastal Inundation Facilities in the low lying areas of the reserve are able to accommodate occasional inundation.

Development consent conditions.

Appropriate building technologies applied to future physical improvements.

Road Reserve – part of public road reserve is used as part of camping area.

Community land in the reserve will be increased and will accurately depict land use. Existing access road will remain as an access way to the reserve.

Road closure and Community land classification by Council.

Progress on closure/classification process.

Beach Erosion Protection of assets which may be at risk.

Locating new development and activities behind the 50 year hazard line. Structural protection to protect existing assets within the 50 year hazard line area.

A smaller number of insurance liability claims.







PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT AND REVIEW As required under the Local Government Act 1993, it is necessary for Council to monitor and evaluate the success of this plan of management. This will ensure that the implementation of the plan is achieving the plan’s specified objectives and means of achievement. The performance of this policy is measured against the degree to which it meets objectives and performance targets as set out in the Action Plan. This plan of management is also subject to periodical review to ensure that changes which may affect the management of the area are taken into consideration in the plan.




FIGURE 4: COLEDALE BEACH RESERVE MAP OF PERMITTED USE ZONES




REFERENCES: “Coledale Beach Coastline Processes and Hazards Study Final Report” prepared by WBM Oceanics Australia. 16.9.02, David Wainwright. “South Coast Shorebird Recovery Program, Breeding Season 2001-2002.” Report prepared for the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. 2002, Keating, K. and Jarman, M.R. “Five Islands Nature Reserve Draft Plan of Management.” NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. April 2004.




ATTACHMENT 2

SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE The Draft Plan of Management nominates 3 options to be considered. My preference is Option 1. In nominating option 1, I am also aware that the diagram in the Plan identifying this option does not accurately reflect the area presently used for camping. Therefore my option relates to the lesser area presently used by the Coledale Surf Club Camping has been a feature of the Coledale Community since the early 1900’s and attracts people from around Australia and overseas through various holiday and backpack outlets. Various Caravan Clubs holiday there regularly. This culture of camping has seen many families holiday at Coledale annually and friendships have been developed between these families and with the local community. Campers also sustain the local economy at Christmas time when several “locals” take their holidays elsewhere. Many businesses and Service Clubs rely on their patronage. The Surf Club has been managing the Reserve for the past 15 years and I am aware that the income from camping has been necessary to keep the Club financially viable. The club provides an essential community service and requires funding to maintain and replace necessary life-saving equipment. Many camping areas have closed in the past 20 years along the Wollongong coast. Coledale remains an area where families can have a “traditional” holiday and continue a culture that dates back to the early history of the town and the region.

Camping will be allowed in the current areas under the plan of management.

The caravan park should be developed as a tourist park and not reduced in size. With a little bit of effort this caravan park could be used to help support the local

Camping will be allowed in the current areas in the plan of management




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE community, especially with the closure of the coast road. Currently, and increasing over the past 5-10 years, the existing camping/caravan use of the reserve has expanded (both in terms of total numbers and extent of the year) to exceed the reasonable capacity of both the area and facilities. Only limited opportunities exist for more simple camping experiences in the region and this type of camping use of Coledale Beach Reserve should have priority over the more “sophisticated” experiences available at nearby sites like Woonona, Towradgi and Fairy Meadow. Camping stay should not exceed 2 weeks and there should only be 20 sites with 50 persons (in recent summers I have counted over 100 separate tents/caravans resulting in dirty & unsanitary facilities and degradation of the ‘vegetated’ areas of the reserve Extent of camping should be to the grassed areas west of the internal road and immediately each side (north and south ) of the ablution block with simple tent camping (non-powered) on the southern side and on the northern side caravans and recreational vehicles Camping should only occur during school holidays Vehicles should not be parked on grassed areas No open fires or pets For many years the legal status of the CSLSC occupation, use and management of the reserve has been questionable. Operation of the camping/caravan use appears to be a reasonably significant commercial operation and its continued administration should be should be subject to a tender process. Clear public accountability and transparency in the administration and use of revenue generated from the

Camping will be allowed in the current areas in the plan of management subject to the requirements of Local Government (Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) 1995 regulation.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE ground is essential and the investment of the majority of the revenue into the management of the whole reserve should be obligatory There appears to be little justification for the alienation of pubic open space for two permanent “caretaker” structures. Dumping of building waste/fill to extend the camping areas should be prevented Surf club patrons should not use the “day-use” grassed area for parking as they currently do Vehicles drive through the reserve at excessive speed Our family, relatives, friends use the area as our special beach, being fairly close to Sydney. I have never experienced any undue noise and the residents don’t experience obstruction to their views of the ocean. Our beaches are for all Australians and the surf life saving clubs do a wonderful job looking after do a wonderful job looking after our safety and to do this they need resources to continue their good services to the local community and tourist alike. To deprive them of any income would be a terrible shame and put at risk people using the beaches and recreational areas. I, my friends and family support wholeheartedly the continued use of all the camping facilities at all times. The area is a real asset to the district If anything Council should be encouraging visitors to the area and is a great resource of income to the Wollongong District


I agree to Option 1 and 3, not Option 2. The Coledale Surf Club do an excellent job as it is, everyone is quite happy with that.


Re the proposed upgrading of Coledale Reserve by This was a minority opinion.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE Council, I would like to endorse the OPTION 3 as reflecting a suitable balance between the needs of visitors to the Illawarra and local Wollongong resident’s use of the beach precinct.

Camping will be allowed in the current areas under the plan of management (Option 1).

There does appear to be a great deal of confusion within Council as to what is the correct or actual size of the area under use, for the camping and caravanning activities on the Reserve. There are major errors used in the Options 1 to 3. Zone 4 as shown on the plan on page 28 contains some 25,110 sq. meters. Areas of total area is 60,000 sq. meters. Therefore the area shown is 25,110/60,000*100 = 41.85%. As proven the area titled Zone 4 in Option 1, is most certainly, not 76% of the reserve area. In actually fact, 13.766% (8,250 square meters out of 60,000 sq. meters) reflects the current land use, which covers the area used for camping and caravanning activities on the Reserve. 13.766% or 76%, which figure is based on sound, solid logic and is therefore correct? Council have presented a rather clumsy and misleading submission.

The % of camping ground area was roughly estimated to get the point across that each Option (1,2 and 3) differed by the amount of land dedicated to camping. The % incorporated the vegetation areas as these areas provide amenity to the camping ground. The map of permitted uses in the revised plan of management is an expression of Option 1 with the vegetation zone separated out.

Regarding management of Coledale Beach Reserve, I support the Surf Club’s proposal of Option 1 for x-mas and new year, as presently used) and Option 3 in the remainder of the year. Council is very lucky to have volunteer lifeguards and would need to pay lifeguards if camping fees did not support the R.S.L club and other local businesses and the local community are in favour of continuing, as before.

The plan of management will not prescribe operating hours or days for the camping ground. That level of detail is not appropriate for a plan of management. The camping ground will have to have any future approval to operate a camping ground renewed annually; renewals of this future approval may consider the opening hours of the camping ground.

I wish to submit my objection to your Council’s preferred option 3. I am a member of a small caravan club, which has been coming to Coledale Beach about 4 times a year for over 40 years. We are not poor and spend a fair amount of money in the area while we are there. We make a point of not booking at peak season times to avoid crowding and to make more room for family groups to enjoy their limited summer holidays. If the proposal goes ahead and the available area for





SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE caravans is reduced we will most possibly, after 40 years, need to look for another beachside area for our occasional use. As a life long Coledale Resident and past Coledale take away operator, I have never had trouble with the campers at Coledale, I cannot say this about the day trippers who visit Coledale. I have had problems with day trippers leaving their rubbish behind, where ever they may be. Camping fees paid by the campers to the Coledale Surf Club are of foremost importance to the club’s existence. If it is taken away, it will need to be replaced by Council. Camping should be increased rather than decreased. Perhaps Council could improve car parking for Day Trippers along the Eastern side of Lawrence Hargrave Drive, north of the access road to Coledale Beach. This would easily be achieved with maybe steps or ramp down to the beach.


Option 1 during Christmas and Easter with Option 3 for the remainder of the year There is not enough parking for the local residents. This could be increased by moving the post and rails in zone 2 in an easterly direction by appox 1 meter which would allow parking next to zone 2. Also covert approx half of zone 4 or 5 in option 2 for additional parking

Parking areas will not be expanded under the plan of management

The draft plan of management is presently incomplete as it fails to address the issue of indigenous cultural heritage associated with past Koori use of this area Council should include in the Plan of Management making traditional camping places available at no cost for both local Koories and their visitors There should be no action undertaken by Council, in regard to camping at Coledale, which reduces the income flow into our Coledale community during the indefinite period of the closure of Lawrence Hargrave Drive. Camping spaces should not be reduced during this period. Subject to Coledale Surf Club cherishing and protecting both indigenous and non-indigenous cultural heritage at Coledale Beach, my support is for option 1.

Aboriginal Heritage issues have been included in the plan of management Camping will be allowed in the current areas under the plan of management.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE It is my view that the Surf Club requires the financial support provided by there arrangements and that any proposal which would reduce their income should be rejected. I give my support to the full area used at Christmas and Easter holiday periods and the area south of the access road available for camping during the remainder of the year.


The draft plan does not specify the intensity of any permitted camping activity on the reserve. This is an essential requirement under s.36(3A) of the Local Government Act and as such the current plan is invalid. I also found the dominating emphasis and focus of the draft plan does not reflect the results of the community survey (Coledale Beach Reserve User Research Report) undertaken as part of the planning process in 2001. Despite the specific targeting of reserve campers in the survey distribution, only 15% of the 197 responses identified camping as an activity respondents undertook at the reserve. Camping use, both in quantum and frequency, was the least undertaken of the identified activities, with by far the majority engaging in walking/jogging, beach or picnic activities. Entrenchment of excessive levels of camping use through this plan is unnecessary and unacceptable. Alternative revenue generation opportunities exist to supplement revenue from a more modest level of camping, including fees from the hire of the function room facilities that comprise a substantial portion of the SLSC building. The core objectives for the park category of community land are very broad and are inappropriate for those parts of the reserve containing remnant native vegetation and/or which have been regenerated. These areas should be categorised as “natural area” (bushland and watercourse) and comprise the majority of the embankment and extreme northern and southern parts of the reserve The Crown Land component of the reserve encompasses and adjoins areas (especially rock

The plan meets the requirements of Local Government Act 1993. The act does not require a numerical expression of scale and intensity; reference to a standard is appropriate. The standard applied to camping at Coledale Beach Reserve is compliance with the The Local Government (Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 1995. This regulation determines standards for the following, (just to name a few) Land and Site requirements, setbacks, roads, parking, utility services, shower and toilet facilities, Landry facilities, management, garbage, fire hydrants and fire hose reels. The Coledale Beach Reserve User Survey was designed to as a means of seeking feedback on the values and issues that the community would like to see addressed in the plan of management for the reserve. The survey was not aimed specifically at the issue of camping on the reserve and no specific questions relating to




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE platforms) providing habitat to the Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus Fuliginosus) which is listed as a “vulnerable” species under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The large number of reserve users, particularly over the summer months, is having a currently unknown adverse impact on the richness and diversity of fauna and flora species, including the Sooty Oystercatcher, in these areas. The draft plan does not address this issue at all. Only limited opportunities exist for more simple camping experiences in the region and should have priority over the more sophisticated experiences available at nearby site like Bulli Beach, Corrimal and Towradgi. The nature, duration and intensity of any camping use of the reserve require detailed prescription to prevent degradation of the area and facilities and hence a high quality recreation experience for all, and to avoid conflicts with other legitimate users. The extent of camping permitted on the reserve restricted to Option 3. Camping duration restricted to short stay only (ie non-permanent) with a maximum continuous length of stay of no more than 2 weeks. Camper numbers permitted at any one time to be limited to a maximum of twenty sites and 60 persons (in recent summers I have counted over 100 separate tents/caravans resulting in dirty and unsanitary facilities and degradation of the vegetated areas of the reserve). Extent of reserve allocated for camping use defined to the grassed areas west of the internal un-named road and immediately each side (north and south) of the ablution block with simple tent camping (non-powered) on the southern side and caravans/recreational vehicles on the northern side. Camping Restricted to school holidays only. The plan should limit the footprint and height of built infrastructure on the reserve to that which currently exists (excluding the tow permanent caretaker residences

this issue were included in the questionnaire. Responses relating to camping on the reserve were thus qualitative in nature and the results inconclusive. The Surf Club provides a community service by patrolling the beaches, in light of that service Council has determined that the Plan of Management should provide for possible improvements to the Surf Life Saving Club building or a new storage facility subject to development consent and the demolition of the existing boat shed and on site shipping container. These possible improvements would be funded by the Surf Life Saving Club, not Council. Any lease or licence for camping activities would be subject to the public exhibition requirements. The plan of management requires that the number of campsites be included in any lease/license public exhibition notice. There is no requirement to go to tender for the camping ground lease/license at Coledale Reserve if the Coledale Surf Club continue to operate the camping ground The short term casual licensee




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE and storage containers which should be removed.) The total SLSC buildings have an area of approx 594 sq. meters whereas Scarborough Beach SLSC facilities are 208 sq m and Austinmer Beach is 470 sq m approximately. No increase in the area of SLSC built infrastructure is justified in terms of public good. If desired, the SLSC could increase the space available through alteration of the internal layout of the clubhouse and the ceasing of the practice of garaging a private motor vehicle in the building. Any lease or licence for the administration and management of camping use of the reserve should be subject to a public tender process. Appropriate community service obligations should be an essential component of any lease or licence including defining the proportion of camping revenue to be allocated to supplement the cost to the community or maintaining and enhancing the entire reserve. It should be for no more than 5 years. Short Term casual licences should be restricted to the area of the reserve categorised as park and restricted to a single license at any one time and limited in duration to no more than 6 hours. Many of the performance targets require greater specificity and time limitation.

section will not change The performance targets and objectives are appropriate.

It is within easy reach by train from Sydney and by rail/road outer Sydney. Most valuable asset to campers with lower incomes. Must be kept.

Noted

I would like to see camping continued at Coledale Beach. The Surf Club has managed the reserve well and always keeps the reserve clean and tidy.

Noted

We are a family group consisting of grand parents, parents and their children and there are a total of 12 in the family. We have 3 caravans and regularly visit Coledale Reserve as it, to us, is the only Reserve in





SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE Wollongong area where we can have a real family holiday in a safe and wonderful environment at an affordable price. We support Option 1, if Options 2 or 3 were put in place, the Resident Caretakers would lose their absolute control and authority over the Day/Picnic areas to be created and would allow unlimited of visitors to crowd the area virtually 24 hours a day. At present they have very good control of the area and a great deterrent to anti-social behaviour from groups of young adults that try to invade the area after dark, etc. The Surf Club do a fantastic job the area around the beach is a credit to them. Families need to be able to enjoy camping and where else but our lovely Coledale Beach

Noted

I wish to give support to Option 1, ie. The existing arrangement for camping at Coledale Beach.


I was born and and raised in Coledale and cannot understand the council wanting to down grade a perfect tourism opportunity for Coledale, especially for the life blood of the Surf Club.


There are parts of the beach reserve that provide habitat for the Sooty Oystercatcher (Haematopus fuliginosus) which is listed as a “vulnerable” species under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The DEC understands that the current NSW Population of sooty oystercatcher is estimated at only 200-300 individuals (Keating and Jarman 2002) and that up to thirty individual birds regularly utilise the foreshore area of Coledale beach to forage and rest. While, the species has been recorded throughout the foreshore area of the reserve, the rocky platforms and immediately adjacent beach area at the southern and northern ends of the beach are particularly important habitat. Breeding occurs between October through to February each year and successful foraging along key parts of the local coastline is particularly critical during this period to ensure chick survival. Potential adverse impacts on the species may include direct disturbance and hence a reduction in foraging time from human and dog access onto and near the rocky platforms, and reduced food availability due to competition from human collection of

A Threaten Species Conservation Act 1995 section has been added to the plan of management to address this concern.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE intertidal marine flora and fauna. It is recommended that Council include specific provisions within the plan of management aimed at their minimisation. These might include appropriate signage; prohibition of dogs from the reserve and foreshore area; reducing intensity of use; excluding use and development from those grassed areas immediately adjacent to the rocky platforms at either end of the beach. In the south this would be the area south and eastward of the existing brick building and in the north would be the extreme northern end of the reserve. The DEC also suggests that an Aboriginal heritage analysis be prepared of the area before finalising the management plan to ensure the plan adequately addresses Aboriginal heritage matters. Such an analysis should include an archaeological assessment of known and potential Aboriginal heritage and Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment and consultation with the local Aboriginal community. The disgusting condition of the shrubbery between the camping ground and the Lawrence Hargrave Drive Carpark seems to have been ignored which disappoints us and spoils a very impressive report. The Coledale Beach lands ,surrounds, sea views are very beautiful and should be a credit to Wollongong but all view from the car park have been almost meticulously eliminated as if deliberately. It is not only the local residents who lose out but also any visitor who uses the car park. Surely part of the Plan of Management should have considered this. A few workmen for a few days would easily remove the eyesore and start again with some low shrubbery which would be a credit to Wollongong Council. There is no maintenance on this vegetation except lawn mowing in the camp grounds. The shrubbery just grows and grows and actually grown across the footpath in the Lawrence Hargrave Drive Car park to such an extent that any lady with a pram or stroller cannot traverse it. It is very frustrating and disappointing as we expected this problem to be addressed by Council

The plan of management now includes a Native Vegetation Zone which must be maintained in accordance with a Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan. Neighbours and Neighbourhood Committee 2 will be provided the opportunity to comment on the Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan prior to its finalisation. Support for Option 3 was limited. Camping will be allowed in the current areas under the plan of management.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE through a landscape master plan for the reserve back in 2001. Three years ago after a meeting re Planned Coledale Beach Plan of Management at Coledale, Mr. Zweers instructed the park manager to start clearing up the bush and mess around the park. He started clearing the southern end of the park (adjacent to the school) and succeeded in cleaning up about one third of the total rubbish bushes before he was stopped after a violent argument with a man, whom I guess was one of the camping reserve committee . He left soon after for whatever reason? Unfortunately he was stopped before just before he reached the car park areas. Nothing has been done since. Since the shrubbery was planted in 1993 we have lost approximately 80% of our beach views and 50% our sea views. We would prefer Option 3. Last Christmas holidays the park seemed grossly overcrowded and there were tents everywhere and the fly presence and smell were incredible. After the campers left these problems disappeared. Fireworks, particularly large noisy crackers, are also a problem when campers are here. Option 3 also allows the Northern Area of the camping ground to be used by day visitors form Wollongong and afar during the holiday periods, which is currently sadly missed. The use of this public beachfront land as a “Camping Reserve” for the benefit of the surf club does not comply with any rules or regulations. There is still no DA approval for a camping ground on our local beachfront reserve, 10 years after Council approved a lease in 1994 subject to the surf club complying with certain conditions. The use of this public reserve to generate income for our local surf club continues to this day to be unauthorised and uncontrolled by anyone in authority. The surf club still refuse to comply with Council’s wishes for them to be subject to the Local Government (Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 1995, or any other conditions whatsoever. Despite the income received

The plan of management calls for camping to be more regulated that it has in the past. Camping will not continue to be managed by the surf club if various requirements are not met. (signing a lease/licensee, obtaining an approval to operate a camping ground, providing a percentage of camping rental proceeds towards proper vegetation management and reserve




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE each year by the surf club from camping fees (amount unknown) they have not made any improvements to the area for at least the past four years to my knowledge-in fact the amenities and flora have deteriorated annually due to the lack of maintenance and care of the general area. Any reasonable rules in respect to camping grounds are ignored. E.g. Last year we had horses agisted on the reserve, there are often unrestrained dogs, grey water hoses from caravans, etc are run out directly onto the sand dunes and into open drains as there are no sullage pits in the reserve, etc, etc. Although the surf club state there are only 40 sites in the reserve, they are not all marked. Last Christmas there were at least 80 tents, caravans, etc on the reserve. This is possible as the SLSC operate outside any rules so can do as they wish on the reserve. Three people live permanently on our beach reserve (being the surf club and camping reserve caretakers) but do not effectively maintain the site, viz: There are blackberry bushes and other introduced weeds growing on the banks of the camping area (that area was cleaned up and planted with native shrubs, etc by local residents a few years ago but has since been left to deteriorate by the surf club). The caretakers cut the tops from native trees and bushes regularly so they can mow the area beneath them more easily. The benches in the reserve are damaged and broken. There is a large lump of concrete that was dumped on one of the banks that has been there for years. The storage shed for the surf boat is in poor condition. The beach shower (without a head) and tap that were beside the shed were removed recently, but the signage painted on the shed indicating that there is a shower there has not been painted over. (This is an example of the lack of maintenance undertaken) It is obvious that the surf club want to continue to generate income from camping fees use of this public reserve, and not use any of it to improve the general amenities on the beach front. By having this source of ready cash they don’t have to arrange sponsorships or run raffles, bingo nights, trivia nights, etc as other surf clubs in the Illawarra successfully do. They want to continue to receive the cash from the camping reserve but not be

amenity) Support for Option 3 was limited. Camping will be allowed in the current areas under the plan of management. Under lease/licensee provides Council will review audits of the surf club’s camping ground operations.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE subject to any rules or regulations relating to the number of sites v/s amenities and be completely unaccountable to anyone about their use of the income generated from camping fees. I fail to understand why this the only beachfront in the Illawarra where camping is still allowed (except of course the Council-run parks that operate at a considerable profit). I also fail to understand why Coledale is the only surf club in the Illawarra that cannot manage their finances without using our local beachfront area as their own “business” to raise funds. How do other local clubs such as Scarborough/Wombarra and Austinmer manage their activities since council closed down their local beachfront camping reserves? If council agree to approve this last bastion of beachfront camping , I support Option 3, subject to all the step in the Action Plan being achieved and assessed. I strongly suggest that the Coledale SLSC be made to comply with the regulations and that an agreed and documented percentage of the audited income generated from camping fees be set aside to improve the general and public facilities on our local beach reserve. Could some indestructible picnic tables be erected near the bbqs for the day trippers. Could the top carpark be cleared of those stupid gardens. They are so untidy and all broken and of no use at all. I am in full agreement with the camping area staying.

Improvements to the Reserve will occur as funding permits.

Our family has camped at Coledale for 30 years. We would all miss the facility if it was to be closed.

Noted

As a resident, I believe the beach area and reserve should be a resource for everyone. Local residents use the beach everyday. We don’t want our beach reserve filled with buildings. The surf club building is already quite big and most of the time stands empty. There is really little community need for the surf club buildings to be up to 200 sq meters bigger. There needs to be a sensible ceiling placed on the number of campers. The early publicity sent out by council about options for the reserve suggested 3 options, two of which applied lower limits to camping than that at present. This seemed to indicate that some kind of limitation was deemed sensible. Was this just smoke and mirrors to lull

This plan of management limits how the reserve can be used by the surf club as well as the general public. If a storage shed is built by the surf club, existing storage sheds must be demolished, which will open more of the reserve for public use.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE residents into a false sense of security? I think camping at Coledale is a great institution and I am happy for it to continue, but we need to apply some limits. In school holidays and on Christmas/Australia Day/Easter Weekends, the camping area is full that it really stretches the facilities and space available and makes the beach and reserve areas, much less pleasant for both residents and campers. Some plan for the North end of Coledale Beach needs to be developed. At the moment it’s a bit of a wasteland and is neither a nature area, nor properly integrated into the camping area. A proportion of the money generated from the camping fees should be used for enhancing the beauty, ecological value and amenities of the whole reserve. We need to know where the money generated from camping fees goes to and on what it may be spent. Its not appropriate that it should just line the coffers of the surf club, so they can build more buildings for the sake of being a “big rich club”. We don’t want the Surf Club turned into some big commercial enterprise using the money generated from our reserve. The appeal of the area is that it is in a natural relatively undeveloped spot. This is part of the essential character of the place. More building in the beach area will diminish the appeal for most people. Its time the illegal dwelling on the south side of the club house was removed and the occupant(s) vehicle and belongings removed from the club house itself. The club might then be able to fit their expanding range of toys in the building and stop demanding further permanent alienation of public open space. The camping use has again led to disgusting conditions in the toilet block and bottles and broken glass left on the beach. On Saturday, the surf club further alienated the “day use” areas of the reserve by organising a commercial ice cream van to set up on the grass. This is not appropriate or legal. Please tell me when Council is going to undertake its responsibilities for the management and regulation of use of this reserve. The illegal operation of the caravan

The plan of management allows for 2 caretaker residences and a more regulated campground.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE park by the surf club is ripe for investigation by ICAC. I support the surf club’s proposal for option 1 (for Christmas and Easter as presently used) and Option 3 for the remainder of the year. The members of the surf club do a great job patrolling and supervising this beach/camping area and need the revenue to remain viable. However, I would like to see some sort of reasonable limit placed on the number of campers allowed to camp during the Christmas/Easter periods. Clearly defined camping sites/numbers of per people per site, would solve the problem. I strongly oppose any permanent caravan sites being established and expect duration of stay limits to be strictly enforced. I would support the building of 3 to 6 permanent cabins of stylish design in the southern end of the park to be hired on a casual basis-limited stays only. The revenue from these cabins would help Coledale through the lean, restricted camping periods of the year. I do not support such as building project on Coledale Beach, (expansion of the club building up to 200 metres square) as I cannot imagine what its purpose would be. If on the other hand, the shower/toilet block was to be improved to better cater for the current camping load then I could support such building improvements. I believe that each site should be physically defined and maximum numbers per site strictly enforced. Although the camping has been better managed in the last 5 years, in the past campers have been allowed to pack in like sardines, over-use of the shower/toilet facilities and it makes Coledale beach a ‘no-go”zone for locals. I particularly oppose the location of any permanent vans on the camping reserve. I do not want a “caravan park” atmosphere on Coledale Beach consisting of aged caravans.

The regulations for camping grounds require that a community map of the camping ground is placed in a prominent place in the reserve and that the sites are clearly delineated. This public disclosure should assist the surf club in better managing the campground in the future. The Surf Club provides a community service by patrolling the beaches, in light of that service Council has determined that the Plan of Management should provide for possible improvements to the Surf Life Saving Club building or a new storage facility subject to development consent and the demolition of the existing boat shed and on site shipping container.

We are senior citizens, very quiet and leave no rubbish behind, so cannot understand the reason Council will be denying us our pleasure, and the surf club the valuable funds they obtain from our stays.

Noted.

There are too many and too large buildings on the reserve. No further buildings should be permitted no should their be any increase in the size of the buildings.

The Surf Club provides a community service by patrolling the beaches, in light




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE The brick building in the centre of the reserve is ugly and should be demolished and the area returned for public use. I’m sick and tired of seeing more and more of the plants that were planted by the community on the embankment running along the length and at either end of the reserve being cut down and damaged. This area should be regenerated and managed as a natural/bushland area, and excluded and protected from active use. Too much of the reserve is being used for camping and during the warmer months too many campers are using the reserve at the same time. I think the smallest option in the plan is more than adequate for camping use and that no more than 20-30 campers should be allowed to use the reserve. Camping should only be during school holidays. What happens to the money from the use of the reserve? Certainly it does not get invested back into the reserve. Council should require the surf club to contribute at least 50% of the reserve from camping into a reserve management fund. This fund should be used by Council to better manage the reserve. Get rid of the two permanently occupied caravans on the reserve.

of that service Council has determined that the Plan of Management should provide for possible improvements to the Surf Life Saving Club building or a new storage facility subject to development consent and the demolition of the existing boat shed and on site shipping container. If the surf club does not build a stand alone shelter they may decide to renovate the current building in a more pleasing style. (see section 11.0 of the plan of management for more detail)

Our caravan club, the Rallyette Group, has been regularly visiting the Reserve Camping Area for over 30 years, we have been visiting twice a year for the last 4 years and shop locally and visit the RSL club.

Noted.

Tourism Wollongong would like to offer its support for the proposed Option 1, subject to this being in compliance with all government regulations as the City of Wollongong experiences a shortage of accommodation across the region and in particular the Northern Wollongong Coastal Villages area.


Option 3 is best because of the following: No expansion of the surf life saving club buildings. We do not want any more buildings on our beachfront. The increased number of campers and overuse of facilities has forced us to refrain from using the beach during the warmer months. The surf club have not revealed how

Support for Option 3 was limited. Camping will be allowed in the current areas under the plan of management. A negotiated percentage of the




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE much money is actually generated from camping in the reserve and what the money is being spent on. Certainly not on the enhancement of the entire beach reserve eg. Maintenance of native flora etc. Other surf life saving clubs (Thirroul, Austinmer, Scarborough have managed to continue functioning without the need to allow camping on their beach reserves). Some campers have brought dogs with them, this exacerbates the problem of dog dirt on our beach. The scumbag element seems to rear its ugly head as there has been many instances of lunatic behaviour by some campers eg letting of fireworks late at night, screaming sessions late at night and into the early morning hours.

daily campsite rental fee will be spent of vegetation management and reserve amenity. The Surf Club provides a community service by patrolling the beaches, in light of that service Council has determined that the Plan of Management should provide for possible improvements to the Surf Life Saving Club building or a new storage facility subject to development consent and the demolition of the existing boat shed and on site shipping container. If the surf club does not build a stand alone shelter they may decide to renovate the current building in a more pleasing style. (see section 11.0 of the plan of management for more detail). The action plan in the plan of management does not allow dogs in the camping ground.

We support Option 2, which is smaller that the current area used for camping. The size of the current area and the distance from the management means that rubbish is thrown onto the beach and the grassed area at the northern end of the beach. Each weekend in February and March this year the area has been opened to campers (the latest being 20 and 21 March 2004) even though there were vacant sites in the southern area. Sot the statement by Ken Dixon that the northern area is only used at Christmas and Easter has not been adhered to this year. If Option 1 is agreed to, how will Council

Support for Option 2 was limited. Camping will be allowed in the current areas under the plan of management.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE ensure that the opening at Christmas and Easter only will be adhered to? I have camped at Coledale as a child and have wonderful memories. Family still camp here at Christmas. Camping at Coledale is essential for the surf club, RSL and local businesses.

Noted

We are the ones that mow lawns and pick up rubbish. (Leave it as it is)

Noted.

Good for Local Business without causing congestion of local beach area.

Noted.

Good for promotion of Junior surf club members Noted. Camping has been at Coledale for many years. Photos in clubhouse of camping at beach 1940s. Camping funds raised provided surf club with valuable money to run club.

Noted.

Because of the available area and the assistance to the surf club, the camping facilities should be expanded.

Noted.

Please don’t close down the camping area my family enjoy the peace and quiet of the area.

Noted.

This is the only facility in Coledale that provides income for the local businesses.

Noted.

As my family are members of Coledale Surf Club I believe that this enjoyable family facility should be expanded.

Noted.

As a member of Coledale Surf Club, I believe the existing camping should be expanded as it is a unique situation for families.

Noted.

I go for option 1. But the area for camping should be expanded to satisfy current demand.

Noted.

Provision should be made for extra area available for camping when needed.

Noted.

Better for the town and the RSL Club, more money spent in the town, under option 1.

Noted.

As the person individually charged by Council to oversee the redevelopment of the camping area in order to provide a source of revenue for the surf club I am disgusted by the present drive to limit camping facilities.

Noted.

We are a small town and any tourist we can attract to the area is good for our economy. Especially after the road closure.

Noted.

I am an active member of the Coledale Surf Life Saving Club. I think the campsite is a very valuable asset for

Noted.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE Coledale and the surrounding areas. There is room for expansion of the facility which would be profitable to the surf club and go towards their expenses.

Noted.

The camping area should be increased

Noted.

I believe the camping area should be expanded Noted. The current level of camping sites should be maintained for many reasons most importantly to the fund the resources required by the surf club

Noted.

It seems to be so un Australian to take away the opportunity to bring a family for an economical holiday in tune with nature, especially as it is existing condition.

Noted.

I believe the camping ground should in fact be expanded. How were your figures of land use calculated?

Noted.

Camping site should be increased Noted. Regular camper. I have been camping at Coledale Reserve for the past 6 years

Noted.

I have camped at Coledale for years and without camping the RSL would not have enough business. I am employed there currently and would not have been if there was no camping.

Noted.

Surf Club should be allowed to expand the camping area Noted. We support summer only camping at Coledale Beach Reserve. The surf club has ignored the original plan which stated that summer season only camping be allowed. Summer only camping allows the tradition to continue. A percentage of camping fees must be invested back into the reserve. This percentage must be into new planting and landscaping as well as maintenance of the existing toilet/shower block. No increase in building footprint on the reserve. If the surf club needs additional space then they can alter the existing structure. The 2 permanent caretaker residences and storage containers should be removed. Their continued existence is a blatant private use of a public area and should not be permitted. A lease should include conditions that are clearly stated to include the above points, ie on going landscaping in line with the original plan, no –off season camping, no additional

The plan of management does not prescribe operating hours or days for the camping ground. The caretaker cottages will be allowed in the plan of management. A percentage of the daily campsite rental will go into the management of the reserve (namely vegetation and amenity improvements)




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE structures permitted and license to be reviewed after a period of time. The original camping plan for Coledale Beach Reserve needs to be studied to understand how the surf club abused it and the goodwill of the community. We do not support any effort to ban camping. Camping is a healthy activity and makes our community accessible. We do not wish to see another day-use only beach. I have spent a number of weekends at Coledale Beach camping with my family when I was growing up. It is wonderful that my children, now get that experience and they do love going there.

Noted.

My wife and I have been camping at Coledale Beach over 40 years, over 5 times a year. We wish to continue for many years.

Noted.

As long term residents of Coledale, we would like to express our concerns regarding the extension of camping times allowed at Coledale. While we do not vigorously object to the current arrangements we would certainly do so if the period when camping was allowed at Coledale Beach, was in any way extended. The beach itself needs “down time” when it can return to its natural pristine state, and when the public can enjoy it in this condition. The surf club is already receiving a certain amount of remuneration from camping fees, we do not believe the club should expect more than this, at the expense of the community it serves.

Noted.

The charm of this site is the main reason we keep coming back. It is nice to have something basic, quite and peaceful.

Noted.

We believe Option 3 best balances the usage requirements of the local residents (as a first priority) and visitors. It will also provide parking room for the first “beach stop” for tourist coming the “new” coast road, when it is completed.

Support for Option 3 was limited. Camping will be allowed in the current areas under the plan of management.

I don’t want the camping reserve to be lost to the surf club. They do a good job and need the income.

Noted.

Option 1 with good amenities. Noted. Option 1. Our suggestions for the reserve would be repair/replace the picnic tables, better maintenance of the public amenities block, native landscaping and either sealing or, preferably, landscaping of the informal car

Noted.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE park north of the reserve entrance An important aspect of the continuation of these facilities is the proper management and care of the reserve, which currently is seriously inadequate. The plan of management is the perfect opportunity to address some of these issues. I am afraid that the level of camping will increase at the behest of Council or the surf club before there is a consolidated attempt to repair the eroded and degraded sand dunes and headland. Without some serious attempts at Dune care and beach front restoration, allowing extra burden on the beachfront reserve in the form of extra campers or unlimited camping will be of serious detriment to the health, beauty and continued enjoyment for all of these facilities. The management of funds generated by this reserve should be transparent and with greater accountability to the community. The community may well prefer to see more money spent on employing bush regenerators and on the control of the rabbit population rather than on an increase in the size of the surf club. This outcome would enhance and assist current council activities to protect the coastal zone instead of relying on the already overstretched Bushcare program. The increase in size of the surf club is unwarranted and untenable, until the dunes have been fenced off and access controlled and there has been a committed effort to preserve and protect the beachfront environment. This should be spelt out as a major requirement of the lease and should form a central tenant to the overall aim of the plan of management. The surf club is a worthwhile and respected organisation and should benefit from the revenue raised by camping ground facilities. However, the whole of the Coledale Community needs to be able to have involvement in the management of the beachfront reserve. Whether this involves expansion of the surf club building or enhancement of the beachfront natural environs, the plan of management should be amended to help the community achieve a goal of greater control and participation.

The Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan should address these concerns.

The major cause of conflict over the management of the reserve is the lack of a formal agreement between the

For camping to continue to be managed by surf club under




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE respective parties that clearly defines the respective authority and responsibility. It is essential that the conditions imposed in clausest 7.2 and 11 Camping Zone 4 be strictly adhered to and the penalty for non-compliance is enforced. Ie. Cessation of camping activities managed by Coledale Surf Club. The current farcical situation that permits Coledale Surf Life Saving Club to operate for 10 years without a lease must be corrected. I suggest that a condition of approval of the DA is that it can only occur after the execution of the lease. I believe a draft copy of the proposed lease should have been included with the draft plan of management so that the community had visability to the requirements. It would also allow the community to form an opinion on which party was being unreasonable. The Action Plan covers most, if not all, of the major issues and therefore provides the beginnings of an excellent basis for managing the reserve. However, it does not allocate responsibility for achieving the objectives and performance targets. They are self evident in some instances, but not in others. It needs to be clearly identified in the action plan. The action plan should be segregated into 2 sections – one off capital issues and day to day management issues. The performance of the surf club should be assessed relating to the action plan. A financial incentive could be provided for good performance in the form of a percentage reduction in the lease payments by council, equally a penalty can be applied for poor performance. I do not believe that the Reserve can sustain the current usage of arrangements. My preferred option is 3.

this plan of management strict deadlines and requirements must be met. (see section 11.0)

Firstly I would like to put on record that the recent motion passed at the February meeting of NC2 is not, I believe, a community view. A desirable outcome would include: No more than 43% of the reserve to be used for short term camping, but a lower percentage would be preferable. The remaining reserve to be closed off to vehicular traffic and be devoted sympathetically for the use of the local community. The agreement between Council and the surf club to be formalised. The respective responsibilities and authority are to be defined and a performance criteria with regular reviews

Noted.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE for compliance to be included in the agreements. All demountable buildings, buildings in bad repair, and permanent caravans located on the Reserve for the purpose of providing accommodation for caretaking/surf lifesaving staff and/or storage be demolished or removed. There to be no increase in the ratio of fixed/permanent buildings to land on the Reserve. That all fixed buildings in a reasonable state of repair, be the subject of upgrade and satisfy all need for staff accommodation and storage. Any additional parking to service camping should be on LHD and provided on a user pays basis. That the reserve be protected from that element or uncaring campers who use and abuse this area (noise, pollution, destructive behaviour). Those providing this protection be identified in the formal agreement (Site staff? Council Rangers? Police? Fire Brigade?) That the footpaths above the reserve and along LHD be upgraded. That the natural area of the Reserve (ie bushland, watercourse, foresehore) and its immediate surrounds be assessed by qualified professionals (bushcare/horticultural/landcare, etc) who produce recommendations and implement a plan for the area that is included in the formal agreement. It is very pleasing that Council is taking steps towards meeting its responsibilities in relation to the management of this reserve. Options for improving the look of the clubhouse through cement rendering and use of more appropriate colours should be examined. The boatshed and caretakers residence south of the clubhouse should be removed. The building should not be expanded. The siting, design and construction of a single integrated clubhousre/storage facility and caretakers residence could be built west of the 50 year hazard line. There are likely to be Aboriginal cultural values associated with the reserve that should be identified in the draft plan. The land owned by Sydney water, creek corridors and the embankment leading down to the grassed areas would be more appropriately categorised and managed as Natural Areas. No further cut and fill should be permitted on the embankment to create additional benches for camping but rather should

The Surf Club provides a community service by patrolling the beaches, in light of that service Council has determined that the Plan of Management should provide for possible improvements to the Surf Life Saving Club building or a new storage facility subject to development consent and the demolition of the existing boat shed and on site shipping container. If the surf club does not build a stand alone shelter they may decide to renovate the current building in a more pleasing




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE be rehabilitated. A larger and more detailed map delineating these Natural Areas should be included in the final management plan. An explanation of the projected 50 year hazard line, relevance of other study recommendations and the implications of the clubhouse being eastward of this line should be included in the plan. The section on the NSW Heritage Act is misleading as the Act also applies to European cultural and natural heritage items. The littoral rainforest on the Sydney Water land is a significant remnant and the on-going management of this land also needs to be specifically addressed in the management plan. The degraded dunes at the northern end of the beach should be fenced off and rehabilitated consistent with the core objectives with foreshore areas. The current level of camping use exceeds the capacity of the area and facilities and has negatively impacted on the reserve and users. Coledale Reserve is one of the only areas in the Illawarra and nearby regions that provide a more “primitive” form of camping. However, there has been a steady increase in the number of caravans, recreation vehicles and large tents staying for extended periods of time. The areal extent of camping should be limited to Option 2 west of he access road and outside the creek corridors and the embankment (approximately 40 % of the reserve). The final management plan should include a detailed map of the management zones across all land parcels including the Sydney Water land. The plan should specify that camper numbers permitted at nay one time be limited to a maximum of 25 sites suitable for small to medium tents and 75 persons. Camping duration should be short stay and limited to 2 weeks continuous stay. Compared to nearby patrolled beaches, the existing area of infrastructure is excessive and any increase in area is not justified and would further erode visual amenity and public access that are contrary to the NSW Coastal Policy. Additional boast storage should be provided for by better utilising the existing structure or better yet, put money aside for the construction of a new clubhouse with sufficient storage facilities and caretaker’s residence beyond the hazard line. The plan of management should expressly address the issue

style. (see section 11.0 of the plan of management for more detail). The Native Vegetation Maintenance Plan should address the vegetation concerns. Changes have been made to the NSW Heritage Act section and Aboriginal Heritage issues have been addressed in the plan of management. The approval to operate a camping ground will spell out reasonable limits on camping in the reserve.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE including identifying a future site for the clubhouse/caretaker’s residence. There is no need to provide additional car parking spaces as the existing parking lot is really fully utilised. Add to this management issue to the action plan: Landscaping and bush regeneration: Objective: to enhance and maintain the landscaping and areas of remnant vegetation, a detailed landscape/bush management plan (incorporating the creek corridors, embankment and littoral rainforest is implemented. To rehabilitate and protect the dunes at the northern end of the beach. Fence dunes, construct walkways on northern side of boast shed and revegetate with suitable species. The lessee be required to prepare an annual report on the implementation of the management plan, lease and approval conditions and that this report and the financial report be reviewed every five years and the public be invited to comment on the review. The Illawarra Greens support the retention of camping at Coledale Beach in options 1, 2 or 3. Our main concern are with the appropriate management of the surrounding natural areas, aesthetically and ecologically appropriate landscaping, protection of the surrounding areas from damage and littering, and appropriate community consultation. It is necessary to include a detailed plan of the landscaped areas to be retained, and their initial and ongoing management actions. The weed control activities need to be defined with a detailed plan of action, including wee control mechanisms and timing to ensure least damage to native animal habitat and breeding cycles. All work to be carried out by a qualified bush regenerator, to ensure that suitable species are planted, weeds are identified properly, and that maintenance is appropriate to the coastal vegetation. Plantings should be done with local native species only. Funds are needed from the camping ground revenue to provide this ongoing management. Litter management needs to be broader than just increasing the levels of rubbish collection, as proposed in the plan. There must be introduced a concerted education campaign for beach users, involving signage and information. There must also be a commitment to

The creation of a Native Vegetation Zone and its management in accordance with a maintenance plan should address these concerns. The surf club and council currently take appropriate steps to manage litter in the reserve.




SUBMISSION/ISSUE RESPONSE enforcing existing state and local litter laws, including the application of fines. Council, the Surf Club and the camping reserve committee need to initiate an education campaign to help reduce the impacts of intensive use of the area by campers. The interested parties in any management of Coledale Beach include the surf club, camping reserve committee, Council and the general community. There needs to be an ongoing process which includes regular opportunities for discussion amongst the interested parties. The proposed changes to the plan of management in regards to Aboriginal Heritage of the area are acceptable. I would ask that you make sure that there are Aboriginal monitors present during any of the works that disturb the ground surface (even where it has been previously disturbed), as there may well be artefacts or bones in that area because of the midden that was there. I did a bit of a walk at that camping ground and found artefacts myself. We would also like to be consulted about any wording of any interpretive signs which refer to the Aboriginal Heritage of the area.

These comments have been noted in the plan of management (see section 7.7)

If campers bring dogs they ultimately end up being taken off the lead while the campers enjoy the campsite, ie it is rare that they will keep the dog attached to a lead attached to the car or tent. Council should not allow dogs at the camping ground for this reason.

In the action plan, dogs are not allowed in the campground.




ATTACHMENT 3
































































ATTACHMENT 4


























Documents

ITEM 16 Draft Plan of Management for Coledale Beach ... of... · ITEM 16 Draft Plan of Management for Coledale Beach Reserve ... would be matched by Council either in kind or cash