CATARACT GORGE RESERVE &

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1 CATARACT GORGE RESERVE & TREVALLYN NATURE RECREATION AREA Strengthen our Connection to this Place......Make the Most of our Future 2030 This is a joint project of the Launceston City Council, Tasmanian Government and Tourism Northern Tasmania. PROJECT UPDATE 2: PRESENT ISSUES In this second update we outline the study area s present issues. We are about to move into the Enquiry by Design (EbD) process where stakeholders will come together to agree a vision and what future responses will help achieve that vision. To prepare for the process, it is important that everyone is aware of the area s present issues and influences. The study area Two areas are under consideration - the Cataract Gorge Reserve (the Gorge) and the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area (TNRA). The Gorge has an area of 192 hectares and the TNRA is 440 hectares. The two areas adjoin to provide a total of 632 hectares close to the centre of Launceston. The Cataract Gorge Reserve includes: Cliff Grounds, Cataract Walk, Fairy Dell and Gorge Restaurant Duck Reach Power Station Caretaker s Cottage at Kings Bridge First Basin area including the pool, café and Basin Cottage Lookouts Chairlift Suspension Bridge Jubilee Gardens South Esk River Paths and walking trails leading in, out and around The Trevallyn Nature Recreation Areas includes: Aquatic Point and Lake Trevallyn Hoo Hoo Hut BBQ area and Village Green Churinga Archery Club Mountain bike trails Orienteering courses Equestrian areas Paths and walking trails leading in, out and around 1

2 History Aboriginal People Prior to European arrival, Tasmanian Aboriginal people lived in the area. This essential story, is yet to be told. Without it, we are unable to fully understand and connect to the past and therefore realise our future potential. In the Trevallyn area, historical records and archaeological surveys provide documented evidence of Aboriginal people s presence prior to contact with Europeans. There have been several surveys of Aboriginal heritage in the TNRA and at least eleven artifact sites are recorded on the Tasmanian Aboriginal Site Index. These sites range from single artifacts to more extensive scatters. Europeans In both the TNRA and the Gorge, European settlement brought pastoral activities, the development of hydro electricity, parkland development and associated recreational activities. The Cataract Gorge The European history of the Gorge has three main phases: Early settlement in the 1800s; Victorian garden development as a recreational ground in the late nineteenth century; Early 1900s, which included the development of Duck Reach Power Station and First Basin infrastructure. In 1889, the Launceston City and Suburbs Improvement Association was formed to develop the Cataract Gorge into a pleasure ground. They oversaw the construction of the main access track along the north bank of the Gorge from King s Bridge, along with the Caretaker s Residence, Suspension Bridge at the First Basin, the Cliff Grounds, ornamental plantings, bandstand and refreshment area. The Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area In the early years of European settlement, the area was used for cattle and sheep grazing. The TNRA was first reserved as a state recreation area in July It is understood the area was reserved primarily to meet the recreation needs of Launceston s growing population. In 2005, the Reserve s classification was changed to Nature Recreation Area. Part of the South Esk River Gorge and the adjacent plateau country are features of the area. Reatta Road passes through the suburb of Trevallyn and provides the main vehicle access route into the area. A variety of paths and tracks allow pedestrian and cyclist access from surrounding residential areas. Water craft access the area across Lake Trevallyn. The Trevallyn Dam picnic area is owned by the HEC but maintained by Parks and Wildlife. Due to their close proximity and popularity, the dam area and Trevallyn Lake are also included in the visioning project. Management and Neighbours Launceston City Council manages the Gorge and the Tasmanian Government through the Department of Parks & Wildlife manages the TNRA. The TNRA falls within three local government areas, each with its own planning zones. Most of the area is within the West Tamar Council s Recreation Zone but a Utility Services Zone covers the major power transmission corridor and a broadcasting facility. Second Basin, on the South Esk River, is within Launceston City Council and covered by a Public Recreation Zone and Scenic Protection Area. Deadmans Hollow on the South Esk River is within Meander Valley Council and zoned Open Space. Launceston City Council took over the development and maintenance of the Gorge in

3 Maintaining the Area The two parts of the study area Gorge and TNRA - are owned and managed respectively by the Launceston City Council and the Tasmanian Government. As well, there are a number of leases and titles across the area. This makes co-ordination of governance, service levels, risk management, maintenance and developments an area for future consideration. The TNRA Management Plan has an objective for the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area and Cataract Gorge Reserve to be managed as an integrated open space resource with visitors appreciating the variety of experiences available. Maintaining the landscape and associated infrastructure makes and maintains the sense of place for both areas. Some infrastructure is wearing out and looking tired. There is budget pressure on maintenance and a need to generate income that can be used to help maintain standards. New infrastructure is also needed to meet changing recreational trends and uses for example mountain bike tracks. Built infrastructure is more extensive in the Gorge than in the TNRA. Maintenance costs for 2013/2014 financial year are: - Gorge Grounds and minor buildings First Basin Pool $153,220 Gorge Restaurant $6,552 Kings Bridge Cottage $6,552 First Basin Café maintenance First Basin Inclinator and Security First Basin Cottage $5,512 Total $762,714 TNRA $551, 162 Maintenance costs are in the vicinity of $20,000 per annum, which includes all contracts, $5,512 materials and machine hire. It does not include $34,204 wages and salaries or the time contribution of volunteers. Previous Reports Over the years a number of reports have guided the development of the Gorge and TNRA. The following table details the main documents and the issues raised. Many of the issues have been progressively addressed. Report Issues raised Comment Oct to Jan 2013 Marketing Research Report Cataract Gorge Survey Birkett & Associates Oct Cataract Gorge Visitor Facilities and Interpretation Project Inspiring Place Root Projects TERROIR Architects May 2008 The Cataract Gorge Conservation Management Plan GHD An interpretation centre and improvement in visitor information. Increase water flow down South Esk. Pool maintenance. Adequacy of car parking. Providing cultural and sporting events. Kiosk to open longer. More BBQ areas. More interesting playground equipment. New entrance point for First Basin leading to a viewing area via an interpretation walkway. Car park modification to suit new entry. Inclinator to assist access difficulties. Basin Café refurbishment. Pathways. Developed themes to guide interpretation. Identified business opportunities around food, retail space. Guided tours & education programs. Made recommendation about the significance of Aboriginal heritage, built heritage and archeology. Consistent planning guidelines between municipalities. Management of native and exotic species. Improve both water quality and quantity. Since 2002 some of the issues have been addressed. Pool has been renovated. Interpretation centre led to the establishment of the volunteers interpretation centre in the Caretakers Cottage at the First Basin. This is now known as the Basin Cottage and offers information and advice to visitors. Entrance and inclinator completed. Work continuing on pathways. Renovated Basin Café has increased patronage. Are interpretation themes still valid? Also suggested a metro bus loop to the Gorge as a way of addressing vehicle parking and general access. This is yet to occur. Comprehensive two-volume report containing a large amount of reference material Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area Management Plan Parks & Wildlife Service Management framework. Conservation of reserve values. Reserve protection programs. Visitor services and management. Plan implementation. Comprehensive with solid technical information. 3

4 Previous Reports (Cont d) Report Issues raised Comment Aug Potential for a permanent stage & site suitability for holding major events in the Cataract Gorge Reserve. Lionel Morrell & Associates Concludes that the First Basin lawn area is capable of accommodating 2,000 people allowing 4m2 per person. Identifies shortcomings of First Basin lawn as an event venue for more than 2,000 people. Suggests a BBQ extended play area as the best use for the stone shelter area. The shelter is not suitable for a stage area and is not structurally sound. Concludes that the Cataract Gorge Reserve including the First Basin lawn is unsuitable for major public entertainments. Designs have been completed and development approval granted for the redevelopment of the stone shelter shed. Funding has been budgeted and the project is proceeding. Projects underway in the Gorge as a result of previous reports include: Renovations to the Basin Cottage at the First Basin. Visitation is around 60 people per day. Budget $225,000 which includes access ramps. Signage to direct people to the new entrance and inclinator is being designed and will be placed before next season. Budget $20,000. The old First Basin stone shelter shed is to be reconstructed to accommodate BBQ areas. This project has been through the design and development approval process. Budget $400,000. Redevelopment of existing Basin BBQ area to include shade. Marketing and Promotion Present promotion is undertaken through the main visitor and destination guides and websites. There is a specific Cataract Gorge website developed and maintained by businesses operating in the area. The Gorge is well represented on destinational websites including Discover Tasmania where it is ranked 5/10 must do things in the State. Information on the TNRA can be found on the Parks and Wildlife website. Other promotion is via the activities and events held in the area. The TNRA is not a stand-alone identifier. The images of the Gorge however, are recognisable and therefore often act as not just its own but the City s identifier. Destinational marketing has been and is continuing to be replaced by the need to appeal to and motivate specific interest groups. With this approach, the communication strategy is based on content development a compelling narrative and imagery - that is shared with others by the relevant interest group. The shift is from destination selling to interest engagement and invitation. Success relies on a deep understanding of the interest groups and their needs along with energetic management and syndication of all communication channels. Our City and Region has much to offer these interest groups: mountain bike riders, road cyclists, foodies, events and life long learners. Visitor Market Profile The City s present target market is described as life long learners. The table below provides more detail: The continuation and completion of these projects are Givens in the Enquiry by Design (EbD) process. Primary Secondary Both Insight Older couples, 40+ seeking a longer stay, touring-based experience. Younger couples, 25-39, shorter stay, skew towards cultural interests. Eastern-seaboard living, tertiary educated, professionals/managers who regularly travel and are socially and environmentally aware and health conscious. When they go on holidays, they prefer less crowded, more interesting places. They will try new things and pay for quality. Being more intrinsically motivated, they have a propensity to keep learning and have a positive outlook on life. They are inquisitive and on a personal journey; they want new enriching experiences that help them explore their world and themselves; shared experiences that bond them with their partner. 4

5 Visitation The Gorge is much loved by locals, young and old, as a place to walk, run, swim, admire gardens, eat, picnic and hold celebrations. The Gorge is also an important visitor attraction for Launceston. The Tasmanian Visitor Survey for the June 2014 quarter reported 226,899 visitors to the Gorge, which is 52% of visitors to Launceston. It is also significant at a State level attracting on average 20% of all visitors to Tasmania. This level of State market share is stronger than Freycinet National Park and Cradle Mountain. Numbers have increased over the past two years. Visitors to the Basin Cottage The old First Basin caretaker s cottage redeveloped and renamed the Basin Cottage provides visitor information. The following table provides a profile of visitors during the peak season and Date Interstate Overseas Local Total visitors TNRA visitation The TNRA is also utilised by locals and it is estimated that 60,000 people access the area by car each year. Others enter on foot or by cycle. There are no tourism statistics available for the area. The TNRA is relatively undeveloped with considerable areas of open space. There is the potential and space to host sporting events but infrastructure like power and water would be needed. It offers a range of adventure opportunities and hosts activities like archery, horse riding, mountain biking, dog walking, orienteering and water based sports. Visitors to Tasmania, amongst other things, like to visit historic sites, gardens and take short walks. The Gorge and TNRA can cater for and build on these preferred activities as well as respond to the needs of special interest groups January January January Jan.-2 February February February February Feb - 2 March March March March March Total peak period Total The top three questions asked by visitors to the Basin Cottage are: Where are the toilets? How much is the Chairlift? Do you have change for parking? It then varies to: Where should we go after here? What is there to do here? Do you have a map? 5

6 Events Council records show that 185 events were held (or are booked) between 2011 and 2015 in the Gorge. Year Events (bookings) Most of the events are local and family oriented. It is a popular wedding venue with 104 weddings taking place over the five-year period. Weddings make up 56% of all events in the Gorge. Event No. % Weddings BBQ & parties Filming 15 8 School activities 13 7 Busking 12 6 Fitness /outdoor 10 5 Music 5 3 Charitable 3 2 Other family 2 1 Art display 1 1 Celebrity chef 1 1 Events like the Cataract Challenge are included in the fitness and outdoor category. The 2015 Oceania Orienteering Championships and World Cup will be held in the area early in It is also interesting to note the filming percentage. The most popular precinct for events in the Gorge is the Fairy Dell, which is used mostly for weddings. In the table below Cataract Gorge refers to the whole area and First Basin is the area of water. Precinct No. % Not specified Fairy Dell Cataract Gorge Restaurant & lawn Basin Lawn 16 9 BBQ area 11 6 Stone shelter area 8 4 Basin pool 4 2 First Basin 3 2 Rotunda 1 1 The report by Lionel Morrell and Associates raises concerns about the capability of the Gorge to host major outdoor public events with attendances over 2,000. Facilities in the TNRA exist for a potential range of outdoor recreational events. Examples include equestrian, archery, orienteering, mountain biking and aquatic based activities. Environmental Issues The major environmental issue in both the Gorge and the TNRA is poor water quality caused by pollutants including bacteria, nutrients and sediments. Poor water quality, particularly from bacteria, can limit the use of the waterway for recreational activities. In summer it is not uncommon to close the river for recreation due to public health risks. Visitation declines considerably when water quality is poor. This is detrimental to businesses as well as the City s brand and ultimate reputation. The South Esk River has a large catchment and run off from different land uses, including forests, agricultural activity, townships and treated sewage effluent, all combine to affect water quality. The Gorge is at the bottom of the catchment and therefore is impacted by everything that occurs above it. Improving water quality is a significant issue that requires cooperation and collaboration from all levels of government and their agencies together with other catchment neighbours. 6 The Natural Resource Management organisation, NRM North, delivers the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) program. TEER is a regional partnership program focused on improving waterway health and is currently developing a Water Quality Improvement Plan for the estuary and its river systems. Also, TasWater is developing a Greater Launceston Sewerage Improvement Plan, which should address the future management of sewage currently being treated at the Prospect Vale Sewage Treatment Plant. Dalrymple Creek sometimes experiences poor water quality, which affects the river below the Trevallyn Dam. TasWater monitors the outflow of the Prospect Vale Sewage Treatment Plant.

7 The TNRA has a vision to be renowned for its special mix of healthy, bio-diverse ecosystems and to demonstrate that recreation use and natural diversity can co-exist. Other issues include the control of weeds and feral species in particular cats, dogs and rabbits. Also the potential effects of climate change on flora and fauna needs monitoring. Access and Linkages Access into and around the area, as well as linkages to other precincts and developments is an issue. Presently the main car and visitor entrance to the Gorge is via the First Basin car park. There is limited car parking on the Cliff Grounds side. Locals on foot access the Gorge via Kings Bridge. Vehicle access to the TNRA is via Reatta Road, which meanders through suburban streets and without local knowledge, finding your way is challenging. Walking tracks provide the interface between the Gorge and TNRA. Again, a fair amount of local knowledge is needed to easily access the area. Public transport is a possible solution to access issues. At present the Tiger Bus route does not connect to the Gorge. New developments at Penny Royal and North Bank will affect connectivity and the potential for walking routes into the area. Urban development around the study area also influences access and linkages. The growth in housing on the area s West Tamar side has seen an increase in vehicle traffic as residents come into the City each day via Kings Bridge. Future Development There is the potential to build on the present popularity of both areas through additional attractions that would consolidate the reputation as a visitor attraction for specific interest groups and a reason to visit Launceston, the Northern Region and the State. There is also a view that the area is at risk of being loved to death by visitors. This is the inherent tension between the community s sense of place and ownership, and making the most of the area s potential. The policy direction of the present State Government to encourage appropriate development in naturally significant areas will stimulate strategic conversations that need to take place. There is also a wide range of user groups with individual aspirations and needs that should be understood and balanced in future development. Recreational infrastructure and spaces are needed for different demographic groupings e.g. families, children, young people and older people. Commercial Activities Current commercial activities in the area: Gorge Gorge Restaurant First Basin Café Chairlift Commercial rock climbing Events Parking TNRA Cable hang gliding Mountain biking operators Student Survey Summary 244 young people between the age of 13 & 19 responded to the survey. Over half (50.8%) were 17 years old. There was a wide spread of residential locations within and out of the City area. The Gorge is visited most frequently with 58% of respondents going weekly and monthly. In contrast 58% of respondents had never been to the TNRA Walking, swimming, being with friends and picnicking are the most popular activities in both areas. There is a wider range of activities undertaken in the TNRA by those who know it is there. Gorge Activities % TNRA Activities % Walk 27.7 Walk 17.9 Be with friends 26.9 Swim 14.2 Swim 25.8 Be with friends 12.7 Picnic BBQ 6.6 Picnic BBQ 12.3 Eat out 6.6 Boating / canoeing 10.8 Running jogging 2.1 Dog Walking 9.4 Rock climbing abseiling 1.7 Water ski 8.5 Cable Hang gliding 2.4 Mountain biking 2.4 Archery 1.9 Horse riding 1.4 Orienteering 1.4 The First Basin is the favourite place in the Gorge. This includes the pool, river, rocky shorelines and the Basin Café. The walking tracks and lookouts are popular with the Zig Zag track most frequently mentioned. The favourite place in the TNRA is the body of water referred to as the Trevallyn Dam and its associated facilities. The Hoo Hoo Hut picnic area, walking tracks and mountain bike trails are also popular. 7

8 Free access, natural environment and the opportunities to socialise with family and friends were positively mentioned in relation to both areas. Not being able to play ball games, anti social behaviour by some groups and general upkeep in popular areas detract from the experience in the Gorge. A general lack of knowledge about the TNRA is affecting visitation and usage. Occasionally water quality in the dam, river and pool is a problem for water-based activities. More recreational activities for young people were seen as desirable additions to both areas. Examples included chess playing, table tennis, slamball courts, bike hire, baseball hitting cages, down hill trails, water drinking stations and a flying fox. More undercover picnic areas with shade and associated seating were mentioned. Being allowed to play ball games was a constant theme as was a range of more affordable food options. For both areas, the Gorge in particular, there is a high level of positive ownership by young people. About the Project The Launceston City Council, Tasmanian Government and Tourism Northern Tasmania are overseeing a project to develop a vision for the Cataract Gorge Reserve and Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area. Two questions are being explored: How can we strengthen our connection to this place? How can we make the most of our future? The project steering group includes: Harry Galea: Director Infrastructure Services Launceston City Council (Chair) Andrew Smith: Manager Parks and Recreation, Launceston City Council (Project Manager) Chris Colley: Regional Manager North, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service Cindy Hanson: Regional Manager North, Department of State Growth Chris Griffin: Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Northern Tasmania The project steering group has appointed a design team to help shape the vision. The Design Team consists of Bob Campbell and Lynda Jones from Campell+Jones, Todd Henderson from Cumulus Studio and Leon Lange from Lange Design. 8 Re-imagining the Gorge Project Manager Andrew Smith p e. Andrew.Smith@launceston.tas.gov.au