plan of management - holiday & caravan parks nsw...1.4 north coast holiday parks . north coast...

PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

for

RESERVE 140084 for CARAVAN PARK (NORTH BEACH HOLIDAY PARK) at MYLESTOM

Prepared for the

BELLINGER HEADS HOLIDAY PARKS TRUST and the

December 2012

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PLAN OF MANAGEMENT

for

RESERVE 140084 for CARAVAN PARK (NORTH BEACH HOLIDAY PARK) at MYLESTOM

Prepared by

Integrated Site Design Pty Ltd

701/247 Coward Street

MASCOT NSW 2020

PO Box 6396

ALEXANDRIA NSW 2015

Phone: 02 8338 1722

fax: 02 8338 1733

email: [email protected]

© Integrated Site Design Pty Ltd 2012

Disclaimer:

Drawings, figures, analysis, forecasts and other details in this report have been prepared in good faith based on data and information supplied to Integrated Site Design Pty Ltd by others. The data is believed to be correct at the time of publication of this report. Discussion and opinions given in relation to the content and meaning of legislation are not to be construed as legal advice. Integrated Site Design Pty Ltd expressly disclaims all and any liability to any person or persons in reliance on the report and its contents in part or in whole.

December 2012

Plan of Management North Beach Holiday Park

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Contents

1 Preamble ........................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Land Status .................................................................................................................. 1

1.3 Basis for Management ................................................................................................ 2

1.4 North Coast Holiday Parks........................................................................................... 3

1.5 Purpose of this Plan ..................................................................................................... 3

2 Statutory and Policy Framework ..................................................................................... 5

2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 5

2.2 Crown Lands Act 1989 ................................................................................................. 5

2.2.1 Plan of Management, Bellingen Coast Regional Crown Reserve and Bellinger

Heads State Park Operational Plan, February 2010 ........................................................... 6

2.3 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 .................................................... 8

2.4 Local Government Act 1993 ........................................................................................ 8

2.5 The Holiday Park (Long Term Casual Occupation) Act 2002 ....................................... 9

2.6 The Residential Parks Act 1998 ................................................................................... 9

2.7 Rural Fires Act 1997 .................................................................................................. 10

2.8 Relevant Environmental Planning Instruments ........................................................ 10

2.8.1 Bellingen Local Environment Plan 2010 ............................................................ 10

2.8.2 Mylestom Development Policy – Development Control Plan No 22, 2004 ....... 11

2.8.3 NSW Coastal Policy 1997 ................................................................................... 13

2.8.4 State Environmental Planning Policy No. 21 – Caravan Parks ........................... 14

2.8.5 State Environmental Planning Policy No 71 ...................................................... 14

2.8.6 State Environmental Planning Policy – Major Development and State

Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development) 2011 ....................... 15

2.8.7 State Environmental Planning Policy – Infrastructure ....................................... 16

2.9 Policies and Guidelines .............................................................................................. 17

2.9.1 Sea Level Rise ..................................................................................................... 17

2.9.2 Crown Lands Caravan Park Policy ...................................................................... 18

2.9.3 Bellinger and Kalang Rivers Estuary Management Plan, 2008 .......................... 19

2.10 Other Statutory and Policy Documents .................................................................... 19

2.11 Summary ................................................................................................................... 19


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3 The Existing Situation ................................................................................................... 20

3.1 Location ..................................................................................................................... 20

3.2 Existing Development................................................................................................ 21

3.3 Section 68 Approval .................................................................................................. 22

3.4 Wastewater treatment System ................................................................................. 22

3.5 Strategic Assessment ................................................................................................ 22

3.6 Vegetation Management .......................................................................................... 24

3.7 Summary ................................................................................................................... 24

4 Vision and Objectives ................................................................................................... 26

4.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 26

4.2 The Vision Statement ................................................................................................ 26

4.3 Objectives .................................................................................................................. 26

5 Management Precincts ................................................................................................. 28

5.1 Entry Precinct ............................................................................................................ 28

5.2 Northern Precinct ...................................................................................................... 28

5.3 Central Precinct ......................................................................................................... 28

5.4 Long-Term Living Precinct ......................................................................................... 29

6 Proposed Improvement Program .................................................................................. 30

6.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 30

6.2 Proposed Improvement Program ............................................................................. 30

6.3 Improvement Plan – see Drawing NB - 02. ............................................................... 31

6.4 Proposed Improvements ........................................................................................... 32

6.4.1 En-suites and Eco-Tents ..................................................................................... 33

7 Management Actions and Strategies ............................................................................. 36

7.1 Plan Objectives, Strategies and Actions .................................................................... 36

7.2 Regulatory Compliance ............................................................................................. 36

7.3 Health, Safety and Risk Management ....................................................................... 37

7.4 Business Management .............................................................................................. 38

7.5 Environmental Management .................................................................................... 39

7.6 Sustainability ............................................................................................................. 41

7.7 Facilities for Residents, Guests and Management .................................................... 42

7.8 Tourist Sites and Accommodation ............................................................................ 43

7.9 Integrated Management ........................................................................................... 43


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7.10 Authorised Activities and Works ............................................................................... 44

7.11 Vegetation Management .......................................................................................... 45

7.12 Holiday Vans .............................................................................................................. 47

8 Implementation and Review ......................................................................................... 47

APPENDIX A S68 Approval to Operate the North Beach Holiday Park

APPENDIX B Diagram of Land to be Added to Reserve 140084

APPENDIX C Correspondence re Wastewater Treatment System

APPENDIX D Vegetation Management Plan for North Beach Holiday Park

REFERENCES

DRAWINGS NB – 00 Survey Plan Overlay

NB – 01 Existing Site Plan and Site Analysis

NB – 02 Proposed Improvement Plan


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1 PREAMBLE

1.1 Introduction

This Plan of Management has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Crown

Lands Act 1989 to provide a framework for the future management, use and improvement

of the reserved Crown land and property known as the North Beach Holiday Park at

Mylestom in the Bellingen Shire. The Crown land covered by the Plan comprises a

community resource in a coastal setting that provides holiday accommodation and

recreation opportunities for the enjoyment of the community.

The Plan of Management outlines a management direction for the next 5 to 10 years for the

reserved land in accordance with the requirements of the Crown Lands Act 1989.

1.2 Land Status

The Crown land covered by this Plan of Management is described as Lot 7011 in DP 1056194

which is Reserve 140084 for Caravan Park with an area of approximately 3.32 ha. The

adjoining land is also Crown land comprising Reserve 66913 for Public Recreation and

Resting Place. Both reserves form part of the Bellingen Coast Regional Crown Reserve,

(Reserve 1011828 notified on 11th August 2006) and the Bellinger Heads State Park (Reserve

1014608 notified on 7 March 2008).

Figure 1 - North Beach Holiday Park – Approximate outline of Lot 7011 shown in red.


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North Beach Holiday Park is managed by the Bellinger Heads Holiday Parks Trust and the

New South Wales government for the benefit of the community. The Bellinger Heads

Holiday Parks Trust was appointed to manage the North Beach Holiday Park in June 2009.

The Reserve is located in the village of Mylestom in the Bellingen Local Government Area.

1.3 Basis for Management

The management of Reserve 140084 is to be in accordance with the objects and principles

of Crown land management described in Sections 10 and 11 of the Crown Lands Act 1989

and the land management provisions of Part 5 of the Act. The land will therefore be used

and managed in accordance with the following:

The Plan of Management applying to the land;

Crown Lands Act 1989;

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and any planning instrument

permitting the use of the land for a specified purpose or otherwise regulating the

use of the land;

Local Government Act 1993;

Residential Parks Act 1998;

Holiday Parks (Long-term Casual Occupation) Act 2002; and

The provisions of the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Park,

Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005.

The preparation of this Plan of Management for the North Beach Holiday Park has included,

over a period of time, site inspections, consultation with the Trust, discussions with the

caravan park manager and review of relevant NSW Government, Crown Lands Division and

Local Government legislation, policies, reports and data.

The principal issues addressed in this Plan include:

Compliance with the standards of the Local Government (Manufactured Home

Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005;

Improving the entry and site layout of the caravan park;

Improving the provision of facilities for guests and residents;

Improving environmental management;

Improving the financial performance of the Holiday Park by improving the

accommodation provided and exploring market opportunities particularly in off-peak

seasons;

Ensuring that holders of residential tenancy agreements or occupancy agreements

are treated in accordance with the law and in an appropriately transparent manner;

Meeting the needs of guests and long term residents; and

Maintaining and improving the amenity of the Holiday Park.


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1.4 North Coast Holiday Parks

North Coast Holiday Parks is the trading name that has been adopted for the management

and marketing of a number of caravan parks and reserves on the North Coast of New South

Wales. The reserves and the caravan parks are held in five Reserve Trusts; the North Coast

Accommodation Trust, the Boambee Creek Park Reserve Trust, the Bellinger Heads Holiday

Parks Trust, the Mid North Coast Accommodation Trust and the Scotts Head Reserve Trust.

Each of these Trusts has been established by the Minister for Lands under the provisions of

the Crown Lands Act 1989.

While a key focus of North Coast Holiday Parks relates to the operation of caravan parks

there is a range of wider land management responsibilities addressed. In this context the

operational and administrative framework of North Coast Holiday Parks has been structured

to ensure;

the Crown and community assets are used in accordance with legislative provisions,

policy goals and best practice commercial management;

accurate information is available to the government on the performance of the

Reserves and the caravan parks;

financial and human resources are used efficiently;

environmental impacts are minimised;

probity is achieved in the operation of each reserve and/or caravan park;

contractors and employees comply with established policies and procedures

including legal requirements with respect to occupational health and safety,

industrial relations, etc;

the value of the assets of the community and the Crown are safeguarded and

enhanced; and

the administration and management of the Reserves and the associated commercial

activities delivers ecological sustainability, intergenerational equity and identifiable

public benefits.

1.5 Purpose of this Plan

The purpose of this Plan of Management is to establish objectives, environmental and

management strategies and actions and identify the means the Trust will employ in the

management of the Reserve to meet the needs and expectations of the local and wider

community. The most significant issues to be addressed in relation to the ongoing

management of the Holiday Park are:

Compliance with the technical standards and other provisions of the Local

Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and

Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005;


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Ensuring sustainability principles are incorporated into the development and

management practices adopted for the Holiday Park;

Addition of land to the Reserve to bring infrastructure that is essential to the

ongoing operation and viability of the Reserve and the Holiday Park under the day to

day care control and management of the Bellinger Heads Holiday Parks Trust;

Improving the presentation and site layout of the Holiday Park;

Maintaining and improving the financial performance of the Holiday Park by

expanding the range of accommodation provided and exploring market

opportunities particularly in the shoulder and low seasons;

Meeting the needs of guests and residents through the provision of additional and

improved facilities;

Vegetation management;

Storm water management;

Security; and

Appropriate risk management.

The management actions in the Plan of Management will be formulated to address and

achieve the following;

Environmental sustainability – using only the resources that are required to deliver

facilities and services and improving overall physical amenity while reducing

detrimental impacts on natural assets;

Social progress – decision making that leads to improved access to services and

facilities that are provided for the benefit of the community;

Economic prosperity - promoting the development of jobs, business improvement

and market growth in a sustainable manner; and

Corporate governance – managing assets and resources in a way that is

accountable, transparent, responsive, efficient, equitable and complying with all

relevant regulatory and statutory controls.


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2 STATUTORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK

2.1 Introduction

This Plan of Management has been prepared in accordance with the Crown Lands Act 1989,

to provide a framework for the future management, use and development of the North

Beach Holiday Park. Other legislation including environmental planning policies, guidelines

and strategies also require consideration especially where any new development proposals

are contemplated.

2.2 Crown Lands Act 1989

The objects and principles of Crown land management are listed in Sections 10 and 11 of the

Crown Lands Act 1989 and form the starting point for the preparation of Plans of

Management. The principles of Crown land management 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; and

Crown land be occupied, used, sold, leased, licensed or otherwise dealt with in

the best interests of the State consistent with the above principles.

The Crown Lands Act 1989 and existing policy for the management of Crown land has always

encouraged the appropriate commercial use of reserved Crown land. Commercial activity

can meet the needs of public users of a reserve as well as generate the financial means to

manage and improve the Crown Reserve system generally. A specific requirement of the

Act is the proceeds of commercial activities on reserved Crown land are to be spent on the

management of reserved Crown land.

Part 5 of the Act deals specifically with the management of Reserves and matters related to

the appointment and responsibilities of Reserve Trusts. The purpose of establishing

reserve trusts is to allow reserved Crown land and potentially other land (Crown and

freehold) to be managed - to varying degrees of independence from the Crown Lands

Division of the Department of Trade and Investment - but subject to Ministerial direction.

“Reserve” is a term for an area of land set aside for a public purpose in the sense used in

Part 5 of the Act. A reserve trust can manage an unlimited number of reserves or parts of

reserves. The affairs of a reserve trust can be controlled by any one of the following:


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The Minister;

A board of Trustees (up to seven) plus any number of ex officio appointments;

A corporation (including a Council); or

An administrator.

Reserve trusts have a statutory responsibility to manage land in the public interest and to

achieve the Principles and Objects of Crown Land Management as defined by the Act. The

focus of a reserve trust’s activities in relation to land under its control is generally defined by

the public purpose(s) of the reservation. Where a Plan of Management has been adopted

by the Minister for Lands the trust is required to implement the actions described in the

Plan. In the absence of a Plan of Management the detail of how a reserve is developed and

used is a matter for the trust provided always its actions are consistent with the purpose of

the reservation and in conformity with the relevant requirements of the Act. Money

generated from commercial activities on the reserve must be spent on the management or

development of the reserve although the Minister may direct that money is applied for the

improvement of other reserves.

Provided a trust complies with legislative and policy requirements, there is no limit placed

on the activities of a trust, its organisational structure or the method of its operations. But,

the Minister has the statutory right to review a trust’s behaviour and performance and may

terminate a trust’s appointment. The Minister can issue directions in relation to the

functions of a reserve trust and how funds are employed in relation to debt and where the

proceeds of a sale or lease are applied. A trust can employ its own staff, use contactors or

enter into agreements with other entities, organisations and individuals to manage the land.

2.2.1 Plan of Management, Bellingen Coast Regional Crown Reserve and Bellinger Heads

State Park Operational Plan, February 2010

The Plan of Management for the Bellingen Coast Regional Crown reserve was adopted by

the Minister for Lands in May 2010. The following is the Executive Summary from the Plan.

“The Bellingen Coast Regional Crown Reserve was established by notification in the

Government Gazette on 11th August 2006, for the purpose of access and public

requirements, tourism purposes and environmental and heritage conservation. The

amalgamation of many smaller reserves into a single management unit will result in a more

holistic, sustainable and balanced approach which will lead to improvements in the

environmental, economic and social fabric of the area.

The Reserve comprises 133 parcels of Crown land along the 14 kilometres of Bellingen Shire

Council coastline from Tuckers Rock in the north to Oyster Creek in the south. The reserve

extends west to Newry Island and the Pacific Highway and seaward for 3 nautical miles. It

has a land area of around 500 ha, a waterway and estuary area of around 550 ha and ocean

and beach area of around 7000 ha, and supports a diverse range of land uses including


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environmental protection, public recreation, tourist facilities, civic buildings, public utilities

and services.

This Plan of Management sets out overarching principles for the ongoing management of

the reserve by establishing the reserve values, a vision and management objectives and

strategies. It also provides a framework for future detailed site or issue specific planning.

The vision for the Bellingen Coast Regional Crown Reserve is:

To encourage continued public access to the Bellingen Coast Regional Crown

Reserve, while protecting and enhancing its environmental, social, economic and

recreational values to ensure long term sustainability.

The major initiatives in the plan are in the following areas:

Ongoing management of environmentally sensitive lands

Upgrading of public recreation areas and facilities

Improvements to public access throughout the reserve

Improvements to tourist accommodation facilities

Improved income generation to support ongoing land management

Bellinger Heads State Park comprises Reserve 1014608 for Community Purposes, Public

Recreation & Coastal Environmental Protection and Tourist Facilities & Services notified in

the Government Gazette 7 March 2008. The State Park was established in response to the

unique recreational and environmental significance of the lower Bellingen estuary to the

community of NSW. It lies wholly within the Bellingen Coast Regional Crown Reserve

between Mylestom and Hungry Head. The Bellinger Heads State Park Operational Plan

outlines the detailed actions which are proposed to achieve the stated objectives and major

initiatives within the State Park.

The Bellinger Heads State Park is an area of great natural beauty with a heavy emphasis on

the natural environment. It has existing tourist and recreational infrastructure and a well

established pattern of visitor and local use. Demand for these uses will increase over time,

and the implementation of this plan will ensure that the reserve values are protected, while

allowing for multiple use and achieving balanced sustainable development.

There are three existing tourist accommodation centres on Crown land within the Regional

Crown Reserve and State Park (Urunga Heads Holiday Park, North Beach Holiday Park and

Hungry Head Cabins) which have the potential to provide an ongoing revenue stream for

improvement works. There is also potential for other existing and possible new enterprises

to contribute to overall financial management, self sufficiency and the distribution of

resources to the areas of greatest need.


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Sustainable development and management of the Bellingen Coast Regional Crown Reserve

and Bellinger Heads State Park is essential to maintain the tourism use which supports the

local economy, while protecting the natural resources on which continued tourism depends

and for which the local area is recognised.”

2.3 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) provides the statutory

basis for the development consent process in New South Wales. Section 79C of Part 4 of

the EP&A Act outlines the factors that a Council must consider when assessing a

Development Application. These include:

any environmental planning instrument;

any draft environmental planning instrument that has been placed on public

exhibition and details of which have been notified to the consent authority;

any development control plan;

the Regulations;

the likely impacts of the development, including environmental impacts on both the

natural and built environment, and social and economic impacts on the locality;

The suitability of the site for the development;

any submissions made in accordance with the Act or the Regulations; and

the public interest.

The EP & A Act has a range of other provisions that may take effect depending upon the

nature of a development proposal and the issues that may be encountered. In recent times

the EP & A Act has also been amended by the introduction of a new Part known as Part 3A

(this is discussed further below) as well as new provisions dealing with methods of

assessment and consent authorities.

2.4 Local Government Act 1993

The Local Government Act 1993 contains one aspect of particular importance: the

regulation and approval requirements for the design and operation of caravan parks that

flow from Section 68 of the Act.

Section 68 requires the owner or manager of a caravan park to seek an approval from

Council to operate a caravan park and, in certain circumstances, the prior approval for the

installation of moveable dwellings. Council can impose conditions on the operation and

structure of a caravan park. The standards for caravan parks are defined in the Local

Government (Manufactured Homes, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable

Dwellings) Regulation 2005. The standards address such planning standards as site types,

setbacks, size, and site coverage; road dimensions, amenities and the like.


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Clause 74 of this Regulation provides that the prior approval of a council is not required for

the installation of a relocatable home or an associated structure on a dwelling site within a

caravan park so long as it is designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements

of the regulations. This exemption is modified by sub clauses 6 and 7 which deal with

installation on flood-liable land and moveable dwellings of more than one storey.

2.5 The Holiday Park (Long Term Casual Occupation) Act 2002

The Holiday Parks (Long-term Casual Occupation) Act 2002 and the associated Regulations

set out the rights and obligations of long-term occupants of moveable dwellings in caravan

parks in New South Wales. The Act recognises that while the occupant has a right to occupy

a site there is no interest in the land. In essence, the Act provides for an occupation

agreement, which runs for at least 12 months, between the manager of a caravan park and

the owner of a moveable dwelling for the use of a site for tourist purposes.

Some of the principal issues addressed by the Act include:

Information that a park owner must provide prospective occupants;

The form and content of agreements;

What happens at the end of an agreement;

Occupation fees and charges;

The formation and amendment of Park Rules;

Dispute resolution mechanisms and the role of the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy

Tribunal constituted by the Consumer, Trade and Tenancy Tribunal Act 2001.

The fate of abandoned goods (i.e. moveable dwelling) and sites.

The former Department of Lands introduced an Information Sheet on the creation of

occupation agreements and which provides policy guidance on the principles to be followed.

The State Government Policy states that agreements for sites on reserved Crown land must

be limited to no more than 12 months. The Trust will administer the holiday van occupancy

agreements in accordance with the Act and under the prevailing Crown Lands Division

guidelines.

2.6 The Residential Parks Act 1998

This legislation was developed by the Government to ensure that the rights of permanent

park residents and owners were clearly defined and that appropriate processes and

procedures were implemented which recognised these rights.

The Act provides for rental tenancy agreements, methods for rental determination and

methods for resolving any disputes between park owners and residents.


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2.7 Rural Fires Act 1997

Amendments to the Rural Fires Act 1997 have led to the mapping of bush fire prone lands

and a requirement for development proposals to respond to the requirements of the

“Planning for Bushfire Protection 2006” Guidelines. In addition the Act now defines a

number of different land uses including tourist accommodation within the category of

“special fire protection purpose”. Development proposals coming within this category

need to respond to a more restrictive set of requirements in the Guidelines.

2.8 Relevant Environmental Planning Instruments

2.8.1 Bellingen Local Environment Plan 2010

A majority of the Reserve and the North Beach Holiday Park is Zone RE1 which allows

“caravan park” as a land-use that is permissible with consent. The objectives for the RE1

zone are;

To enable land to be used for public open space or recreational purposes.

To provide a range of recreational settings and activities and compatible land uses.

To protect and enhance the natural environment for recreational purposes.

To identify proposed or existing publicly owned land that is used or is capable of

being used for the purpose of active or passive recreation.

A small area on the northern boundary of the Reserve is Zone E3 – Environmental

Conservation. The objectives for the E3 zone are;

To protect, manage and restore areas of high ecological, scientific, cultural or

aesthetic values.

To prevent development that could destroy, damage or otherwise have an adverse

effect on those values.

While “caravan park” is not a permissible land-use in the E3 Zone the Park does have

existing use rights.

Clause 7.7 of the LEP contains additional local provisions specific to the “Redevelopment of

caravan parks and manufactured home estates”. The objective of the clause is to ensure

that redevelopment of existing caravan parks does not reduce the availability of affordable

housing in Bellingen and outlines matters that must be considered by the consent authority

before granting consent to an application for the redevelopment of a caravan park.

As the Reserve and the Holiday Park are within the coastal zone it is subject to a number of

State Environmental Planning Policies and depending on the detail of any proposed


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development the consent or approval authority may be the Minister for Planning or a Joint

Regional Planning Panel rather than Council.

Figure 2 – Extract from Land Zoning Map Sheet LZN 006E, Bellingen Local Environmental Plan 2010.

Flood risk mapping produced and published as part of the Bellingen LEP 2010 indicates the

Holiday Park is not predicted to be inundated in the event of a 1% AEP flood, however, the

Park is predicted to be affected in the occurrence of a Maximum Probable Flood event.

The Flood Risk map from the LEP is reproduced on the following page.

2.8.2 Mylestom Development Policy – Development Control Plan No 22, 2004

The Plan highlights the fact that future development in the Mylestom is constrained by

requirements for on-site waste water disposal and natural features such as sand dunes, the

river, flooding, bushfire hazard and native vegetation. The existing development in the

village is a response to these factors and as a consequence is predominately low density,

detached residential buildings of one or two storeys. North Beach Holiday Park is within

Precinct 1 in the Plan which is generally the older section of Mylestom. The aims and

objectives of the Plan are to:

” ensure that new development retains and enhances the coastal village atmosphere

of Mylestom;

preserve the local environment in terms of its visual appearance and natural quality;

outline design requirements for new development in Mylestom relating to style,

density and form of construction that is appropriate to the local context;


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Figure 3 – Flood Risk map 09 of 27, © Copyright Bellingen Shire Council, 2008.


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ensure that new buildings are designed to allow sufficient area for on-site disposal of

waste water;

ensure that individual allotments have adequate private open space and landscaped

areas.”

In relation to built structures in public parks and reserves the Plan states that development

should be sympathetic to the character of the village and reflect the materials and style of

construction prevailing in the surrounding Precinct. As well new building work should

avoid the use of brick and generally be of light weight construction (e.g. timber and iron).

2.8.3 NSW Coastal Policy 1997

The NSW Coastal Policy 1997 was released by the New South Wales Government to replace

the 1990 Coastal Policy. The stated purpose of the Policy is:

The main challenge for the Government and the community in the coastal zone is to provide

for population growth and economic development without putting the natural, cultural and

heritage values of the coastal environment at risk. In recognition of this challenge, the

Coastal Policy incorporates the principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD) into

coastal planning. ESD aims to ensure that development occurs in such a way that the

ecological processes on which life depends are maintained.1

The definition of the coastal zone takes in areas within one kilometre of the ocean, as well

as an area of one kilometre around coastal lakes, lagoons, islands, estuaries and rivers. The

Policy is described as integrative based on the principles of ecologically sustainable

development (ESD) and

Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity;

Intergenerational equity;

Improved valuation, pricing and incentive mechanisms; and

The precautionary principle.

The Policy sets out a hierarchy of goals, objectives and strategic actions which include an

emphasis on improving water quality and maintaining public access to the coastline.

The Coastal Policy proposes a range of management planning approaches including

catchment management plans be implemented in consultation with relevant agencies to

ensure sustainable development and use of natural resources occurs in harmony with the

protection of the environment. A Plan of Management under the Crown Lands Act 1989 is

one of the most valuable management tools available to implement the Policy.

1 Coastal Policy, A sustainable future of the NSW Coast - Fact Sheet, 1997


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2.8.4 State Environmental Planning Policy No. 21 – Caravan Parks

In 1986 the Government made changes to the prevailing legislation to allow both short-term

and long-term accommodation to occur in caravan parks by way of moveable dwellings.

This brought about a wider definition for caravan parks.

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 21 – Caravan Parks (SEPP 21) was prepared in order

to ensure that this wider meaning applied to all relevant planning instruments whether

existing or proposed. In essence the SEPP stated that where caravan parks are a

permissible land use they will take on this wider meaning.

In addition, the Policy makes development consent mandatory for all new caravan park

proposals regardless of local instruments. Council’s are also required to have regard to the

impact of new long and/or short-term dwelling sites on residential and tourism land uses

and operations in their local area.

A key element of the Policy is found in Clause 8, sub-clause (4A). The clause removes the

effect of any other environmental planning instrument and the need for a development

application with respect to the installation of moveable dwellings on land approved for use

as a caravan park.

2.8.5 State Environmental Planning Policy No 71

State Environmental Planning Policy No 71 – Coastal Protection (SEPP 71) was introduced in

October 2002 as part of the NSW Government’s Coastal Protection Package. SEPP 71

applies to the coastal zone of the State as defined in the Coastal Protection Act 1979. The

Policy gives statutory force to some of the elements of the NSW Coastal Policy 1997 and

makes the Minister for Planning the consent authority for certain developments. The Policy

also defines a category of sensitive coastal locations. Finally, the Policy identifies master

plan requirements for certain developments in the coastal zone.

While the policy primarily comes under consideration when a development application is

submitted for determination the objectives and principles established in the SEPP should be

recognised as relevant to any coastal planning exercise. The objectives of SEPP 71 are:

a) to protect and manage the natural, cultural, recreational and economic attributes of

the New South Wales Coast, and

b) to protect and improve existing public access to and along coastal foreshores to the

extent that this is compatible with the natural attributes of the coastal foreshore,

and

c) to ensure that new opportunities for public access to and along coastal foreshores

are identified and realised to the extent that this is compatible with the natural

attributes of the coastal foreshore, and


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d) to protect and preserve Aboriginal cultural heritage and Aboriginal places, values,

customs, beliefs and traditional knowledge, and

e) to ensure that the visual amenity of the coast is protected, and

f) to protect and preserve beach environments and beach amenity, and

g) to protect and preserve native coastal vegetation, and

h) to protect and preserve the marine environments of New South Wales, and

i) to protect and preserve rock platforms, and

j) to manage the coastal zone in accordance with the principles of ecologically

sustainable development (within the meaning of section 6(2) of the Protection of the

Environment Administration Act 1991), and

k) to ensure that the type, bulk, scale and size of development is appropriate for the

location and protects and improves the natural scenic qualities of the surrounding

area, and

l) to encourage a strategic approach to coastal management.

Clause 8 of the Policy establishes a list of the matters that a consent authority must take

into consideration in assessing developments in the coastal zone.

2.8.6 State Environmental Planning Policy – Major Development and State

Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development) 2011

State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Development) 2005 commenced on 29th July

2005 and underwent a substantial revision which came into effect on 1st July 2009.

Further amendments were made in 2011. The purpose of the Policy was to identify

projects to which the development assessment requirements under Part 3A of the Act

should apply and to set out the functions of Regional Planning Panels in determining

specified development applications.

The changes which occurred in 2011 relate to the removal of Part 3A from the EP&A Act and

consequently the SEPP now only contains some basic transitional provisions related to that

previous regime.

State Environmental Planning Policy State and Regional Development (SRD) 2011

commenced when Part 3A of the Act was repealed. Among other things this Policy

establishes what types of development constitute State Significant Development, State

Significant Infrastructure as well as Regional Development (in conjunction with Schedule 4A

of the EP&A Act).

A review of the Policy highlights that for tourist caravan park development to be classified

as State Significant Development the site has to be classified as a sensitive coastal location,


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the capital investment value of the work must be $10 million or more and the facility must

be considered to be a tourist related facility which is other than a ‘commercial premises’.

The capital investment value for a project has been determined to be the cost of

establishment of the facility. In the case of a caravan park development this value excludes

components such as cabins. The facility comprises the creation of the infrastructure which

includes the short term dwelling sites and all services but cabin accommodation is viewed as

‘discretionary spending’ as the sites can be utilised with or without the cabins.

It is also possible that the proposed development work could constitute Regional

Development. This occurs by way of Schedule 4A of the EP&A Act coupled with the

provisions of the SEPP. The Schedule indicates that development with a capital investment

value of more than $20 million is classified as Regional Development and is determined by a

Joint Regional Planning Panel. Similarly, a Crown Development (a particular type of

development) having a capital investment value of more than $5 million is classified as

Regional Development and is determined by a Joint Regional Planning Panel.

The development program proposed as part of this Plan of Management for the Jimmys

Beach Holiday Park does not fall within the various provisions of SEPP State and Regional

Development outlined above.

2.8.7 State Environmental Planning Policy – Infrastructure

State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 provides that certain types of

works do not require development consent under Part 4 of the EP&A Act. However, it does

not prevail over SEPP 14 – Coastal Wetlands, SEPP 26 – Littoral Rainforests or SEPP State

and Regional Development where there are inconsistencies. Further, the Infrastructure

SEPP does not remove the requirement to obtain consent from the Minister in relation to

State Significant Development.

Clause 20 of SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007 provides that a range of works are “exempt

development” when carried out on behalf of a public authority. These works are itemised

in Schedule 1 of the SEPP and include paths and ramps for disabled access, fencing, small

decks, prefabricated sheds of up to 30 m2 in area, retaining walls up to 2m in height,

landscaping including paving and access tracks, minor external and internal alterations to

buildings, open car parks (size is not specified) and demolition of buildings covering an area

of up to 100m2.


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Clause 65 (2)(d) of the Policy provides that in respect of land reserved within the meaning of

the Crown Lands Act 1989, development can be carried out without consent by or on behalf

of the Director-General of the Land and Property Management Authority, a trustee of the

reserve or the Ministerial Land Corporation, or an administrator of the reserve if the

development is for purposes of implementing a plan of management adopted for the land.

It should be noted that where this occurs, a review of environmental factors (REF) under

Part 5 of the Act is usually undertaken.

Pursuant to the provisions of Clause 66(2) a number of additional works may be able to be

undertaken as exempt development on a Crown reserve where a plan of management has

been adopted.

Clearly the provisions of this SEPP are relevant to the future implementation of this Plan of

Management as well as to the Trust’s ongoing management of the Reserve lands.

2.9 Policies and Guidelines

The following non-statutory policies and guidelines are relevant to the implementation of

this Plan of Management. It is expected that the management of the Reserve will review

policies and guidelines as they are updated or changed and will modify operational and

development activities accordingly.

2.9.1 Sea Level Rise

The NSW Government has in place a range of policies and programs that allow for

ecologically sustainable growth in coastal areas while addressing the risk to life and property

from coastal hazards and flooding.

In September 2012 the NSW Government made a number of significant changes to way in

which the planning and development on the coast is managed. As part of the reform

package the 2009 NSW Sea Level Rise Policy Statement was withdrawn with a view to

providing greater flexibility in considering local conditions in the determination of future

hazards and preparing coastal management plans. The key components of the first stage of

the NSW Government’s coastal reforms have;

Removed the recommendations in regard to statewide sea level rise benchmarks;

Given support local councils in the determination and adoption of projections with

specific relevance to the local conditions;

Provided clarity with respect to the preparation and issue of Section 149 planning

certificates; and

Made it more straightforward for landholders to install temporary works to reduce

the impacts of erosion.


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In August 2010 the government also published a Flood Risk Management Guide and a

Coastal Risk Management Guide. These documents have been prepared to assist local

councils, the development industry and consultants to incorporate sea level rise planning

benchmarks in risk management planning and risk assessments for new development. The

Guides are to be read and applied in conjunction with existing relevant, manuals and

policies.

Alterations and additions to existing buildings, construction of new buildings, installation of

moveable dwellings and other works proposed within the Holiday Park will address the

relevant and applicable recommendations of the above documents. In addition the

Reserve Trust will be required to address emerging policy and regulatory provisions related

to the impacts of climate change and sea level rise.

2.9.2 Crown Lands Caravan Park Policy

April 1990 the former Department of Lands issued the Crown Lands Caravan Parks Policy.

The primary impetus for the creation of the Policy was to address issues of long-term

residency, the numbers of holiday vans and to improve the appearance and management of

caravan parks. The Policy establishes policies, objectives and strategies relevant to the

future management and development of caravan parks on Crown land in NSW.

The objectives of the Crown Lands Caravan Parks Policy are:

a. to develop a caravan park and camping ground system on Crown land which meets

the needs of the community and provides a range of facilities for short-term use, long

term use and camping.

b. to manage caravan parks on Crown land in an environmentally acceptable manner,

to provide for the protection of important scenic, natural and cultural resources

consistent with the objects and principles of the Crown Lands Act, 1989.

c. to ensure that caravan parks and camping grounds on Crown land are managed in a

way that provides appropriately for the recreational and social needs of the

community.

d. to encourage the entrepreneurial management of caravan parks on Crown lands in

order to provide the community with an appropriate standard of facility and the

government with an optimum financial return for the land it provides.

It is clear, particularly from objective (d) above, that the intent of the Crown Land Caravan

Parks Policy is that there will be a commercial orientation in the management of Crown

caravan parks. However, this objective is one of a set of objectives of equal weight and

therefore matters of environmental and community need must be addressed alongside

financial considerations.


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2.9.3 Bellinger and Kalang Rivers Estuary Management Plan, 2008

The Estuary Management Plan establishes objectives and actions related to active long term

management of the health of the estuarine components of the Bellinger and Kalang rivers.

The major concerns identified in the Plan have been classified into the following categories.

Water quality;

Bank erosion;

Habitat management;

Waterway use;

Land management;

Community education;

Fisheries management (inc. oyster aquaculture); and

Tourism management.

Management Objective 23 (Rank 16 – Low) deals with tourism and states “The Bellinger and

Kalang River estuaries are likely to be one of several drawcards for the Shire, in addition to

visits to National Parks and Nature Reserves and visiting orstaying in the historic township of

Bellingen and Dorrigo and the coastal hamlets of Urunga, Mylestom and Repton. The

promotion of tourism in the Shire needs to be considerate of the impacts of tourism upon the

existing and desirable values of the estuary. It will be important that the estuary is not

“loved to death”. Ultimately the aim of this objective is the development of a tourism

strategy that aims to promote tourism activities, which are consistent with community

attitudes and environmentally sustainable.”

2.10 Other Statutory and Policy Documents

There are a number of other documents relevant to the ongoing management of the

reserve that have been considered in the preparation of this Plan including;

Native Vegetation Conservation Act 1999;

NSW Estuary Management Policy;

SEPP No.14 – Coastal Wetlands; and

Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995;

Disability (Access to Premises - Buildings) Standards 2010, Disability

Discrimination Act 1992

2.11 Summary

The management, operation and improvement of the North Beach Holiday Park must take

account of a range of statutory controls and policies. It is a fundamental requirement of

this Plan of Management that the Reserve Trust Manager will comply with the requirements

of applicable legislation, regulations, approvals and policies.


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3 THE EXISTING SITUATION

3.1 Location

The North Beach Holiday Park is located on the north eastern edge of the small coastal

settlement of Mylestom. The settlement is 8 km east of the Pacific Highway and located

between the bank of the Bellinger River and North Beach. North Beach is around 10 km in

length and is 4WD accessible. The village contains basic facilities including a general store,

surf club, community hall, Bowling and Recreation Club, a restaurant and the caravan park.

There are a number of golf courses within 25 minutes from the Park including Bonville

International.

Mylestom has approximately 180 residential properties of predominately low density

detached residential buildings of one or two storeys. Development is constrained by

infrastructure issues (only on-site waste water disposal is available) and environmental

factors (flooding and bushfire).

Figure 4 The location of the Holiday Park in relation to the village and its surrounds.


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3.2 Existing Development

The existing layout of the Holiday Park is shown in Drawing NB – 01. The Park is on Crown

land described as Lot 7011 in DP 1056194, which has been reserved for the public purpose

of “Caravan Park”. The reserve has an area of approximately 3.32 ha. The adjoining land

is also Crown land comprising Reserve 66913 for Public Recreation and Resting Place and is

part of the Bellinger Heads State Park. The topography of the Holiday Park is flat with parts

subject to minor flooding in high rainfall events. The entrance to the caravan park is in the

north-west corner, off Beach Parade. The eastern boundary of the Park runs along the foot

of the foredune which is about 100 metres wide and heavily vegetated. There are two

accessways from the Park to the beach. Vegetation within the Park has generally been

cleared with only a few mature trees remaining in the northern half of the Park.

The actual allocation of approved sites within the caravan park is:

Site Type Number

Long term sites 30

Short term sites – Holiday Vans 28

Short Term sites - Tourist 53

Beachcomber Cabins 5

2 Bedroom Cabins 2

Campsites 12

TOTAL SITES 132

50% of the long term and short term sites in the Park are occupied by long term residents

and holiday vans. This level complies with the current Crown Lands policy, however, the

long term sites take up a majority of the Park’s beach frontage and impose some limitations

with respect to the future improvement of the Park. The campsites are allocated to an

area in the northern part of the Park which does not have formal road access or water and

sullage points. The Park has a 3 ½ star AAA Tourism rating with facilities provided within

the Park including;

A range of powered and unpowered sites;

On-site accommodation – 3½ stars rated (AAAT);

Small swimming pool;

Amenities blocks;

A small kiosk;

Basic children’s playground;

BBQ facilities; and

Internet kiosk.

The Park is a dog friendly destination.


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3.3 Section 68 Approval

A copy of the operational approval is included in Appendix A. The Approval is for a total of

132 sites comprising 30 long term sites, 90 short term sites and 12 campsites.

3.4 Wastewater treatment System

The Holiday Park’s waste water treatment plant and the disposal system for the treated

water are located to the north of the boundary of Reserve 140084. The system is within

Reserve 66913 for Public Recreation and Resting Place which is now managed by the

Bellinger Heads State Park Trust. When the development of this system was authorised

and constructed both reserve trusts were managed by Bellingen Shire Council.

Management of the system will be simplified if the land occupied by the treatment plant

and disposal system is added to Reserve 140084. This would mean all infrastructure

associated with the ongoing operation of the Holiday Park is under the direct management

and control of the Bellinger Heads Holiday Parks Trust. In correspondence to the Trust in

March 2011(a copy is included at Appendix B) Bellingen Shire Council advised that the land

on which the treatment system is located should be within the “confines of the designated

caravan park land”. An area of 9633 square metres which adjoins the northern boundary

of the Reserve is proposed to be added to the Reserve in order to resolve this matter. A

diagram of the land is included at Appendix C. The boundaries of this area are also shown

on Drawing NB 02. The land is mostly covered with native vegetation (Pink Bloodwood,

Coast Banksia, Forest Red Gum Open Forest), with the treatment plant and disposal system

located in a small clearing in the south east corner. The new proposed northern boundary

for the Park follows the southern edge of the beach access track leading towards Tuckers

Rocks.

3.5 Strategic Assessment

The following assessment of the North Beach Holiday Park summarises the main issues that

require consideration. It has been used in identifying actions and priorities required to

ensure the commercial viability of the caravan park, to address key compliance and

operational issues, and to ensure the ecological impacts of the Park are adequately

addressed. The following points have not been ranked and therefore do not provide an

indication of the order of priority.

Strengths

Location – proximity to a small coastal settlement with Bowling Club, Surf Club

and essential retail facilities;

Established clientele with good levels of loyalty and return visitation;

Direct beach access – the beach is also 4WD accessible;

Facilities – swimming pool, barbecues, small camp kitchen;


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Accessibility to the river via two boat ramps which are nearby – this part of the

river is popular with water skiers;

Access from the Pacific Highway is straightforward and is well signposted;

There is a relatively new stock of self-contained accommodation; and

The Park is safe, quiet and has a relatively natural bush land setting.

Weaknesses

Location – limited availability of urban facilities and distance from Pacific

Highway/Freeway;

Minor regulatory compliance issues;

The cabin accommodation does not take full advantage of the quality of the

setting and location;

The northern part of the Park which accommodates the campsites is

undeveloped with no roads or services specific to those sites;

The Park has no en-suite sites;

Long-term sites occupy almost the entire beach frontage of the Park;

Condition of some holiday vans;

Recreation facilities in the Park are limited with no “wet weather” options;

There is no substantial undercover communal gathering space in the Park;

The waste water treatment plant is, as a result of recent changes, now on

reserved land which is under the day to day control of a separate Reserve Trust;

Landscaping within the Park is limited; and

The patrolled section of the Beach is not adjacent to the frontage of the Holiday

Park. In addition North Beach is only patrolled for limited periods and is not

regarded locally as a “safe” beach.

Opportunities

Rationalise existing internal road layout;

Improvement of the northern part of the Park to formalise the arrangements

for the existing approved campsites;

Improve the range and quality of the Park’s ancillary recreational facilities;

Increase occupancy with targeted marketing that includes packaging with other

local and regional attractions;

Installation of boom gates in the longer term;

Rationalise the allocation of sites for holiday vans with a view to creating quality

precincts for holiday accommodation capable of generating optimum financial

returns; and

Adjust the boundaries of the Park by incorporating the area that supports the

wastewater treatment facility into the Reserve.

Constraints

Age and condition of some Park buildings and infrastructure;


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Ongoing costs of improvements will be significant if the Park is to consolidate its

existing market share as well as capture new clients;

Delay in the application of a substantial capital injection could mean the

occupancy rates and revenues plateau at the current levels; and

Requirements of coastal planning legislation and policies.

3.6 Vegetation Management

A Vegetation Management Plan for the Reserve has been prepared by Greg Elks of Idyll

Spaces Environmental Consultants and is included at Appendix D.

The Reserve contains remnants of two native vegetation communities - Pink Bloodwood –

Coast Banksia – Forest Red Gum Open Forest and Coast Banksia – Pink Bloodwood

Woodland – associations which occupy parts of the Reserve. These vegetation

communities provide habitat elements for numerous threatened fauna including Green-

thighed Frog, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Little Lorikeet, Regent

Honeyeater, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Eastern bentwing bat, Eastern Freetail Bat, Greater

Broadnosed Bat, Little Bentwing Bat, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Koala and Spotted Quoll.

The vegetation communities in the Reserve are unlikely to provide habitat for threatened

native plants, with the possible exception of Scented Acronychia Acronychia littoralis.

Having said that the vegetation communities that occur in the Reserve are not listed as

Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs) under the Threatened Species Conservation Act

1995 or as EECs or Critically Endangered Communities under the Federal Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

There is also an artificial community of lawns, shrubs and specimen trees in the caravan

park which includes some native trees and shrubs.

The Vegetation Management Plan has been formulated to facilitate long-term planning for

vegetation in the Reserve, to assist the Trust to allocate resources for conservation and

management of the vegetation communities and associated fauna habitat and to guide the

selection and management of suitable areas of the Park for regeneration of those

communities.2

3.7 Summary

Over the past financial year the Park has achieved some growth in both income and profit.

Further growth in annual turnover could be achieved based primarily on an expansion of the

cabin precinct, introduction of en-suite sites and formalising the existing approved

campsites in the northern part of the Park.

2 Vegetation Management Plan for North Beach Holiday Park, Idyll Spaces Environmental Consultants, July

2011


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The capacity for the Park to grow its clientele and achieve consistent income growth in the

future will be constrained by a lack of ancillary facilities that could enable expansion of the

Park’s market targets, higher occupancy rates and increased length of stay. The

introduction of improved facilities such as a contemporary camp kitchen and upgraded pool

area and playground would allow the Park to broaden its market appeal and penetration.

Since the appointment of an administrator to manage the Trust in 2009 significant advances

have been made in many areas. This context provides a sound, financial, administrative

and management base from which to further improve the Park and enhance its financial

contribution to the improvement and management of reserved Crown land.

This is a modest caravan park with a modest income base but because management costs

have been well contained there is an opportunity for gains in revenue and profit on the

basis of a moderate level of targeted capital expenditure. The most important issues to

be addressed and resolved in the future management and operation of the caravan park

are;

Managing the Reserve and the Holiday Park in conformity with the objects and

principles of Crown land management;

Preserving and protecting the environmental resources and context of the

Reserve and the Holiday Park;

Growing the revenue of the Park and resulting profits by expanding the

accommodation provided and exploring new market opportunities particularly

in off-peak seasons;

Meeting the needs of guest, residents and holiday van owners through the

provision of an expanded range of ancillary guest facilities; and

Establishing and implementing measures for the management of vegetation

and in particular the interface with vegetation communities in the adjoining

State Park.

The following Sections describe objectives, strategies and actions required to address

these and other essential issues.


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4 VISION AND OBJECTIVES

4.1 Introduction

In the first instance this Plan of Management is based on the Vision Statement for the Regional Crown Reserve which is:

To encourage continue public access to the Bellingen Coast Regional Crown Reserve, while protecting and enhancing its environmental, social, economic and

recreational values to ensure long term sustainability. This Plan has also been formulated to enable the North Beach Holiday Park to have an effective role in the implementation of the major initiatives adopted for the Regional Crown reserve which are:

Ongoing management of environmentally sensitive lands; Upgrading of public recreation areas and facilities; Improvements to public access throughout the reserve; Improvements to tourist accommodation facilities; and

Improved income generation to support ongoing land management. The Regional Crown Reserve Plan of Management states that “Sustainable development and management of the Bellingen Coast Regional Crown Reserve is essential to maintain the tourism use which supports the local economy, while protecting the natural resources on which continued tourism depends and for which the local area is recognised”. In the case of the North Beach Holiday Park these outcomes will be achieved through the implementation of a specific Vision Statement supported by specific management

objectives, strategies and actions. The structure of the action plans will allow the Trust to be responsive to economic factors, new information and social and technological change.

4.2 The Vision Statement

The specific Vision of the Reserve Trust in managing the North Beach Holiday Park will be:

To promote, encourage and provide for the use of the land, and to provide recreational and tourist facilities on the land to meet the current and future needs of the community while conserving, maintaining and improving the natural, cultural and scenic environment of the Reserve.

4.3 Objectives The Vision for the North Beach Holiday Park will be implemented in conformity with the following specific objectives: Regulatory To ensure that the Holiday Park complies with all applicable


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Compliance statutory standards.

Health Safety and Risk Management

To provide and maintain facilities, in a manner, which minimises risk to caravan park users and park management, and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Business Management

To maintain a management and operational structure which ensures commercial viability, promotes timely and responsible decision-making, and is responsive to environmental, legal, social and technological imperatives.

Environmental

Management To ensure that the environment of the Holiday Park is managed and protected in accordance with sound ecological principles and for the enjoyment of guests.

Sustainability

To ensure principles of ecological and environmental sustainability are incorporated into the design and management of the accommodation, facilities and infrastructure within the Park with the ultimate goal resources are used efficiently throughout their lifecycle and to meet the needs of the community.

Facilities for Management and Guests

To optimise the recreational and tourist potential of the Holiday Park consistent with the principles of ecological sustainability while improving park presentation and providing a range of recreation and communal facilities for guests and their visitors.

Tourist Sites and Accommodation

To optimise income to the Holiday Park by providing a range of quality tourist accommodation including opportunities for family and traditional camping within the bounds of ecologically sustainable development.

Integrated Coastal Management

To promote and assist integrated coastal land management associated with the use of North Beach Holiday Park.

In the development, improvement and management of the North Beach Holiday Park the Reserve Trust will adopt sustainability principles and recognise the need for;

(a) conservation of energy and reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, (b) building materials and building processes that involve low embodied energy; (c) building design and orientation that uses passive solar design, day lighting and natural ventilation,

(f) energy efficiency and conservation, (g) water conservation and water reuse, (h) waste minimisation and recycling, (i) the use of landscaping to provide shade, shelter and screening; and (j) potential for adaptive reuse of structures and materials.


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5 MANAGEMENT PRECINCTS

The future management and improvement of the Holiday Park will be considered in terms of four management precincts which reflect the character of the existing use of the land as well as the longer term priorities for the improvement of the Park by the Trust.

5.1 Entry Precinct

This area includes the Park entrance and the management and administrative facilities required for the effective day to day operation of the Holiday Park. These include the

manager’s residence, reception area and office and storage and maintenance facilities. The Precinct also includes the swimming pool and associated open space. The future function of this Precinct will be to continue to support the management infrastructure that is critical to the effective operation and management of the Holiday Park. Facilities and infrastructure will be maintained and improved in accordance with the improvement program that is outlined in this Plan of Management.

5.2 Northern Precinct

The Northern Precinct provides campsites and cabin accommodation along with a camp kitchen and children’s playground. The campsite area is informal with no constructed road access to the sites. Access to the beach is provided on the southern edge of the precinct and acts as a point of separation between tourist accommodation and long term residential living. The precinct supports some mature vegetation. The improvement and management of this part of the Park will be focused on the provision of sites and ancillary facilities for tourists. The layout and servicing of existing approved sites will be improved to meet regulatory requirements for short-term sites. Ancillary and recreational facilities for guests including children’s play structures and a contemporary camp kitchen will be added to service the needs of the Park’s established clientele and to

enable the Park to attract new clients. The Park’s supply of self contained accommodation stock will be consolidated with the installation of additional cabins and “eco-tents”. The overall presentation of the Precinct will be improved on the basis of a comprehensive approach to vegetation management and landscaping. An area of 9,633 square metres which adjoins the northern boundary of the Reserve is proposed to be added to the Reserve to contain the waste water treatment plant and disposal system within the boundaries of the Reserve. Existing native vegetation in this area will be retained and managed, and there will be no expansion of other holiday park uses into this area.

5.3 Central Precinct

The central precinct supports a majority of the Park’s short term sites which are serviced by two communal amenities. A number of sites in the precinct are occupied by holiday vans.


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This Precinct will continue to provide short term sites for tourists together with an allocation of holiday van sites that is appropriate to the policies of the Trust and the government. Facilities within the Precinct will be improved with the relocation of an existing shelter from the Northern Precinct. The range of available site types will be expanded with the installation of en-suite facility units in accordance with regulatory provisions.

5.4 Long-Term Living Precinct

This area of the Holiday Park provides long-term sites for the existing residents. On-going action is required to ensure the dwellings meet the compliance requirements of the

Regulations. Sites will continue to be provided for long term residential occupation. Management of the Precinct will continue to make provision for the requirements of these residents through the maintenance of services and infrastructure.


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6 PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

6.1 Introduction

Inspection and analysis of the North Beach Holiday Park has resulted in identification of a

range of desirable improvements, facilities and accommodation products which are

required for the Park to optimise its financial potential. Proposed improvements have

been assessed against their potential to enhance future financial and land management

outcomes for the Reserve and its contribution to the community and the management of

reserved Crown land. In formulating a practical development and improvement program,

a number of factors have been considered including;

Safety, security and regulatory compliance;

The principles and parameters established in relevant legislation and policies of

the New South Wales government;

Potential to generate income and profit;

Potential to improve visitor amenity;

Potential to improve the day-to-day management of the Holiday Park and the

interface with public access to and enjoyment of the adjoining reserved land;

Potential to achieve environmental objectives; and

Cost and contribution to the local economy.

Given budgetary constraints and operational considerations, any program will, of necessity,

take a number of years to implement. In terms of the future financial performance of the

North Beach Holiday Park the proposed improvement program has been formulated with

three principal aims;

To achieve an appropriate balance between responsible land management and

achieving profit outcomes from a business enterprise on public land;

To enable North Beach to capture a fair share of the existing overnight tourist

visitation to the region at tariff levels appropriate to the quality of the location;

and

To provide North Beach with the opportunity to capture new visitation from

recognised growth areas in the caravan park and tourist accommodation

marketplace.

6.2 Proposed Improvement Program

The proposed program for the Park has been structured to build on existing strengths and

attractions. There will be some redesign and redevelopment of the layout of parts of the

Park road system. The structure of the program is designed to bring improvements on-

stream in a way that will progressively enhance the income earning capacity and

profitability of the business. Works will be undertaken within the context of an operating


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business environment and will be programmed for the period from May to September each

year. While this will minimise the adverse impact of construction activity on occupancy

rates and financial performance it is a significant restriction in terms of timing and planning.

Item Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5

Cabins

Eco - tents

En-suite sites

Roads

Camp Kitchen

Boom gates

Amenities

Service infrastructure

Hot Water Upgrade

Sewerage

Landscaping

Upgrade Pool Area

Children’s Play Area

Putt Putt Golf

6.3 Improvement Plan – see Drawing NB - 02.

The primary objective is to establish appropriate infrastructure for ongoing use of sites and

facilities in the Entry, Northern and Central Precincts of the Park. The key components of

the initial stages of the Plan are;

Addition of land to the north to include wastewater treatment plant and

disposal system within the Reserve.

Development of new road to establish formal access and a defined layout for

the existing approved sites in the northern part of the Park;

Installation of en-suite facilities to service six sites in the Central Precinct to

add to the range of site types offered by the Park;

Installation/construction of three additional cabins and four eco-tents

designed to deliver accommodation products that add to the range of

options offered by the existing cabin stock. One of the new cabins will

provide for disabled access;

Renovation of existing communal amenities; and

Improvements to the Park’s ancillary facilities for guests by upgrading the

landscaping and paving around the pool area, providing additional

playground equipment for young children and constructing a new camp

kitchen.


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Business and management due diligence requires that the investment process for North

Beach Holiday Park is subject to regular review with each area of expenditure implemented

only after an assessment of the results achieved from investment in the previous year. The

exact detail and timing of implementation may vary as a consequence of the review process.

At the completion of the improvement program the Park will supply a total of 131 sites

comprised of 30 long term and 101 short term sites.

6.4 Proposed Improvements

Roads and Park Entrance.

The existing manager’s accommodation and park office are adequate for a tourist

accommodation facility in this location. In the latter stages of the program for the Park it

will be appropriate to provide boom-gates for enhanced security and management control.

The gates will be installed in conjunction with some realignment and widening of the Park’s

entry forecourt to establish arrival and departure bays and visitor parking. New road

construction is required to establish a formal framework for the establishment of existing

approved sites in the northern part of the Park. In the longer term there are opportunities

to remove and change existing roads in the Central Precinct to create improved land

utilisation and in some cases increase the size of existing sites.

Guest Facilities

Guest facilities in the Park are relatively limited and an improvement in this aspect of the

Park’s infrastructure will be a key factor in the long term growth of the business and

commercial viability of the Park. A number of existing facilities will be improved and new

facilities added including;

A new camp kitchen which will be designed to provide indoor and outdoor

eating areas, a lounge space, barbecues, sinks, cook-tops and refrigeration for

campers and caravanners. This building will be a significant addition to the

facilities in the Park as it will provide a gathering place for campers and offer

alternatives during periods of inclement weather. The existing camp kitchen

and barbecue shelter will be relocated to the Central Precinct;

Expansion of the existing children’s playground through installation of

additional equipment and construction of a putt putt golf course; and

A larger landscaped area associated with the existing pool including provision

of shade, new outdoor furniture and landscape plantings. The existing

“pump shed” will be replaced with a more substantial structure that includes

a small attached undercover sitting area. In the future “water play” features

will be added on the northern side of the existing pool.

These changes will emphasise the family oriented character of the Park and provide a much

stronger base for the capture of shoulder and off season occupancies. The addition of


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facilities and undercover spaces will also assist in extending the “length of stay” for many

clients by giving guests more options for activity once they are in the Park.

Cabin Accommodation

Over time it is proposed the total number of cabins will be increased with the installation of

three new cabins comprising 2 bedroom, 4 to 6 person units with deck configurations to suit

individual site situations. The materials, colour schemes and design features of the cabins

will create a fresh distinctive appearance that complements the existing cabins and the

character of the setting. One of these cabins will be designed to address requirements for

disabled access.

6.4.1 En-suites and Eco-Tents

If the Park is to target “senior travellers” it is essential to offer some en-suite facilities.

Installation of en-suite units to service 6 sites will consolidate and expand the capacity for

the Park to attract senior travellers and reduce reliance on central amenities.

“Eco-tents” will introduce an accommodation option that is not offered in other caravan

parks in the area. As well as being a good fit with the character of the Park these units will

introduce a point of difference. “Eco-tents” are a simple cabin that combines some of the

attractive features of camping and sleeping under canvas with basic kitchen and bathroom

facilities and furniture and a number will be installed on suitable selected sites in the

Northern Precinct of the Park.

“Eco Tent” concept sketch.

Amenities Blocks

The existing main amenities building could benefit from some renovations. Items that will

be replaced include shower and wc partitions and doors, plumbing fixtures, some tiling etc.

Rainwater tanks will be added to store water for toilet flushing and landscape maintenance.

Grey water treatment and re-use will also be investigated.


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Landscaping

Native vegetation in the caravan park and on the adjoining reserve and dune system

provides a structural framework for an ongoing landscaping program. Improvement to the

presentation of the caravan park is desirable and landscaping can make a substantial

contribution to achieving this objective. Key issues to be addressed include;

Signature landscaping at the park entry;

Landscaping to spaces around the proposed cabins and facilities to reduce

the impact of the structures and create colour and interest; and

Hard and soft landscaping around the pool which has the potential to

establish a more vibrant and interesting character for this area so that it

becomes a feature of the Park.

The Northern Precinct of the Park adjoins an area of significant vegetation. As a

consequence vegetation management and the species used in relation to landscaping within

the Park will be appropriate to the preservation and protection of the integrity of this

vegetation community.

Utility Services and Wastewater Treatment and Disposal

There are requirements to upgrade electricity supply and distribution as well as extend

water and sullage to existing approved sites. Budgetary allowances have been made with

respect to these issues, however, it will be necessary to obtain expert professional advice

before proceeding. Initiatives are required to control and minimise water use. In

particular opportunities for grey water recycling must be investigated with a view to limiting

the volume of water that must be handled by the existing treatment system.

Environmental Management

Environmental initiatives cover vegetation management, water use controls and energy

efficiency. There are opportunities for improved storage and recycling of wastes, including

green waste. In many cases environmental objectives can be achieved through design

features of the roads, cabins and buildings generally.

To achieve an acceptable level of environmental management and ecological sustainability

it is intended that the following issues be considered in relation to all aspects of the

improvement of the caravan park;

installation of solar collectors to provide energy requirements for the office

and reception facilities;

grey water treatment and re-use;

use of low ecological impact materials;

use of renewable materials; and

use of low embodied energy materials.


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In addition a responsible approach to business management demands attention is given to

minimising operational energy and water requirements, recycling and the collection and re-

use of storm-water. New cabins and facilities will include rainwater tanks designed to

collect roof-water for use in landscaping and toilet flushing where appropriate.

The Trust could also consider a more general strategy to extend the use of solar and gas as

sources for the Park’s energy requirements. This could be by way of offering incentives for

long term residents to change from electric to gas or solar hot water. This would represent

long term cost savings for the residents as well as being a more environmentally responsible

approach.


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7 MANAGEMENT ACTIONS AND STRATEGIES

7.1 Plan Objectives, Strategies and Actions

A range of measures have been identified as required to implement this Plan of

Management to ensure the North Beach Holiday Park is improved and managed in

accordance with the Principles of Crown Land Management. The following tables detail

the Management Strategies and Management Actions to be implemented by the Reserve

Trust.

In the first instance the Strategies and Actions are designed to achieve the Vision for the

Reserve and address the Management Objectives outlined in Section 4. The

implementation of the identified Actions will address the Management Issues identified in

Section 3 and support the orderly implementation of the Improvement Program outlined in

Section 5. Where further documentation is required the planning and design process will

be guided by and comply with the Vision, Objectives and Strategies established by this Plan.

7.2 Regulatory Compliance

Objective: To ensure the Holiday Park complies with all applicable statutory standards.

Strategy Actions

Sites and facilities to conform to relevant regulations.

Ensure sites are sized, located and provided with utility services and amenities in accordance with the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005.

Provide a total of 131 long term and short term sites as indicated on Drawing NB 02.

Comply with the conditions of the current Section 68 Approval to operate a Caravan Park.

Apply for renewal of the Section 68 Approval in a timely manner.

Design, construct and install moveable dwellings and submit documents in accordance with requirements of the Regulations.

Maintain the Park’s Community Map to accurately reflect the current layout and use of sites.

Through sound design ensure that proposed improvements comply with the requirements of the Regulations and any applicable statute, code or policy.


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7.3 Health, Safety and Risk Management

Objective: To provide and maintain facilities, in a manner, which minimises risk to Holiday

Park guests and staff and promotes a healthy lifestyle.

Strategy Actions

Continue to provide health, safety and risk management for the public and for staff involved in maintenance and management activities.

Undertake ongoing comprehensive risk assessment of the Holiday Park on the basis of a structured WH and S Management Plan.

Minimise public risk through the ongoing implementation of a risk management strategy.

Ensure all staff and management is appropriately trained. Maintain and use any equipment in accordance with

regulations and manufacturer’s specifications. Store and use chemicals as required by regulations and in

accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

Ensure the enjoyment and use of the reserve is not compromised by inappropriate behaviour.

Undertake ongoing review of the activities that should be prohibited or regulated on the reserve.

Maintain facilities and accommodation to appropriate standards.

Continue to maintain an asset management register and fund the ongoing implementation of the Park’s asset management plan.

Protect life and property from the consequences of natural events.

Maintain an adequate emergency evacuation plan.

Ensure the Park, cabins and facilities are maintained and presented to a high standard.

Provide consistent supervision and review of the maintenance and cleaning responsibilities of the Contract Manager.


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7.4 Business Management

Objective: To maintain a management system, which ensures viability, promotes

effective, informed and timely decision-making, and is responsive to financial,

industry, market, legal, social and technological imperatives.

Strategy Actions

Continue to maintain a process for business planning and performance review.

Prepare an annual budget for the operation and improvement of the Park.

Establish financial performance targets and undertake regular review of the operation of the Holiday Park against targets, budget and other management objectives.

Report financial outcomes to the Crown Lands Division on an annual basis.

Preserve the financial contribution the Holiday Park makes to the management of the Crown estate and to the local community.

Review and set tariffs for all sites and on-site accommodation in line with a comprehensive marketing plan on at least an annual basis.

Establish tariffs for sites, which reflect the market potential for the form of accommodation being offered.

Market and promote the Park to achieve optimum commercial outcomes.

Identify new and emerging market opportunities; Prepare and implement an annual marketing and

promotional strategy.

Provide competent day to day management.

Seek and engage competent and qualified contractors. Create, implement and maintain policies and procedures to

ensure best practice for all aspects of the operation of the business and maintenance of the Crown’s asset.

Provide high levels of customer service and asset and business management.

Maintain a human resource management strategy which ensures appropriate qualifications and skills are available.

Identify, prepare and implement training programs.

Manage sites occupied by long term residents and holiday van owners in a consistent and transparent manner.

Ensure all occupancy agreements are current and in accordance with the respective provisions of the Residential Parks Act 1998 and the Holiday Park(Long Term Casual Occupation) Act 2002.


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7.5 Environmental Management

Objective: To ensure that the vegetation and the natural environmental features of the

Holiday Park and the reserve are managed in accordance with sound ecological

principles and for the enjoyment of guests and visitors.

Strategy Actions

Maintain environmental integrity.

Formulate and implement an Environmental Management Strategy to identify, minimise and manage the environmental impacts of the Trust’s activities on the environment by systematically integrating environmental management into daily operations, long term planning and other quality management systems.

Undertake an independent Review of Environmental Factors before proceeding with implementation of proposed improvements and development.

Promote and maintain the health of existing and proposed native vegetation in the Holiday Park and along boundaries with adjoining reserves.

Preserve and protect existing native vegetation in the Park in accordance with the Vegetation Management Plan for the Park included at Appendix D.

Only use native species for landscaping and tree replacement; Only use non invasive grass species when turfing areas of the

Park. Remove weeds and re-vegetate areas appropriate to land-

use, design and management of facilities. All arboricultural work in the Park shall be best practice and

undertaken by a qualified arborist in accordance with the Vegetation Management Plan at Appendix D.

Do not permit attachment of signs, clothes lines or tent ropes to trees.

Ensure that no mowing or vegetation clearance is undertaken along the eastern or southern boundaries of the Holiday Park in State Park lands.

Ensure that lawn clippings and garden waste is disposed of correctly, and not deposited on adjacent lands.

Maintain the health of existing native vegetation on the proposed land addition north of the reserve and manage weeds as necessary

Improve and maintain environmental and visual amenity.

Provide additional landscaping to the surrounds of the amenities building and clothes drying areas.

Implement a replacement planting program for any trees required to be removed and provide protection during establishment.


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Minimise disturbance to native vegetation.

Use appropriate siting for facilities and walkways. Carefully manage pedestrian and vehicle access. Define buffer areas and protect vegetation through mulching,

edge planting and/or fencing as appropriate. Assist in the closure and rehabilitation of unauthorized beach

access tracks from the Holiday Park.

Implement effective catchment management to minimise impacts on water quality.

Implement erosion control measures, litter and silt traps and drainage line filters where required to control storm water.

Use chemicals in accordance with approved Trust and AS guidelines;

Promote catchment management principles as appropriate.

Minimise fire hazard to property and appropriately manage natural coastal vegetation.

Provide and maintain adequate fire control access. Provide and maintain fuel free and fuel reduced zones where

necessary. Minimise disturbance to natural vegetation. Do not allow solid fuel campfires or cooking fires.

Manage and respond to the impacts of coastal processes and climate change while allowing for natural occurrences.

Close access and repair damage as necessary after storm events.

Develop specific climate change adaptation plans in accordance with government policy.


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7.6 Sustainability

Objective: To ensure that principles of ecological and environmental sustainability

incorporated into the design and management of the accommodation,

facilities and infrastructure within the Park with the ultimate goal that

resources are used efficiently throughout their lifecycle and to meet the

needs of the community.

Strategy Actions

Sustainable Development

Assess improvement and development proposals in the light of sustainability principles.

Implement best practice approaches to achieving sustainable resource management.

Resource Sustainability Promote sustainability in the design, construction and management of assets including use of low embodied energy materials, replaceable resources, plantation timbers, etc.

Price goods and services to recover the full life cycle costs of providing the goods and services including the use of natural resources and assets and disposal of waste.

Reduce carbon footprint.

Progressively reduce dependence on high CO2 energy sources by considering acquisition of electricity from renewable energy sources.

Minimise use of water and energy.

Manage resources with an emphasis on minmisation of energy and water use, water harvesting and re-use, and environmentally responsible waste management.

Recycle waste where possible and appropriate.


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7.7 Facilities for Residents, Guests and Management

Objective: To optimise the recreational and tourism potential of the Holiday Park

consistent with principles of ecological sustainability while improving

presentation and management facilities and providing a range of recreation

and communal facilities for residents and guests.

Strategy Actions

Provide facilities that reflect the quality of the location, land management priorities and current industry and market benchmarks.

Improve the Holiday Park and develop facilities as described in this Plan of Management and as generally indicated on Drawing NB-02.

Provide communal facilities within the Holiday Park in accordance with the relevant regulations and improve ancillary facilities for guests including barbecues and children’s play equipment.

Maintain an adequate supply of short term sites for caravans, tents and recreational vehicles.

Over time provide power, water and sewer to every site in the caravan park in order to satisfy the requirements of guests.

Maintain and where possible improve the AAA Tourist rating for the Park.

Implement a staged development process that is achievable in terms of planning and financial constraints.

Undertake improvements to the Park based on the internal capacity of the caravan park to support the funding of the works.

Improve the presentation and efficiency of the Park entrance and reception facilities.

Renovate the existing reception, office and storage areas; Ensure signage and lighting throughout the park meets the

safety needs of visitors, guests, residents and staff.

Remove inefficient and redundant facilities and improve amenity for guests.

Install and construct new facilities for guests as detailed in Drawing NB–02 including roads and sites, barbecue facilities, expanding pool and camp kitchen facilities and renovation and upgrade of amenities as required.


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7.8 Tourist Sites and Accommodation

Objective: To optimise income to the Holiday Park by providing a range of market

appropriate tourist sites and accommodation within the limits of the capacity

of the land and principles of ecologically sustainable development.

Strategy Actions

Provide additional on-site accommodation and site types.

Install additional quality on-site accommodation designed to complement the character of the coastal setting and capable of generating a consistent income stream to finance the ongoing management of the caravan park and make a substantial contribution to the management of the adjoining reserved lands.

Provide an appropriate supply of accommodation products and facilities that are accessible to people with disabilities or limited mobility.

Install en-suite facilities in appropriate locations but retain a balance between the provisions of sites for camping and caravanning and self contained accommodation.

Maintain a 3 ½ star AAA rating for existing and proposed self contained on-site accommodation.

7.9 Integrated Management

Objective: To promote and assist integrated coastal land management associated with

the use of North Beach Holiday Park.

Strategy Actions

Implement the Plan of Management and relevant statutory requirements in an ongoing, co operative and timely manner within the available resources.

Liaise with other local, regional and state authorities particularly where co-ordination of activities on adjoining lands is involved.

Cooperate with and maintain awareness of the activities of other authorities particularly the Bellinger Heads State Park Trust.

Initiate and complete all actions required to add to Reserve 140084 the land identified in the Plan included at Appendix C and which supports the Holiday Park waste water treatment and disposal system.

Obtain approvals and consents as required. Continue liaison with the Crown Lands Division in relation

to new and emerging government policy that impacts on the management of reserved Crown land.


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7.10 Authorised Activities and Works

A range of measures have been identified as required to implement this Plan of

Management to ensure the North Beach Holiday Park is improved and managed in

accordance with the Principles of Crown Land Management. These improvements and

actions are indentified and described in Sections 6 and 7 of this Plan of Management and in

Drawing NB–02. The North Beach Holiday Park will supply a total of 131 long term and

short term sites for guests in accordance with the relevant regulatory controls. The

required improvements and works are itemised below under each of the relevant

Management Precincts and are authorised pursuant to Clause 65(2) of SEPP Infrastructure

2007.

Management Precinct Authorised Activities and Improvements

Park Entry Additions to and renovation of the existing manager’s residence,

park office and reception area; road works; installation of boom

gates; storm water drainage; paving to the pool area; installation

and construction of water play features; construction of a putt

putt golf course; fencing, vegetation management; alterations to

Park maintenance and storage compound; and landscaping.

Northern Demolition; road works; reconfiguration of site layout and site

boundaries; storm water drainage; underground utility service

installation; installation of relocatable homes(cabins and Eco-

tents) on various sites as required to meet the needs of the Park’s

clientele in accordance with the caravan park regulations;

construction of a new camp kitchen; fencing; landscaping;

vegetation management; construction and installation of

playground facilities and equipment.

Central Demolition; road works; reconfiguration of site layout and site

boundaries; storm water drainage; underground utility service

installation; installation of en-suite facilities in accordance with

the caravan park regulations; installation of the barbecue shelter

relocated from the Northern Precinct; renovations, alterations

and additions to existing communal amenities; fencing;

landscaping; and vegetation management.

Long-term Living Road works; reconfiguration of site layout and site boundaries;

underground service installation; installation of relocatable

homes in accordance with the caravan park regulations;

vegetation management; and landscaping.


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7.11 Vegetation Management

The following is an extract from the Vegetation Management Plan for North Beach Holiday

park and prescribes the approach that will be taken future vegetation management in the

Reserve.

Best practise and community expectations

The initial stages of best practice management of native vegetation include Inventory, Data

Collection, Mapping, and Status Assessment. In the case of vegetation that is a threatened

species, or which is part of an endangered population or an endangered ecological

community, or habitat for a threatened plant or animal species, best practice requires that a

survey and assessment be undertaken to meet DECCW guidelines.

These stages have been undertaken for this Vegetation Management Plan. In the case of

individual trees in the Park, best practice management focuses on tree protection measures

as outlined in Australian Standard (AS) 4970. The ultimate best practice outcome is

incorporation into the Regional Vegetation Management Planning process. Meanwhile,

the Community has a role to:

sustainably manage native vegetation on land for which they and individual land

managers are responsible;

coordinate local group development and action on native vegetation

management issues;

encourage local involvement in the management of public land;

communicate to government the native vegetation management issues of their

local area;

communicate to government the solutions to native vegetation management

issues they believe are appropriate to their local area;

participate in local and regional native vegetation management planning and

programs;

raise awareness and improve education regarding native vegetation

management issues; and

form partnerships to increase investment in local native vegetation management

issues.

Local government has a responsibility for the development and implementation of locally

relevant and applicable environmental policies within its jurisdiction in cooperation with

other levels of government and the local community

State Governments have primary responsibility for native vegetation management, in

recognition of the constitutional responsibility of the States for land use decisions and their

ownership of large areas of native vegetation. The management of parks and protected

areas is largely a function of the States.


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Action Plan for Vegetation in the Park.

General:

1. Maximise the lifespan of remnant trees by providing annual arboricultural

inspection, reporting and intervention as required.

2. Incorporate native trees into landscaping areas and identify suitable areas for

planting replacement native trees to develop mixed-age stands of trees.

3. Maintain an up to date plan showing locations of existing trees and critical root

zones.

4. Undertake only routine maintenance activities within the critical root zone of

existing trees. Routine activities include mowing, brush cutting, weed removal,

camping etc, where there is no disturbance to the soil surface.

5. Provide suitable beach access through the frontal dunes to minimise erosion and

damage to Coastal Cypress under-storey vegetation.

Bush Regeneration, Weed Control and Landscaping:

6. Continue control of under-storey weeds and exotic grass cover, specifically targeting

difficult to control weeds such as Small-leaf Trad, Morning Glory, Glory Lily and

Madeira Vine, to favour natural recruitment of native vegetation in bushland areas.

7. Use local native plant species which are characteristic of the vegetation community

(listed in Appendix 1 of the Vegetation Management Plan) for assisted regeneration

and landscaping.

8. Remove non-essential lawn areas and replace with a local native species.

9. Undertake an ongoing program of removing exotics and environmental weeds from

landscaped areas and replacing with native species selected from the species list in

Appendix 1 of the Vegetation Management Plan.

10. Minimise incursion of vehicles and pedestrians into areas of native under-storey

vegetation.

11. Implement planting controls on residents eg: exotics to be confined to pots.

12. Work with adjoining landowners to control weeds.

13. Avoid damaging basal bark and exposed roots with brush cutters and mowers.

14. Ensure that the impact of tree pruning is appropriately assessed and that pruning is

undertaken by a suitably qualified arborist.

New developments:

15. Mitigate impacts of new developments by means of offsets and appropriate

arboricultural interventions.

16. Where possible, exclude vehicular traffic and impervious paving and reduce

pedestrian traffic within critical root zones of remnant trees.

17. Use local native plant species (Appendix 1 of the Vegetation Management Plan)

rather than exotics wherever the native species can perform the required role in the

landscape.

18. Ensure ropes for tents and annexes are not secured to established trees.


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7.12 Holiday Vans

Holiday vans are those owned by individuals and families which, under agreement, are able

to be located in the Holiday Park for the payment of an annual fee. Owners of the vans are

entitled to a maximum of 180 days use in any 12 month period, with the Park Managers

able to issue three(3) months notice at any time for the vans to be removed. The tenure

arrangements for holiday vans are subject to the provisions of the Holiday Parks(Long Term

Casual Occupation) Act 2002.

As the demand for tourist accommodation increases, there may be a requirement to reduce

the number of holiday vans in the Park to make sites available to meet growth in demand

for tourist sites and accommodation. At this time, there is no intention to reduce the

number of holiday vans in the park. However, the Trust reserves the right to issue 90 days

notice for removal of holiday vans where it is required for the future development of the

park or to meet increases in demand for tourist sites.

8 IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW

This Plan of Management has been prepared pursuant to the provisions of the Crown Lands

Act 1989 to provide an appropriate statutory basis for the continuing improvement and

operation of the North Beach Holiday Park which is one of a number of caravan parks on

reserved land managed by the Bellinger Heads Holiday Parks Trust.

This Plan provides a medium term strategy for the management and improvement of the

North Beach Holiday Park. It is anticipated the majority of the works described will be

implemented over a five year period. Priorities for works and funding are to be addressed

on an annual basis to meet development priorities and community needs.

Progress in relation to the implementation of the Plan will be monitored by the Trust and

the Trust will report on an annual basis to the Crown Lands Division.

This Plan is to be reviewed approximately every five years or as required to ensure it

continues to be relevant to and consistent with government legislation and policy and

community expectation.

APPENDIX A Section 68 Approval

APPENDIX B Correspondence re Wastewater Treatment System

APPENDIX C Diagram of Land to be Added to Reserve 140084

APPENDIX D Vegetation Management Plan for North Beach Holiday Park

Vegetation Management Plan

for

North Beach Holiday Park

Prepared for the

North Coast Accommodation Trust

by

Idyll Spaces Environmental Consultants

21 Titans Close, Bonville 2441

02 6653 4190

[email protected]

18 July 2011

North Beach Holiday Park Vegetation Management Plan i

Executive Summary

Greg Elks of Idyll Spaces Environmental Consultants has been engaged by the North

Coast Accommodation Trust to undertake a survey of vegetation and fauna habitat

and prepare a Vegetation Management Plan for native vegetation remnants in North

Beach Holiday Park, which is located at Mylestom in the Bellingen Shire Local

Government Area on the north-coast of NSW.

Remnants of two native vegetation communities - Pink Bloodwood – Coast Banksia –

Forest Red Gum Open Forest and Coast Banksia – Pink Bloodwood Woodland -

occupy parts of the Park. There is also an artificial community of Lawns, Shrubberies

and Specimen Trees which includes some native trees and shrubs.

These communities are not listed as Endangered Ecological Communities (EECs)

under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) or as EECs or

Critically Endangered Communities (CECs) under the Federal Environment

Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

The vegetation communities in the Park provide habitat elements for numerous

threatened fauna including Green-thighed Frog, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Glossy Black

Cockatoo, Little Lorikeet, Regent Honeyeater, Brush-tailed Phascogale, Eastern

bentwing bat, Eastern Freetail Bat, Greater Broadnosed Bat, Little Bentwing Bat,

Grey-headed Flying-fox, Koala and Spotted Quoll. They are unlikely to provide

habitat for threatened native plants, with the possible exception of Scented

Acronychia Acronychia littoralis.

This Vegetation Management Plan has been prepared to facilitate long-term planning

for vegetation in the Park, assist the Trust to allocate resources for conservation and

management of the vegetation communities and associated fauna habitat, and to

guide the selection and management of suitable areas of the Park for regeneration of

those communities.

Idyll Spaces Draft Report 20/7/11

North Beach Holiday Park Vegetation Management Plan ii

Contents

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................ i

Introduction ..............................................................................................................................1

Background ..........................................................................................................................1

Assessment Methodology ..................................................................................................1

Location & character ...........................................................................................................1

Biodiversity context .............................................................................................................3

Flora and fauna ........................................................................................................................5

Vegetation Communities ....................................................................................................5

Pink Bloodwood – Coast Banksia – Forest Red Gum Open Forest. .........................5

Coast Banksia – Pink Bloodwood Woodland ..............................................................6

Lawns, shrubs and specimen trees ................................................................................8

Endangered populations and communities ...................................................................13

Fauna habitat resources ....................................................................................................13

Threatened species habitat ...............................................................................................14

Vegetation management .......................................................................................................15

Laws affecting vegetation management .........................................................................15

Garden waste in the Park .................................................................................................15

Weeds in the Park ..............................................................................................................15

Other issues ........................................................................................................................16

Strategic assessment ..............................................................................................................17

Future vegetation management .......................................................................................18

Best practise and community expectations ................................................................18

Action Plan for vegetation in the Park .......................................................................19

Bibliography ...........................................................................................................................20

Appendices .............................................................................................................................21

Appendix 1. Recommended native plant species for landscaping in North Beach

Holiday Park ......................................................................................................................22

Appendix 2. Plant species inventory, North Beach Holiday Park..............................24

Photographs ...........................................................................................................................26

Figures & Tables

Figure 1. North Beach Holiday Park location ......................................................................2

Figure 2. Map of the North Beach Holiday Park study area showing vegetation

communities and weed infestations .............................................................................4

Table 1. Likelihood of occurrence of TSC Act listed Threatened Flora known to occur

in the locality in North Beach Holiday Park ................................................................9

Table 2. Likelihood of occurrence of EPBC Act listed Threatened Flora predicted to

occur in North Beach Holiday Park ..............................................................................9

Table 3. Likelihood of occurrence of Threatened Fauna habitat in North Beach

Holiday Park (marine species excluded) ....................................................................10


North Beach Holiday Park Vegetation Management Plan 1

Introduction

Background

The North Coast Accommodation Trust has engaged Idyll Spaces Environmental

Consultants to assess native vegetation and prepare a Vegetation Management Plan

(‘VMP’) for native vegetation remnants in North Beach Holiday Park (‘the Park’). The

VMP has been prepared to complement a Landscape Masterplan and a

comprehensive Plan of Management currently in preparation.

Assessment Methodology

Assessment of the conservation significance of vegetation in the Park includes:

A review of threatened species, populations and ecological communities known

or predicted to occur within 5km of the Park;

A review of other relevant documents including aerial imagery and

geomorphological mapping;

A general terrestrial vegetation survey and list of plant species;

Targeted searches for plant species of conservation significance area including

Species listed as threatened under New South Wales Threatened Species

Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) or the Environment Protection and Biodiversity

Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act);

Review of TSC Act preliminary and final determinations;

A description of vegetation communities and fauna habitats;

A map of terrestrial vegetation communities, and

A determination of the conservation status of those vegetation communities

under the TSC Act and the EPBC Act.

Location & character

North Beach Holiday Park occupies a narrow strip of land located between the

eastern edge of the village of Mylestom and the estuarine north arm of the Bellinger

River (Figure 1). It is located on a beach ridge and associated plain of Holocene

marine sand that has been deposited by wave and aeolian processes (Troedson &

Hashimoto 2004).

Most of the Park has been cleared of native vegetation, but intact native vegetation

remains in the northern part and along the eastern edge. Occasional remnant native

trees occur in operational areas of the Park; some native trees have also been planted.

Most of the Park is zoned RE1 Public Recreation, with the intact native vegetation in

the northern and eastern parts zoned E2 Environmental Conservation and the area



occupied by the wastewater treatment and disposal facility zoned E3 Environmental

Management.

Figure 1. North Beach Holiday Park location



Biodiversity context

The Park is located in the NSW North Coast biogeographical region which has

internationally recognised biodiversity values. The region supports a high diversity

of endemic species, threatened species, endangered ecological communities and

species at their distributional limits.

Although it has been substantially modified the vegetation in part of the Park

contains remnant and regrowth vegetation providing potential habitat for various

threatened fauna.



Figure 2. Map of the North Beach Holiday Park study area showing vegetation

communities and weed infestations



Flora and fauna

Vegetation Communities

Pink Bloodwood – Coast Banksia – Forest Red Gum Open Forest.

Structure & Composition

Open forest dominated by Pink Bloodwood Corymbia intermedia with stands of Coast

Banksia Banksia integrifolia and scattered Forest Red Gum Eucalyptus tereticornis to

about 15m tall. There is a sparse to scattered mid-storey of rainforest trees and wiry

vines, and a sparse ground layer of grasses and herbs.

Habitat, Ecology & Dynamics

This intact forest remnant in the northern extremity of the Park shows no evidence of

prior clearing. It contains overmature (old growth) trees and large woody debris,

which are characteristic of mature forests and are important fauna habitat elements.

Some of these trees contain small hollows, and some also contain aerial termites

nests, into which nest hollows have been excavated (Photo 1).

This remnant also contains fauna nectar resources (Pink Bloodwood, Coast Banksia

and Forest Red Gum), rainforest fruit (Mistletoe, Tuckeroo, Red Bean, Guioa, Coast

Canthium), and potential Glossy Black Cockatoo feed trees (Black Oak).

In the locality of North Beach, Bloodwood shows its best development in Wet

Sclerophyll Forests whereas Coast Banksia is the dominant species in Coastal

Headland Heaths. The species are tolerant of salt spray and only occur together

behind the frontal dune on coastal sandplains. Forest Red Gum is less tolerant of salt.

It typically occurs in floodplain woodlands and in coastal wet sclerophyll forest.

Unlike Bloodwood and Forest Red Gum Coast Banksia is relatively short-lived and is

killed by moderate to high intensity fire. There is evidence of recent low intensity fire

in the form of scorched bark to approximately 2m height. The only evidence for high

intensity fire is the more or less even age of Coast Banksia trees that presumably

regenerated from seed safely stored in woody banksia cones after such a fire,

estimated as occurring about 30-50 years ago.

Classification, Mapping & Conservation status

The community is within the vegetation class ‘Coastal Dune Dry Sclerophyll Forests’

(Keith 2004). The Biometric Vegetation Type is ‘Pink Bloodwood open forest of the

coastal lowlands of the North Coast’. The community is not threatened, with 75%

remaining uncleared in the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority

region.



The community provides habitat elements for the following threatened fauna

species: Green-thighed Frog, Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Little

Lorikeet (includes breeding habitat), Regent Honeyeater, Brush-tailed Phascogale

(includes breeding habitat), Eastern bentwing bat, Eastern Freetail Bat (includes

breeding habitat), Greater Broadnosed Bat (includes breeding habitat), Little

Bentwing Bat, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Koala and Spotted Quoll.

Impacts

Extensive areas of this community occur on the coastal lowlands north and south of

the Park and it is likely that it once occupied the cleared areas of the Park. Much of

this community has been colonised by naturalised exotic plants such as Lantana,

many of which are garden escapes (Winter Senna, Painted Spurge, Glory Lily,

Fishbone Fern, Tradescantia) or planted for dune stabilisation (Bitou Bush.

Impacts of weed invasion on this vegetation community in the northern part of the

Park are being minimised by bushland weed control, which has dramatically

reduced weed cover (see Photographs 2, 3).

Threats

Threats to this community appear to be limited to minor trampling associated with

occasional human access, removal of trees judged to be a threat to life and property,

and the potential for reinvasion by weeds.

Coast Banksia – Pink Bloodwood Woodland

Structure & Composition

Woodland dominated by Coast Banksia Banksia integrifolia with occasional Pink

Bloodwood Corymbia intermedia and rainforest trees, to about 10m tall. There is a

dense mid-storey of weeds and wiry vines, and a sparse to dense ground layer of

grasses and herbs.

Habitat, Ecology & Dynamics

This woodland remnant in and to the east of the Park contains some mature trees,

fauna nectar resources (Pink Bloodwood, Coast Banksia) and some rainforest fruit

(Tuckeroo, Red Bean, Guioa, Coast Canthium). It is located on and immediately

landward of the coastal dune system. It shows no evidence of prior clearing or of

recent fire, although the age of the banksias and rainforest trees suggests that the

area was burnt 30-50 years ago.



Classification, Mapping & Conservation status

The community is within the vegetation class ‘Coastal Dune Dry Sclerophyll Forests’

(Keith 2004). The Biometric Vegetation Type is ecotonal between ‘Pink Bloodwood

open forest of the coastal lowlands of the North Coast’ and ‘Coastal Headland

Heaths of the North Coast’. The community is not threatened, with 70-75%

remaining uncleared in the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority

region.

The community provides habitat elements for the following threatened fauna

species: Barred Cuckoo-shrike, Little Lorikeet, Eastern bentwing bat, Eastern Freetail

Bat, Greater Broadnosed Bat, Little Bentwing Bat, Grey-headed Flying-fox and

Spotted Quoll.

Impacts

Extensive areas of this community occur on the coastal dunes north and south of the

Park and it is likely that it once occupied the eastern edge of the Park. It has been

colonised by naturalised exotic plants including Lantana, Winter Senna, Painted

Spurge, Glory Lily, Fishbone Fern, Tradescantia and Bitou Bush.

Impacts of weed invasion on this vegetation community in the Park significant in

that they have altered the floristics and structure of the ground layer and midstratum

vegetation (Photographs 4, 5).

Threats

The major current threat to this community is weed invasion which, if untreated,

would lead to the eventual replacement of the entire vegetation community by a

dense thicket of weeds.

Minor current threats include dumping of litter and garden refuse, trampling

associated with unregulated human access across the dune, removal of trees judged

to be a threat to life and property, mowing of the understorey and planting of exotic

trees and garden plants.

In the longer term coastal erosion is also likely to be a threat. For this reason it is

important that existing native vegetation, which is adapted to this environment, is

retained in good condition so as to enable it to respond and revegetate dunes

following erosion events.



Lawns, shrubs and specimen trees

Lawns in the Park consist mainly of exotic grasses known for their salt tolerance,

resistance to wear and ability to grow on sand. They form the ground layer to most

other vegetation communities in the Park. Lawns are the most extensive form of

vegetation throughout the Park.

Shrubs are common in the Park, where they are used to screen buildings and

demarcate various areas. Typical species include well-known exotics such as Golden

Cane Palms and Tibouchina as well as introduced native species such as Bottlebrush

and Grevillea. A wider range of shrubs and herbs are grown in the gardens of

permanent residents

Specimen trees include native species of Eucalypt, Paperbark, Wattle and Oak. There

are introduced natives such as Silky Oak, Weeping Paperbark and Fig, and exotics

such as Fiddlewood and Norfolk Pine. Most of the introduced trees have little

intrinsic conservation value, the exception being the introduced native Figs, which

are known to be utilised for foraging by a wide range of mobile fauna including the

threatened species Rose-crowned Fruit Dove and Grey–headed Flying Fox.

Impacts

Lawns in the Park are an impediment to natural regeneration, especially where the

grasses invade adjoining bushland.

The impact of shrubs ranges from exacerbation of weed invasion to missed

opportunities for provision of habitat attractive to native fauna. The planting of

Grevilleas and Bottlebrushes is also contributing to dominance of the bird fauna by

the Noisy Miner, which is an aggressive bird that drives away other small birds.

Except for the native species such as Eucalypt, Paperbark, Wattle and Oak and the

introduced native figs, the impact of the specimen trees is generally negative in that

they have replaced habitat utilised by native fauna.



Table 1. Likelihood of occurrence of TSC Act listed Threatened Flora known to occur in the locality in North Beach Holiday Park

Scientific name No of records

TSC Status Detectability Essential Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia 1 Vulnerable All year Subtropical rainforest, moist eucalypt forest and Brush Box forest Nil - habitat requirements not met

Marsdenia longiloba 13 Endangered Flowering (Summer) but leaf characters indicative

Subtropical and warm temperate rainforest, adjoining moist eucalypt forest and rock outcrops

Nil - habitat requirements not met

Neimeyera whiteri 6 Vulnerable All year rainforest or moist eucalypt forest Nil - habitat requirements not met

Tinospora tinosporoides 1 Vulnerable All year Wetter subtropical rainforest, including littoral rainforest Nil - habitat requirements not met

Table 2. Likelihood of occurrence of EPBC Act listed Threatened Flora predicted to occur in North Beach Holiday Park

Scientific name TSC Status Detectability Essential Habitat Likelihood of occurrence

Acronychia littoralis Endangered Fruit (May to August) but leaf characters indicative

littoral rainforest and adjacent open forest Unlikely – habitat marginal, not detected in study area, not known from locality

Allocasuarina defungens Endangered All year tall heath on sand, also on clay soils and sandstone on exposed coastal hills or headlands adjacent to sandplains


Arthraxon hispidus Vulnerable November to May moist sites on edges of rainforest or in wet eucalypt forest Nil - habitat requirements not met Parsonsia dorrigoensis Endangered All year rainforest or moist eucalypt forest Nil - habitat requirements not met Taeniophyllum muelleri Vulnerable All year twigs overhanging creeks in rainforest Nil - habitat requirements not met Thesium australe Vulnerable Flowering (mid-Summer) but

morphology indicative grassland, grassy open forest or woodland on fertile or moderately fertile soils and

coastal headlands, often in association with Kangaroo Grass




Table 3. Likelihood of occurrence of Threatened Fauna habitat in North Beach Holiday Park (marine species excluded)

Class Common name Status Habitat type Habitat description Occurrence in study area

Amphibia Green-thighed Frog V Breeding habitat semi-permanent or ephemeral ponds or depressions in a range of vegetation communities, including rainforest, wet and dry

forest, heath and grassland.

No

Foraging habitat leaf litter within 300m of breeding habitat Yes

Shelter/roosting/refuge leaf litter or vegetation within 300m of breeding habitat Yes

Aves Barred Cuckoo-shrike V Breeding habitat unknown -

Foraging habitat Fruiting tree species in rainforest, wet sclerophyll forest, vegetation remnants or isolated trees Occasional

Shelter/roosting/refuge unknown -

Aves Beach Stone-curlew E4A Breeding habitat Marine supralittoral zone, at backs of beaches, or on sandbanks and islands, of varying substrate, among low vegetation of

grass, scattered shrubs or low trees. Also among open mangroves.

No

Foraging habitat Intertidal zone of beaches and estuaries, on flats, banks and spits of sand, mud or gravel; also at edges of or among

mangroves.

No

Shelter/roosting/refuge During day, seen to roost in shade of trees, shrubs, fallen or beachcast timber or at edges of mangrove vegetation; on

beaches, and on islands in or shores of estuaries.

No

Aves Black Bittern V Breeding habitat Vegetation bordering water bodies or watercourses including Mangroves No

Foraging habitat as per breeding habitat No

Shelter/roosting/refuge as per breeding habitat No

Aves Black-necked Stork E1 Breeding habitat Live or dead tree within or near foraging habitat. Usually isolated, live, paddock trees in NSW, but also in paperbarks and

occasionally low shrubs within wetlands.

No

Foraging habitat Shallow open freshwater or saline wetlands and estuarine habitats, including swamps, floodplains, watercourses, wet

heathland, wet meadows, farm dams, saltmarsh, mud- and sand-flats, mangroves.

No

Shelter/roosting/refuge As foraging and breeding habitat combined. No

Aves Glossy Black-Cockatoo V Breeding habitat Tree hollows with minimum diameter > 15cm No

Foraging habitat Allocasuarina or Casuarina Occasional

Shelter/roosting/refuge n/a -

Aves Little Lorikeet V Breeding habitat Hollow-bearing trees Yes

Foraging habitat Tree canopies. Typically nectar and pollen from Eucalyptus but also other tree species such as Angophora and Melaleuca

plus native fruits such as mistletoe

Yes

Shelter/roosting/refuge habitat Tree canopies Yes




Aves Osprey V Breeding habitat Emergent living or dead trees or artificial towers within 3 km of foraging habitat No

Foraging habitat Open protected water No

Shelter/roosting/refuge Structures on shorelines as vantage points for hunting and for resting No

Aves Regent Honeyeater E4A Breeding habitat n/a -

Foraging habitat mainly feeds on nectar from a wide range of eucalypts and mistletoes including swamp mahogany Occasional

Shelter/roosting/refuge habitat n/a -

Aves Sooty Owl V Breeding habitat Hollows >30 cm diameter that are >10 m above the ground in live or dead trees, or in caves No

Foraging habitat rainforest, including dry rainforest, subtropical and warm temperate rainforest, as well as moist eucalypt forests No

Shelter/roosting/refuge Hollows, small trees with dense foliage, damp gullies with tree ferns or vine tangles, or caves or cliffs or bank overhangs No

Aves Varied Sittella V Breeding habitat upright tree fork high in the living tree canopy No

Foraging habitat crevices in rough or decorticating bark, dead branches, standing dead trees and small branches and twigs in the tree

canopy

No

Shelter/roosting/refuge eucalypt forests and woodlands, especially those containing rough-barked species and mature smooth-barked gums with

dead branches

No

Mammalia Brush-tailed Phascogale V Breeding habitat Hollow trees, logs or stumps with entrances > 2.5 cm wide Yes

Foraging habitat trunks and branches of trees in open forest or woodland Yes

Shelter/roosting/refuge habitat as per breeding habitat and in globular nests or possum drays Yes

Mammalia Eastern Bentwing-bat V Breeding habitat caves No

Foraging habitat in forested areas, catching moths and other flying insects above the tree tops Yes

Shelter/roosting/refuge caves; will also use derelict mines, storm-water tunnels, buildings or other man-made structures No

Mammalia Eastern Freetail-bat V Breeding habitat tree hollows Yes

Foraging habitat dry sclerophyll forest, woodland, swamp forests and mangrove forests Yes

Shelter/roosting/refuge habitat in tree hollows but will also roost under bark or in man-made structures Yes




Mammalia Greater Broad-nosed Bat V Breeding habitat Likely to be as per roosting habitat Yes

Foraging habitat Forests woodlands and wetlands Yes

Shelter/roosting/refuge Live or dead hollow-bearing trees, under exfoliating bark, or in buildings Yes

Mammalia Grey-headed Flying-fox V Breeding habitat Canopy trees associated with rainforest, or coastal scrub or riparian or estuarine communities and with sufficient forage

resources available within 40km.

Yes

Foraging habitat Most Yes

Shelter/roosting/refuge habitat Patches of forest with canopy trees within 40 kilometres of forage resource. Yes

Mammalia Koala V Breeding habitat eucalypt woodlands and forests Yes

Foraging habitat Feed on the foliage of more than 70 eucalypt species and 30 non-eucalypt species; in any one area will select preferred

browse species

Yes

Shelter/roosting/refuge habitat n/a Yes

Mammalia Little Bentwing-bat V Breeding habitat Caves No

Foraging habitat Moist eucalypt forest, rainforest or dense coastal banksia scrub Yes

Shelter/roosting/refuge habitat Caves, tunnels or tree hollows No

Mammalia Spotted-tailed Quoll V Breeding habitat Hollow-bearing trees, fallen logs, small caves, rock crevices, boulder piles, rocky-cliff faces or animal burrows No

Foraging habitat range of habitat types, including rainforest, open forest, woodland, coastal heath Yes

Shelter/roosting/refuge habitat as per breeding habitat No



Endangered populations and communities

TSC Act listed endangered populations do not occur in the Park and no species

characteristic of endangered populations have been detected in or near the Park.

Several species characteristic of TSC Act listed endangered ecological communities

(EECs) on floodplain occur in the northern and central parts of the Park. These

species - Forest Red Gum, Broad-leaved Paperbark, Swamp Mahogany and Swamp

Oak – are characteristic of several EECs including ‘Subtropical Coastal Floodplain

Forest of the New South Wales North Coast Bioregion’; ‘Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and

South East Corner Bioregions’; and ‘Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the New South

Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregion’.

Floodplain EECs occur on alluvial soils such as those occurring on the nearby

Bellinger River floodplain, but some of the characteristic species may also extend to

adjoining habitats such as sandplains. These occurrences on habitats other than

floodplains are not regarded as part of the floodplain EECs.

Nineteen of the 117 species listed as characteristic of the TSC Act listed EEC ‘Littoral

Rainforest on the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner

Bioregions’ occur in the Park, reflecting in part the presence of the second largest

stand of littoral rainforest in NSW, which is located to the north of the Park in Bongil

Bongil National Park. Eleven of these species occur in Pink Bloodwood – Coast

Banksia – Forest Red Gum Open Forest of the Park, 10 occur in Coast Banksia – Pink

Bloodwood Woodland, and 6 occur in Lawns, Gardens & Specimen Trees.

As these characteristic species are not part of a closed canopy or are not dominant in

the canopy they do not constitute littoral rainforest, although in the absence of fire it

is possible that they could develop into littoral rainforest at some future time.

Similarly, vegetation in the Park does not meet size or condition thresholds for the EPBC Act listed critically endangered community (CEC) ‘Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia’.

Fauna habitat resources

There are three important nectar-producing tree species in the Park providing

nectar for nectivorous birds and bats (Forest Red Gum, Pink Bloodwood, Coast

Banksia).

Koala feed trees (Forest Red Gum) occur in the Park.

Older eucalypt trees in the Park have hollows suitable for fauna.

There is a variety of tree canopies providing foraging for insectivorous birds and

bats.



There are minor occurrences of rainforest fruits within the Park (Mistletoe, Tuckeroo,

Red Bean, Guioa, Beach Birds-eye, Coast Canthium) that are known to be utilised by

frugivores (fruit eaters) such as fruit pigeons and flying-foxes.

Threatened species habitat

Plant communities in the Park provide habitat elements (foraging, roosting or

breeding) for threatened fauna including Green-thighed Frog, Barred Cuckoo-shrike,

Glossy Black Cockatoo, Little Lorikeet (includes breeding habitat), Regent

Honeyeater, Brush-tailed Phascogale (includes breeding habitat), Eastern bentwing

bat, Eastern Freetail Bat (includes breeding habitat), Greater Broadnosed Bat

(includes breeding habitat), Little Bentwing Bat, Grey-headed Flying-fox, Koala and

Spotted Quoll.

Plant communities in the Park are unlikely to provide habitat for threatened native

plants, with the possible exception of Scented Acronychia Acronychia littoralis.

The likelihood of occurrence of threatened flora species (Tables 1, 2) considered the

detectability of the species, the occurrence and condition of its habitat and whether

or not the species is known to occur in the locality. The presence of habitat elements

in the Park that may be utilised by threatened Fauna recorded in the locality is

summarised in Table 3.



Vegetation management

Laws affecting vegetation management

Clearing of native vegetation in urban areas of NSW is regulated under the

Environment Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) through the use of

development consents and tree preservation orders.

If the clearing affects a matter of national environmental significance, such as a

nationally listed threatened species or a migratory species, the Commonwealth

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) applies.

The EPA Act requires that, where an activity is likely to significantly affect threatened

species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats, or critical habitat, a

species impact statement must be prepared. In deciding whether there is likely to be

a significant effect on threatened species, populations or ecological communities, the

seven-part test of significance must be applied as set out in the EPA Act.

Under the National Parks and Wildlife Act it is an offence to harm any animal or pick

any plant that is a threatened species, or which is part of an endangered population

or an endangered ecological community, or its habitat. Picking includes cutting or

harming any part of the plant.

There are many native species of flora and fauna which, although not threatened,

still have some degree of legal protection under the NPW Act.

Other relevant acts include the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.

Garden waste in the Park

Garden waste is currently disposed of in piles adjoining or within native vegetation.

This is inappropriate because the piles damage native vegetation, spread propagules

of invasive plants into native vegetation, and contribute to fire risk.

To address these issues, woody waste should either be chipped and used as mulch,

or composted together with clippings from the transpiration beds, and garden waste

that contains invasive native vegetation (such as Tradescantia, Fishbone Fern) should

be disposed of in a way that prevents new infestations of these plants.

Weeds in the Park

Significant weed infestations are shown at three locations on Figure 1.



Location A

A stand of Annual Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia (a noxious weed), Castor Oil plant

Ricinus communis and invasive exotic grasses is located on the edge of Pink

Bloodwood – Coast Banksia – Forest Red Gum Open Forest in the vicinity of the

wastewater treatment disposal area (Photo 6).

The rampant growth of these weeds may be a response to elevated levels of nutrients

from the wastewater treatment plant, indicating that this area is functioning as a

transpiration bed.

The appropriate treatment would be to remove the weeds, turf the area, and

maintain as exotic lawn by means of frequent mowing. Clippings would be suitable

for composting with woody garden waste from non-invasive trees and shrubs.

Location B

A stand of garden escapes including Sleeping Hibiscus and Cocos Palm is located

near the formal beach access.

To prevent further expansion of these plants it would be appropriate to control them

and regenerate the area to native vegetation.

Location C

Four species of very invasive weeds - Morning Glory Ipomoea indica, Madiera Vine

Anredera cordifolia, Fishbone Fern Nephrolepis cordifolia and Small-leaf Trad

Tradescantia sp – extend from the Park into adjoining coastal vegetation and, if

uncontrolled, have the potential to overwhelm native vegetation and change it to a

weed thicket.

These weeds are spread primarily by fragments of the parent plant. It would be

appropriate to quarantine the infestation so as to prevent the further spread of these

weeds and bring them under control in conjunction with the adjoining land manager.

Other issues

A number of used utility poles are currently stored at Location C (Photo 6). These

poles have been treated with salts of copper, chromium and arsenic that are toxic to

living things and would be released into the immediate environment as the poles

decay, potentially leading to hazardous levels of these toxic materials in the

environment.

It would be appropriate to remove these poles, or at least store them in such a way as

to minimise contact with the surrounding environment.



Strategic assessment

The following assessment is a summary of the issues to be considered in the

management of vegetation in the Park. It provides the basis for identifying and

prioritising actions required to ensure that native vegetation in the Park is managed

sustainably. The list is derived from this and other studies. The issues are not ranked

and do not indicate priority.

STRENGTHS

Natural beauty of existing mature native vegetation.

Shade, protection and fauna habitat offered by native vegetation.

Existing bushland weed control program.

WEAKNESSES

No planting controls on residents.

Inappropriate disposal of garden waste.

Native understorey vegetation affected by weed invasion, gardening and

mowing.

Weeds on transpiration beds.

Inadequate access controls on residents.

OPPORTUNITIES

Work with adjoining landowners to control weeds.

Upgrade wastewater transpiration beds.

Recycle clippings from transpiration beds by composting with garden waste or

worm farm.

Utilise native plants characteristic of local vegetation communities in

landscaping.

Manage impacts of public access on native vegetation.

Arboricultural intervention to manage impacts of Park operation on trees.

Apply the hierarchy of avoid, minimise and mitigate to impacts on native

vegetation.

THREATS

Piecemeal loss of native vegetation cover.

Undesirable impacts on vegetation from inappropriate use and overuse of

vegetated areas.

Undesirable impacts on native vegetation resulting from capital works and

maintenance.

Weed invasion from and to adjoining property.

Aging and decaying trees.

Trampling of native vegetation.

Mowing of understorey.



Future vegetation management

Best practise and community expectations

The initial stages of best practise management of native vegetation include

Inventory, Data Collection, Mapping, and Status Assessment. In the case of

vegetation that is a threatened species, or which is part of an endangered population

or an endangered ecological community, or habitat for a threatened plant or animal

species, best practise requires that a survey and assessment be undertaken to meet

DECCW guidelines.

These stages have been undertaken for this Vegetation Management Plan.

In the case of individual trees in the Park, best practise management focuses on tree

protection measures as outlined in Australian Standard (AS) 4970.

The ultimate best practise outcome is incorporation into the Regional Vegetation

Management Planning process. Meanwhile, the Community has a role to:

sustainably manage native vegetation on land for which they and individual land

managers are responsible;

coordinate local group development and action on native vegetation

management issues;

encourage local involvement in the management of public land;

communicate to government the native vegetation management issues of their

local area;

communicate to government the solutions to native vegetation management

issues they believe are appropriate to their local area;

participate in local and regional native vegetation management planning and

programs;

raise awareness and improve education regarding native vegetation management

issues; and

form partnerships to increase investment in local native vegetation management

issues.

Local government has a responsibility for the development and implementation of

locally relevant and applicable environmental policies within its jurisdiction in

cooperation with other levels of government and the local community

State Governments have primary responsibility for native vegetation management,

in recognition of the constitutional responsibility of the States for land use decisions

and their ownership of large areas of native vegetation. The management of parks

and protected areas is largely a function of the States.



Action Plan for vegetation in the Park

General:

1. Maximise the lifespan of remnant trees by providing annual arboricultural

inspection, reporting and intervention as required.

2. Incorporate native trees into landscaping areas and identify suitable areas for

planting replacement native trees to develop mixed-age stands of trees.

3. Maintain an up to date plan showing locations of existing trees and critical root

zones.

4. Undertake only routine maintenance activities within the critical root zone of

existing trees. Routine activities include mowing, brush cutting, weed removal,

camping etc, where there is no disturbance to the soil surface.

5. Provide suitable beach access through the frontal dunes to minimise erosion and

damage to Coastal Cypress understorey vegetation.

Bush Regeneration, Weed Control and Landscaping:

6. Continue control of understorey weeds and exotic grass cover, specifically

targeting difficult to control weeds such as Small-leaf Trad, Morning Glory, Glory

Lily and Madeira Vine, to favour natural recruitment of native vegetation in

bushland areas.

7. Use local native plant species which are characteristic of the vegetation

community (listed in Appendix 1) for assisted regeneration and landscaping.

8. Remove non-essential lawn areas and replace with a local native species.

9. Undertake an ongoing program of removing exotics and environmental weeds

from landscaped areas and replacing with native species selected from the

species list in Appendix 1.

10. Minimise incursion of vehicles and pedestrians into areas of native understorey

vegetation.

11. Implement planting controls on residents eg: exotics to be confined to pots.

12. Work with adjoining landowners to control weeds.

13. Avoid damaging basal bark and exposed roots with brush cutters and mowers.

14. Ensure that the impact of tree pruning is appropriately assessed and that pruning

is undertaken by a suitably qualified arborist.

New developments:

15. Mitigate impacts of new developments by means of offsets and appropriate

arboricultural interventions.

16. Where possible, exclude vehicular traffic and impervious paving and reduce

pedestrian traffic within critical root zones of remnant trees.

17. Use local native plant species (Appendix 1) rather than exotics wherever the

native species can perform the required role in the landscape.

18. Ensure ropes for tents and annexes are not secured to established trees.



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Wrigley J & M Fagg 1996. Australian Native Plants – propagation, cultivation and use in

landscaping. Fourth Edition. Reed Melbourne.

http://www.environment.gov.au/land/publications/nvf/framework4a.html

National Framework for the Management and Monitoring of Australia's Native Vegetation

accessed 13/7/11

http://threatenedspecies.environment.nsw.gov.au/index.aspx

DEC NSW Threatened Species accessed 13/7/11.



Appendices



Appendix 1. Recommended native plant species for

landscaping in North Beach Holiday Park

Scientific name life form common name Symbols* comments

Corymbia intermedia large tree pink bloodwood PV

Eucalyptus signata large tree scribbly gum

Acacia disparrima subsp.

disparrima

tree brush ironbark wattle

Allocasuarina littoralis tree black oak HLVY

Araucaria cunninghamii tree hoop pine LPSWZ

Banksia integrifolia subsp.

integrifolia

tree coast banksia (AB)HLQVWY(Z)

Cryptocarya triplinervis rainforest tree three-veined laurel LOW

Elaeocarpus obovatus rainforest tree hard quandong FLPVZ

Euroschinus falcata rainforest tree ribbonwood Z

Syzygium leuhmanii rainforest tree riberry LOPUVYZ edible fruits

Persoonia stradbrokensis small tree geebung

Syzygium oleosum small tree blue lillypilly LOPVZ edible fruits

Acronychia imperforata small rainforest tree logan apple LUWZ

Cupaniopsis anacardiordes small rainforest tree tuckeroo LVWYZ

Cyclophyllum longipetalum small rainforest tree coast canthium FLOVWZ aka Canthium

coprosmoides

Syzygium australe small rainforest tree brush cherry LOPSUVWYZ edible fruits

Breynia oblongifolia medium shrub coffee bush OZ

Leucopogon margarodes medium shrub a beard heath H

Austromyrtus dulcis small shrub midyim CFHLZ edible fruits

Enchylaena tomentosa small shrub ruby saltbush edible fruits

Leucopogon ericoides small shrub pink beard-heath H

Leucopogon leptospermoides small shrub a beard heath H

Hibbertia scandens twiner guinea flower AWZ

Hoya australis subsp. australis twiner native hoya LSWZ

Pandorea pandorana twiner wonga vine FHLPUZ

Isolepis nodosa rush knobby club-rush LW

Lomandra longifolia rush spiny-headed mat

rush

EFGHLZ

Key to Symbols

(after Wrigley & Fagg

1996)

Landscape role

A ground cover in areas without trees or shrubs

B ground cover in areas with occasional trees

C taller ground covers

D small ground covers

E suitable for poor drainage

F suitable for heavy shade

G low maintenance

H frost hardy

I small rockery plant

J spreading rockery plant

K larger rockery plant

L attractive foliage

M die back to bulb or tuber

N alpine

O bird attracting

P feature plant

Q cur flower, foliage or fruit

R aquatic

S indoor /potted



T aquarium

U hedge or screen

V attractive fruits

W salt spray resistant

X attractive bark

Y street trees

Z tropical areas



Appendix 2. Plant species inventory, North Beach

Holiday Park

Scientific name common name status cover/abundance in

community:

1 2 3

Acacia aulacocarpa salwood 1

Acacia sophorae coast wattle 2 2

Acacia sp wattle 1 2

Acmena smithii lilly pilly 1 2

Anredera cordifolia madeira vine 1

Acronychia imperforata beach acronychia 2

Agapanthus sp nile lily exotic 1

Agonis flexuosa peppermint tree introduced native 2

Alectryon coriaceus beach birds-eye 2

Allocasuarina littoralis black oak 2

Alphitonia excelsa red ash 2 1

Ambrosia artemisiifolia annual ragweed Noxious Weed w5 2

Amyemer congener ssp congener mistletoe 1

Anredera cordifolia madeira vine naturalised exotic 1

Araucaria heterophylla norfolk pine planted exotic 2

Archontophoenix cunninghamiana bangalow palm 1

Ardisia crenata coral berry naturalised exotic 1

Arecastrum romazoffianum cocos palm naturalised exotic 2 2

Asparagus aethiopicus asparagus fern naturalised exotic 2

Asparagus plumosus climbing asparagus naturalised exotic 1

Banksia integrifolia var integrifolia coast banksia 4 4 2

Billardiera scandens apple dumplings 1

Breynia onlongifolia dwarves apple 1 2

Callistemon cv various names introduced native 1 2

Callitris rhomboidea port jackson pine introduced native 2

Casuarina glauca swamp oak 2

Cayratia clematidea slender grape 1

Cerastium glomeratum mouse-ear chickweed naturalised exotic 2

Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp rotundata bitou bush Noxious Weed w5 1 3

Cinnamomum camphora camphor laurel Noxious Weed w4 1 1

Citrus x taitensis bush lemon naturalised exotic 1

Commelina cyanea blue commelina 3 2

Corymbia intermedia pink bloodwood 3 2 1

Crinum pedunculatum beach lily 1

Cupaniopsis anacardioides tuckeroo 2 2 2

Cyclophyllum longipetalum 2

Cymbidium suave snake orchid 1

Cyperus albostriatus umbrella sedge naturalised exotic 2

Dianella sp flax lily 2

Digitaria didactyla Queensland blue couch 3

Drypetes australasica yellow tulipwood 1

Dysoxylum mollissimum red bean 1

Entolasia stricta wire grass 2

Erythrina x sykesii coral tree exotic 1

Eucalyptus robusta swamp mahogany 2

Eucalyptus signata scribbly gum 1

Eucalyptus tereticornis forest red gum 2 1

Euphorbia cyathophora painted spurge naturalised exotic 2

Ficus cv various names exotic 1

Ficus microcarpa var hillii hill's weeping fig introduced native 1

Ficus watkinsiana strangler fig 1

Galinsoga parviflora potato weed naturalised exotic 2

Glochidion ferdinandi cheese tree 1



Gloriosa superba glory lily naturalised exotic 1 2

Grevillea cv various names introduced native 1 2

Grevillea robusta silky oak introduced native 2 2

Guioa semiglauca guioa 2

Hibiscus sp sleeping hibiscus exotic 2

Hypochoeris radicata cats ear naturalised exotic 2

Imperata cylindrica blady grass 3

Ipomoea indica morning glory naturalised exotic 2 3

Jagera pseudorhus foam bark 1

Lantana camara lantana Noxious Weed w4 2 3

Leucopogon margarodes sand heath 1

Lomandra longifolia spiny-headed mat-rush 2 2

Lophostemon confertus brush box 2

Melaleuca leucadendra cajeput introduced native 2

Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved paperbark 1

Melinis minutiflora molasses grass naturalised exotic 2

Nephrolepis cordifolia fishbone fern introduced native 2 3

Notothixos subaureus golden mistletoe 1

Ochna serratifolia mickey mouse plant naturalised exotic 1 2

Oplismenus imbecillus basket grass 3

Panicum maximum green panic naturalised exotic 2 2

Persoonia stradbrokensis coast geebung 1 2

Platycerium superbum staghorn fern 1

Poa annua winter poa naturalised exotic 2

Pteridium esculentum bracken fern 2

Rhodomyrtus psidiodes native guava 1

Ricinus communis castor oil plant naturalised exotic 2

Schefflera actinopylla umbrella tree introduced native 1

Sechium edule choko naturalised exotic 1

Senna pendula winter senna naturalised exotic 2 3

Smilax australis prickly smilax 1 2

Solanum mauritianum wild tobacco naturalised exotic 1

Solanum nigrum black nightshade naturalised exotic 2

Solanum seaforthianum climbing nightshade naturalised exotic 1

Stellaria media chickweed naturalised exotic 2

Stephania japonica snake vine 1 1

Syzygium australe brush cherry 2

Syzygium luehmanii riberry 1

Tabernaemontana pandacqui banana bush 1

Tradescantia sp small-leaf trad naturalised exotic 3

Trochocarpa laurina tree heath 1

Wilkiea hugeliana veiny wilkiea 1

Status is native unless otherwise indicated. Note that many of the native trees in the body of the Park (Community 3) have been planted. Cover/abundance scores: 1 = <5% cover, uncommon; 2 = <5% cover, common; 3 = 5-25% cover; 4 = 25-50% cover.



Photographs

Photo 1. Pink Bloodwood – Coast Banksia – Forest Red Gum Open Forest in north of Park showing tree with hollows and large arboreal termite nest with excavated nest hollow (upper right)

Photos 2, 3. Adjoining areas of Pink Bloodwood – Coast Banksia – Forest Red Gum Open Forest before and after bushland weed control



Photo 4 (top). Close-up view of Banksia Woodland with understorey replaced by Small-leaf Trad. Photo 5 (bottom). Banksia Woodland with Small-leaf Trad in foreground, Fishbone fern on dune behind, and Morning Glory starting to climb trees.



Photo 6. Location A showing decaying utility poles in foreground, Castor Oil Plant and Annual Ragweed (dead) behind, open forest at rear.

REFERENCES

Department of Lands, April 1990. Crown Lands Caravan Parks Policy.

Integrated Site Design Pty Ltd, 2006. Options for Management Models for Crown Reserves on the

North Coast of NSW.

New South Wales Government, 1997. NSW Coastal Policy 1997 – A Sustainable Future for the New

South Wales Coast, Department of Urban Affairs and Planning.

NSW Department of Planning 2006. Far North Coast Regional Strategy.

Tourism New South Wales, Travel to Northern Rivers Tourism Profile Year Ending June 2010.

Tourism New South Wales, Travel to New South Wales Tourism Profile Year Ending June 2010.

Tourism New South Wales, August 2009. The Size and Shape of the New South Wales Tourism

Industry.

RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND PUBLICATIONS

Document Name Reference area of applicability or comment

Bellingen 2030 Community

Strategic Plan

Currently under development.

Bellingen Shire Management

Plan 2011-2014

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/9259/File/BSC_Manage

ment_Plan_201011-201314_adopted_230610.pdf

Bellingen Shire Economic Profile

2010

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/13570/File/Bellingen_Shi

re_Economic_Profile_2010.pdf

Bellingen Shire Strategic

Tourism Plan

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/1824/File/Bellingen_Shir

e_Strategic_Tourism_Plan_2007_ADOPTED.pdf

Growth Management Strategy,

GHD, 2007

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/1779/File/GMS_Final_06

0807.pdf

Table 4-3 – Bellingen Population and Dwelling Projections

Figure 3-4 – Population projections by Area

Figure 3-5 – Population projections shire wide

Mid North Coast Regional

Strategy 2006 – 2031 (March

2009)

http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plansforaction/pdf/midnorthc

oast_regionalstrategy_final.pdf

Bellingen Social Plan The expressed vision for the community by the community,

“To remain a small, functioning town and not become just a

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/9259/File/BSC_Management_Plan_201011-201314_adopted_230610.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/9259/File/BSC_Management_Plan_201011-201314_adopted_230610.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/13570/File/Bellingen_Shire_Economic_Profile_2010.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/13570/File/Bellingen_Shire_Economic_Profile_2010.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/1824/File/Bellingen_Shire_Strategic_Tourism_Plan_2007_ADOPTED.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/1824/File/Bellingen_Shire_Strategic_Tourism_Plan_2007_ADOPTED.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/1779/File/GMS_Final_060807.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/1779/File/GMS_Final_060807.pdf

http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plansforaction/pdf/midnorthcoast_regionalstrategy_final.pdf

http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/plansforaction/pdf/midnorthcoast_regionalstrategy_final.pdf


tourist destination.”

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/3833/File/BSC_SOCIAL_P

LAN_2010_-_2015.pdf

LEP 2010, March 2010 http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/epi+4

18+2010+cd+0+N

DCP 2010 Addresses matters such as but not limited to:

Tourist Development

On-site Sewage Management Strategy

Development in Mylestom

Flood and Riverine Processes

Bellingen State of the

Environment Report 2009/2010

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/16294/File/BSC_SoE_200

9-2010.pdf

Estuary Management Plan Bellinger and Kalang Rivers Estuary Management Plan, May 2008

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/2736/File/BSC_Estuary_

Management_Plan_0508.pdf

Bellinger River Health Plan &

Kalang River Health Plan

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/6386/File/Bellinger_Rive

r_Health_Plan.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/9075/File/Kalang_River_

Health_Plan.pdf

Identifies Boating, Tourism and Recreation Use as a priority issue

for attention.

Coastal Erosion and Sea Level

Rise

Council has engaged a consultant to undertake a

Hazard and Processes study to measure the impacts on the

coastal zone. The results of this study will be used to inform the

development of a Coastal Zone Management Plan.

Coastal Mapping for Marine

Protected Areas by the North

Rivers Catchment Management

Authority’s Action Plan.

The Northern Rivers Catchment Action Plan sets a number of

Resource Condition and Catchment Management Targets for the

sustainable use and management of the Region’s biodiversity,

water, coast, marine and soil and land resources, along with

objectives for community NRM capacity and land use planning.

Draft Bellingen Shire Open

Space & Community Facilities

Study 2010

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/3833/File/BSC_SOCIAL_PLAN_2010_-_2015.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/3833/File/BSC_SOCIAL_PLAN_2010_-_2015.pdf

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/epi+418+2010+cd+0+N

http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/maintop/view/inforce/epi+418+2010+cd+0+N

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/16294/File/BSC_SoE_2009-2010.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/16294/File/BSC_SoE_2009-2010.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/2736/File/BSC_Estuary_Management_Plan_0508.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/2736/File/BSC_Estuary_Management_Plan_0508.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/6386/File/Bellinger_River_Health_Plan.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/6386/File/Bellinger_River_Health_Plan.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/9075/File/Kalang_River_Health_Plan.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/9075/File/Kalang_River_Health_Plan.pdf


Flood studies and flood

mapping – Bellinger Keys and

Mylestom

Bellingen Shire Flood Map Grid

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/3354/File/Flood_Map_0

0_Grid.pdf

Mylestom Flood Map 9

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/3363/File/Flood_Map_0

9.pdf

Climate Change Action Plan Currently under development

Bellingen Coastal Vegetation

Mapping Project, July 2006

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/2914/File/Bellingen_Coa

stal_Vegetation_Mapping_Project.pdf

Northern Rivers Regional

Biodiversity Management Plan

References Biolink Ecological Overview

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/public

ations/recovery/pubs/northern-rivers.pdf

Bushfire Risk Management

Plans and Operations Plans

Mylestom Precinct Plan for Bushfire.

Draft Plan of Management –

Bellingen Coast Regional Crown

Reserve and Bellinger Heads

State Park Operational Plan

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/3354/File/Flood_Map_00_Grid.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/3354/File/Flood_Map_00_Grid.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/3363/File/Flood_Map_09.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/3363/File/Flood_Map_09.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/2914/File/Bellingen_Coastal_Vegetation_Mapping_Project.pdf

http://www.bellingen.nsw.gov.au/files/2914/File/Bellingen_Coastal_Vegetation_Mapping_Project.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/pubs/northern-rivers.pdf

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/pubs/northern-rivers.pdf

DRAWINGS

Drawing No NB – 00 Deposited Plan Overlay

Drawing No NB – 01 Existing Layout and Site Analysis

Drawing No NB – 02 Proposed Improvement Plan

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B E A C H P A R A D E

B O

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N I

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A N

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S I T E D E T A I L S

S I T E A R E A 3.50 ha

359Á 58' 00"

152725

354Á 11' 10"

28840

33Á 30' 00"55040

58Á 45' 00"

135410

186Á 55' 40"81535

203Á 52' 30"202850

206Á 52' 00"48050

279Á 50' 10"

7018

5

18Á 46' 20"63370

R66913 FOR PUBLIC

RECREATION & RESTING PLACE

R66913 FOR PUBLIC

RECREATION & RESTING PLACE

L O T 7 0 1 1

D P. 1 0 5 6 1 9 4

SURVEY PLAN

RESERVE R140084

FOR CARAVAN PARK

LOT 7011 IN DP. 1056194

RESERVE R140084

- FOR CARAVAN PARK

DRG TITLE: SURVEY PLAN OVERLAY

JOB NAME: NORTH BEACH HOLIDAY PARK, MYLESTOM

DATE: DECEMBER 2012 A2 SCALE: 1.600

JOB No: 29.31CLIENT: BELLINGER HEADS HOLIDAY PARKS TRUST

NB-00

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14

15

16

CAMPSITE AREA DOES NOT HAVE FORMAL ROAD ACCESS OR SITE DELINEATION.

PLAYGROUND COULD BE IMPROVED AND EXPANDED.

BARBECUE SHELTER - LIMITED SPACE, SHELTER AND FACILITIES.

CABIN STOCK IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND OF RELATIVELY RECENT CONSTRUCTION.EXISTING ROAD, SERVICES AND VEGETATION PROVIDE SCOPE FOR INSTALLATION OFADDITIONAL CABINS.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES ARE OUTSIDE THE RESERVE.

ADJOINING RESERVE IS PART OF THE BELLINGER HEADS STATE PARK

13

12

34

56

78

910

1112

1314

1516

1718

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34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 4243

44

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505152535455

616059585756

626364656667

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B E A C H P A R A D E

B O

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BEACHACCESS

LONG-TERM SITES

SHORT-TERM POWERED SITES

CABINS

HOLIDAY VANS

CAMP SITES

S I T E A L L O C A T I O N

T O T A L S I T E S 1 3 2

32

53

7

28

12


10

11

12

LONG-TERM RESIDENTIAL SITES, CARAVANS AND ANNEXES AND RELOCATABLE HOMESOCCUPY A MAJORITY OF THE EASTERN BOUNDARY OF THE PARK. THERE HAS BEENSOME ESCAPE OF EXOTIC PLANT SPECIES INTO THE DUNAL VEGETATION.

BEACH ACCESS - COULD BE IMPROVED WITH FENCING AND PARK BOUNDARYDEFINITION.

PARK BOUNDARY IS NOT WELL DEFINED.

ACCESS, SITE BOUNDARIES AND STANDARD OF SOME OCCUPANCIES IN THIS AREAREQUIRES CLARIFICATION.

9

5

6

7

OPEN SPACE HAS LIMITED APPEAL AND COULD PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FORGUESTS.

OLDER STYLE AMENITIES ARE IN REASONABLE CONDITION.

STREET FRONTAGE HAS SOME SCREEN PLANTING.

SHORT TERM TOURIST SITES - COULD BE IMPROVED WITH ADDITION OF SOMEEN-SUITE FACILITY UNITS AND BARBECUE SHELTER.

COMMUNAL AMENITIES - RECENT CONSTRUCTION IN GOOD CONDITION.8

4

2

3

SWIMMING POOL - PAVED AREA, SHADE AND LANDSCAPING IS LIMITED AND COULD BEIMPROVED.

RESIDENCE AND OFFICE ARE IN GOOD CONDITION AND ADEQUATE FOR THE SIZE OFTHE PARK.

MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE FACILITIES - AREA OCCUPIED COULD BE REDUCED.

1

L O N G - T E R M L I V I N G P R E C I N C T - 3 0 S I T E SE N T R Y P R E C I N C T C E N T R A L P R E C I N C T - 8 0 S I T E S N O R T H E R N P R E C I N C T - 2 2 S I T E S

AMENITIES

2930 31 32 33

SITE PLAN

POOLDRYING AREA

PLAYGROUND

BBQ

AMENTITIES

OFFICERESIDENCE

& KIOSK

MAINTENANCE& STORAGECOMPOUND

CAMP SITES

BEACH ACCESS

RESERVE

R66913

RESERVE R140084

RESERVE

R66913

RESERVE

R66913

8

7

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B E L L I N G E R H E A D S

S T A T E P A R K


S T A T E P A R K

WASTE WATERTREATMENT

28

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DRG TITLE: EXISTING SITE PLAN & SITE ANALYSIS


DATE: DECEMBER 2012 A2 SCALE: 1.600

JOB No: 29.31 DRG No:CLIENT: BELLINGER HEADS HOLIDAY PARKS TRUST

NB-01

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uf

: (

02)

8338

173

3t

: (

02)

8338

172

2

12

34

56

78

910

1112

1314

1516

1718

1920

21

2223

24

25

26

27

34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 4243

44

45

46

47

48

49

505152535455

6059585756

626364656667

69 70 71 72 73

7475

7677

7879

80

81

82

8384

8586

8788

8990

93

91

92

9594

9796

9998

100

101

102

103104

105106

107108 C210

14

15

16

CONSTRUCT FORMAL ROAD ACCESS TO THE EXISTING APPROVED SITES. PROVIDEWATER AND SULLAGE AND DELINEATE THE SITES.

UPGRADE AND ENLARGE THE EXISTING CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA.

CONSTRUCT A NEW CAMP KITCHEN AND LOUNGE FACILITIES. RELOCATE THEEXISTING SHELTER TO THE CENTRAL PRECINCT.

RE-ALIGN THE ROAD, SITE CONFIGURATION AND BEACH ACCESS PATHWAY ANDINSTALL NEW CABINS THAT WILL EXPAND THE RANGE OF ACCOMMODATIONOFFERED BY THE PARK TO A TOTAL OF 10 CABINS. INCLUDE ENVIRONMENTALLYEFFICIENT DESIGN FEATURES.

ECO-TENTS WILL BE INSTALLED ON SUITABLE SELECTED SITES TO PROVIDE ADIFFERENT ENVIRONMENTALLY FOCUSED HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE.

LAND TO BE ADDED TO RESERVE 140084 FOR MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT OFWASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL

13

B E A C H P A R A D EB

O R

O N

I A

A V

E N

U E

A N

Z A

CA

V E

N U

E

LONG-TERM SITES

SHORT-TERM POWERED SITES

SHORT-TERM EN-SUITE SITES

CABINS

ECO TENTS

T O T A L S I T E S 1 3 1

30

81

6

10

4


10

11

12IMPLEMENT VEGETATION MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANAPPROVED VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN AND IN CONSULTATION WITH THESTATE PARK TRUST. PROGRESSIVELY ELIMINATE EXOTIC PLANT SPECIES FROM THEBOUNDARY AREA. IMPLEMENT A HAZARD REDUCTION STRATEGY.

UPGRADE THE EXISTING BEACH ACCESS WITH IMPROVED PATHWAY AND PARKBOUNDARY DEFINITION.

REVIEW COMPLIANCE IN THIS AREA AND EFFECT CHANGE AS REQUIRED.

PROVIDE PHYSICAL DEFINITION OF THE SOUTHERN BOUNDARY OF THE HOLIDAYPARK.

9

5

6

7

CHANGE ROAD PATTERN AND DEVELOP A NEW SCREENED DRYING AREA.

RELOCATE THE EXISTING BARBECUE FROM THE NORTHERN PRECINCT TO SERVICETHE SOUTHERN END OF THE PARK AND IMPLEMENT A LANDSCAPE PLANTINGPROGRAM TO IMPROVE THE PRESENTATION OF THE COMMUNAL OPEN SPACE.

INSTALL EN-SUITE FACILITY UNITS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OFTHE REGULATIONS.

CONSTRUCT A NEW SECTION OF ROAD TO IMPROVE INTERNAL TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.PROGRESSIVELY CONSOLIDATE HOLIDAY VANS ONTO SITES TO THE SOUTH OF THENEW ROAD.

84

2

3

IMPROVE THE PARK ENTRANCE BY PROVIDING LAY-BYS FOR CHECK-IN ANDCHECK-OUT AND BOOM GATES FOR INCREASED SECURITY. UPGRADE LANDSCAPINGAND SIGNAGE.

EXPAND AND IMPROVE THE SURROUNDS TO THE POOL BY INCREASING THE PAVEDAREA, REPLACING THE PUMP SHED WITH A NEW BUILDING THAT INCORPORATESSOME SHELTER AND BASIC AMENITIES, SHADE SAILS, WATER PLAY FEATURES ANDLANDSCAPING.

CONSOLIDATE PARK MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE FACILITIES & REDUCE THE AREA OFTHE FENCED COMPOUND TO ENABLE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUTT PUTT GOLF COURSE.

1

L O N G - T E R M L I V I N G P R E C I N C T - 3 0 S I T E SE N T R Y P R E C I N C T C E N T R A L P R E C I N C T - 7 8 S I T E S N O R T H E R N P R E C I N C T - 2 3 S I T E S

AMENITIES

2829

30 31 32 33

SITE PLAN

POOL

DRYING AREA

PLAYGROUND

PROPOSEDCOMMUNAL LOUNGE

& CAMP KITCHEN

AMENTITIES

OFFICERESIDENCE

& KIOSK

MAINTENANCE& STORAGECOMPOUND

BEACH ACCESS

BBQSHELTER

UPGRADEPOOL AREA

111

119

109

112

113

114

115

116RESERVE

R66913

RESERVE R140084

RESERVE

R66913

RESERVE

R66913


S T A T E P A R K

3

2

1

45

7

6

9

8

9

1011

12

15

15

14

13


S T A T E P A R K 6

EN-SUITE

EN-SUITE

16

17

C200

117

118

PROPOSEDPUTT-PUTT COURSE

WASTE WATERTREATMENT

C205

C204

C203

C202

C201

C206

C207

BEACH

16

68

15

ACCESS

PART LOT 7004

DP1107437

9633mĮ

17


DRG TITLE: PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT PLAN DATE: DECEMBER 2012 A2 SCALE: 1.800

JOB No: 29.31 DRG No:CLIENT: BELLINGER HEADS HOLIDAY PARKS TRUST

NB-02

61

16110

C209

120

121

16