tea tree lake masterplan

Bridget Nicholson Design

Moyne Shire

Tea Tree Lake Masterplan

Bridget Nicholson Design Level 2/2 Drewery Place Melboume 3000

Tea Tree LakeMasterplan

Contents

Tea Tree Lake Masterplani

Contents2

Introduction3

Analysis4

Initial Community Meeting -27 August 2002 5

Areas where the level of services should be improved 5

Suggestions for capital improvement 5

Initiatives/Opportunities5

Undesirable elements6

Preliminary Concept Plan - Tea Tree Lake Mortlake 7

Projectlist presented at second public meeting for discussion 7

ProjectList7

Notes taken at meeting in response to the above 8

Masterplan9

ProjectList10

Theme12

Schematic Designs12

Budgets and Timelines13

Appendices16

Introduction17

Use of Spring Water for Lake 17

Aquatic Plant Management in the Lake 17

Species List for Littoral Revegetation 19

Island Vegetation20

Species List21

Bridget Nicholson DesignNovember 2002


introduction

Tea Tree Lake is a large public reserve that is the recreational area for the township ofMortlake. It is strategically placed near the main intersection of the town with the

potential for good access to the historic 'Bluestone Precinct' and the main street. The

park is of significant cultural heritage, having been set aside as public land in the late

1800's and has been planned and developed periodically ever since. The Botanic

Gardens on the north western boundary are an example of some of the earliest ruralBotanic Gardens to be set up. A summer house and kiosk built as a bequest by

philanthropist Thomas Montgomery in the 1920's has recently been refurbished and

currently attracts substantial usage as a place for parties. More recently (1988) the

existing 'swamp' was dredged to make the lake with potential to increase recreational

activities. Unfortunately the vegetation and water quality have deteriorated significantlyin the main resulting from a lack of general maintenance. This project is concerned withdeveloping a Masterplan for the area which; places the site contextually within the town

and ensures access and connections are reinforced, identifies activities available withinthe reserve, enables ease of access in and around the site for both cars and

pedestrians, encourages travellers to stop, and is environmentally sensitive and

educational. In order to achieve the above and develop a plan which requires minimal

ongoing maintenance an environmental strategy will be determined and used to direct

the project.

Ascertaining the environmental status of the Lake was seen as crucial to the success ofthe Masterplan for the area. Many of the current problems with the site are the result of

vegetation choking the lake, and the potential for algae and nitrate levels in the water.

Future treatment of the land in the area and any planting will effect the water body.

Water testing was carried out and ascertained that the source watyer fro the lake is not

the same as for the springs. The water in the springs show high levels of nitrates whichcan be toxic and encourage algae growth and generally oor health. The water in thelake itself does not contain high levels of nitrates and although there are some smallareas of algae it is not a significant problem. It is therefore important to ensure that run-

off from the springs is not directed towards the lake as this will undermine the water

quality. Further explanation appears in the appendices.

Bridget Nicholson Design November 2002

Analysis


initial Community Meeting - 27 August 2002

Meeting run by council to discuss the communities concerns and aspirations for theTea Tree Lake Area. Issues raised were recorded as follows and have directed the

masterplan accordingly.

Areas where the level of services should be improved

• Encourage people to park in logical places

• Connections to facilities within town

• Walking tracks need drinking bubblers, seating and lighting

• Rubbish bins not emptied enough and there are no recycling facilities

• Tennis courts not currently usable - fix one for use with lights, use the other for

skate park

• Tennis shed - hangout for watching skaters

• Lack of facilities for youth

• Promenade area as extension to pavilion

• Lighting

Suggestions for capital improvement

• Accessible walking track with seating, lighting and links to town centre

• Deepen water level in the lake

• Extend walking track to link up with Spring and Hospital track then to come pastMrs. Absalomes

• Vandal proof sculpture

• Promenade area near rotunda for performances, functions etc..

• More lighting especially Jamieson Ave. side

• Beach Volleyball court

• More tables, seats and BBQ facilities

• Chainsaw carving of tree trunks

• Croquet lawn

• Driveway off Jamieson Ave. to BBQ area opposite Tea Tree Court, residences lack

of trees in that area.

• Widen footbridge

• Boardwalk or jettynear rotunda for access to water for fishing etc..

• Breeding boxes for birds

Initiatives/Opportunities

• Botantic garden has existing natural amphitheatre that could be reinforced

• High school entrance possible for entertainment

• Recycling and community mulching etc..

• Caravan park- raise profile on site vans

• Schools and other groups, guides, cricket, horses

• Breeding boxes for birds

• Information on birds, plants, signageRridnet Nicholson Declan November 2002


• Community garden competition

• Acknowledgement and indentification of significant trees

• NRE put in 200 trout per year

• Use of waste from treatment plant for watering surrounds (contactSWW)

Undesirable elements

• Lake drying up

• Fish have gone

• Excessive weed growth

• Bad water quality

• Lack of maintenance

• Not visible to passers by

• Pool building presentation

• Toilet block behind bowling club 'a dump' still need toilet facilities in the area or

closer to rotunda

• No playground equipment

• Lack of walking tracks and access for all

• No connection to toilets at Market Square - looses people

• Too many vehicles through priority to be given to pedestrians

• Location of horse facilities

• Trees that require work (unhealthy)

• Vehicle access from Officer Street near school poor

• Foxes

• Existing overflow from iake over ground near end of tennis court large area

becomes unusable

• Island a mess

• Willows on island and on edges need to go

• Type of use in front of pool

• Ability to ties pool with lake (accessdue to road)

• Tennis court shed?

• Overhead power lines

• Lack of biodiversity


Veg

etat

ion

The

char

acte

rof

the

area

isgr

eatly

influ

ence

dby

sign

ifica

ntpl

antin

gsof

esta

blis

hed

exot

ictr

ees.

Str

ong

aven

ues

ofE

lms

and

Oak

sfla

nkth

eex

istin

g

road

thro

ugh

the

park

whi

leth

ere

are

also

anu

mbe

rof

spec

tacu

lar

spec

imen

ssu

chas

the

Oak

adja

cent

toth

eP

avili

on,

the

Hoo

pP

ine

inth

e

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

,an

dth

eP

opla

rsth

atfr

ame

the

brid

ge,

all

ofw

hich

cont

ribut

eto

form

ing

ase

nse

ofth

epi

ctur

esqu

e.T

his

plan

ting

toge

ther

with

y.

the

layo

utof

the

Ros

eG

arde

ngi

vean

indi

catio

nof

the

early

plan

ning

ofth

e

Bot

anic

Gar

dens

,w

hich

wer

ees

tabl

ishe

don

the

site

in18

83.

The

aven

ue

tree

sar

ese

nesc

ent,

and

ther

eis

ane

edto

rem

ove

tree

sth

atpo

sea

risk

of

drop

ping

limbs

orco

llaps

ing

com

plet

ely.

The

tree

sre

flect

the

cultu

ral

hist

ory

ofth

ear

eaan

dev

ery

ende

avor

shou

ldbe

mad

eto

reta

inth

is.

Itis

ther

efor

e

sugg

este

dth

atan

arbo

rist

been

gage

dto

asse

ssth

etr

ees

inpa

rtic

ular

to

repo

rton

the

life

expe

ctan

cyof

each

tree

soth

ata

repl

acem

ent

stra

tegy

may

beap

prop

riate

lyde

term

ined

tom

aint

ain

the

'ave

nue'

effe

ct.

Nat

ive

vege

tatio

nin

the

area

ism

inim

alan

ddo

esno

tim

pose

ast

rong

sens

e

ofch

arac

ter.

The

plac

emen

tof

tree

san

dsh

rubs

isno

tco

here

nt,

for

exam

ple

the

row

ofE

ucal

yptu

son

the

Jam

ieso

nA

venu

eed

gedo

esno

ttie

into

othe

r

plan

ting

orcr

eate

asp

ace

inth

eir

own

right

.S

hrub

sbe

twee

nth

epa

than

d

the

lake

bloc

kvi

ews

and

inpl

aces

have

the

pote

ntia

lto

crea

teda

nger

ous

spac

es.

The

isla

nds

lack

subs

tant

ial

tree

sot

her

than

anu

mbe

rof

will

ows,

whi

chde

trac

tfr

omth

equ

ality

ofth

eis

land

sas

habi

tat.

The

inva

sive

natu

reof

the

Thy

pha

inth

ew

ater

has

also

led

tovi

sual

dete

riora

tion

ofth

ew

ater

body

.

The

reis

the

pote

ntia

lto

form

ana

tive

vege

tatio

nla

yer

that

entw

ines

with

the

exot

icpl

antin

gan

dpr

ovid

esna

tura

lha

bita

tan

dw

ater

man

agem

ent,

whi

lst

visu

ally

plac

ing

the

park

inth

eco

ntex

tof

itsna

tura

len

viro

nmen

t.

Bui

lclin

gs

The

Tho

mas

Mon

tgom

ery

Pav

ilion

isa

grea

tas

set

toth

ear

ea,

havi

ngre

cent

lybe

enre

furb

ishe

dit

pres

ides

over

the

lake

and

has

aw

elco

min

g'ff

ivol

ous'

char

acte

r.It'

slo

catio

nin

such

clos

e

prox

imity

toth

ela

keof

fers

the

oppo

rtun

ityfo

rfu

rthe

rre

crea

tiona

l

--ac

tiviti

esto

happ

enin

this

area

and

prov

ides

afo

cal

poin

tfr

om

else

whe

rein

the

park

,C

urre

ntly

acce

ssbo

thby

foot

and

car

toth

e

Pav

illon

isno

tea

sydu

eto

the

lake

wra

ppin

gar

ound

one

side

and

the

drai

nage

line

onth

eot

her.

The

shed

asso

ciat

edw

ithth

ete

nnis

cour

tis

curr

ently

ina

stat

eof

disr

epai

r.A

sit

iscu

rren

tlylo

cate

drig

htat

the

entr

ance

toth

epa

rk

and

near

the

Pav

ilion

,it

ishi

ghly

visi

ble

and

detr

acts

from

the

aest

hetic

qual

ityof

the

Pav

ilion

.It'

sfu

ture

deve

iopm

ent

and

use

need

sto

beco

nsid

erat

eof

thes

eis

sues

.

The

BB

Qsh

elte

rlo

cate

don

the

open

edge

ofth

ela

keof

fers

open

view

sof

the

lake

.It

iscl

ose

toth

ero

adan

din

apo

sitio

nw

here

cars

ofte

npu

llup

inw

inte

ras

you

can

sit

inth

eca

ran

dlo

okou

t

rss

nthe

lake

.It

does

not

cont

ribut

eto

the

aest

hetic

qual

ityof

the

Ent

ranc

esan

dS

igna

ge

Ent

ranc

esto

Tea

Tre

ela

kear

epo

orly

mar

ked

and

unin

vitin

g.R

atio

nalis

atio

nof

the

entr

ance

san

dcl

early

iden

tifyi

ngth

emru

ithco

nsis

tent

sign

age

will

enco

urag

epe

ople

,w

hoar

ene

wto

the

area

,to

'com

ean

dha

vea

look

'It

is

also

impo

rtan

tw

ithin

the

com

mun

ityth

atth

ear

eais

pres

ente

din

afo

rmth

at

refle

cts

the

valu

esof

the

com

mun

ity.

The

sign

age

shou

ldbe

avi

sual

repr

esen

tatio

nof

thes

eva

lues

and

shou

ldre

info

rce

ath

eme

iden

tifie

dfo

rth

e

Lake

whi

chin

itsel

fis

repr

esen

tativ

eof

the

char

acte

rof

the

tow

nan

dits

'

com

mun

ity.

As

the

lake

area

isno

tvi

sibl

efr

omth

em

ain

high

way

acce

ssto

entr

ance

san

dsi

gnag

epl

ays

anim

port

ant

role

inal

ertin

gpe

ople

toth

isfa

cilit

y

and

enco

urag

ing

peop

leto

turn

off

the

mai

nro

adan

dta

ketim

eou

t.

Proposed theme : 'environmental balance'

Watershed 2000 prepared a document that started the process that has led to thedevelopment of this Masterplan. An excerpt from the doctiment is printed below as a

summary of the aims and intentions of the community;

'The development of the Gardens could emphasize the natural enviroarnentsuch as the rare grasslands flora of the volcanic plains, and have clear linksto local history, culture and industry. Indigenous culture, the bluestoneprecinct and the woo! industry could be connected with the Gardens, thusoffering a more comprehensive opportunity for tourisrrt

This would also tie in well with the regional themes being establishedbetween botanical gardens across the State. Aspects of sustainable urbanlandscapes, resource conservation, environmental sensitivity, methods ofwetland restoration and water quality enhancement could all be emphasisedin the planning and interpretive signage.

The landscape surrottnding Mortlake is visually strong being predominantly flat andstony with barren volcanoes attracting attention along the way. As mentioned in theVoicanoes Discovery Trail brochure;

Volcanoes perform a crucial role in maintaining the earth's environmentalbalance'...

These two statements together give a potential direction for the future development ofTea Tree Lake. The planting, paths, and furnittire should all express these ideas throughtheir design. Interpretive material will follow this theme by providing information on theloca geography, flora and fauna and stories of the evolution of the agricultural industn/in the area.


Preliminary concept Plan - Tea Tree Lake Mortiake

Projectlist presented at second public meeting for discussion

Project List

1. Remove willow trees and clean up islands to be developed as naturalhabitat with indigenous planting.

2. The removal of areas of Thypha, and re-planting with appropriate specie.Control of the Thypha is necessary in order to achieve and maintain an

ecologically sustainable environment. Part of this process will include

grading areas of the bank to ensure that the edges that do not have a

physical boundary are safe.

3. Circuit path to be a feature of the park enabling good access to all points ofinterest within the park and connecting to the main street. Seating and

activities occur along the path.

4. Decking in the form of an 'entertainment area' to be an extension to the

Pavilion, building on this asset. Deck will include seating and interpretive

material relating to the cultural history of the area and the local geography. It

will be one of a series of informative points along the circuit path.

5. Skate Park and Shed to be developed as youth recreation area.

6. BBQ area, remove shrubs and maintain trees in grass with chairs and

tables.

7. Main vehicle access to lead to two car parking areas with good connectionsto the circuit path. New planting treatment and signage to the entrance pointfrom Jamieson Avenue to assist in clearly identifying this point.

8. Main pedestrian entrance with the potential to tie into the main street be the

provision of a footpath in Officer Street that connects to the main road.Entrance to be visually defined and include signage and seating.

9. Potential for the Rose Garden to be further developed as a Heritage

Garden.

10. Potential for Caravan Park entrance to be from Officer Street instead of

through the park. This will be easier to signpost and navigate for people

coming into town. It will also enable the caravan park to be further

developed to address the lake and park without the conflict of traffic. Minor

alterations to the toilet block to improve visual impact. Planting and

circulation spaces within the caravan park to reinforce the overall design ofthe park.

11. Fishing platform and viewing point form resting point along the circuit path.

12. Lookout with good views to the islands offering opportunities for passive

recreation. Includes seating, water bubbler and interpretive information.

13. Minor earthworks to the banks reinforcing the form identified as part of the

theme. Removal of shrubs blocking views from the road. Planting of native

grasses and trees reflecting the original vegetation of the area.

Projectsin which community groups could be involved and greatly enhance the

project.Bridget Nicholson Design November 2002


Notes taken at meeting in response to the above

1. Concept had been discussed previously to develop the island strengthening theTea Tree theme, by planting with approximately 29 species of Tea Tree. This

proposal was looked into and discarded on the basis that most of the Tea Tree

species are dense and shrubby in form, which given the aspect and views to theisland the spectacle of the plants in flower would not be realized and that viewsacross the lake to the other side would be lost.

2. Resultant plan to identify areas and prioritise. The school was keen to be involved inthis projectand investigate environmental educational potential.

3. Circuit path to continue down Officer Street to Southern entrance.

4. No comment

5. Look at car movement in and around this area.

6. No comment

7. No comment

8. No comment

9. This had been trialled for the Baskers Festival and had been successful.

10. Children the most avid fisherman, so location good. Check with requirements by fire

brigade for access for filling truck.

11. Seating important.

12. Potential for native vegetation to work well and contrast with the exotic avenues can

be seen as making reference to Indigenous and European settlement.

A A lot of discussion regarding the state of the existing avenues of exotic trees.

Concern that a number are dangerous and need to be removed. Decision made thatthe avenues are important and need to be retained/ replanted. Strategies to be

determined following report by arborist identifying those that currently pose a risk andthe longevity of others. May be best to remove large section at one time and replant to

avoid destroying the avenue effect.


I

Circuit Path

° Forrns a loop around the lake

° Provides resting spots along the way with interpretive rnaterial and seating

° ConstructÍon to enable access for all

e Provide a vanety of experiences along the way in terrns of how youexperience the water, being close to it, over it, above it etc...

Entertainment Area

o A timber deck area that forms an extension to the Pavilion

o Separated from the pavilion by a wide pathway (apron),avoiding disturbingthe integrity of the existing building

o Scattered with forms that can be used as tables/seats and which form partof the interpretation

o Scaled in size so as not to dominate the lake

Wahing PiaNorm

o Over deep area of the lake

o Views back to the Pavilion and the Mt. Shadweil

o In a passive area away from the 'social' part of the park

o To be designed specifically for fishing with the appropriate furniture

o Potentially more than one leve!

Lookout / Rest Point

« Located along the circuit path a points to be identified as having good views,

interesting plants/animais to watch etc...

o Form an extension to the path for ease of access

o Provide seating with backs and without

o Suggested material timber, so that benches do not retain water

o Potentia\ to incorporate information into the furniture

Signage

o Located at both vehicular and pedestrian entrances

o Contains the name 'Tea Tree Lake' and graphic symbols for the facilities

available such as walking, fishing, BBQs etc...

o Form and materials derived form the theme

o lntent of the form is that it becomes an icon for the lake and 'brands' the

area

o Robust and permanent looking, aims to appear as an object not a sign.

L

Masterplan


Project List

1. Avenues of Elms and Oaks within the Reserve to be inspected by a qualified

arborist. Trees that are dangerous or that may become so in the next 5 years are

to be removed. The assessment needs to be undertaken with a view to the re-

planting of the avenues to achieve a consistent appearance, hence as many trees

as required should be planted at the same time.

2. An overall vegetation plan for the park is based on maintaining the two avenues of

exotic trees and introducing a third leading to the new carpark at the Pavilion. The

area immediately adjacent to the pavilion will be treated as an exotic zone as will

the Rose Garden. The remainder of the Reserve to be re-vegetated over time with

indigenous species, this process will include the progressive removal of Ash trees

along the drainage line. For suggested plant list, see appendices.

3. Skate Park and Youth Shed to be developed in the area of the old tennis court.

4. Control of Thypha in the lake. Mechanical removal of areas of Thypha together

with the re-planting of these areas. To control the Thypha it is necessary to re-

plant as soon as the Thypha is removed to reduce the risk of its return. The areas

that are being treated will need to be carefully maintained for re-growth (monthlyin

spring and summer)for a minimum of two years. Some grading of the bank to

occur as part of this process to achieve a 'safe' edge. The area identified for the

first stage of this program is approximately 100 linm of the bank from the Pavilion

to the bridge and then along the bank parallel to Jamieson Avenue. For details on

the process see appendices.

5. Re-vegetation of islands. Works to include the removal of willow trees and re-

planting with indigenous plants;

• Eucalyptus camaldulensis - River Red Gum

• Eucalyptus ovata - Swamp Gum

• Hymenanthera dentata - Tree Violet

• Leptospermum lanigerum - Wooly Tea-tree

• Melaleuca ericifolia ( Swamp Paper-bark

• Carex appressa - Tall Sedge

• Poa labillardieri - Common Tussock Grass

• Kennedia prostrata - Running Postman

it is intended that the planting on the islands will reinstate the open landscape

character currently found in parts of the Reserve. Being able to see across the

lake to the other side enhances the spatial quality of the Reserve.

6. Boardwalk connecting the Thomas Montgomery Pavilion and the fishing platform.

The boardwalk interacts with the edge of the lake to provide enable a range of

experiences with the water around the edge of the lake. The boardwalk is part of

the circuit path around the lake that provides easy access for all visitors.

7. The circuit path is the formalisation of part of an existing track. The path will be

asphalt to enable all weather access and connects the Reserve back to the town,

through the addition of a footpath in Officer Street. It connects activities within the

Reserve and provides a continuous route 'circuit' for walkers.



8. Extension to the Thomas Montgomery Pavilion. A deck area on the edge of thelake adjacentto the Pavilion. This will become the first point of call for new visitors

and will also add to the existing amenity of the Pavilion. The deck area will includebench seating, tables, and interpretive material relating to the history of the area

and local flora and fauna, as part of the deck. This material will be further

enhanced by material at the lookout point, and potentially also incorporated into

the boardwalk (refersketches).A car park will be located adjacentto this area

which may also act as a drop off point for groups arriving by bus.

9. Open grassy area adjacentto the BBQ to have shrubs removed providing open

space suitable for large tents to be erected eg. For Baskers Festival)also suitablefor picnicing and football/cricket etc..

10. Asphalt carparks at the Pavilion and adjacentto the existing BBQ. The carpark

adjacentto the BBQ also allows for views of the lake from within the cars for

inclement weather.

11. Develop Tea Tree Lake Caravan Park to reinforce the theme of 'Tea Tree'. The

current layout of the bays and the amenity building to be upgraded. Bays to be

created by the planting of hedges of different species of Tea Tree and the amenitybuilding may be rendered and painted with a pattern derived from the Tea tree

form. To minimise vehicle traffic within the Reserve the main entrance to the

caravan park is moved to the western side adjacent to the amenity block withaccess from Officer Street. This access point will also make signage at the

roundabout easier to locate and clearer to comprehend.

12. A fishing platform to be located at an existing deep edge of the lake. There are

good views from this point back towards the Pavilion and Mt. Shadwell.

13. Provision of seating, a water bubbler, and interpretive material at a 'Lookout Point'

will provide a resting, contemplative place for visitors and walkers. Locating thisfacility on the knoll on the southern side of the lake enables good views to theislands and is separated from the more active recreational facilities associated

with the northern side of the lake.

14. Low usage track. Restrict vehicle access to this part of the track to emergencyvehicles. This part of the Reserve is designated as passive recreation. Access to

the school for bikes and walking is to be encouraged while vehicles use the front

entrance on boundary Road.

15. Potential for this area to be developed an ecological research area by the schoolsor community groups. This may take the form of planting plots collection of

mulching material or in the future a glass house and laboratory.

16. Signage needs to be clear and inviting. Its form and placement can be used to

reinforce the character of the Reserve and the stories that may be told in theinterpretation. A sign as a sculptural form should be developed for use at the mainentrances. This sign will act as a branding tool for the Reserve and may be usedin tourist information brochures, maps etc..

17. Removable bollards allow for bikes and pedestrians to continue to use existing

road but enable access for emergency vehicles only. of



Theme

The local natural enviroarnent - its flora, fauna and geology in particular the Volcanic

Plains and Woo//yTea Tree.

The desire to adopt environmental sensitivity and develop a sustainable park has been

expressed, one means of applying this is to endeavour to re-use any material that

needs to be taken out(controlled)such as the Thypha and some old trees. Uses for

these materials shall be investigated and ways of putting them back into the park or

using them as a celebration of the park shall be undertaken. In this way, the expression

of the theme will be an ongoing celebration and acknowledgement of the importance of

this piece of land to the community.

Schematic Designs

See following sketches


I/

/a.

':

ÛJ

2

Sch

emat

icS

kate

Par

kY

outh

She

dan

dC

arpa

rkM

i:03

9863

4132

Far

6396

3933

99ibM

@oo

4xo

--

--

--

---

--

Sca

le1:

250

o

IMw

Brid

gel

Nic

hols

onD

esig

n

soit.

o.am

anai

-B

oard

wal

kLa

el2/

2D

rew

ely

Pla

ce.

Mei

teum

eV

Ic.

3000

P?i

:033

6614

132

focD

3963

9339

0E

mai

l:tzd

@ce

ta4.

ret:w

iS

cale

1:25

0

Fis

hing

Pla

tforr

n&

Look

out

Poi

nt

Lava

l7,

/2D

rew

ely

Rac

e.M

obou

meM

t.300

0P

h03

0663

4132

Fac

03¾

3933

90Brd

i:od@

octa

4.ne

tS

cale

1:25

0

5

oDu

ct/

/ no

dsaw

ovbd

\wds

ek

Brid

get

Nic

hols

onD

esig

n.

.---

Fur

nitu

re&

Inte

rpre

tatio

n

L-I

7/2

Om

myFis

ca,

Mag

oum

eV

ic.

3000

Ph:

(GS

6634

132

Fat

0398

3933

96E

rrA

I:tod

oda4

.rm

tau

--

----

¯-

----

----

¯-

¯-

¯

Sca

le1:

SO

.1:

20

Budgets and Timelines

Tea

Tre

eLa

keM

aste

rp\a

n

Oos

tE

stim

ates

and

Pre

ferr

edT

imin

g

Item

Des

crip

tion

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Cos

t

1T

ree

asse

ssm

ent

$5,0

00

1aS

emi-a

dvan

ced

tree

plan

ting

to$5

00/tr

ee

aven

ues

2R

e-ve

geta

tion

wor

ksto

gene

ral

$50,

000

area

3S

kate

Par

k&

You

thS

hed

$60,

000

4T

ypha

cont

rol

-m

echa

nica

l$4

0/m

2

rem

oval

and

re-p

lant

ing

(app

rox.

250/

m2)

5R

emov

alof

will

ows

and

re-

$25,

000

vege

tatio

nof

isla

nd

6B

oard

wal

kfr

omP

avili

onto

$100

,000

Fis

hing

plat

form

7C

ircui

tpa

th$6

5,00

0

8E

xten

sion

toP

avili

on$3

5,00

0

9C

lean

-up

togr

assy

area

N/a

10A

spha

ltca

rpar

ks

1.P

avili

on,

incl

udin

gdr

aina

ge$5

0,00

0

2.B

BQ

shel

ter

$10,

000

11C

arav

anP

ark

re-f

urbi

shm

ent

$50,

000

12F

ishi

ngP

latfo

rm_

_

$25,

000

13Lo

okou

tP

oint

$8,0

00

15E

colo

gica

lR

esea

rch

N/A

16S

igna

ge3N

o_

$12,

000

17R

emov

able

bolla

rds

$3,0

00

Not

e:T

heab

ove

cost

sar

ees

timat

edon

sche

mat

icde

sign

san

dbr

oad

squa

rem

eter

rate

sto

give

ball

park

info

rmat

ion

only

.F

urth

erco

stin

g

will

need

tobe

unde

rtak

enat

the

time

ofde

sign

deve

lopm

ent.

Brid

get

Nic

hols

onD

esig

nN

ovem

ber

2002

Introduction

, coto o, ext ........ o

Bridget Nicholson Design has been commissioned to develop a Master Plan for Tea

Tree Lake Reserve. As part of this commission Ecological Engineering has been

commissioned to assist with issues regarding Water Quality and Aquatic Plant

Management. Ecological Engineering has also been asked to provide a plant list for

revegetation of the islands in Tea Tree Lake.

Use of Spring Water for Lake

A suggestion had been made that the old water supply spring could be used as a water

source for Tea Tree Lake. The spring and the lake are close together and both

supplied by groundwater (personalcommunication - Council/Neil Povey Pty Ltd).

Nitrate nitrogen concentration in the spring water is very high (> 10 mg/L). High

concentrations for nitrate can result in nuisance algal and aquatic microphyte growth.

The take does not suffer from such conditions. Samples from the lake indicate nitrate

concentrations in the lake are at moderate levels (0.1-1.1 mg/L). These results suggest

the groundwater sources for the spring and lake may be different. As a result it is

recommended that the spring water should not be directed into the lake.

Aquatic Plant Management in the Lake

The littoral zone of the lake is currently colonised by extensive stands of Narrow-leaf

Cumbungi (Typhadomingensis). This is a vigourous, highly competitive plant,

particularly when introduced into the un-vegetated littoral zone of water bodies. This

plant has progressively colonised the littoral zone since construction of the lake.

Cumbungi is an early colonising plant of the littoral zone of water bodies. It has very

small wind blown seeds. It needs full sun and shallow water or moist sediments to

germinate and establish successfully. Once established it spreads vegetatively via an

extensive rhizome (undergroundstem)system. While it enters water bodies through

the shallow littoral zone, once established the plant tends to grow in the permanent

water zone to a depth of about 0.6 - 0.8 m. Cumbungi is a tall plant (upto 2.5m)and

once established will out compete most other emergent aquatic macrophytes.

The main strategy for controlling Cumbungi is to completely vegetate the littoral zone

with desirable species and cut off its entry path into the water body. The most

vulnerable life stage for Cumbungi is the germination stage. The small wind blown

seeds are not very competitive at establishíng in areas that are already occupied by

other vegetation. Even low growing plants that could never compete with the vegetative

spread of an established Cumbungi stand are quite effective at preventing its

successful establishment via seed germination.

Because the lake is extensively colonised by Cumbungi the management strategy for

Tea Tree Lake is to firstly control or removal the existing stands and secondly create the

conditions to prevent its re-entry. There are a number of control measures for

Cumbungi:1. Mechanical removal such as dredging

2. Repeated cutting below the water line to flood the rhizomes

3. Application of herbicides

As already mentioned the most effective method of preventing the establishment of

Cumbungi is to use desirable littoral zone vegetation to prevent germination the

successful germination and establishment of Cumbungi seedlings.

26/11/02 17

final report


The suggested strategy for managing Cumbungi in Tea Tree Lake is as follows:

1. Because of the difficulty of maintaining the littoral zone of the islands it is

suggested that control of Cumbungi in this zone is initially a low priority. For the

time being just leave the littoral zone of the islands as they are.

2. Mechanically remove Cumbungi from the peripheral edge of the lake with an

excavator or backhoe. This exercise can be undertaken in stages to suit

budgets and work programs, etc. Mechanical removal may result in the needfor some re-profiling of the littoral zone batters to re-establish safe batter slopes(1:5)of at least 3m wide. The current batters are not particularly good from a

public safety perspective and should be modified.3. It is also likely that mechanical control will not remove all the Cumbungi. Some

rhizome will almost certainly remain in the sediments and will start to regrow. A

second stage of control will be necessary. Once the majorityof the Cumbungi

has been removed, the secondary control can be either cutting below the water

line or brush application of herbicide.

4. The control area needs to be revegetated relatively soon after the mechanical

removal of Cumbungi occurs. A species list and planting densities is included

below (Table1). It is desirable for the revegetation to occur in late spring so the

planting have a full growing season to establish. It is likely that control ofCumbungi regrowth will be required during this time. For successful

revegetation it is crucial that Cumbungi regrowth from any remaining rhizomesis completely controlled. If Cumbungi regrowth from rhizomes is not controlled

and ultimately eradicated the emerging stand will eventually out compete the

revegetation. The revegetation will only protect against Cumbungi

establishment via seed germination, not via regrowth from rhizomes.5. Regrowth will need to be regularly maintained (monthlyin spring and summer)

for two or three growing seasons to ensure the complete eradication ofCumbungi rhizomes. The revegetation will also require a similar time to

establish sufficiently to protect against Cumbungi seed germination.

final report 26/11/02

Species List for Littoral Revegetation

The littoral zone is separated into shallow littoral (0-200mm deep)and deep littoral

(200-400 mm deep). This ensures the most competitive plants are located in their

preferred depth range. A short and a tall community is provided for the shallow littoral

zone to provide some variation around the lake edge. It is suggested that the short

shallow littoral community only be used only where necessary for landscape purposes.

The tall shallow littoral community is likely to be more robust and persistent. The short

shallow marsh community is likely to be at risk of excessive predation from aquatic

birds. The deep littoral community is expected to be robust and persistent. The

shallow littoral community will protect the deep littoral community from invasion by

Cumbungi. The short shallow littoral community will be at more risk of colonisation by

Cumbungi than the tall shallow community. This is another reason to restrict its

application only to areas where landscape design requirements demand its use.

final report26/11/02 19


Table 1. Species list for littoral zone

Species Planting Density

Shallow Littoral (shortcommunity) Total 16/m2

Carex breviculmis (short-stemsedge) 3/m2

Crassula helmsii (Crassula) 1/m2

Cyperus gymnoclaulos (SpringFlat-sedge) 2/m2

Eleocharis acuta (SlenderSpike-rush) 3/m2

Goodenia humilis (SwampGoodenia) 1/m2

Isolepis inundata (SwampClub-rush) 2/m2

Marselia drummondii (Common Nardoo) 2/m2

Schoenus apogon (CommonBog-rush) 2/m2

Shallow Littoral (tallcommunity) Total 8/m2

Carex appressa (TallSedge) 4/m2

Carex fascicularis (TasselSedge) 4/m2

Deep Littoral Zone Total 8/m2

Baumea tetragonia (SquareTwig-rush) 2/m2

Bolboschoenus medianus (MarshClub-rush) 2/m2

Cyperus lucidus (LeafyFlat-sedge) 2/m2

Schoenoplectus pungens (SharpClub-rush) 2/m2

Island Vegetation

The island vegetation is suggested is a blend of open woodland and riparian woodland

for the area. Once established it should be very low maintenance. It wíll requíre regular

maintenance while it establishes. Many species could be used. Those suggested are

known to be available, local to the area, and reasonably easily established. Table 2

show the species suggested.

Table 2. Species list for Islands

Species Planting Density

Overstorey Totaf O/m2

Eucalyptus camaldulensis (RiverRed Gum)_ 1/10 m2

Eucalyptus ovata (SwampGum)- lake edge 1/10 m2

UnderstoreyHymenanthera dentata (TreeViolet)- lake edge 1/10 m2

Leptospermum lanigerum (WoollyTea-tree) 1/10 m2

Melaleuca ericifolia (SwampPaper-bark)- lake edge 1/10 m2

Groundcover

Carex appressa (TallSedge) 3/m2

Poa labillardieri (CommonTussock Grass) 3/m2

Kennedia prostrata (RunningPostman) 1/m2

final report26/11/02

Species List

Compiled by Tania Rogers from the CMA for the Central and Lower Hopkins CatchmentAreas

Botanical name Common name FamilyAcacia longifolia Sallow Wattle MimosaceaeAcacia mearnsii Black Wattle MimosaceaeAcacia melanoxylon Blackwood MimosaceaeAcacia implexa Lightwood Mimosaceae

Acacia paradoxa Hedge Wattle MimosaceaeAcacia pycnantha Golden Wattle MimosaceaeAcacia retinoides Wirilda MimosaceaeAcacia stricta Hop Wattle MimosaceaeAcacia verticillata PricklyMoses Mimosaceae

Allocasuarina muelleriana Slaty Sheoak CasurinaceaeAllocasuarina paludosa Scrub Sheoak CasurinaceaeAllocasuarina verticillata DroopingSheoak CasuarinaceaeBanksia marginata Silver Banksia Proteaceae

Bursaria spinosa Sweet Bursaria PittosporaceaeDodonea viscosa Hop Bush DodonaceaeEucalyptus aromaphloia Scent Bark MyrtaceaeEucalyptus camaldulensis River Red Gum MyrtaceaeEucalyptusobliqua Messmate Stringybark MyrtaceaeEucalyptusovata Swamp Gum MyrtaceaeEucalyptus viminalis Manna Gum MyrtaceaeHelichrysum dendroideum Helichrysum Asteraceae

Hymenantheradentata Tree Violet ViolaceaeIndigofera australis Austral Indigo FabaceaeLeptospermum continentale Prickly Tea Tree MyrtaceaeLeptospermum lanigerum Wooly Tea Tree MyrtaceaeMelaleuca decussata Totem Poles MyrtaceaeMelaleuca ericifolia SwampPaperbark MyrtaceaeMelaleuca squarossa Scented Paperbark MyrtaceaeMyoporumviscosum Boobialla Myoporaceae

Groundcover speciesArthropodium strictum Chocolate Lilly LiliaceaeBulbine bulbosa Bulbine Lilly LiliaceaeBurchardia umbellata Milkmaids LiliaceaeCalocephalus citreus Lemon Beauty-Heads Asteraceae

Chrysophyllumapiculatum Common Everlasting SapotaceaeCraspedia glauca Common Billy-Buttons AsteraceaeDanthonia spp. Wallaby Grass PoaceaeDianella revoluta Black-Anther Flax Lilly LiliaceaeDichondra repens Kidney Weed ConvolvulaceaeKennedia prostrata RunningPostman FabaceaePimelea spp. Rice Flower ThymelaeaceaePoa labillardieri Tussock Grass PoaceaePoa sieberiana Tussock Grass PoaceaeRestio tetraphyllus Tasse! Cord Rush RestionaceaeSchoenus spogon Common Bog Rush CyperaceaeStipa spp. Spear Grass PoaceaeThemeda triandra Kangaroo Grass PoaceaeGahnia spp. Saw Sedge Cyperaceae

Projects

1.A

venuesof

Elm

sand

Oaks

within

theR

eservelo

beinspected

bya

qualifiedarborist.

Trees

thatare

dangerousor

thatm

aybecom

eso

inthe

next5

yearsare

Therrie

tobe

removed.

'llieassessm

entneeds

tobe

undertakenw

itha

viewto

there,

Lagendplanting

ofthe

avenuesto

achievea

consistentappearance,

henceas

rnanyT

helocal

naturalenv"G

ornatirits

llora,fauna

.indgeokm

yan

particularthe

Voteart

Exitung

exalteA

venueitees

treesas

requiredshould

beplanted

atthe

same

time.

Plains

andW

oollyT

eairon

2.A

noverall

vegetationplan

forthe

parkis

basedon

maintaining

thetw

oavenues

QU

V\C

ofexotic

treesand

introducinga

thirdleading

tothe

newcarpark

atthe

Pavilion-

/'s

.

loslingtoes

vanousspe·cu

Tne

areaim

mediately

adjacentlo

thepavilion

will

betreated

asan

exoticzone

asT

nedesire

10adopi

envilunmenm

isenssilysiy

laan,i.ap

asustainable

parkii

will

theR

oseG

arden.T

herem

ainderof

theR

eserieto

bere-vegetated

overtim

ebeen

expressed.olie

rueansal

applyingthis

isto

endeavourto

re-useany

inaw

ilhindigenous

species,this

processw

ditinclude

theprogressive

removal

ofA

shnat

needsto

belake,

ouquontrolled)sue.h

asIhe

ihypp:1aiad

some

oldlleos

Use

Puprod

ticosexolic

treesalong

thedrainage

line.F

orsuggested

plantlist,

seeappendices.

thesem

alenalssh:sit

beinvesligated

antiw

aysof

puttinginom

backinto

ihep

3.S

kateP

arkand

Youth

Shed

tobe

developedin

thearea

ofthe

cidtennis

court.O

rusing

thenias

acelebr

itionof

Illepark

shallbe

uudenden.In

Ulis

way.

giexpression

ofthe

Ibernew

illbe

:inogoulg

celebration;uidacknow

ledgemeni

ofP

ic4.

Control

ofR

iyphain

thelake.

Me:hânical

removal

ofareas

ofT

hyphatogether

mportance

ofthi:4

precea

kindto•he

carinionity(N

ogxnux!tityrs

indigenous

with

there-planting

ofthese

areas.T

ocontro]

theT

nyphait

isnecessary

tore-

plantas

soonas

theT

hyphais

removed

toreduce

therisk

ofits

retum.

Die

areas

thatare

beingtreated

will

needto

becarefully

maintained

forre-grow

th(m

onthlyH

NII

Boardw

alkin

springand

summ

er)for

am

inimum

oftw

oyears.

Som

egrading

ofthe

bankto

occuras

partof

thisprocess

toachieve

a'safe'

edge.T

hearea

identifiedfor

the

firstslage

ofthis

programis

appro>dm

ately100

linmof

thebank

fromthe

Pavilion

Cucuit

Path

tothe

bridgeand

thenalong

thebanl<

paralFel

toJam

iesonA

venue.F

ordelai

son

|

S.

evd

Vrks

toinclude

therem

ovalof

willow

treesand

re-ypigog

•E

ucalyptuscam

aldu]ensis-

River

Red

Gum

-E

uca'yptusovata

-S

wam

pG

umt

nuances•

Hym

enantheradentata

-T

reeV

iolet•

Leptospermum

lanigerum-

Wooly

Tea-tree

•M

elaieucaericifolia

(S

wam

pP

aoer-barkT

hypha•C

arexappressa-TallS

edge•

Poa

labillardieri-C

omm

onT

ussockG

rass•

Kennedia

prostrata-

Running

Postm

an

itis

intendedthat

theplanting

onthe

islandsw

tlreinstate

theopen

landscape

charactercurrently

foundin

padsof

theR

eseve.B

eingable

tosee

acrossthe

laketo

theother

sideenhances

thespalia1

qualityof

theR

eserve.

6.B

oardwalk

connectingthe

Dam

asM

ontgomety

Pavilion

andthe

fishingplatform

.T

neboardw

alkinteracts

with

theedge

ofthe

laketo

provideenable

arange

of.

experiencesw

iththe

water

aroundthe

edgeof

thetake.

The

boardwalk

ispart

of

thecircuit

patharound

thelake

thatprovides

easyaccess

forall

visitors.

7.T

hecircuit

painis

theform

alisationof

partof

anexisting

track.T

hepath

win

be-

asphaltto

erele

alw

eatheraccess

andconnects

theR

eserveback

tothe

town,

throughthe

additionof

afootpath

inO

fficerS

treet.lt

connectsactivities

within

the

Resente

andprovides

acontinuous

route'circuit'

forw

alkers.

8.E

xtensionto

theT

homas

Monigm

elyP

avilion.A

deckarea

onthe

edge01

the

lakeadiacent

tothe

Pavillon.

This

will

become

thefirst

pointof

callfor

newvisitors

andw

illalso

addto

theexisting

amently

ofthe

Pavilion.

The

deckarea

will

include

benchseating,

tables,and

interpretivem

aterialre

atingto

thehistory

ofthe

area73

andlocal

floraand

fauna,as

partof

thedeck.

Ulis

meterial

will

befurther

enhancedby

malerial

atthe

lookoutpoint,

andpolentially

alsoincorporated

into

theboardw

alk(refer

sketches).A

carpark

will

belocated

adjacentto

thisarea

which

may

alsoact

asa

dropoft

pointfor

groupsarriving

bybus.

9.O

pengrassy

areaad

acentto

theB

BO

tohave

shrubsrem

ovedproviding

open.

spacesuilade

forlarge

lentsto

beerected

eg.F

orB

askersF

estival)also

suitable

fo:picnicing

andfootball/cricket

etc.

10.A

sphaltcarpad<

sat

theP

avilionand

adiacentto

theexisting

BB

O.

The

carparkI

adiacentto

theß

BO

alsoallow

sfor

views

ofthe

lakefrom

within

thecars

for.

Inclement

v,seather,

I1.D

evelopT

eaT

reeLake

Caravan

Park

toreinforce

theE

heme

ol'T

eaT

ree'.T

he

curren1layou1

ofhe

baysand

ineam

enitybuilding

tobe

upgraded.B

aysto

be

createdby

theplanting

oihedges

ofdifferent

speciesof

Tea

Tree

andthe

amenity

buildingm

aybe

renderedand

paintedw

itha

panemde

ivedfrom

lhe

Tea

treeform

.T

om

inimise

vehicletraffic

within

theR

eservethe

noo

entranceto

.

thecaravan

parkis

moved

tothe

wes:orn

sideadiacent

tothe

amenity

bicokv.0.h

accessfrom

Officer

Street.

This

accesspoint

will

alsom

akesignage

atthe

,

roundabou:easier

lolocate

andclearer

tocom

prehend.

12.A

fishingplatform

tobe

localedal

anexisting

deepedge

ofthe

teke.T

hereare

goodview

sfrom

thispoint

ta

:ktow

ardsthe

Pavilion

andM

t.S

hadwell.

13.P

rovisionof

seating,a

water

bubbler,and

interprelivem

aterialat

a'Lookoul

Point'

will

providea

resting,contem

plativeplace

forvisilors

andw

alkers.Locating

--A

thisfaci'ity

onthe

knollon

thesouthern

sideof

thelake

enab[esgood

views

tothe

islandsand

isseparated

fromthe

more

activerecreational

facilitiesassociated

with

trenoitnem

sideof

thelake.

_¯

14.Low

usagetrack.

Resifict

vehicleaccess

tothis

partof

thetrack

toem

ergencyvehicles.

1Ws

partof

theR

eserveis

designatedas

passiverecto.ilion

Access

to

lheschool

foroikes

andw

alkingis

tobe

encouragedw

hilevehi

suse

the'ront

entranceon

boundaryR

oad.

lä.P

alernialfor

thisarea

tobe

developedan

ecologicalresearch

areaby

,he

schoolsor

comm

unitygroups.

This

ruaytake

theform

ofplanling

plotscolleclion

ofm

ulchingm

aterialor

inthe

futurea

gissehouse

andaboratoly.

'6.S

ignageneeds

iobe

cJearand

inding.Its

ormand

placement

canbe

usedto

a1

geMort

ia

ke-

Ma

sterpla

nse

oooo

renforcethe

characterat

theR

esexeand

thestories

hatm

aybe

io|din

the

ropreta:!on.

As

aas

asculptural

formshould

bedeveloped

foruse

atthe

nn

en::ances.ll

ssign

will

actas

abrand

ogtool

forthe

Reserve

andm

aybe

uedintouristinform

ahanD

rochures.mapsetc..

17.R

emovable

bollardsallow

forbikes

andpedesiriens

tocoruinue

touse

existing

Br

dgetN

icholsonD

esign

'cadbut

enableaccess

íorem

ergencyvehicles

onlY

Level2/2

Drew

eerP

iace

Melbourne

3000P

h039863A132

Fu0398393330

[email protected]

Budget

Nicholson

Design

Prelim

inaryC

onceptP

lan-

Tea

Tree

LakeM

ortlakeLada

ehdtMra,U

stDeskp,kddlachya

lati2f2Drew

ayPlace,M

albeixneWe.3000

Ph:D

MS

634132 Asei3953933|OE

rmitbrá

c:IV.¾

N.T

.S

tea tree lake masterplan

Documents