Bendigo Creek Linear Recreation Trail - Reimagining the Creek as the Primary Public Space Spine

BENDIGO CREEK LINEAR RECREATION TRAIL RE-IMAGINING THE CREEK AS THE PRIMARY PUBLIC SPACE SPINE FOR GOLDEN SQUARE MATILDA CHANEY

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SITE CONDITION 1

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1. Naturalisation of Sections

2. Low-Line Network

3. Linear Park

4. Orientation of Built Form

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SITE CONDITION 3

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of channel to be naturalised

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PROPOSAL DESCRIPTION Bendigo Creek is one of Golden Square’s greatest recreational assets. The cycling and walking trail along the creek forms a vital tourism connector that links the City of Bendigo to the smaller surrounding areas. In spite of this, along some stretches, the 3 kilometre long creek primary function is as a stormwater receiving drain. The community have called for restoration, regeneration and improvements to the creek to reinstate it as the primary public space spine of the precinct.

This project provides a framework for managing change and influencing decision-making across the creek corridor by proposing recommendations, ideas, and options for the enhancement of the creek. It identifies design and ecological strategies with outcomes directed to four key objectives.

The objectives of this proposal are: 1.

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Naturalise sections of Bendigo Creek to improve environmental outcomes.

Implement a ‘low-line’ network involving continuous shared paths in the form of sunken lanes and boardwalks.

Create the impression of a green line through the implementation of linear parks along the corridor.

Orientate all built form towards the creek to encourage activation of the corridor.

1. Naturalisation of Sections

2. Low-Line Network

Bendigo Creek has several functions: as the region’s major urban stormwater drainage channel, the site of several groundwater management issues, and as the city’s primary public space spine.

The City of Greater Bendigo (CoGB) is undertaking a study investigating the feasibility of developing a 4.5km shared, off-road, walking and cycling trail in the Bendigo Creek reserve between Maple Street and Lake Weeroona.¹ This proposal acknowledges that this concept was initiated by the Council, and has conducted research to determine how this would be situated within the existing landscape.

The creek has taken many built forms since gold was first discovered in 1850 and currently exists as a concrete-lined channel.²

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In order to connect the smaller surrounding cities to Bendigo, this proposal stipulates that instead of the CoGB’s proposed 4.5km shared path, the path should be 7km long, starting in Kangaroo Flat and ending at Lake Weeroona.

Whilst this would incur a larger cost to the Council and require staged implementation over a period of 5-10 years, it would ultimately be a valuable investment in tourism for the region.

Despite the creek’s historic role as an important tourist attraction, its primary contemporary function is as a stormwater receiving drain. The community have called for improvement to the water quality to restore it as a recreation destination.

Naturalisation involves replacing the concrete walls and replacing them with banks formed with rocks and native plants. This would help maintain the stormwater system and enhance biodiversity of the corridor. Benefits include:

Currently, anyone wanting to travel along the Bendigo Creek Trail has to use a combination of footpaths, shared paths, on-road bike lanes and roads. Due to the trail’s inconsitency, many people have been discouraged from using the trail as a route to work or school.

Better water quality through the management and treatment of stormwater Restoration of aquatic vegetation and instream habitats Opportunities to incorporate traditional owner stories and activities Educational opportunities Encouragement of natural processes within the creek corridor Opportunities for play and enjoyment in nature Potentially increased property values

It would not be currently feasible to naturalise Bendigo Creek in its entirety. The solution is to progressively naturalise spotlighted sections. Further engineering tests would be required to make an informed decision regarding sites, however the segment between Booth Street and Maple Street should be prioritised. The images below depict the possibility of what this section of the creek could look like over a period of time if naturalisation were to occur.

From this...

This proposal involves the implementation of a boardwalk that would function as a shared path for the entire 7km stretch. Further, the new trail has a minimum width of 4m, supported by the Victoria State Government Urban Design Guidelines.3

Image: Nearmaps

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The boardwalk would be raised in sections where the ground is more permeable to mitigate flood risk. It could also be raised in sections of the creek closer to Bendigo, where heritage overlays protect the bluestone situated along the creek bed.4

Proposed 7km long shared path from Kangaroo Flat to Lake Weeroona.

The boardwalk will connect the trail to other significant destinations along the creek, concurrently encouraging cycling and walking as a viable mode of transport to those sites. The map below proposes sites where new access points could potentially connect the proposed low-line to the main roads, and also identifies places for potential pedestrian bridges.

New entrance points to the creek bed should always be accessible from both sides of the creek and if possible, both sides of the road to ensure safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

To this...

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Queensland State Government, Big Plans for Small Creek: Concept Design Report (State Government of Queensland: Brisbane, 2016) 11.

Heritage Council of Victoria, Victorian Heritage Database Report: Rosalind Park (Victorian Heritage Council: Victoria, October 2018) 11.

“Small Creek Naturalisation,” CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, accessed 29 October 2018. https://watersensitivecities.org.au/solutions/case-studies/small-creek-naturalisation/.

“A transformation you have to see to believe,” Ipswich First, accessed 29 October 2018. https://www.ipswichfirst.com.au/a-transformation-you-have-to-see-to-believe/.

“Small Creek Naturalisation,” CRC for Water Sensitive Cities, accessed 29 October 2018. https://watersensitivecities.org.au/solutions/case-studies/small-creek-naturalisation/.

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Ipswich Small Creek and Moonee Ponds Creek have recently been naturalised in part. Both are projects of comparable scale set in similar landscapes. Opportunities to transfer strategies used in these projects are possible because the Bendigo Creek Project involves the reinstatement of a concrete channel into a naturalised stream, and is located in close proximity to an existing community.

Proposed access points to the creek

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vehicular bridges pedestrian bridges current access points to the creek bed proposed access points

1. “Walking and Cycling Strategy,” City of Greater Bendigo, accessed 20 October 2018. http://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/walkcyclegb/.

2. “Land E Zine,” In Situ, accessed 21 October 2018. www.landezine.com/index.php/2011/06/rhone-river-banks-by-in-situ-architects-paysagistes/65-3d-berges-du-rhone/.

3. Victoria Walks, “Shared Paths - the issues” (Victoria Walks: Melbourne , May 2015) 17.

4. Greater Bendigo Planning Scheme, Schedule to Clause 43.01 Heritage Overlay (State Government of Victoria, 2018). http://planning-schemes.delwp.vic.gov.au/schemes/greaterbendigo/ordi

3. Linear Park

4. Orientation of Built Form

A linear park is an urban park that is significantly longer than it is wide.¹ Linear parks allow a large number of people to live within proximity to green space and are commonly found alongside waterways.

The final strategy is to encourage creek adjacent residential and commercial premises to orientate themselves towards Bendigo Creek. This strategy will promote public/private creek development and investment in the linear recreation trail.

Increased orientation of premises towards the creek will also manifest increased passive surevillance and increased creek-side property values, and promote private sector economic development and further development of the creek corridor.

This project proposes that CoGB enhance the currently underutilised Public Park and Recreation Zone (shown below in green) adjacent to the creek by turning it into a linear park through: creating pocket parks, increasing tree canopy, updating infrastructure, and inserting recreational equipment such as: BBQs, seating and lighting along the creek corridor.

Benefits of a linear park²

Individual Benefits • • • • • •

The map below identifies residential and non-residential sites. More than 50% of the study area is surrounded by residential land, which is why this proposal focuses on CoGB policy to facilitate the concept of ‘creek-front living’.

Community Benefits • • • • • • •

Recreation costs Reducing health care costs Reduced vehicle operating costs Increased property values Access for play and enjoyment in nature Increased safety

Improved air quality Carbon sequestration Increased water quality Decreased effects of urban heat island Waterflow directed safely into green space Enhanced urban biodiversity Enhanced flood protection

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The current planning scheme for Greater Bendigo does not explicitly encourage creek orientation of properties. For this strategy to be implemented, this proposal would need to be accompanied by an amendment to the existing planning scheme to facilitate this goal.

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Proposed linear park

The ‘Green Line’ Bendigo’s urban tree coverage was recorded as 19% in 2017, a steep drop from 28% in 2014.3 This is predicted to worsen as the city expands into new growth areas and starts the process of infill within the urban growth boundary.

CoGB is predicted to lose 44% of all city trees over the next 10 years as the ageing European trees come to the end of their natural lives.4

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Ideal urban canopy is 40%, therefore this proposal aims to increase the canopy along the corridor by 21%.5 CoGB has been identified as having a 1.5 rating on a scale identifying the vulnerability of a city to achieve urban greening.6 The scale ranges from 0 - 5, with 0 being considered the most vulnerable and 5 the least vulnerable.

Existing residential views of Bendigo Creek

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Increasing the urban tree coverage is integral to creating a linear park. Increasing shade will make the space more inviting for recreational purposes, particularly in a dry climate such as Golden Square.

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GROUND FLOOR PLAN 1:200

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1_ Living room 2_ Dining room 3_ Kitchen 4_ Bedroom 5_ Bathroom 6_ Study/living room 7_ Entrance 8_ Communal courtyard 9_ Nursery space

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Proposed green line (view from Wade Street bridge) Image: Jackson Bleasby, Master of Architecture

“6 Types of Linear Park,” Simplicable, accessed 25 October 2018. http://simplicable.com/new/linear-park/.

Marsh Darcy Partners, Quantifying the Economic Benefits of Linear Parks, Trails and Open Space (Bike Texas: Texas, February 2012).

RMIT University, 2020 Vision: Where Should All the Trees Go? (2020 Vision: Victoria, August 2017) 13.

Ibid.

Ibid.

Ibid, 3.

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By focusing on the creek corridor, this proposal demonstrates the viability of the linear trail as a ‘Green Line’.

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Proposed housing oriented towards Bendigo Creek Images: Dharmishta Painter, Master of Architecture

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Bikeway along the entire creek corridor IS

Shared paths MP WC HO

Underpass trails WC

BIKE-PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION ROUTE WC

Streets as public spaces WC Crowdspotting data for site specific strategies Wider range of activities and experiences MP

Ramps WC

Connect the creek to main streets WC

Utilise existing infrastructure HO

Bringing the existing concrete drain back to a natural waterway IS

Increase surface roughness of the channel HO Treat stormwater ST runoffs

Increased path width MP

New access points HO

2. LOW-LINE NETWORK

KEY NODES SA

Pathway connections to Golden Square Primary School IS

Enhance accessibility to creek from Laurel Street as a primary access point Destinations and opportunities to pause along the creek corridor SA

SUNKEN LANES

Commercial

Council policy

Interactive activities HO

Residential Dual occupancy

4. ORIENTATION OF BUILT FORM PRECEDENTS IS

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MOONEE PONDS CREEK, VIC

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SALT CREEK, VIC

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STONY CREEK, VIC

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WALLER CREEK, TEXAS

HO HORIKAWA RIVER, KYOTO

Increased passive surveillance SA

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Small-scale commercial Council policy

Dual occupancy

Increased property values IS

Manage stormwater to improve creek quality ST

Foster economic development

Development proximate to creek corridor must be sustainable and eco-friendly SA

LAND SUBDIVISION

Protect creek from inappropriate urban and infrastructure encroachment Mid-rise residential

Support a minimum 30m connected vegetated buffer to the creek MP

WC MP

Providing habitats for native birds and animals ST Well-defined maintenance zones and access IS

Environmental signage SA

Encourage built form along the corridor SA

PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT

SA

Strengthen planning controls e.g. environmental overlays

Incorporation of traditional owner stories and activities (Dja Dja Wurrung)

MITIGATING FLOOD RISK Maintain and enhance flood protection ST

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Naturally occurring waterway

Construct wildlife crossings MP

Enhance urban biodiversity Waterflow directed safely MP into greenspace

Permeable surfaces MP

FRONT AND BACK ENTRANCES

Encourages mixed-use

More rubbish bins

Informal paths and trails IS Educational opportunities IS

MP

CHAIN OF PONDS

Council-commissioned murals

Sensitive lighting SA

Creek-front living WC

IS

Replace sections of the concrete channel with green infrastructure SA

Boardwalks SA

Encourage instream vegetation HO MP

1. NATURALISATION OF SECTIONS

Benches and other forms of seating SA HO

Walkable hubs

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Monitor nutrient loads in the creek

Hydrolic and hydralic models of flow regimes HO WC

Increased accessibility WC

Improved aesthetics

REVEGETATION OF CREEK-BED

‘Re-wilding’ of the creek

WATER FLOW

Improved waterway health IS

Fewer stagnant ponds

ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION

Planting of Indigenous flora and fauna ST

50% increase in tree canopy

Variety of planting types

Shade to reduce the effects of Urban Heat Island (UHI) HO ST

3. LINEAR PARK SA

Quantify the value of open space along the creek WC

Respond to topography SA Increase safety for park users

GREEN LINE

Pocket parks HO Access for play and enjoyment in nature Community gardens IS

MP HO

Open space for community events and recreation IS

Recreational water park ST

Site Condition 1: Bay Street Bridge and Major Tributary

Precedent Cases Waller Creek, Austin

Images:”Waller Creek Conservancy,” Waller Creek, accessed 20 October 2018. http://www.wallercreek.org/about/.

Safe crossings over water, elevated paths to mitigate flood risk, and successful integration of the natural environment with shared paths ensuring wide-ranging accessibility.

THE FUTURE CREEK – BROSNAN CRESCENT PRECINCT

In the 1970’s the Strathmore Progress Association succeeded in halting the extent of concrete channel being constructed in this location. Now this site provides a symbolic setting for change, to remove the concrete channel and provide a revitalised creek setting.

The area straddles the Moreland and Moonee Valley councils and stretches from Herbert St to Margaret St, Oak Park next to Brosnan Crescent Strathmore North. It is adjacent to the Strathmore North Primary School, Lebanon

Reserve and Oak Park Aquatic Centre, this precinct is a hub of educational and recreational activity.

The Creek from this point upstream to the Railway Viaduct at Strathmore Heights had already been realigned but had significant revegetation.

As noted by Anna Lanigan – Friends of Moonee Ponds Creek: ‘This now provides an impressive example of rescued biodiversity and one that I, among many others, would like to see replicated downstream. The evidence is in the wildlife that frequents the creek within metres upstream of the concrete channel. The potential gain of visual amenity for residents and for Moonee the many recreational visitors to the Ponds Creek, Moonee Ponds Creek corridor is beyond measure’

The benefits of this significantly more naturalised section is the visible increase in wildlife and habitat that this provides. However this diminishes quickly within the concrete section. Revitalising this section of creek, will provide a unique opportunity to provide educational and monitoring opportunities for the community and improve the experience and amenity to recreational users of the Moonee Ponds Creek trail.

VIC

A future creek with improved ecology and setting for habitat, experiences with nature and green relief from the urban form is possible.

Raised boardwalk to protect against flooding and ensure the shared path is accessible all year round, and upgraded bridges.

Image: City of Moreland, Moonee Ponds Creek (Victoria, 2011).

The Brosnan Crescent precinct offers the perfect opportunity and location to realise many of the actions and recommendations of the Chain of Ponds and see the first steps in naturalising the creek along the creek.

existing condition

Design Issues •

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The crossing point at Bay Street on the creek trail is unsafe and deters residents and tourists from ridingthrough that section of the corridor.

The shared path is too narrow to accomodate both cyclists and pedestrians.

Although this section is where the creek is most biodiverse, there are no benches or access for people to play and enjoy nature.

Concrete creek channel limits the biodiversity.

The shared path is only available on one side of the creek in this section.

Site-Specific Strategies • Implement a boardwalk with a width of

minimum 4 metres, to facilitate shared access.

• Install more benches, bins, BBQ’s and

options for people to stop and enjoy the natural environment.

• Elevate the boardwalk to ensure that during

flood season it is still accessible as a method of transport.

Ipswich Small VIC Vision of MooneeCreek, Ponds Creek, Brosnan Cres Precinct by Robert Lovick

Elevated, continuous boardwalk, naturalised creek, and planting of diverse native species to enhance biodiversity.

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Image: Queensland Government, Big Plans for Small Creek: Concept Design Report (Brisbane, 2016).

From Bay Street bridge to the Golden Square boundary, the creek is bordered by natural, permeable surfaces. This site is different to the other points of intervention because it does not require the removal or replacement of existing infrastructure. The creek is in its most naturalised state and surrounded by a heavy canopy, therefore the strategies employed will focus on encouraging engagement through increasing accessibility and creating places for people to stop and enjoy the environment.

Site Condition 2: Section Between Wade and Booth Street Bridges

Precedent Cases

The section between the Wade and Booth Street bridges has been chosen as a site of intervention due to the high level of degradation of the retaining walls and concrete floor. The existing condition makes it difficult for cyclists to use the creek bed as a trail and discourages recreational engagement. The fences contribute to this perception of the creek as private property, therefore design solutions must respond to these site-specific concerns.

Horikawa River, Kyoto

Steps connecting the creek to the main streets, planting trees in the concrete channel and creating places for people to stop and enjoy the river in the form of benches built in to the retaining walls.

Design Issues •

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Poor infrastructure, in particular retaining walls and concrete creek bed.

Too many fences, giving the impression that this space is not to be used by the public.

It is impossible to cross the Booth Street bridge on a bicycle with traffic.

There needs to be an entrance to the creek so that cyclists using the road can divert under the creek and use the shared path to cross.

Limited to no native vegetation and shade in some areas. Tree canopy needs to be increased.

The shared path is limited to one side of the creek along this section, limiting accessibility.

Site-Specific Strategies

Images: Nigel Bertram

Remove the fences on both sides, between the street and the creek.

Replace the retaining walls on the left side (looking south-east) with a more aesthetically appealing and sustainable material.

Remove the retaining wall on the right side and replace with steps leading down to the creek bed to increase public engagement.

Plant Indigenous vegetation to increase tree canopy and protect cyclists and pedestrians from the negative effects of UHI. Put boardwalks on both sides of the creek to increase accessibility. existing condition Ipswich Small Creek, VIC

Shared path with lawn, increased tree canopy, benches and spaces to stop and enjoy the surroundings.

Image: Queensland Government, Big Plans for Small Creek: Concept Design Report (Queensland: Brisbane, 2016).

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Site Condition 3: Calder Highway X Creek Intersection

PROJECT VISION

AREAS OF INVESTIGATION

PROJECT SPONSORS

This action plan is a comprehensive investigation into what Moonee Ponds Creek is today and what it may become in the future. It is a holistic plan that explores the relationship amongst the many variables and forces that affect the creek.

The project provides a framework for managing change and influencing decision making across the creek corridor by exploring recommendations, ideas and options for the improvement of the creek. It identifies appropriate design and ecological strategies with outcomes directed to four key areas.01

This plan has been sponsored by the City of Moonee Valley, Moreland City Council and Melbourne Water, but represents the involvement of many people and many organisations. A full list of those involved has been included at the end of the document.

The creek and highway intersection is of particular interest. This location is a key access point, however is only available to pedestrians and cyclists from one side of the highway. In its existing condition, the site is undervalued and underused. Intervention is needed to celebrate the official start to the Creek Trail, and to allow the corridor to become a recreational destination. Strategies will need to respond to the design issues identified, focusing on: accessibility, safety and vegetation.

Most importantly, it stakes a claim for the creek itself, it’s importance to people, animals and plants, it’s endurance despite a history of neglect, and it’s future as a crucial and increasingly important landscape that provides a powerful connection with nature within a large city busting at the seams.

The collective vision for the project is to provide innovative, collaborative and inspirational planning and management that will improve the ecological health of Moonee Ponds Creek, supports a happy, active and healthy community and protect the creek from inappropriate urban development.

Environmental Outcomes

Improve the ecological health of the creek and biodiversity within the creek corridor through the enhancement or restoration of natural systems.

Promote innovative water management throughout the creek catchment that reduces stormwater runoff and improves water quality.

In particular, the plan recognises the invaluable partnership with the Friends of the Moonee Ponds Creek, who have been working tirelessly to improve the creek for over two decades, and who have provided great support in the preparation of this plan.

Raised boardwalk to ensure the shared path is accessible all year round, removal of fences to create a more open and welcoming environment and upgraded bridges.

Community Feedback from the Interactive Map on the Project Website

View near Montague Street, Essendon

Image: City of Moreland, Moonee Ponds Creek (Victoria, 2011).

It listens closely to the multitude of diverse ideas and opinions expressed by the community, including what the creek means to different people. It attempts to reconcile the many disparate and often divergent understandings of what the creek is and can be.

Precedent Cases

“Recreate the ponds along the creek - create habitat, enhance ecology, opportunities for the water to return to natural systems of evaporation andVIC hydrating the earth.“ Moonee Ponds Creek,

Social Outcomes Develop a vibrant and well connected linear park that supports a happy, active and healthy community within a rapidly growing city. Protect the creek and creek corridor from inappropriate urban development and infrastructure encroachment. Resolve flood risk through innovative and holistic design solutions.

Acknowledge and celebrate the Wurundjeri and other cultural heritage of the Creek.

Economic Outcomes Quantify the value of the open space along the creek to better advocate for protection and improvement.

Support the economic and social vitality of the communities and businesses located along the creek.

Governance Outcomes Provide an inspiring advocacy document for key stakeholders that will help protect and manage the creek and environments into the future. Facilitate ongoing dialogue, collaboration and coordination across multiple local governments, state government agencies, land managers and community stakeholders.

01 Refer to the ‘Creek Stories’ chapter for more information on the development of project principles.

10 | Chain of Ponds

Project Context | 11

Horikawa River, Kyoto

Image: Nigel Bertram

Strong integration of the creek with main roads through the implementation of new access points, increased accessibility through the use of both ramps and stairs, and opportunities to pause and engage with the space for recreational purposes.

existing condition

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The underpass needs to be more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists. It is currently dangerous to cross Calder Hwy, without using the underpass which is only accessible from one side of the road.

The retaining walls need replacing, for structural and aesthetic reasons.

Too many fences, which don’t invite interaction with the corridor as a recreational space.

Concrete channel and space between the retaining wall needs to be removed.

Limited passive surveillance.

No opportunities or destinations for people to pause and enjoy the space.

Limited Indigenous vegetation.

Site-Specific Strategies • Build a second ramp connecting the boardwalk

to the street to allow the existing underpass to be

accessed from both sides of the creek.

• Extension of shared path entire way along the

creek to Bendigo’s CBD. • Removal of existing fence between creek and

Old High Street.

• Replace the ‘soldier-pile’ walls on both sides with

a more aesthetically pleasing, sustainable option.

• Extensive planting of Indigenous vegetation on

the left side of the creek (facing south-east) to

increase tree canopy and reduce effects of UHI. • More lighting, bench seats and opportunities to

pause and engage with the space for recreational purposes.

Waller Creek, Austin

Engaging the creek with the centre of Waller, by creating more access points, upgrading existing infrastructure, building more pedestrian paths over the creek, and building more places to stop and enjoy the surroundings.

Image:”Waller Creek Conservancy,” Waller Creek, accessed 20 October 2018. http://www.wallercreek.org/about/.

Design Issues

Visualising Golden Square’s Low Line and Linear Park

These renders were created to depict future possibilities for the Bendigo Creek corridor. All of these scenes take place in the space between the creek and the main roads, which is zoned as ‘Public Parks and Recreation’. Due to this, many of these designs are feasible under the City of Greater Bendigo’s current Planning Scheme. These images can be used to assist visualising the four key strategies of this proposal: naturalisation of sections, the low-line network, linear park, and orientation of built form towards the creek.

View down Creek from Booth Street Bridge

All images created by Monash Master of Architecture Students for the Deep City Studio.

Proposed creek orientated property development (viewed from Bendigo Creek) Image: Jean-Christophe Olivier Petite, Master of Architecture

Planning Implications

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SUZ4 Special Use Zone - Schedule 4

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Public Park and Recreation Zone

PUZ2 Public Use Zone - Education

PUZ3 Public Use Zone - Health and Community

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Public Use Zone - Transport

RDZ1 Road Zone - Category 1

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Special Use Zone - Schedule 6

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General Residential Zone

PUZ6

Public Use Zone - Local Government

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Special Use Zone - Schedule 1

Special Use Zone - Schedule 10

Current Overlay Conditions McKenzie St

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Analysis of the Existing Planning Scheme The majority of the study site sits within a Public Park and Recreation Zone (PPR). This means that the first three objectives of this proposal would not require rezoning. The overlays most pertinent to this design proposal are the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO), Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO), and Heritage Overlay (HO). The LSIO data supports the proposal of a linear park, increased permeable surfaces and a raised boardwalk along the creek trail to mitigate risk of flooding. The LSIO and HO are legislatively fixed, therefore this must be taken into account when implementing any of these designs.

Amendments Required In their existing condition, the current planning controls do not explicitly prohibit the first three objectives from being implemented. However, one amendment that would better serve the creek as a “Green Line” would be the extension of the ESO from Maple Street to Lake Weeroona.

Further, the current planning scheme does not explicitly encourage creek orientation of properties. For this strategy to be implemented, this proposal would need to be accompanied by an amendment to the existing planning scheme to facilitate this goal. This could be achieved through the amendment of the Neighbourhood Character Overlay (NCO) and through the CoGB’s ‘Residential Strategy’.

Bendigo Creek Linear Recreation Trail - Project Timeline The Linear Recreation Trail proposal involves a number of strategies that will require staging over a 20-year period. The indicative timeframes for completing actions are listed below. Some of these have been identified as ‘ongoing’, rather than having a fixed timeframe for completion as they provide essential services that require continuous effort by the Council of Greater Bendigo.

Short-term

By the end of 2023 (0 - 5 years) Medium-term

By the end of 2028 (5 - 10 years) Long-term

By the end of 2038 (10 - 20 years)

Goal 2: Implement a ‘low line’ network involving continuous shared paths in the form of sunken lanes.

Goal 1: Naturalise sections of Bendigo Creek to improve environmental outcomes.

ACTION

TIMEFRAME

ACTION

TIMEFRAME

Monitor nutrient loads in the creek

Short-term

Create a pathway connection directly to Golden Square Primary School

Short-term

Increase surface roughness of the channel

Short-term

Build new pedestrian bridges along the corridor

Short-term

Remove sections of the existing conrete channel

Medium-term

Create new access points to connect the low-line to the main street network

Short-term

Replace sections of the channel with green infrastructure

Long-term

Build a 7 kilometre shared path with a minimum width of 4 meters

Medium-term

Work closely with the Dja Dja Wurrung and members of the community

Ongoing

Raise the boardwalk in sections of the corridor that are covered by a Heritage Overlay (HO) or are particularly susceptible to flooding

Medium-term

Commission murals to be painted along the corridor

Medium-term

Goal 3: Create a green line through the implementation of a linear park along the corridor.

Goal 4: Orientate all built form towards the creek to encourage activation of the corridor.

ACTION

TIMEFRAME

ACTION

TIMEFRAME

Quantify the value of open space along the creek corridor

Short-term

Short-term

Utilise existing space adjacent to the creek as pocket parks and/or community gardens

Meet with the community to explain how the Council plans to encourage creek-side orientation of residential buildings

Short-term

Introduce recreational equipment into the space (e.g. BBQs, sensitive lighting, seating and rubbish bins)

Council to meet with local business owners to discuss how they could orientate their Short-term services towards the creek

Short-term

Amend the existing planning scheme to explicitly encourage creek-side orientation

Introduce environmental signage and educational opportunities

Short-term

Increase the tree canopy by 21% to reduce the effects of UHI through planting native Medium-term (yet diverse) trees Ongoing Strengthen planning controls, e.g. the Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO)

Ongoing

Create well-defined maintenance zones

Ongoing

Medium-term