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278 KEIRA STREET WOLLONGONG NSW 2500 PH: [02] 4228 4133 FAX: [02] 4228 6811

email: [email protected] www.forbesrigby.com.au

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Forbes Rigby Ref: 105069-01 Report 002 Options Report rev 0.doc

Austinmer Walking Tracks and Associated Facilities- Draft Concept Plan

Forbes Rigby Ref: 105069-01 Report 002 Options Report rev0.doc November 2005 Page i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.INVITATION TO COMMENT 1

1.1.EXHIBITION LOCATIONS 1 1.2.ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSIONS 1 1.3.NPWS CONTACT 1 1.4.SUBMISSION CLOSE DATE 1

2.BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR PLANNING 2

2.1.COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 2 2.2.SCOPE & OBJECTIVES THE PLAN 3 2.3.DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN 3

3.PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES 4

4.PLANNING CONSTRAINTS 5

4.1.SAFETY CONSTRAINTS 6 4.2.PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS 7 4.3.ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS 7 4.4.COST CONSTRAINTS 8 4.5.TRACK CLASSIFICATION 9

5.PROPOSED NETWORK AND FACILITIES 10

5.1.TRACK UPGRADES 10 5.2.FACILITY UPGRADE AT AUSTINMER CAMP SITE 11 5.2.1. Toilet Facilities 11 5.2.2. Water supply upgrade 12 5.3.SIGNAGE 12 5.4.TRACK HEAD WORKS 13 5.5.IMPLEMENTATION 13

LIST OF APPENDICES A. DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN


Forbes Rigby Ref: 105069-1-Report 002 Rev 0 November 2005 Page 1

1. INVITATION TO COMMENT This draft Concept Plan has been placed on public exhibition and members of the public, either individually or as representatives of community interest groups and government agencies, are invited to comment on it. All submissions received will be considered by the NPWS. The closing date for comments on this draft strategy is Sunday 4 December 2005 Personal details on submissions received, unless marked confidential, are a matter of public record, and written submissions may be made available for public inspection once the Plan has been adopted.

1.1. EXHIBITION LOCATIONS • Wollongong City Library, Burelli Street Wollongong • Thirroul Local Library, Lawrence Hargrave Drive Thirroul • Helensburgh Local Library, Walker Street Helensburgh • NPWS Illawarra Area Office, 4/55 Kembla Street Wollongong • The NPWS website: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au.

1.2. ADDRESS FOR SUBMISSIONS Attn: David Hartmann Forbes Rigby Pty Ltd 278 Keira Street, Wollongong NSW 2500

1.3. NPWS CONTACT Jamie Erskine, Ranger NPWS Illawarra Area Office 4/55 Kembla St Wollongong NSW 2520 02 4225 1455

1.4. SUBMISSION CLOSE DATE The submission close date is 4 December 2005



DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN VISION:

2. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR PLANNING Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area (IESCA) was initially reserved in 1980. In 2003, lands comprising the former Bulli Pass Scenic Reserve were added to the Reserve. These additions included walking tracks and other visitor facilities, such as the Gibson Walking Track (800m), Bulli Lookout Track (1.5km), Sublime Point Track (800m) and Austinmer Camp. These walking tracks were closed in 2002 by the managers of the Bulli Pass Scenic Reserve, for safety reasons. Since then, preliminary geotechnical assessments prepared for the NPWS indicate the potential risks to visitors from land instability and rockfall hazards in the vicinity of the walking tracks. Further investigation into these hazards is continuing and still requires the closure of walking tracks. Community sentiment strongly supports improved walking access to this precinct of the reserve. Improvements to the walking tracks and associated visitor facilities in the Austinmer-Bulli Tops precinct of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area is a priority for the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC). Factors such as geology, soils, steepness and high annual rainfall make the Illawarra escarpment unstable and prone to landslides, rockfalls and other hazards. This ever-changing landscape presents significant challenges and risks to visitors and land managers alike. For land managers such as the NPWS, managing public safety and access within the inherently risky and environmentally fragile escarpment environments requires careful planning and assessment. The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of Environment and Conservation has engaged Forbes Rigby (FR) to prepare a Concept Plan for walking trails and associated facilities in the Austinmer-Bulli Tops precinct of the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area.

2.1. COMMUNITY CONSULTATION On Saturday 6 August, NPWS and Forbes Rigby hosted a community consultation workshop at Thirroul Memorial Hall to obtain community input into the development of the draft concept plan. The consultation included discussion regarding the background to closure of the tracks, existing environmental and cultural heritage, safety, opportunities and constraints for planning and other management issues. The community also identified their priorities for the provision of facilities by NPWS in the Austinmer-Bulli Tops precinct to the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area. The community overwhelmingly recommended a reopening of the Sublime walking track, because of its heritage value and traditional community use. A community desire to reopen other tracks and facilities in the precinct was also noted. The community also requested innovative responses to geotechnical hazards, rather than ongoing closure of facilities.

To establish an integrated and sustainable network of walking tracks and associated facilities within the IESCA Austinmer –Bulli Tops precinct, in order to improve the range and quality of visitor experiences and protect the environment and cultural values of the reserve.



A community workshop report, which includes details of the consultation is available on request from Forbes Rigby.

2.2. SCOPE & OBJECTIVES THE PLAN This draft Concept Plan addresses the walking tracks and associated facilities (eg. signage, camping area) within the Austinmer – Bulli Tops precinct of the IESCA (see attached map as Appendix A). It compliments a draft Master Plan that has been prepared for the NPWS by Epacris Environmental Consulting for the remainder of the walking tracks and associated facilities within the Illawarra Escarpment State Conservation. Both draft Plans are currently on public exhibition for comment. The objectives of this Concept Plan are: • to improve visitor access to and safety within the IESCA;

• to protect the nature conservation, cultural heritage & other important values of the reserve;

• to showcase the IESCA’s outstanding natural and cultural features;

• to increase community awareness and appreciation of the reserve and the other natural areas on the escarpment;

• to integrate facilities in the IESCA with complementary facilities on adjacent lands.

The Draft Concept Plan addresses the three existing walking tracks and the Austinmer Camp within the Austinmer – Bulli Tops precinct of the IESCA, as follows: o The Bulli Lookout Track – 1500 metres in length connecting the Gibson Track and the

areas surrounding the Cliffhanger Café. o The Gibson Track – 800 metre loop between Foothills Road and Buttenshaw Drive via

the Austinmer Camp. The track forms a link between the Bulli Track and Sublime Track and connection to the Austinmer Camp site.

o The Sublime Lookout Track – 800 metres in length connecting the Gibson Track and

the Sublime Point Lookout. o Austinmer Camp – located approximately 400 metres west of Foothills Road.

2.3. DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN A Draft Concept Plan is included as Appendix A and provides a diagrammatic representation of the proposed facilitates referred to in this report. The Draft Concept Plan includes the following key features: Planning Opportunities • The location of the proposed walking tracks within the Austinmer-Bulli Tops Precinct • The proposed facilities for the Austinmer Camp • Linkages to main tourist facilities and access nodes adjacent to the Reserve. • Potential links to surrounding transport (e.g, Road and Rail)



3. PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES The subject tracks have been closed to public access on geotechnical grounds. NPWS is reviewing what opportunities exist through the Draft Concept Plan process to re-open tracks and improve their classification through cost effective works that achieve a longer term sustainable outcome for users. The objectives of the Concept Plan (Section 2.2) provide a good understanding of what planning opportunities NPWS is seeking to establish. In summary the principle planning opportunities afforded through the Draft Concept Plan processes are: • Establish in detail the geotechnical constraints within the study area and how best these

can be addressed or accommodated by NPWS in their management of the Austinmer-Bulli precinct.

• Establish a clear understanding of potential track classifications and standard of

improvement works consistent with these standards. • Review the existing condition of tracks and intersecting paths to establish a viable and

safe walking track network. • Consider the inclusion of new facilities at the Austinmer camping grounds to improve

usability. • Provide of new track information at track heads and along each track to improve user

safety and limit environmental damage. • Create improve pedestrian links between existing tourist facilities along the escarpment;

integrating such facilities and improving their overall tourist appeal. • Provide a more detailed review of one segment within the overall IESCA walking track

master plan and establish reasonable and cost effective strategies for achieving this link. • Upgrade existing track heads with improved viewing platforms, access ladders, parking

and informative signage. • Minimise areas affected by track creation and human contact, thereby protecting the

natural values of the IESCA. • Provide opportunities for self sufficiency by user groups moving through the study area

and provide them with opportunities to experience largely unmodified environments in safety.

• Minimise the incidence of walkers becoming lost or injured and requiring NPWS staff

assistance • Provide the continued opportunity for high quality experiences of the Illawarra

Escarpment. • Ultimately the opportunity exists and it is the intention of NPWS that existing tracks will be

reopened subject to resolution of safety concerns for public and NPWS staff. NPWS through further planning, assessment and design are seeking to overcome geotechnical and other constraints. Design and construction of walking tracks and other



facilities to meet current safety and environmental standards would provide for better recreation and environmental management, thereby enhancing visitor experiences and the protection of the reserve. Opportunities exist to provide better access for groups, such as tours and schools, for environmental education and other purposes. The Austinmer-Bulli Tops precinct can provide opportunities for walks of varying length and difficulty, to cater to walkers with a range of interests and needs. For example, the Gibson’s Track provides an opportunity for an attractive short loop walk in suited to groups and casual users. The Bulli and sublime lookout tracks offer longer more challenging walks in spectacular remote locations for fit walking enthusiasts. Austinmer Camp provides a venue for basic bush camping relatively close to transport and other facilities. The Austinmer-Bulli Tops precinct of the IESCA includes many outstanding natural assets, including panoramic coastal views, towering cliffs, slopes clad by tall Eucalypt forests and lush rainforest. A major tourist “Gateway” adjacent to the reserve, at Bulli Tops, is proposed to showcase the escarpment and the Illawarra region. Other facilities, such as transport and access nodes, visitor information, cafes, toilet facilities and parking, are also located close to the reserve. There is little integration of NPWS facilities with these. This Concept Plan aims to integrate on-park and off-park facilities, to enhance access from adjoining public lands and to showcase the escarpment and the IESCA.

4. PLANNING CONSTRAINTS All projects are subject to constraints which influence the eventual outcomes and types of solutions adopted. The Draft Concept Plan for walking trails in the Austinmer – Bulli Tops precinct of the IESCA is no exception. The attached concept plan identifies many of these constraints and most notably LANDSLIP AND OTHER geotechnical hazards that pose risks to visitors and staff. Proposed track upgrades and facility provision have responded to the changing constraints of the study area. A summary of constraints considered in development of this Draft Concept Plan are: • Safety Constraints –NPWS has legal and moral duty of care, which obliges it to take

reasonable measures to ensure the safety of its staff and park visitors. • Feasibility Constraints – land instability due to landslide, landslip, rock falls and past

mining operation areas impose significant constraints on the constriction and maintenance of facilities in the planning area. While geotechnical constraints may be resolved through innovative measures such as engineering, the costs of doing so may be prohibitive.

• Environmental Constraints – The IESCA is a sensitive environment with important

conservation and cultural heritage values. The management of recreational access (including walking trails and camping) can have significant impacts on environment values. The environmental issues of relevance considering in preparing the Draft Concept Plan are summarised below:

o Threatened plant & animal Species o Soil erosion and water quality protection o Impacts on cultural heritage o Impacts on adjacent urban areas and communities o Management of waste (eg., provision of a environmentally sensitive toilets)



o Use of environmentally sustainable materials and processes in construction and maintenance

o Aesthetic quality and public amenity o Bushfire management

• Cost Constraints – The capacity to provide a standard of improvement to individual

tracks is a question of resource management and priorities. NPWS is undertaking a master plan approach to better plan the walking track network within the IESCA, in order to achieve the best possible outcomes with existing resource constraints.

4.1. SAFETY CONSTRAINTS Closure of existing walking tracks within the study area was a decision by Department of Land and Water Conservation (DLWC for safety reasons, in 2003), which NPWS continued after geotechnical advice. Each of the walking tracks under the Draft Concept Plan has significant safety issues that need to be addressed in order to re-open them for use. The Draft Concept Plan proposes track upgrades that are subject to further investigation of geotechnical and safety issues (landslip, rock falls). These are likely to have a significant bearing on the final track locations and design. Detailed field investigations have revealed various public safety issues along each track. What constitutes a safety issue is in part related to the classification of a track which is discussed in Section 4.1 of this report. Put simply, the higher the classification of track (Class 1 being best and suitable for all users) the higher the safety intervention required. Based on the classification of tracks proposed under the Draft Concept Plan, improvements that are needed include: Sublime Track o Remove access to areas where there are unacceptable risks to safety; o Install signs at each track-head; o Replace existing and substandard ladders with Australian Standard designs. o Reconstruct the track and a number of stairway sections and remove redundant metal

cabling and supports; o Install proper drainage to move water off the track; o Stabilise, if feasible, any geotechnical hazards. o Install track markers; Bulli Lockout Track o Remove access to areas where there are unacceptable risks to safety; o Install signs at each track-head; o Replace existing stairway at the top of the track with a new structure to Australian

Standard; o Stabilise sections of track that are prone to erosion or slip; o Remove any significant obstacles, such as fallen trees; o Upgrade existing timber crossings of creeks with footbridges of suitable materials and

construction to satisfy relevant Australian Standards o Reform existing track with local materials where affected by landslip activity; o Install track markers; The Gibson Track appears relatively sound and performs at or near a Class 3 track. To maintain its proposed Class 3 status, NPWS staff will groom the track as necessary and



consideration will be given to improving degraded stairways and other basic facilities (signage, seating) over time as part of annual budgeting processes. The detailed planning and design stages for track improvements will further consider the management of risk under Australian Standard 4360 for risk management. This assessment will consider the following matters in greater detail: • Establish the context for Risk management • Identifying risks (what can happen, when and where, how and why etc) • Analyse risks (determining likelihood, consequences, and level of risk) • Evaluate the risks (compare against set criteria etc) • Treat the risks (identify options, assess options, implement treatment plans) A major risk for this project is related to geotechnical issues. Detailed geotechnical review of each walking track is a further stage in development the Draft Concept Plan.

4.2. PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS Geotechnical issues are the principal physical constraint on track planning and construction. Geotechnical Engineers Douglas Partners have undertaken a preliminary geotechnical assessment of the Austinmer-Bulli Tops walking tracks and determined that each track, as well as the Austinmer Camping area, is subject to geotechnical instability. Areas along each track are subject to mine subsidence, rock falls, landslide, soil erosion and soil instability and these pose unacceptable risks at some locations (See draft Concept Plan). The NPWS is seeking further detailed geotechnical investigations to confirm safe locations and designs for facilities. The study area tracks are closed currently pending resolution of these issues. The Draft Concept Plan has been developed with the current geotechnical advice in mind. Further refinements may well be needed as additional geotechnical advice is received. In accordance with requests by the community, NPWS will be seeking innovative solutions to geotechnical issues and will implement these where feasible.

4.3. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS NPWS is the premier conservation agency in NSW, It is obliged under NSW laws and government policies to protect environmental integrity, promote environmentally sustainable use and, where practicable, repair environment damage in its reserves. A number of NPWS and other policies guide field management in this regard. Environmental planning and assessment legislation requires that all activities that may have an environmental impact are subjected to appropriate environmental impact assessment. The outcomes of environment impact assessment are to ensure minimal environmental impacts. Further detailed assessment is required where significant impacts are likely. The proposed works under the Draft Concept Plan will require further assessment in accordance with the relevant state environmental legislation and government policies. The NPWS has a responsibility under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act to consider the impact of works on its lands. Environment impact assessment will determine the extent to which the Final Plan can be implemented range of the proposed works under the Draft Concept Plan. Environmental matters to be assessed include:



o Impacts on plants and animals, including threatened species and their habitats o Protection of important native vegetation; o Impacts on potential cultural heritage (including Indigenous heritage); o Impacts on the visual environment; o Impacts for soils and water; o Consistency with state and regional legislation and government policies; o Impacts for adjoining communities and land-use; o Economic and social impacts o The sustainability of track works from an environmental, social and economic perspective Impacts to the flora and fauna of the IESCA are key consideration for the NPWS. Conservation objectives need to be balanced with the needs of visitors that visit the reserve. NPWS seeks to achieve where possible, conservation and recreation objectives.

4.4. COST CONSTRAINTS Constructing and maintaining facilities within a landscape such as the escarpment that is subject to landslip, erosion high rainfall and moisture, tree and rock fall, corrosion and biological attack is problematic. Each walking track has different constraints and needs and requires different approaches. These in turn generate different demands on NPWS resources. NPWS is preparing a separate draft Master Plan for walking tracks and associated facilities in the IESCA to improve these facilities within the IESCA as a whole. The IESCA comprises 2322 hectares in a number of parcels extending along the escarpment between Wongawilli and Stanwell Tops. There is a broad network of walking tracks and other recreation facilities in the reserve. Allocating funds for maintenance and improvements within this estate requires a prioritisation of a wide range of competing demands. Under this Draft Concept Plan walking tracks have been classed according to the current Australian Standard for walking tracks (AS 2156). This classification system is explained in Section 4.1 of this report. This system of classification identifies the standard of construction and access of walking tracks within 6 broad classes. The class proposed for each track in this Plan reflects the expected level of use and maintenance it will receive. Priorities across the entire reserve, the standard of construction to be implemented, and the mitigation of hazards and environmental issues will constrain the implementation of this Plan. The following cost minimisation initiatives will also be investigated: • Use of local materials for construction;

• Low level, low key designs appropriate to the track class proposed; • Fewer facilities in remote locations; • Vandal-resistant design; • Minimising high cost engineering solutions, especially at locations that are difficult to

access; • Consultation with the community to best establish likely needs and provide facilities that

are best value outcomes for the majority of user groups.



4.5. TRACK CLASSIFICATION The Australian Standard for walking tracks establishes requirements for the design and construction of tracks to ensure safe access for all walkers. NPWS needs to comply with the Standard and this has a bearing on the type, extent and cost of improvements. The Australian Standard track classifications are provided in Table 4.1. Additional guidelines on the construction and maintenance of each track class will be drawn from current track planning guidelines produced for the Blue Mountains National Park (Elanus Word and Image and Associates) . Tracks can range from wide, high grade paths that support wheelchair access (Class 1) to essentially unmanaged tracks with little or no modifications (Class 6). Creating Class 6 tracks is generally not recommended by the NPWS. Essentially, Table 4.1 indicates that tracks classes are assigned on the following basis: • Intended user groups • Topography and remoteness • Capability of users • Desired experience of the environment • Potential environmental impact • Safety (largely associated with geological instability) • Track length

Table 4.1 - Combined track classification and grading for the public (full version)

BM Grading + Class

AS Class

Description

Easy path (all access)

1 All access, hard surfaced track with no steps. Suitable for wheelchairs. May have interpretive signs. High level of safety intervention. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Easy walk 2 Even, surfaced track with some steps and minimal obstacles. Not suitable for wheelchairs. May have interpretive signs. High level of safety intervention. Suitable for all ages, but take care with children.

Moderate track 3 A distinct track with modified to unmodified surface. Moderate number of steps and infrequent obstacles. May have interpretive signs. Moderate level of safety intervention. Suitable for people who walk occasionally.

Hard track 4 A distinct track with modified to unmodified surface. May have long sections of steps and stairs and frequent obstacles. May have interpretive signs. Low to moderate level of safety intervention. Suitable for people who walk regularly. Visitors with heart or breathing difficulties should not attempt these tracks.

Hard route 5 Rough, unformed track with minimal modification. May be steep with frequent obstacles. Minimal signage and safety intervention. Experienced bushwalkers only. High level of fitness and navigational skill required.

Hard unmanaged route

6 Unmarked, indistinct and unformed route. May be steep with frequent obstacles. No signage or safety intervention. Experienced bushwalkers only. High level of fitness and navigational skill required



5. PROPOSED NETWORK AND FACILITIES

Facilities provision has been considered in relation to those relevant Australian standards for design, construction and maintenance summarised in Table 5.1 below:

Table 5.1 - Relevant Australian Standards Document Applicability to Track Improvements AS 1657 Fixed Platforms, Walkways and Stairs AS 2156.1 and 2156.2

Part 1 – Walking Tracks – Classification and Signage Part 2 – Infrastructure Design

AS 4360 Risk Management Rainwater Tanks Published by NSW Health, this document details the health requirements

expected for drinking water and water tanks

5.1. TRACK UPGRADES Forbes Rigby and NPWS have surveyed each of the tracks, assessed their current condition and recommended appropriate classes of track. NPWS staff were consulted and provided input, as were the community and other stakeholders. This gave a good level of confidence in the planning requirements. Track classes were determined in close consultation with NPWS staff. Proposed improvements to individual tracks are intended to achieve the recommended track classification. The majority of track improvements are related to safety construction and access in steep areas that are subject to a range of hazards and environment processes that degrade the track surface. Creek crossings, stabilisation of areas affected by landslip and safety in rough terrain are needed. Safety is the highest priority. Safe access will be supported where necessary by appropriate signage and track marking, and information at track heads. Additional basic facilities, such as viewing platforms and seating, are proposed for the Gibson’s Track. A summary of the assessment process and proposed track classes is given below:

Table 5.2 – Track Evaluation for Austinmer-Bulli Precinct

Walking Track Existing Classification

Proposed Classification

Comments

Bulli Track Generally Class 6 with sections of Class 5 and sections of Class 3 at the track head below Cliffhanger Café. The existing platforms and ladders at the track head need improvement.

Mostly Class 5. A class 3 track is proposed from Bulli Lookout to the base of the adjacent cliff, in order to accommodate group activities (eg. Guided tours)

The track is presently unmarked and unformed in numerous places. Steep sections are prone to landslip and rockfall & there are frequent obstacles (eg. vegetation, fallen trees, rock structures).

Sublime Track Generally Class 6 with sections of Class 3 at the base of the route. The existing platforms

Class 4 Community opinion is that the sublime track is of significant cultural



and ladders at the track head need improvement or replacing. The remaining track is difficult to walk in many sections with remnant steel cabling and supports creating safety issues. Steps and rock ledges along the track need improvement. Unguarded drops & overhanging cliffs pose safety risks

importance and should be reopened. The current status of the track at Class 6 requires significant improvement for future public usage. Given its importance and potential usage a higher class of track (Class 4) is recommended. Major works are deemed likely.

Gibson Track Class 3 – The existing track is in a fair condition & mostly complies with Class 3.

Class 3 Minor improvements (steps, seats, and signage) are proposed.

The attached Draft Concept Plan illustrates each of the above tracks, the proposed classification and key improvements proposed to achieve the recommended classification.

5.2. FACILITY UPGRADE AT AUSTINMER CAMP SITE The Austinmer Camp site is a close to urban Austinmer and is destination for local users and is managed by the NPWS on a periodic basis. Groups use the camping grounds on an informal but regular basis. Camping is basic and there are currently no facilities. To improve usage of the camp grounds, and address community needs, provision of toilet facilities is proposed. An assessment of toilet facility options is provided in the following Section 5.1.1. Water supply options were investigated however due to the lack of potable water in the vicinity and the high cost of providing it this option has been excluded from the proposal. The camp grounds will remain unavailable to direct vehicle access by the public.

5.2.1. Toilet Facilities Forbes Rigby considered three options for provision of toilets at the camp site: 1. Existing sewer connection 2. Effluent disposal system (eg. Ecomax® ) 3. Self composting toilet (Enviroloo® ) An appraisal of these options with NPWS staff prefers the Enviroloo® for the following reasons: • The effluent management process is contained, avoiding pollution impacts; • The toilet does not require water for effective use;



• The cost of the unit is relatively cheap compared with other options; • The proposed system is more in keeping with the expected frequency of use (assessed

from other loactions); • Maintenance costs are likely to be less than other options, because it is self-contained; • Does not require approvals from other authorities; • Meets the objectives of the NPWS for management of the IESCA, in terms of

environment performance.

5.2.2. Water supply upgrade Options for water provision that were considered include: 1. Water mains connection 2. Creek water harvesting 3. Rain water harvesting 4. Water Tanks 5. Bring your own Options 1 to 4 present obstacles that are considered to render them unsuitable. These options have been rejected for the following reasons: • Excessive cost – the cost of a mains water connection is estimated as >$30,000. This

cost, placed against other management priorities, is considered unrealistic. • Reliability of access – rain water harvesting, creek water harvesting and provision of

water tanks cannot not guarantee a continual supply of water, as adjacent creek are ephemeral.

• Health standards – the Department of Health has advised that only a water tank with

potable water should be used. The collection of creek or rainwater is not recommended. Water supply in this instance would require delivery to site via tanker. The ongoing cost and maintenance requirements of this option are considered onerous and of a lesser priority than other facilities.

Option 5, bring your own water is recommended for the Camp site. This is consistent with service levels at other bush camping sites throughout NSW national parks, where visitors are informed of this standard on NPWS information for the park. Most campers find this level of service acceptable.

5.3. SIGNAGE Park or track identification and other basic signs are provided for class 4 and 5 tracks. Class 3 tracks have a higher level of signage, including interpretive signs to inform walkers of key features or values along the track route markers are provided where orientation to the route is necessary, to avoid walkers losing their way. There is informal and formal signage along each of the existing tracks, but currently they are predominantly provided along the Gibson Track. Without basic directional signs or markers, the Bulli Lookout Track is difficult to navigate. Track head signs and route markers are proposed for the Bulli and Sublime tracks. Track head and interpretive signs are proposed for the Gibson’s Track and for the top (ie class 3) section of the Bulli Lookout Track. The design and construction of signs will conform to the NPWS Sign Design Standards.



Interpretive signs will include information on the following:

• Values of the IESCA and the Illawarra escarpment • Cultural heritage in the locality • Safety information and access restrictions • Visitor Code of Conduct • Track information – location, distance, advantage points and vegetation. • NPWS contact details

5.4. TRACK HEAD WORKS All track heads need improvement to meet Australian and NPWS standards. Key track heads are identified on the Draft Concept Plan. A summary of improvements at these track heads is provided below: Track heads from Foothills Road (South) and Buttenshaw Drive. • Provision of a suitable parking area and meet relevant Australian Standards. • Provision of interpretive and standard track head signs. • NPWS may also be investigate with other authorities opportunities to provide a water

source at this point below the Austinmer Camping ground. Track Heads from the Escarpment down to Austinmer. The Bulli Track and the Sublime Track have track heads located at the edge of the Escarpment. These track heads are identified on the attached plan. They are close to existing main tourist facilities. Improvements to these track heads are mainly aimed at safer access and information for walkers. The existing viewing platforms and ladders/steps that enable an ascent of the Escarpment are unsafe. They are degraded by metal corrosion, rot and vandalism. Detailed design subject to geotechnical advice ie needed to bring these facilities to an acceptable standard. Track heads will also be provided with track head and interpretive signage to the NPWS standard.

5.5. IMPLEMENTATION The final Concept Plan will include detailed costs, specifications and priorities for the NPWS to implement the Plan. However neither this draft Plan or the Final Plan constitutes a commitment to undertake specific works.

The Concept Plan is a long-term plan, which is intended for implementation over an extended period. Subjects to detailed planning, environmental and risk assessments and other considerations, it is anticipated that some works by NPWS will commence during 2006. Further works will be subject to funding, environmental and other constraints. DEC has made provision for funding beyond 2006. .



Subject to support from the community and other stakeholders, NPWS will engage with Council, other agencies and landholders to fully implement the Plan. This is needed for elements such as parking that occur outside NPWS estate.

A guide to ongoing management of walking tracks by NPWS will be based their classification in the Plan, construction and maintenance specifications and other relevant standards and codes. Prepared by for and on behalf of FORBES RIGBY PTY LTD

………………………… David Hartmann (Associate)

Reviewed by

…………………………… Paul Nichols (Director)

A P P E N D I X A

A P P E N D I X A

DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN

Walking Track Concept Plan - Draft for CommentIllawarra Escarpment State Conservation Area

Replace existing ladderswhere required withAustralian Standardapproved designs

Install new steel platform at track headwith non-slip grating and upgrade stairwith flat, non-slip treads. Provide directionalsignage and relevant information concerningactivities and usage of the IESCA

Provide Enviroloo toilet alongwestern camp boundary

Bulli TrackGibson Track

Su

blime

Track

800mleng

th

Reconstruct track acrosslandslip area using rockedging to define track edge

Provide new footbridge acrossexisting causeway to AustralianStandards

1500m length800m length

F6 Freeway

F6 Freeway

ThirroulThirroul

AustinmerAustinmer

Sout

hC

oast

Sout

hC

oast

FR REF: 105069-01/GIS/1801 DRAFT CONCEPT PLAN.MXD REV 5

OldPrin

ces Highway

OldPrin

ces Highway

Bus Stop

Camping

Drinking Water

Food

Interpretive Signage

Motel

Parking

Track Head

Train Station

Vantage Point/Lookout

LegendFacilities and Access

Track Features

Existing Features

Walking link road fromAustinmer Railway Station

Geotechnical Hazards

Class 3 Track

Class 4 Track

Class 5 Track

Existing Tracks

Link to and from Rail

Proposed Pedestrian Link

South Coast Railway

Bus Routes

0 100 200 300 40050Meters

Appin

Road

Appin

Road

Lawrence Hargrave

Lawrence Hargrave

Major Tourist Facilities with toilets,parking, refreshments and sceniclookouts and access

Enviroloo(indicative)

DriveDrive

Sublime Point Access:

Austinmer Camp Site:

Bulli Track Footbridge

Indicative Bridge

Hill StreetHill Street

Foothills

Road

Foothills

Road

Geotechnical Hazard

Steep slope - install rock stepsor similar

Install retaining wallfor track where landslipand erosion have occurred

Upgrade to Class 5 track.Install safety features whereneeded.

PanoramaHouse

PanoramaHouse

Cliffhanger CafeCliffhanger Cafe

Gateway(under

construction)

Gateway(under

construction)

Construct with Council apotential link from BulliTrack Head to GatewayCafe

SublimePoint

SublimePoint

Propose

d

Pedestrian

Link

Illawarra Escarpment StateConservation Area (IESCA)

Indicative ladder design

Maintain existing track headand provide directional andinformation signage

Upgrade track to Class 4by upgrading existing stairsto NPWS standards

All works shown on this plan are subject todetailed Geotechnical investigations

ToSta

nwellPar

k

ToSta

nwellPar

k

ToW

ollo

ngon

g

ToW

ollo

ngon

g

Railw

ay

Railw

ay

Reconstruct flight of stiars

ausstinmer walking tracks u and aassssociiaatted ... · 2003, lands comprising the former bulli...

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