glen eira residents association inc.€¦ · gera – caulfield racecourse reserve public access...
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GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 1
Glen Eira Residents Association Inc.
______________________________________________________________________________
Caulfield Racecourse Reserve
Public Access and Access Points
Contents
1 OVERVIEW ...................................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Lack of Promotion of Park and Park Facilities ........................................................................................ 3
1.2 Usage Restrictions – days and times ....................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Racecourse Reserve Agreement .............................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Major Development ................................................................................................................................. 4
2 PARK INTERIOR ............................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Lack of signage ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Pedestrian Gate Locations ....................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Track and Fencing Barriers ..................................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Facilities Maintenance ............................................................................................................................. 7
3 PARK PERIMETER – CURRENT PUBLIC ACCESS POINTS .................................................... 8
3.1 Racecourse Public Access Point Signage ................................................................................................ 8
3.2 Guineas Tunnel Public Access Point ....................................................................................................... 9
3.2.1 Guineas Tunnel – Station Street Racecourse Reserve Access. ........................................................ 9
3.2.2 Guineas Tunnel – Tunnel Entrance. .............................................................................................. 10
3.2.3 Guineas Tunnel – Tunnel 1. ........................................................................................................... 11
3.2.4 Guineas Tunnel – Tunnel 2 ............................................................................................................ 12
3.2.5 Guineas Tunnel – Tunnel Stairs to Racecourse Centre. ................................................................ 13
3.2.6 Guineas Tunnel – Tunnel Ramp to Racecourse Centre. ............................................................... 14
3.3 Queens Avenue Public Access Point ..................................................................................................... 15
3.3.1 Queens Avenue – Entrance Gate and Signage .............................................................................. 15
3.3.2 Queens Avenue – Steps to Main Racecourse ................................................................................. 16
3.3.3 Queens Avenue – Main Racecourse North and South ................................................................... 17
3.3.4 Queens Avenue – Main Racecourse towards facilities .................................................................. 18
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 2
3.4 Neerim Road Public Access Point ......................................................................................................... 19
3.4.1 Neerim Road – Glen Huntly Park Pathway to Entrance Gate ...................................................... 19
3.4.2 Neerim Road – Entrance Gate ....................................................................................................... 19
3.4.3 Neerim Road – Entrance Gate & Aquanita Stabling Forecourt ................................................... 20
3.4.4 Neerim Road – Aquanita Horse Stables ........................................................................................ 20
3.4.5 Neerim Road – Pedestrian Access to Main Racetrack .................................................................. 21
3.4.6 Neerim Road – Main Racetrack Barrier Gate ............................................................................... 21
3.5 Glen Eira Road Public Access Point ..................................................................................................... 22
3.5.1 Glen Eira Road – Entrance Road Signage .................................................................................... 22
3.5.2 Glen Eira Road – Entrance Gate ................................................................................................... 23
3.5.3 Glen Eira Road – Pedestrian and Vehicle Access Tunnel Entrance (left side) ............................. 23
3.5.4 Glen Eira Road – Entrance Gate Vehicle Signage ........................................................................ 24
3.5.5 Glen Eira Road – Pedestrian and Vehicle Access Tunnel Entrance ............................................. 24
3.5.6 Glen Eira Road – Pedestrian Path ................................................................................................ 25
3.5.7 Glen Eira Road – Tunnel Dust ...................................................................................................... 25
3.5.8 Glen Eira Road – Centre Tunnel Entrance ................................................................................... 26
3.5.9 Glen Eira Road – Centre Tunnel Entrance ................................................................................... 27
4 CENTRE OF CAULFIELD RACECOURSE RESERVE AGREEMENT .................................... 28
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 3
1 OVERVIEW
1.1 Lack of Promotion of Park and Park Facilities
Lack of promotion of public park/recreation facilities within the Racecourse Reserve.
o Neither MRC or Trustees website lists or promotes public reserve aspects
o Glen Eira Council’s website and residents handbook information is not in line with
access point signage
(http://www.gleneira.vic.gov.au/Connect/Parks_and_recreation/Parks/Caulfield_Race
course_Reserve)
o Racecourse Centre Agreement (27/4/2011 – section 4) provides for up to 4
“Community Days” annually. Since the official opening (April, 2013) of the
redeveloped centre and synthetic track, no “community day events” (for the “wider
community” have been held.
o Road signage (refer section 3.5.1 Glen Eira Road – Vehicle Signage) - for
Racecourse not Park
1.2 Usage Restrictions – days and times
o Racedays (27 pa) – date of next race meeting provided at various points around
racecourse. No notification of race day entrance gate closures (either individually or
as a calendar) are posted on access points, either prior to or on day of closure.
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 4
o Major Event Days (a maximum of 10 pa – definition of Major Event not unknown) -
known well in advance yet only a 10 day notice period for surrounding residents
applies. Major events involve residential road closures and traffic congestion. No
notification of major event entrance gate closures (either individually or as a
calendar) are posted on access points, either prior to or on day of closure.
o Daily public access times (9.30 – 9.45 to Sunset) arise from horse training
requirements. Various communiques on relocation of training to alternate sites
published since 2007, however, full time training remains and removal schedule is
nebulous.
o Neerim Road Pedestrian access gate not signed. No public access between 1.30 p.m.
and 4 p.m. when horses, stabled at Aquanita Stables, may cross the pedestrian access
path to reach training facilities (e.g. horse swimming pool).
Alternative solution, which doesn’t restrict public access, required.
1.3 Racecourse Reserve Agreement
o Racecourse Reserve Agreement – limited publication - last publicly available included
in Council Minutes 27/4/2011 (refer section 4)
o Incumbent on all parties – Trustees, MRC and Council to make publicly available
1.4 Major Development
o The MRC sponsored Caulfield Village Development (a.k.a. C60) currently comprises
2046 residences and 7,550 sqm retail space in predominantly multistorey
buildings with little public open space within development
Current composition of residences and retail spaces may vary in future and also
with possible future inclusion of commercial space (approx. 30,000 sqm.)
Development to occur “across the road” (ie. Station Street) from the Racecourse
Reserve with development plans emphasising Caulfield Park usage rather than
Racecourse Reserve usage.
o Guineas Tunnel provides the only northern only access to the Centre of Racecourse
Reserve for the developments residents, emplyees and patrons. Additional access
points required.
Guineas Tunnel Entrances
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 5
2 PARK INTERIOR
2.1 Lack of signage
Lack of signage (previous signage removed – no pictures available) re
o Facilities available and location within park
o Accessing facilities (directional signposts), via the maize of fencing
As per ABC 7.30 Report – 2/4/2014
Existing signage, on picnic facilities wall, is as per access point signage and lacks detail (eg.
Junior Soccer Pitch location, relationship of soccer pitch to picnic facilities).
Photo date 24/5/2014
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 6
2.2 Pedestrian Gate Locations
No signage for location of Queens Avenue and Neerim Road pedestrian access gates from
Centre of Racecourse
Eg. From Grandstand to Neerim Road Access Gate - Photo date 21/02/2013
2.3 Track and Fencing Barriers
o No signage of, or directional signage for, park facilities provided.
o Pedestrian access across 6 race/training tracks of varying surfaces (grass, sand and
synthetic) – under/over clambering required for track barriers. Few gaps in barriers
provided and where provided are narrow (36 cm, slightly over half the width of the
access point signage – 60cm).
o No signage for gates in rectangular fencing installed during the centre’s redevelopment
Picnic
Area
Neerim
Road
Access
Point
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 7
Photo date 24/5/2014
o Request consideration be given to
Installation of lift type latches on race/training track barriers, and
appropriate signage on track barriers and fencing.
Lift type latching - Photo date 24/5/2014
2.4 Facilities Maintenance
o Maintenance and cleanliness of toilet and BBQ facilities reported by Centre Park users
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 8
3 PARK PERIMETER – CURRENT PUBLIC ACCESS POINTS
o Inadequate Signage of Access Points and Directions to facilities
o Entrance points are a disincentive for entry
o Limited disability access
Guineas Tunnel – pedestrian and mobility access, potential mobility access
limitation arising from tunnel gradients
Queens Avenue – no disability access
Neerim Road – no disability access
Glen Eira Road Tunnel – vehicular disability access only
3.1 Racecourse Public Access Point Signage
Photo date 01/06/2014
o Signage (entrance name changed) on all access points, except Neerim Road access
point.
o Limited visibility of signs due to
Sign dimensions – 60cm X 85 cm - lack of clarity from a short distance away
Sign placement
on flat wall surface adjacent to gate access point (Queens Avenue)
on gate (Guineas Tunnel, Glen Eira Road Tunnel) particularly when gate
is open
o Road Signage (refer Glen Eira Road Tunnel – Section 4.5) does indicate vehicle access
to racecourse and public parkland facilities
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 9
3.2 Guineas Tunnel Public Access Point
Tunnel Length – approx. 350m
A pedestrian and mobility access point (tunnel gradients may impact mobility
access)
3.2.1 Guineas Tunnel – Station Street Racecourse Reserve Access.
Photo date 24/5/2014
Signage attached to pedestrian entrance gate – limited visibility when gate is open
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 10
3.2.2 Guineas Tunnel – Tunnel Entrance.
Photo date 24/5/2014
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 11
3.2.3 Guineas Tunnel – Tunnel 1.
Photo date 24/5/2014
Handrails cease at gradient change
Tunnel slope implications for mobility (wheelchair) access
Tunnel slope profile* is
Guineas Car Park/Station
Street Entrance
Flat section – Tunnel exit to
Racecourse Centre via
stairs (left) or ramp (right)
* Diagram indicative only – actual gradients not known
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 12
3.2.4 Guineas Tunnel – Tunnel 2
Photo date 24/5/2014
Handrails resume at gradient change
Tunnel slope implications for mobility (wheelchair) access
Tunnel slope profile* is
Guineas Car Park/Station
Street Entrance
Flat section – Tunnel exit to
Racecourse Centre via
stairs (left) or ramp (right)
* Diagram indicative only – actual gradients not known
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 13
3.2.5 Guineas Tunnel – Tunnel Stairs to Racecourse Centre.
Photo date 24/5/2014
Flat section (left) – Tunnel exit stairs to Racecourse Centre
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 14
3.2.6 Guineas Tunnel – Tunnel Ramp to Racecourse Centre.
Photo date 21/5/2014
Flat section (right) – Racecourse Centre Guineas Tunnel entrance/exit ramp
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 15
3.3 Queens Avenue Public Access Point
o Pedestrian only access
o No disability access
3.3.1 Queens Avenue – Entrance Gate and Signage
Photo date 24/5/2014
Pedestrian use of Queens Avenue Racecourse side restricted by
o Pedestrian Barriers (Glen Eira City Council) – requiring pedestrians to cross busy
road without appropriate signage or pedestrian island or crossing
o Poorly maintained fencing and landscaping
Queens Avenue Parking
o Racecourse side – none (No Standing Zone)
o Residential side – time restricted
Residents report gate often locked
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 16
3.3.2 Queens Avenue – Steps to Main Racecourse
Photo date 24/5/2014
Steep, unkept stairs
Stair width vs narrow (36cm) main racetrack barrier gap
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 17
3.3.3 Queens Avenue – Main Racecourse North and South
North – Photo date 24/5/2014
South – Photo date 24/5/2014
No signage for park layout – location of picnic facilities
No signage to identify gate location from inside park
Steepness of stairs
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 18
3.3.4 Queens Avenue – Main Racecourse towards facilities
Photo date 21/5/2014
6 race/training tracks (main and 5 training) of varying surfaces (grass, sand and
synthetic) to traverse
Lack of pedestrian gates/gaps in track barriers – clambering over or under track barriers
required to access park facilities
Picnic Facilities
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 19
3.4 Neerim Road Public Access Point Pedestrian only access
No disability access
3.4.1 Neerim Road – Glen Huntly Park Pathway to Entrance Gate
Photo date 1/6/2014
Concrete pathway (replaced gravel pathway) constructed recently (3 months ago)
No signage indicating access to Racecourse Reserve
3.4.2 Neerim Road – Entrance Gate
Photo date 21/5/2014
No Racecourse Reserve signage
Gate closure from 1.30 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. (prime weekend time) – contrary to 27/4/2011
agreement which states gate to be open 9.30 a.m. to Sunset, excluding racedays and 10
event days.
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 20
3.4.3 Neerim Road – Entrance Gate & Aquanita Stabling Forecourt
Photo date 21/5/2014
No signage or entrance paving
3.4.4 Neerim Road – Aquanita Horse Stables
Photo date 21/5/2014
Publicly accessible stabling area – no fencing
Public Access Gate
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 21
3.4.5 Neerim Road – Pedestrian Access to Main Racetrack
Photo date 21/5/2014
Inclined and overgrown dirt pathway a pedestrian access/safety issue
Not in compliance with Racecourse Agreement (27/4/2011) – a “new surface pedestrian
access from Glen Huntly Park across the race tracks”
3.4.6 Neerim Road – Main Racetrack Barrier Gate
Photo date 21/5/2014
Not in compliance with Racecourse Agreement (27/4/2011) – a “new surface pedestrian
access from Glen Huntly Park across the race tracks”
6 race/training tracks (main and 5 training) of varying surfaces (grass, sand and synthetic)to
traverse
Lack of pedestrian gates/gaps in track barriers – clambering over or under track barriers
required to access park facilities
No signage to facilities
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 22
3.5 Glen Eira Road Public Access Point
o Tunnel Length – approximately 200 m
o Shared Pedestrian & Vehicle Access
o Vehicular Disability Access
o Formerly vehicle only access with above ground pedestrian access – brush wood fencing
installed during the Centre’s landscaping eliminated above ground pedestrian access, tunnel
access now shared. (refer section 3.5.7 – Tunnel Dust)
3.5.1 Glen Eira Road – Entrance Road Signage
Photos taken 01/06/2014 – Booran Road
Road signs (VicRoads) near entrance to Glen Eira Road Access Point (ie. Kambrook, Booran
and Glen Eira Roads roundabout)
1. Kambrook Road southerly approach to Glen Eira Road Roundabout
2. Booran Road northern approach to Glen Eira Road Roundabout
3. Glen Eira approach to Roundabout
All road signs are for Racecourse and Racecourse Parking – public park and facilities (park,
lake, exercise areas, jogging tracks, sportsfields) not shown.
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 23
3.5.2 Glen Eira Road – Entrance Gate
Photo date 21/5/2014
o Disincentive for entry – closed gates and yellow barriers behind gates
o Pedestrian safety compromised - pedestrian access gate and pedestrian tunnel path on
opposite sides
o Brush fencing (right) and white fencing (left) removed/prevents above ground
pedestrian access
o Park signage on pedestrian access gate and vehicle access gate not readily readable
from a short distance
3.5.3 Glen Eira Road – Pedestrian and Vehicle Access Tunnel Entrance (left side)
Photo date 01/06/2014
Pedestrian
Access
Gate
Pedestrian
Tunnel Path
Gate
Vehicle Access Gate (non racing
and major event days)
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 24
3.5.4 Glen Eira Road – Entrance Gate Vehicle Signage
Photo date 1/06/2014
Signage incorrect – time should be 9.30 a.m. (as per agreement)
3.5.5 Glen Eira Road – Pedestrian and Vehicle Access Tunnel Entrance
Photo date 21/5/2014
o Road surface sand provides cushioning impact for horse usage (access to training
tracks). Surface sand
seeps onto pedestrian pathway and
vehicle usage generates dust issue making pedestrian path unusable (inadequate
lighting and ventilation).
o Horse usage of tunnel – horse faeces on tunnel roadway surface
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 25
3.5.6 Glen Eira Road – Pedestrian Path
Photo date 24/5/2014
o Path width 54 cm
o Sand seepage from vehicle/horse usage
3.5.7 Glen Eira Road – Tunnel Dust
Photo Date September, 2012
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 26
Photo date December, 2013
After installation of improved lighting and ventilation fans
3.5.8 Glen Eira Road – Centre Tunnel Entrance
Photo date 1/6/2014
Red barrier blocking access to pedestrian path
Pedestrian safety compromised by proximity of pedestrians and vehicles entering/exiting
tunnel
o no pedestrian awareness signage for vehicles,
o limited “escape” options for pedestrians
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 27
3.5.9 Glen Eira Road – Centre Tunnel Entrance
Photo date 01/06/2014
o No “Pedestrian Crossing” signage for pedestrians crossing from Training Tower to Picnic
Facilities
Glen Eira Road Tunnel Centre
Entrance – Pedestrian Access
Point
Picnic Facilities
and Public Parking
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 28
4 CENTRE OF CAULFIELD RACECOURSE RESERVE AGREEMENT
GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 29
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GERA – Caulfield Racecourse Reserve Public Access and Access Points – June, 2014 31
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