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N B N V I S U A L I M P A C T A S S E S S M E N T 3 7 F A R M E R S A V E N U E B O D D I N G T O N
Daly International
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COPYRIGHT STATEMENT FOR: NBN Visual Impact Assessment 37 Farmers Avenue Boddington
Our Reference: 9459-3135-13R draft rev 0
Copyright © 1987-2014 Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd
ABN 70 070 128 675 Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), the whole or any part of this document may not be
reproduced by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the copyright
owner, Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd. This includes microcopying, photocopying or recording of any parts of
the report.
Direct all inquiries to: Ecoscape (Australia) Pty Ltd
9 Stirling Highway • PO Box 50 NORTH FREMANTLE WA 6159 Ph: (08) 9430 8955 Fax: (08) 9430 8977
Rev. Author Approved Date
Draft rev 0 S Bateman D Kaesehagen 05/02/2014
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T ABLE OF CONTENTS Summary ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.0 . Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 .... Project Scope ...................................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 .... Proposed Infrastructure ....................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 .... Study Area ........................................................................................................................................... 7
1.4 .... Planning Context ................................................................................................................................. 8
1.4.1 ....Visual Landscape Planning in Western Australia ............................................................................ 8
1.4.2 ....Guidelines for the Location, Siting and Design of Telecommunications Infrastructure ................... 8
1.4.3 ....State Planning Policy No. 2 Environment and Natural Resources .................................................. 8
1.4.4 ....Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development ................................................................ 8
1.4.5 ....Shire of Boddington Local Planning Strategy .................................................................................. 9
2.0 . METHOD ..............................................................................................................................................10
2.1 .... Visual Assessment Method ...............................................................................................................10
2.1.1 ....Desktop Analysis ............................................................................................................................10
2.1.2 ....Site Assessment .............................................................................................................................10
2.1.3 ....Photo Montage Analysis.................................................................................................................11
2.1.4 ....Visual Impact Analysis ...................................................................................................................11
3.0 . LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ...............................................................................................................13
3.1 .... Landscape Character Type ...............................................................................................................13
3.2 .... Landscape Character Units of the Study Area ..................................................................................13
3.2.1 ....Residential LCU .............................................................................................................................14
3.2.2 ....Industrial LCU .................................................................................................................................14
3.2.3 ....Rural LCU .......................................................................................................................................15
3.2.4 ....Townsite LCU .................................................................................................................................16
3.2.5 ....Community LCU .............................................................................................................................16
3.2.6 ....River LCU .......................................................................................................................................17
3.3 .... Landscape Values .............................................................................................................................17
4.0 . VIEW EXPERIENCE ............................................................................................................................19
4.1 .... Viewing Locations .............................................................................................................................19
4.2 .... View Experience ................................................................................................................................19
4.2.1 ....River LCU .......................................................................................................................................20
4.2.2 ....Residential and Industrial LCUs .....................................................................................................20
4.2.3 ....Townsite LCU .................................................................................................................................22
4.2.4 ....Rural and Community LCUs ..........................................................................................................22
5.0 . VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................23
5.1 .... Visual Impact Criteria ........................................................................................................................23
5.2 .... Visual Management Objectives .........................................................................................................23
5.3 .... Viewshed (seen area) Analysis .........................................................................................................24
5.4 .... Photo Montage Analysis ....................................................................................................................25
5.5 .... Visual Impact Level ...........................................................................................................................26
6.0 . SUMMARY OF VISUAL IMPACTS .....................................................................................................27
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6.1 .... Landscape Character ........................................................................................................................27
6.2 .... Landscape Values .............................................................................................................................27
6.3 .... View Experience ................................................................................................................................27
6.4 .... Visual management Objectives .........................................................................................................27
6.5 .... Visual management Recommendations ...........................................................................................27
References .................................................................................................................................................29
Appendix One: Maps .................................................................................................................................30
Appendix Two: Preference Indicators .....................................................................................................35
Appendix Three: Significance Levels ......................................................................................................36
Appendix Four: Photo Montages .............................................................................................................37
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Visual impact level matrix table ....................................................................................................12
Table 2: Visual impact analysis of photo montages 1-3 .............................................................................25
Table 3: Overall visual impact level of the proposed NBN facility ..............................................................26
LIST OF M APS
Map 1: Study Area ......................................................................................................................................31
Map 2: Landscape Characteristics .............................................................................................................32
Map 3: Landscape Character Units ............................................................................................................33
Map 4: Visual Landscape Analysis .............................................................................................................34
LIST OF PLATES
Plate 1: Monopole example .......................................................................................................................... 7
Plate 2: Residential LCU ............................................................................................................................14
Plate 3: Industrial LCU ................................................................................................................................14
Plate 4: Rural LCU ......................................................................................................................................15
Plate 5: Rural blocks amongst residential LCU ..........................................................................................15
Plate 6: Boddington Townsite LCU .............................................................................................................16
Plate 7: Community LCU ............................................................................................................................16
Plate 8: River LCU ......................................................................................................................................17
Plate 9: View towards hills that surround the study area ............................................................................18
Plate 10: Hotham River visible from Bannister Marradong Road ...............................................................18
Plate 11: Blue Gum Park ............................................................................................................................18
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Plate 12: Partially screened west view towards the industrial area from Farmers Avenue. .......................20
Plate 13: Partially screened south view towards Industrial LCU from Greenstone Way ............................20
Plate 14: Screened east view from Greenstone Way. ................................................................................21
Plate 15: Partially screened view to the south hill from Greenstone Way ..................................................21
Plate 16: Partially screened view to the south hill from Adam Street. ........................................................21
Plate 17: Partially screened west view from Farmers Avenue, near Jarrah Terrace .................................22
Plate 18: Modified view within the Townsite LCU. ......................................................................................22
Plate 19: Open views across the Rural LCU ..............................................................................................22
Plate 20: Montage location 1 – Shepherds Turn ........................................................................................28
Plate 21: Montage location 2 – Greenstone Way .......................................................................................28
Plate 22: Montage location 3 – Adam Street ..............................................................................................28
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SUMMARY Daly International on behalf of National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) require a concise visual
impact assessment of the NBN Co Wireless facility which has been requested by the Shire of Boddington to
address community concerns.
The proposed NBN facility is located at 37 Farmers Avenue Boddington in an area that consists of industrial,
residential and rural land use. The site was considered the most suitable location due to the following
factors:
industrial zoning
sufficient separation from residential developments and community sensitive uses
suitable coverage requirements
no vegetation removal required (Daly International 2012).
The proposed infrastructure of the NBN facility will consist of:
40m high monopole
radio transmission equipment
two outdoor units.
Ecoscape applied the methodology outlined in the Visual Landscape Planning Manual (DPI 2007) to
undertake the visual impact assessment (VIA) of the proposed NBN facility. The manual specifies a two
stage process to the visual assessment:
1. visual landscape evaluation
2. visual impact assessment.
The scope required a brief visual landscape evaluation which described landscape character, landscape
values and view experience to understand the visual context of the study area to determine how the
proposed NBN facility fits into the visual landscape. This was achieved through desktop analysis using
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and site analysis. In summary, Six Landscape Character Units have
been identified within the study area with the general character of the area consisting of built form within the
residential, industrial and townsite areas surrounded by an undulating rural landscape. The landscape
values were identified as the Hotham River, undulating rural landscape and Blue Gum Park. The general
view experience was influenced by the level of screening from vegetation and built form and ranged from
open views over the rural landscape to screened views within areas that contained more buildings such as
the residential and industrial areas.
As a result of the visual landscape evaluation, the visual management objective (VMO) considered
appropriate for the study area was best practice siting and design which specifies that while it is
acceptable that developments may be visible, they should use sensitive design principles to blend the
development with the surrounding landscape.
To assess the visual impact of the proposed NBN facility three photo montages were prepared within the
Hotham Heights residential area that overlook the proposed site. The photo montages showed that the base
of the site will be screened by vegetation while the monopole will be visible from selected areas that have
views to the site. The analysis revealed that the monopole blends with the surrounding landscape which
resulted in an overall visual impact rating of Level 3, meaning it is not likely to be at variance with the VMO
of best practice siting and design.
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1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 PROJECT SCOPE
Daly International are acting on behalf of The National Broadband Network Company (NBN Co) to install a
Fixed Wireless Facility (NBN Facility) on 37 Farmers Avenue Boddington to provide wireless broadband
coverage to the Boddington Region. A number of sites were assessed, this site was selected on the basis of
the following factors:
the site will provide optimal quality for broadband coverage in the area
it is located in an industrial area
there is sufficient separation from residential areas
no vegetation removal required.
The application seeks planning consent for:
40m high monopole
radio transmission equipment
two outdoor units.
A visual impact Assessment (VIA) was recommended by the Shire of Boddington in a Council resolution
dated 19 February 2013 in response to concerns from residents nearby the proposed facility.
1.2 PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE
NBN Co proposes to install a 40m steel monopole at 37 Farmers Avenue,
Boddington. The monopole and ancillary equipment will be enclosed in a secure
compound of about 96m2. The monopole will feature a circular headframe at 40m.
Both monopole and headframe will remain unpainted (dull grey colour). Three panel
antennas will be installed on the headframe. One transmission dish (600mm
diameter) will also be installed on the monopole at 22m. Two outdoor units (ODU) will
be installed near the base of the monopole within the 96m2 compound in the south
east corner of the property (Daly International 2012). An example of the monopole is
shown on Plate 1.
The construction phase is likely to be ten weeks and once operational the facility will
function unstaffed with maintenance occurring one day per year.
1.3 STUDY AREA
The site is located at 37 Farmers Avenue, Boddington which is about 1.5 km south west of the Boddington
town site which is a rural town in the Darling Scarp 130km south east of Perth (Map 1). Boddington is one of
nine regional towns that is part of ‘SuperTown’ initiative funded by the State Government to increase the
town’s population through economic growth. The proposed NBN facility site is cleared and contains a
workshop and large shed. The land use surrounding the site consists of industrial lots, rural land and a
residential area to the north.
Plate 1: Monopole example
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1.4 PLANNING CONTEXT
The following documents provide guidance on visual landscape planning in Western Australia.
1.4.1 Visual Landscape Planning in Western Australia
This manual released by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) (2007) has been developed to
help public and private sector planners address visual landscape in the planning process. The manual
explains the fundamental planning tools of visual landscape evaluation and visual impact assessment. It
provides guidelines for siting and design in relation to a range of landscape types and land uses, including
telecommunications towers. The methodology used for this assessment follows the guidelines set out in the
manual.
The manual lists the main issues associated with telecommunications towers which should be considered in
a proposal:
location and siting
design and colour
size
structures installed on roofs
prominent locations such as hilltops
multiple towers in close proximity
ancillary features.
1.4.2 Guidelines for the Location, Siting and Design of Telecommunications Infrastructure
The purpose of these guidelines published by the Western Australian Planning Commission (2004) are to
assist local governments and proponents in the planning stages for telecommunications infrastructure at the
local level. These guidelines should be read in conjunction with the WAPC Statement of Planning Policy No.
5.2: Telecommunications Infrastructure. The main principle relating to visual impact is that infrastructure
should be located and designed in a way that minimises visual impacts while meeting the needs of the
community. It states that where possible, infrastructure should be located in appropriately zoned areas such
as industrial or commercial and avoid residential areas.
1.4.3 State Planning Policy No. 2 Environment and Natural Resources
The Environment and Natural Resources Policy (WAPC, 2003) defines the principles and considerations that
represent good and responsible planning in terms of environment and natural resource issues within the
framework of the State Planning Strategy. This policy also identifies the importance of protecting and
enhancing landscapes and states the need:
to identify and protect landscapes with high natural resource value
for careful planning, siting and design of development proposals in a way that is sensitive to the
landscape character
for landscape or visual impact assessment for proposals that may impact on sensitive landscapes
(DPI, 2007).
1.4.4 Environmental Guidance for Planning and Development
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Guidance Statement Number 33 (EPA, 2008) is a document
relevant for land use planning and was developed to assist government agencies, proponents and
consultants achieve environmentally acceptable outcomes. The EPA’s position on Visual Amenity is
addressed in Part B (Landscape and Landforms) and Part D (Social Surroundings). The objective for visual
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amenity is to ensure that visual amenity is considered and measures are adopted to reduced adverse visual
impacts on the surrounding environment as low as reasonably practicable.
1.4.5 Shire of Boddington Local Planning Strategy
The Shire of Boddington have a Local Planning Strategy which is intended to guide landuse over the next 15
years (Belton – Taylforth, 2007), which is available for download on the Shire’s website. The future vision
stated in the strategy is for Boddington to be widely recognised as a progressive local authority providing
quality services and facilities that encourage people to live, work, visit and invest in the district.
Visual amenity is not highlighted as a key issue within the Shire, except along Bannister Marradong Road,
where it is considered important to main the rural landscape character as this provides an entry statement
into the Shire from Albany Highway.
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2.0 METHOD 2.1 VISUAL ASSESSMENT METHOD
Ecoscape applied the methodology outlined in the Visual Landscape Planning Manual (DPI 2007) to
undertake the visual impact assessment (VIA) of the proposed NBN facility. The manual specifies a two
stage process to the visual assessment:
1. visual landscape evaluation
2. visual impact assessment.
The Visual Landscape Evaluation (VLE) stage is undertaken to understand the context of the project and the
surrounding landscape. It is also undertaken to set objectives for managing the visual landscape character.
From this evaluation it can be determined if a Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) is necessary which describes
the potential impacts in context of the landscape evaluation.
Ecoscape incorporated the relevant stages for this assessment as outlined below:
a description of the proposed project and visual elements of proposed infrastructure (Section 1)
Landscape Character Analysis: to identify and evaluate the existing landscape and Landscape
Character Types which is done from desktop and site analysis (Section 3)
View Experience: to assess viewing locations, view experience and valued landscape
characteristics to identify appropriate visual management objectives for the study area for the
purpose of assessing visual impacts (Section 4)
Visual Management Objectives: used as criteria for assessing visual impacts on the landscape
(Section 5)
Visual Impact Analysis: to determine the level of visual impact (Section 5).
2.1.1 Desktop Analysis
A desktop investigation was undertaken before the site assessment to understand the landscape context of
the study area in relation to topography, vegetation, waterform and land use. Maps were prepared to take
out on site to ground truth the landscape and the visual catchment pf the proposed NBN facility. The
following information was mapped using ArcGIS:
topography using 5m contours
Heddle vegetation complexes
drainage lines
tenure
viewshed from the proposed NBN facility using 3D analyst.
2.1.2 Site Assessment
Visual landscape analysis criteria were established prior to undertaking the field assessment. The majority
of the route was traversed by foot and vehicle on 22 January 2014. Waypoints and field notes were
recorded at view locations. Photographs were taken using a digital SLR camera of the landscape
surrounding the proposed NBN facility to enable further assessment through the preparation of photo
montages. GPS coordinates and a compass bearing for photographs were recorded at view locations.
M E T H O D
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The information noted at each viewpoint includes details of the visual elements of the landscape such as the
list below. The terminology used to describe landscape character have been adapted from CALM (1994),
DPI (2007) and The Landscape Institute (1995).
view description: general description of view
land use: natural, commercial, industrial, residential, recreational, rural
topography: flat, undulating, rugged
vegetation: description of vegetation type and form
waterform: evident or not evident, type of waterform
colours: monochrome, muted, colourful, type of colours
texture: smooth, textured, rough
line: straight, angular, curved, sinuous
form: vertical, sloping, rolling, horizontal.
2.1.3 Photo Montage Analysis
An important component of visual impact analysis is the preparation and analysis of photo montages.
The preparation of photomontages requires the following steps:
Data Collation: to produce a 3D model of the existing conditions, including topography, cadastral
boundaries, aerial photography and viewpoint (photograph) locations.
3D Model Preparation: the data is imported into a 3D Studio Max virtual world and combined with
a 3D model of the proposed infrastructure. Virtual cameras are used to produce representative
views of each identified sensitive viewpoints.
Preparation of Photo Montages: the output of the 3D model is a rendered 3D wireframe image of
the proposed infrastructure. This is overlaid on a panoramic photograph which results in a photo
montage of the proposed NBN facility.
Photo montages are analysed using visual impact criteria to determine dominant visual elements, which
include visibility, line, form, colour and texture, and also variable visual elements which include motion, light,
atmospheric conditions, season and distance. The outcome of this analysis is a percentage score that
determines the level of visual impact, either being not evident, blending or prominent. To determine the
overall impact level or the significance of the impact, the result of the visual impact analysis is combined with
the Sensitivity Level and the Visual Management Objective of the study area.
2.1.4 Visual Impact Analysis
To assess visual impact a visual landscape evaluation must be undertaken in order to understand the
landscape values of an area and the sensitivity level of the travel routes. The Landscape Institute (1995)
developed criteria to determine the level of impact which were based on landscape values and viewer
sensitivity. The criteria are ‘sensitivity’ and ‘magnitude’ which are categorised into high, medium and low.
Sensitivity being either the type of travel route or the landscape value. Depending on the sensitivity of the
landscape and magnitude of change, the impact can be described as either slight, moderate or substantial.
The principle of this criteria is similar to the visual impact levels used in this assessment which are Level 1, 2
and 3. These impact levels are based on:
Visual Absorbance Capacity (VAC) of a landscape which relates to the magnitude of change and
the visual prominence of the development
Significance Level which refers to type of travel route and therefore the degree of public sensitivity
(Appendix 3)
Visual Management Objective (VMO) which reflects the landscape values.
M E T H O D
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The visual impact levels outlined in Table 1 have been developed by Ecoscape to reflect current assessment
guidelines with the aim of providing a clear interpretation of visual impact.
The impact levels are:
Level 1: Visual impact is likely to be at variance with the VMO.
Level 2: Visual impact may be at variance with the VMO.
Level 3: Visual impact is unlikely to be at variance with the VMO.
None: There is no visual impact.
Table 1: Visual impact level matrix table
Visual Absorbance Capacity (VAC) rating Prominent Blending Not Evident
Significance Level rating 1 2 3 1 2 3 1-3
Visual Management Objective
Protection and Maintenance
L1 L1 L1 L2 L2 L2 None
Best Practice Siting and Design
L1 L1 L1 L3 L3 L3 None
Restoration and Enhancement
L2 L2 L2 L3 L3 L3 None
VISUAL IMPACT LEVEL
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3.0 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER The purpose of characterising the landscape for a visual impact assessment is to understand the visual
setting of the study area to determine if the proposed infrastructure will visually fit within the landscape.
Landscape character is derived from a combination biophysical and social characteristics such as; landform,
vegetation, waterform and land use.
Broad Landscape Character Types have been identified by CALM (1994) for Western Australia which are
described for the study area (Section 3.1). To understand the context of the study area, more detailed
landscape character units have been identified (Section 3.2).
3.1 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER TYPE
A Landscape Study undertaken by the former Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM,
1994) classified Western Australian landscapes into Character Types. The main objective was to provide a
reference guide to assess the representation and significance of WA’s visual landscape to develop
appropriate planning and design guidelines and polices to protect and enhance the visual landscape. The
term landscape is defined as a combination of physical and cultural features. A Landscape Character Type
(LCT) is where there is a common combination of these characteristics such as landform, waterform,
vegetation and land use (CALM, 1994).
The study area is located within the Darling Uplands Landscape Character Type which is characterised by
undulating landform of lateritic soils blanketed with extensive areas of vegetation. The landscape values of
this region include deep valleys and rounded hills with granite outcrops and boulders. The landscape rises
from the Swan Coastal Plain to an approximate height of 300m above sea level (CALM 1994).
Boddington is set amongst a rural landscape that consists of rolling hills and valleys with partially cleared
paddocks. The vegetation consists of dark green woodland vegetation such as jarrah, marri and banksia
which are evident on the hills tops and along the roadside. The dominant waterform is the Hotham River
which is visible along Bannister Marradong Road and Williams Street (Map 1). The proposed NBN facility is
about 1.2km south west of the townsite which is located within an industrial area surrounded by residential
housing, rural land and public open space (Map 2).
3.2 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER UNITS OF THE STUDY AREA
A Landscape Character Unit (LCU) is a smaller unit than a Landscape Character Type (LCT). While the LCT
has common characteristics at a regional scale, there will be variations within an LCT that can be mapped at
a local scale. An LCU is a geographic area sharing common characteristics such as landform, vegetation,
waterform and cultural land use patterns relevant to human interaction and experience. Ecoscape identified
the LCUs of the study area from fieldwork and desktop analysis. The identified LCUs display particular
aesthetic characteristics which relate to form, line, colour, texture, scale, vegetation, waterform and land use.
Within the study area six LCUs were identified (Map 3) which generally correlate to the landuse within the
study area. The general character of the study area is a rural town set amongst undulating cleared farmland.
The purpose of describing the LCUs is to help understand the visual elements of the study area and later
assess how a proposed development fits into the visual landscape. The LCUs are:
Residential
Industrial
Rural
L A N D S C A P E C H A R A C T E R
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Townsite
Community
River
3.2.1 Residential LCU
The residential LCU is a modified landscape that consists of houses and residential streetscapes with the
hills visible on the horizon (Plate 2). The lines of the landscape vary from straight to angular such as the
roof lines and transmission poles. There are also curved lines of the tree canopy and the hills on the
horizon. The textures range from smooth roads and building materials to textured vegetation. Colours range
from various greens of the canopy, gold grasses, to a variety of colours such as reds and silver rooflines.
Plate 2: Residential LCU
3.2.2 Industrial LCU
The Industrial LCU is located along Farmers Avenue, west of Adam Street (Plate 3). The visual appearance
is cluttered as a result of the various colour and forms of the buildings and other infrastructure. The lines are
generally straight and angular such as straight lines of buidlings, rooflines, fences and transmission poles.
Plate 3: Industrial LCU
L A N D S C A P E C H A R A C T E R
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The horizon line is curved and provides a natural background with the industrial LCU sitting below this
curved line. Textures range from smooth building materials to textured paddocks and vegetation. There are
also various colours of the different buildings such as reds, blues, orange and grey. The proposed NBN
facility occurs within the industrial LCU.
3.2.3 Rural LCU
This is the dominant character of the study area with the other LCUs nestled amongst the rural landscape.
The visual elements of this LCU are simple and consists of the rolling form of the hills on the horizon line and
straight lines of the paddocks, fences and roads (Plate 4). There are simple bands of colour such as the
golden paddocks (in the dry season) and dark green remnant vegetation on the roadside and hills in the
distance. There are also larger blocks amongst the residential LCU that share the visual characteristics of
the rural LCU (Plate 5).
Plate 4: Rural LCU
Plate 5: Rural blocks amongst residential LCU
L A N D S C A P E C H A R A C T E R
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3.2.4 Townsite LCU
The Boddington townsite is located on the Bannister Marradong Road and consists of a range of businesses
on the main street and residential houses and other land uses on the side streets. While the natural
landform surrounds the town of Boddington, this LCU is the most modified landscape with mostly straight
and angular lines, smooth textures of building materials and a variety of colours (Plate 6).
Plate 6: Boddington Townsite LCU
3.2.5 Community LCU
This LCU consists of the school, ovals, country club and other recreation areas that occur south of Pollard
Street. Much of the area is open space with groups of buildings and other recreation infrastructure. The
lines are straight to angular rooflines, straight and vertical poles with colours ranging from light grey and
cream buildings, golden paddocks and green vegetation. The rolling green form of the hills are visible on the
horizon (Plate 7).
Plate 7: Community LCU
L A N D S C A P E C H A R A C T E R
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3.2.6 River LCU
The Hotham River meanders to the north of the Boddington town in the valley between the surrounding
undulating landscape. This is the only natural LCU within the study area and contains simple visual
elements such as a curved dark vegetation canopy and straight to angular tree trunks. Textures range from
rough bark and foliage to smooth dark water (Plate 8).
Plate 8: River LCU
3.3 LANDSCAPE VALUES
Visual quality is described in Reading the Remote, Landscape Characters of Western Australia (CALM,
1994) as “the relative visual character of a landscape, expressed as an overall visual impression or value
held by society after perceiving an area of land / water.” CALM (1994) identified that visual quality increases
with greater:
naturalness value, such as landscapes that have minimal modification and where natural features
are prominent
presence of water features
topographic relief and ruggedness
vegetation and landscape diversity, including rural landscapes showing topographic variety and
transition zones between agricultural and natural land
historic features and land use patterns that strengthen the local rural character.
The DPI (1997) identified key character indicators that can be used as a basis for classifying the landscape
into two preference categories; ‘most’ preferred and ‘least’ preferred landscapes. These preference
categories were established for natural, rural and built landscapes. ‘Most’ preferred characteristics are
defined as landscape features that are highly valued by the community and contribute to the visual character
(DPI, 1997). ‘Least’ preferred are features not valued by the community and detract from the visual
character (DPI, 1997). The preference indicators for natural and rural environments are summarised in
Appendix 2.
Broad landscape values within the study area include the hills surrounding the study area and the Hotham
River, which both contribute to the naturalness value of the study area (Plates 9-10). At a local level, stands
of trees with walking trails such as Blue Gum Park can also be considered as a landscape value which offers
diversity amongst the residential and rural landscape (Plate 11). These values are shown on Map 4.
L A N D S C A P E C H A R A C T E R
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Plate 9: View towards hills that surround the study area
Plate 10: Hotham River visible from Bannister Marradong Road
Plate 11: Blue Gum Park
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4.0 VIEW EXPERIENCE This section documents how the landscape is viewed and valued, both of which are related to the
community’s ‘sense of place’. The way a landscape is perceived will differ amongst observers but general
valued characteristics can be categorised from the extensive desktop research undertaken by CALM (1994)
and DPI (2007). Understanding view experience is an integral part to developing strategies to manage
visual landscape character. An analysis of the following components was undertaken using GIS to illustrate
the visual landscape:
access routes and significance levels
viewsheds to determine visibility
valued landscape characteristics and view experience.
4.1 VIEWING LOCATIONS
Viewing locations are areas that can be accessed by the public (visual access). The significance of these
locations may vary depending on the sensitivity of the viewer travelling in these areas. For example
observers travelling along designated tourist routes will be more aware of the landscape or have a certain
expectation of the view experience. Subsequently, public sensitivity is used to help determine the
significance of potential visual impacts as indicated in Table 3 in Section 5.5.
The study area is accessed according to the volume and type of public use. Factors such as road hierarchy
and recreational/tourism potential are used to determine the degree of access. The significance levels of
accessible areas identified by DPI (2007) are:
Level 1: national/state significance
Level 2: regional significance
Level 3: local significance.
The significance level of access routes increases with (DPI, 2007):
importance of views including type, features and rarity
volume of use of roads, trails and navigable waterways
degree of viewer sensitivity, e.g. tourists
degree to which viewing the landscape is integral to the enjoyment of the travel route or site, for example
a freeway is a level 1 route but the surrounding landscape may not form a significant view
duration of view, for example glimpses along roads versus long views from a significant site.
Significance levels are outlined in more detail in Appendix 3. The significance levels of travel routes and
sites within the study area were initially mapped from the desktop assessment using the supplied cadastral
dataset and the Roads and Tracks Atlas (QPA, 2006) and then confirmed on site.
Map 4 shows the sensitivity levels within the study area, Level 1 areas include the townsite and residential
areas, Industrial and Rural areas are sensitivity Level 3.
4.2 VIEW EXPERIENCE
The view experience within the study area is related to topography and land use, view experience is
described below for each LCU.
V I E W E X P E R I E N C E
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4.2.1 River LCU
The view experience of the River LCU, particularly at river crossings is enclosed which is created by the
dense riparian vegetation, the view is dominated by the river landscape Plates 8 (section 3.2.6) and 10 (section 3.3).
4.2.2 Residential and Industrial LCUs
The Residential and Industrial LCUs have partially screened views through built form and roadside
vegetation (Plates 15-17), there are views to the hills in the distance and from Hotham Heights there are
also views over the industrial LCU towards the southern hill. Areas with more vegetation result in a
screened view such as the example on Plate 14 from Greenstone Way. The view experience within these
LCUs is a combination of buildings and other infrastructure amongst a variety of native roadside vegetation
such as tall Eucalypt trees and planted vegetation. The Industrial LCU has a greater variety of forms and
colours resulting in a more cluttered appearance compared to the Residential LCU (Plates 12-13).
Plate 12: Partially screened west view towards the industrial area from Farmers Avenue.
Plate 13: Partially screened south view towards Industrial LCU from Greenstone Way
V I E W E X P E R I E N C E
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 2 1
Plate 14: Screened east view from Greenstone Way.
Plate 15: Partially screened view to the south hill from Greenstone Way
Plate 16: Partially screened view to the south hill from Adam Street.
V I E W E X P E R I E N C E
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 2 2
Plate 17: Partially screened west view from Farmers Avenue, near Jarrah Terrace
4.2.3 Townsite LCU
The view experience within the Boddington Townsite is dominated by built form and manicured streetscapes
on the main street surrounded by the hills on the distant horizon. This is the most modified view type within
the study area as a result of high density commercial, retail, business and other land uses (Plate 18).
Plate 18: Modified view within the Townsite LCU.
4.2.4 Rural and Community LCUs
Rural and Community LCUs have open views as there is less built form (Plate 19). The views are generally
more expansive and simple compared to the modified views within the Residential, Industrial and Townsite
LCUs.
Plate 19: Open views across the Rural LCU
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 2 3
5.0 VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT The Visual Landscape Evaluation described landscape character, landscape values and view experience to
understand the visual context of the study area to determine how the proposed NBN facility fits into the
visual landscape.
The techniques used to identify the potential visual impacts of the proposed NBN facility were:
viewshed or seen area analysis (Section 5.3)
photo montages (Section 5.4).
5.1 VISUAL IMPACT CRITERIA
To determine the level of visual impact of the proposed NBN facility on the landscape, visual impact criteria
are assessed at a selection of view locations within the study area. These criteria were developed as a
conceptual framework for analysing landscapes (FPA 1990), they include:
dominant elements: visibility, line, form, colour and texture
variable elements: travel speed of the observer, light and atmospheric conditions.
Ecoscape has adapted these criteria into an assessment table (Table 2) to categorise visual impacts into
three levels. These categories relate to how much the proposed change contrasts with the surrounding
landscape, they can therefore be described as Visual Absorbance Capacity (VAC) ratings:
Not evident: Development is hidden, screened or not visible, from specified viewing locations.
Blending: Development is evident, but is not a dominant feature and blends with the existing
landscape.
Prominent: Development is a dominant feature in the landscape, drawing attention to itself.
The VAC criteria is also assessed in context of the public sensitivity level and the Visual Management
Objective (VMO) identified for the landscape to identify an overall ‘impact level’ rating which can also be
described as the significance of visual impact (Table 1 in Section 2.1.4 - methods).
The overall impact levels are:
Level 1: Visual impact is likely to be at variance with the VMO.
Level 2: Visual impact may be at variance with the VMO.
Level 3: Visual impact is unlikely to be at variance with the VMO.
None: There is no visual impact.
5.2 VISUAL MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
The aim of Visual Management Objectives (VMOs) is to provide criteria that enables the assessment of
visual impacts. VMOs can be identified from the Visual Landscape Evaluation (VLE) where outstanding
values would require the highest level of management such as the VMO of protection and maintenance.
The VMOs adopted by DPI (2007) to manage landscape character are:
best practice siting and design; which should be the baseline objective for the whole study area
protection and maintenance
restoration of degraded character or enhancement of opportunities.
It is recommended that the most appropriate VMO for the study area is best practice siting and design
considering the modified nature of the landscape consisting of various built form and other infrastructure
which is visible throughout most of the study area such as powerlines and the industrial area which is visible
V I S U A L I M P A C T A S S E S S M E N T
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 2 4
from Hotham Heights. This VMO includes applying sensitive design guidelines to ensure that the landscape
values are retained.
5.3 VIEWSHED (SEEN AREA) ANALYSIS
The objective of the viewshed analysis was to determine the potential visible area from areas accessible to
the public. Seen area or viewshed analysis is a tool performed using a Geographic Information System
computer program, in this case, ArcGIS 10. It is a conceptual desktop method best complemented by a site
visit to confirm the results of the analysis. A seen area analysis calculates the areas that are visible from an
observation point using a set of user defined parameters such as height of observer, height of target and the
extent and angle of the viewing area. The analysis uses a surface elevation derived from a digital terrain
model (TIN). The output is therefore dependent on the quality of the input surface, in this case the TIN was
calculated from 5 m contour intervals. Vegetation screening and built form are not considered in the seen
area calculation.
A viewshed was done from the 40m monopole of the proposed NBN facility to identify the ‘visual catchment’
of the facility (Map 4). The viewshed output shows that most of the low lying land in the study area will have
a potential view towards the monopole. Other factors not considered in the analysis such as buildings and
vegetation will influence how much of the NBN infrastructure can be seen. From most locations within the
study area, vegetation and buildings provide visual screening towards the proposed NBN facility.
V I S U A L I M P A C T A S S E S S M E N T
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 2 5
5.4 PHOTO MONTAGE ANALYSIS
Photo montages were prepared within Sensitivity Level 1 areas that had the potential to see the NBN facility,
these locations were within 500m of the proposed NBN facility (Appendix 4). Three photo montage
locations were selected to show an indicative view of the NBN facility (Map 4):
1. Shepherds Turn, Hotham Heights
2. Greenstone Way, Hotham Heights
3. Adam Street.
Table 2: Visual impact analysis of photo montages 1-3
V A C R A T I N G CRITERIA Not Evident Blending Prominent Dominance Elements
Visibility 2 3 1
Line 1 2 3
Form 1 3 2
Colour 1 2 3
Texture 3 1 2
Variable Elements Motion (of viewer)
Stationary 1 2 3
Pedestrian Speed 1 2 3
Local Traffic Speed 1 2 3
Highway Speed - - - - - - - - -
Light
Morning 1 2 3
Midday 1 2 3
Afternoon 1 2 3
Atmospheric Conditions
Clear Sky 1 2 3
Cloudy 1 2 3
Overcast 1 2 3
TOTAL SCORE (%) AND VAC RATING
Not Evident Blending Prominent OVERALL RATING Montage 1 (Shepherds Turn) 0 86 14 BLENDING Montage 2 (Greenstone Way) 0 86 14 BLENDING Montage 3 (Adam Street) 0 100 0 BLENDING
From montage location 1 at the southern end of Shepherds Turn the visual impact was assessed as
blending (Table 2) for the following reasons:
the vertical line and straight form of the monopole is similar to the vertical line of the trees in the
foreground
the dull colour does not contrast greatly with the surrounding vegetation
none of the variable elements are likely to increase the prominence of the monopole.
There were elements of the monopole that contrasted with the surrounding landscape which were
considered prominent as indicated below, however this did not change the overall blending visual impact as
shown by the total score in Table 2:
the smooth texture of the monopole was considered to contrast with the textured vegetation
the top part of the monopole is visible above the canopy and horizon line of the hill in the
background which results in visibility being slightly more prominent than from other montage
locations.
Photo montage location 2 on Greenstone Way was chosen where there was a vacant lot and therefore the
most open view towards the proposed NBN facility. The views towards the NBN site along other parts of this
V I S U A L I M P A C T A S S E S S M E N T
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 2 6
road were obstructed by housing and vegetation. The visual impact from this location was assessed as
blending (Table 2) for reasons similar to those for montage location 1. Although more of the monopole is
visible compared to montage location 1, it does not contrast greatly with the surrounding landscape for the
following reasons:
it does not extent above the horizon line of the hill in the background
the straight line is not too dissimilar from the straight line of the trees in the foreground and the
straight lines of the buildings in the industrial area
the dull colour does not contrast greatly with the dark green vegetation on the hill behind the
monopole
the vertical form and smooth texture was considered a prominent contrast however as many forms
in the industrial area are horizontal or sloping, the hill in the background is also horizontal to rolling
and the smooth texture contrasts with the rough texture of the vegetation in the background.
Photo montage location 3 is on Adam Street and has a closer view of the industrial area than the previous
montages. The visual impact was assessed as blending (Table 2) for all visual criteria due to the greater
number and variety of built forms in this view. The transmission pole in the foreground also dominates the
view compared to the monopole, they also share similar visual characteristics such as straight lines and
vertical form.
5.5 VISUAL IMPACT LEVEL
All photo montages have been assessed as having a Level 3 visual impact as shown in Table 3, meaning
that the proposed NBN facility is unlikely to be at variance with the visual management objective of best practice siting and design. The montage locations were selected for their potential to have the highest
visibility to the NBN site. Therefore other areas outside these locations, are also likely to be a Level 3 visual
impact or no visual impact, which is mainly due to screening from buildings and vegetation.
Table 3: Overall visual impact level of the proposed NBN facility
Montage VAC Rating (montage analysis)
VMO Sensitivity Level
Visual Impact Level
1 BLENDING Best
Practice Siting and
Design
1 L3
2 BLENDING 1 L3
3 BLENDING 1 L3
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 2 7
6.0 SUMMARY OF VISUAL IM PACTS 6.1 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
The proposed NBN facility is located within the Industrial LCU which is adjacent to the Rural LCU and
Residential LCU. As the residential LCU is a sensitivity level 1 area, photo montages were prepared within
Hotham Heights which has existing views over the industrial area. The visual impact of the monopole from
all locations was assessed as blending as it shares many similar visual characteristics to the surrounding
landscape, also the ancillary infrastructure at ground level will be screened by vegetation from these
locations, therefore the visual impact of the monopole does not alter the existing landscape character. The
Rural, River, Townsite and Community LCUs will not be impacted by the proposed NBN facility.
6.2 LANDSCAPE VALUES
The proposed NBN facility is unlikely to impact on landscape values of the study area as identified on Map 4.
The NBN facility is not within view of the Hotham River or Blue Gum Park, however it is visible against the
hill south of the Industrial LCU, however the hill retains is visual prominence.
6.3 VIEW EXPERIENCE
The view experience ranges from open rural views to screened views of built form surrounded by the hills
which are often visible on the horizon line. From most view locations it is unlikely the proposed NBN facility
will alter the existing view as it is located in an area with existing industrial infrastructure, also the hill behind
the facility helps blend the monopole with the surrounding landscape as opposed to the pole extending
above the horizon line. Where it does skyline as observed from montage location 1, the existing trees help
to reduce some of the visual impact (Plates 20-22).
6.4 VISUAL MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES
All photo montages have been assessed as having a Level 3 Visual Impact (Table 3), subsequently the
proposed NBN facility is unlikely to be at variance with the VMO of best practice siting and design for the
study area. The visual impacts are also likely to be Level 3 or no visual impact outside these locations which
is mainly due to screening from buildings and vegetation.
6.5 VISUAL MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
There are no recommendations as a result of the Level 3 impact which is due to the monopole blending with
the surrounding landscape. Also it is unlikely that the base of the NBN facility will be seen from the
residential area because it will be screened by industrial sheds and existing vegetation.
S U M M A R Y O F V I S U A L I M P A C T S
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 2 8
Plate 20: Montage location 1 – Shepherds Turn
Plate 21: Montage location 2 – Greenstone Way
Plate 22: Montage location 3 – Adam Street
Tall trees partially screen the monopole
Monopole
Monopole blends into the background hill.
Base of the facility is screened by trees and sheds.
Monopole
The monopole blends with the existing industrial area.
Monopole
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 2 9
REFERENCES Belton – Taylforth, 2007, Shire of Boddington Local Planning Strategy. Prepared for the Shire of
Boddington.
Conservation and Land Management, Department of (CALM) (1994) Reading the Remote: Landscape
Characters of Western Australia. CALM, Perth
Daly International Pty Ltd (2012) Planning Report Proposed Fixed Wireless Facility 37 Farmers Avenue
Boddington WA 6390. Report prepared for NBN Co Limited.
Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) (2007) Visual Landscape Planning in Western Australia: a
manual for evaluation, assessment, siting and design. Western Australian Planning Commission, Perth.
Forestry Practice Authority Tasmania (FPA) (1990) A Manual for Forest Landscape Management. Updated
2006 FPA, Tasmania.
Institute of Environmental Assessment and The Landscape Institute (1995) Guidelines for Landscape and
Visual Impact Assessment (1st edition), E & FN Spon, London.
QPA Publishing (2006) Roads and Tracks Western Australia, Quality Publishing Australia (QPA), Jolimont,
WA.
Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) (2004) Guidelines for the Locations, Siting and Design of
Telecommunications Infrastructure, WAPC, Perth.
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 3 0
APPENDIX ONE: MAPS
!! BODDINGTON
Farmers Avenue
BannisterMarradong
Rd
Greenstone WyHakea
Rd
HothamRiver
AdamRd
Pollard St
447000 448000 449000 450000 451000 45200063
6800
063
6900
063
7000
063
7100
063
7200
0
GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50
NBN VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT37 FARMERS AVENUE BODDINGTON MAP 1
STUDY AREA1:20,000SC ALE : @ A 3
0 0.5 1 km
AU TH OR : S B CH EC KE D: JNPR OJE CT NO : 3135-13DATE : FEB 2014
CLIENT: DALY INTERNATIONAL
!!
!!
!!
BODDINGTON
BUNBURY
PERTH
ALBANY HWY
NBN project site
0 50 km
LegendWatercourseMain roadLocal roadContours Study siteCadastral boundaryVegetation extent (DAFWA 2012)
OVERVIEW MAP
HothamRiver
Wandoo Woodland
Forest: jarrah, marri, wandooon upper slopes
Wandoo Woodland onlower slopes
Wandoo Woodland
Wandoo Woodland
Golf Course
School
Hotham HeightsResidential Estate
Light Industrial
Wandoo Woodland onlower slopes
BoddingtonTownsite
NBN PROJECT SITE
Ripa
rian w
oodla
nd: Flooded gums and Paperbark
Farmers Avenue
BannisterMarradong
Rd
447000 448000 449000 450000 451000 45200063
6800
063
6900
063
7000
063
7100
063
7200
0
GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50
NBN VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT37 FARMERS AVENUE BODDINGTON MAP 2
LANDSCAPE CHARACTERISTICS1:20,000SC ALE : @ A 3
0 0.5 1 km
AU TH OR : S B CH EC KE D: JNPR OJE CT NO : 3135-13DATE : FEB 2014
CLIENT: DALY INTERNATIONAL
IMAGERY: Dwellingup 2006
LegendWatercourseStudy siteCadastral boundary
Elevation (m)342 - 360324 - 342307 - 324289 - 307271 - 289253 - 271236 - 253218 - 236200 - 218
HothamRiver
NBN PROJECT SITEFarmers Avenue Bannister Marradong Rd
Greenstone Way
447000 448000 449000 450000 451000 45200063
6800
063
6900
063
7000
063
7100
063
7200
0
GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50
NBN VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT37 FARMERS AVENUE BODDINGTON MAP 3
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER UNITS1:20,000SC ALE : @ A 3
0 0.5 1 km
AU TH OR : S B CH EC KE D: JNPR OJE CT NO : 3135-13DATE : FEB 2014
CLIENT: DALY INTERNATIONAL
IMAGERY: Dwellingup 2006
LegendWatercourse5 m contoursStudy siteCadastral boundary
Landscape Character UnitsBoddinton TownsiteCommunity FacilitiesIndustrialResidentialRuralRiver
!1
!2 !3!4
!5
!6
!21
!11!01
!9
!7
!8
!31
!!1!!2 !!3Hotham
River
Hill
Farmers Avenue
Bannister Marradong Road
Rd
Hill
Hill
Hill
Shep
herds
Turn
Greenstone WayAd
am S
t
Pollard Street
NBN PROJECT SITE
448000 449000 450000 451000 45200063
6900
063
7000
063
7100
063
7200
0
GDA 1994 MGA Zone 50
NBN VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT37 FARMERS AVENUE BODDINGTON MAP 4
VISUAL LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS1:15,000SC ALE : @ A 3
0 250 500 m
AU TH OR : S B CH EC KE D: JNPR OJE CT NO : 3135-13DATE : FEB 2014
CLIENT: DALY INTERNATIONAL
IMAGERY: Dwellingup 2006
Legend!!1 Photo montage locations
Photo locations (refers to Plates in the report)!1 Plate 4,18!2 Plate 15!3 Plates 13, 14, 23 (montage location 2)!4 Plate 16!5 Plate 12!6 Plates 11, 17!7 Plate 6!8 Plate 19!9 Plate 7!01 Plate 9!11 Plate 5!21 Plate 8!31 Plate 10
5 m contoursStudy siteCadastral boundaryPotenitial seen area from the NBN 40 m monopole
Landscape ValuesHillsHotham RiverBlue Gum Park
Landscape Character UnitsBoddinton Townsite (Sensitivity Level 1)Community (Sensitivity Level 1)Residential (Sensitivity Level 1)Industrial (Sensitivity Level 3)Rural (Sensitivity Level 3)River
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 3 5
APPENDIX TWO: PREFERENCE INDICATORS The table below lists the preference indicators for natural and rural landscapes (DPI, 2007).
Most preferred natural characteristics high degrees of perceived naturalness
high degree of topographic variety or vertical relief (dramatic relief, ruggedness, rock outcropping, outstanding ridgelines and beach forms)
vegetative diversity (distinctive patterns, species composition, height, colour and texture)
diversity of vegetation age and density (structural complexity)
unusually expansive landforms or vast horizontal scale (desert landscapes, beach and dune fields, rolling hills)
presence of water bodies (waterfalls, rivers, estuaries, oceans, lakes, inundated areas)
distinctive displays of colour: soils, vegetation (often seasonal), topography, rock formations or water bodies
distinctive landscape features (waterfalls, unique plants, reefs, geological formations such as Ranges, cliff faces and granite outcrops)
outstanding combinations of landform, vegetation patterns and water features in one area
seascapes (combinations of ocean, reefs, beach, dune formation, coastal rocks, coastal vegetation)
areas or sites frequently prone to ephemeral features (fauna, water or wave conditions, beach erosion scarps, climatic conditions).
Least preferred natural characteristics disturbed areas with little evidence of naturalness
areas of diseased, dead or dying vegetation
areas with severe weed infestations in a natural landscape
areas of soil erosion (especially where human-induced)
water bodies with degraded banks, weed infestations, stagnation, eutrophication, algae or litter
evidence of mining (gravel pits, sand mines, limestone).
Most preferred rural characteristics unusual diversity in agricultural landscapes (colour and contrast or species diversity of cropping)
agricultural patterns, colours and textures that complement natural features
gradual transition zones between agricultural land and natural landscape
topographic variety and ruggedness
presence of water bodies (dams, lakes, inundated areas) that borrow location, shape, scale and edge configuration from natural elements
areas or sites frequently prone to ephemeral features (presence of fauna, distinctive crop rotations, water conditions and climatic conditions)
significant landscape features (trees and tree stands, historic relics, some windmills and areas of unusual topographic variation)
settlement patterns and individual structures that strengthen the local rural character (silos, windmills, water tanks, historic buildings, bridges, hay bales and dams)
historic features and land use patterns that strengthen the local rural character (historic farm machinery, old shearing sheds, windmills and historic buildings)
distinctive remnant vegetation located along streamsides, roadsides and in paddocks (parkland cleared paddocks).
Least preferred rural characteristics areas of soil salinity/salt scalds or dead, dying or diseased vegetation
areas of extensive weed infestation
eroded areas
tips, dumps and landfill areas
recently harvested areas (stumps, debris, abandoned off-cuts)
land use areas that contrast significantly from natural landscape characteristics (can include plantations, mines, rural settlement and/or housing, utility towers, roads and fencing)
abandoned structures in a state of disrepair or destruction
unmanaged roads and access tracks
farm structures and buildings in a state of disrepair
jetties and other marine structures that are either closed or not maintained
eutrophied dams, lakes and water bodies.
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 3 6
APPENDIX THREE: SIGNIFICANCE LEVELS The table below categorises travel routes and sites into Significance Levels (DPI, 2007)
Level 1: national / state significance State highways and other main roads (sealed or unsealed) with high levels of vehicle usage
designated tourist routes, scenic drives
recreation, conservation, cultural or scenic sites, areas, viewpoints and lookouts of state or national significance, including their access routes
walking, cycle or bridle tracks of national or state significance
towns, settlements or residential areas
passenger rail lines
navigable waterways of national or state recreation importance
ocean sites of national or state recreation importance e.g. surf breaks
views of national or state importance.
Level 2: regional significance main roads with moderate levels of vehicle usage (sealed or unsealed)
recreation, conservation, cultural or scenic sites, areas, viewpoint, and lookouts of regional or high local significance (including their access routes)
navigable waterways of regional recreation significance
walk, cycle or bridle paths of regional significance
views of regional importance.
Level 3: local significance all remaining roads with low levels of vehicle usage
locally significant roads or tracks
recreation and other use areas of local significance
navigable waterways of local recreational significance
walk, cycle or bridle paths of local significance
views of local importance.
Explanatory note - significance increases with the:
importance of views, including type, features and rarity
volume of use of roads, trails and navigable waterways
degree of sensitivity of viewers; those who are more likely to be more sensitive include wilderness users, other recreational users, tourists, people who choose to live in an area because of its landscape character and views (e.g. assessed by noting how vocal observers are about specific travel routes or use areas, indicated in letters, protests etc.)
degree to which experiencing the landscape is integral to enjoyment of a travel route or site Is it the focus of the use, as in recreational use, or just incidental, as is more likely with people using a route to work?
length of duration of a view; range could include glimpses from a high speed road, longer duration views obtained from roads used for sightseeing or from recreation sites and lookouts and very long and frequent views from the main living areas of homes.
9 4 5 9 - 3 1 3 5 - 1 3 R D R A F T R E V 0 0 5 / 0 2 / 2 0 1 4 3 7
APPENDIX FOUR: PHOTO MONTAGES
SH
EP
HE
RD
S T
UR
N
GREENSTONE WAY
FARMERS AVE
AD
AM
ST
V IEW 1: SHEPHERDS TURNNBN VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT37 FARMERS AVENUE BODDINGTON MONTAGE 1- ASCALE N/A
CLIENT: DALY INTERNATIONAL
AUTHOR: IU QA: SB PROJECT NO: 3135-13
9 Stirling Hwy.North Fremantle WA 6159
ph: (08) 9430 8955web: www.ecoscape.com.au
EXISTING VIEW FROM SHEPHERDS TURN
PROPOSED 40M MONOPOLE VIEW FROM SHEPHERDS TURN
VIEW LOCATION
SH
EP
HE
RD
S T
UR
N
GREENSTONE WAY
FARMERS AVE
AD
AM
ST
VIEW 2: GREENSTONE WAYNBN VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT37 FARMERS AVENUE BODDINGTON MONTAGE 2- ASCALE N/A
CLIENT: DALY INTERNATIONAL
AUTHOR: IU QA: SB PROJECT NO: 3135-13
9 Stirling Hwy.North Fremantle WA 6159
ph: (08) 9430 8955web: www.ecoscape.com.au
EXISTING VIEW FROM GREENSTONE WAY
PROPOSED 40M MONOPOLE VIEW FROM GREENSTONE WAY
VIEW LOCATION
SH
EP
HE
RD
S T
UR
N
GREENSTONE WAY
FARMERS AVE
AD
AM
ST
VIEW 3: ADAM STREETNBN VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT37 FARMERS AVENUE BODDINGTON MONTAGE 3- ASCALE N/A
CLIENT: DALY INTERNATIONAL
AUTHOR: IU QA: SB PROJECT NO: 3135-13
9 Stirling Hwy.North Fremantle WA 6159
ph: (08) 9430 8955web: www.ecoscape.com.au
EXISTING VIEW FROM ADAM STREET
PROPOSED 40M MONOPOLE VIEW FROM ADAM STREET
VIEW LOCATION