KINGSFORD SMITH
MEMORIAL PARK,
KATOOMBA
Including
Crown Reserve 33660 for Public Recreation
&
Plan of Management
Adopted
BLUE MOUNTAINS CITY COUNCIL
June 2013
F02101 – 13/102234
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The development of the Kingsford Smith Memorial Park Plan of Management (PoM) has been a team effort involving Council staff and stakeholder group representatives.
The future involvement of staff, the Katoomba community, and the Land and Property Management Authority will be essential in order to ensure that Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is managed appropriately and sustainably into the future. Council Staff This document was developed by Nathan Summers and Elizabeth Dudley Bestow of the Recreation Team. A number of Council staff provided input into this document. Acknowledgement goes to all relevant Council Staff & Councillors
Land Owners / Managers Stephen Fenn and Anthony Rian of the Land & Property Management Authority
The Community Liaison Group Including representatives for,
Aboriginal peoples;
Local Residents;
Bushcare – Leura Creek sub Catchment;
Katoomba Chamber of Commerce and Community;
Tourism representatives, Metropole Hotel; and
Musicians and the City Band. and
Ward 1 Councillor Robert Stock
Others Further stakeholder groups who provided input include
Blue Mountains Historical Society
Students of 2007 TAFE assignment on Kingsford Smith Memorial Park Management Plan, the document providing useful material for this PoM, including plant species list and asset inventory.
Youth Council for providing creative and constructive ideas for KSMP.
Acknowledgement also goes to the Katoomba community, members of whom showed much interest in the values and character of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park and in the development of this PoM.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Kingsford Smith Memorial Park features a cool climate landscape design, and being established in 1935, is highly valued for its inter-war character. Located adjacent to Katoomba CBD, the study area referred to in the draft Plan of Management (PoM) as Kingsford Smith Memorial Park (KSMP) is comprised of five parcels of land giving a total of 1.7ha. This plan of management process for KSMP was initiated by the need to provide direction on the heritage assets prior to undertaking maintenance and/or future development within the Park. KSMP is greatly valued by the local community for its character, heritage features, and its potential uses as a venue for entertainment and activities. Situated in a unique amphitheatre setting, the park represents a depression era town park, including the landscape design. The items of heritage significance include an extensive network of stone wall terraces and pathways, Sound Shell stage, cool climate landscape plantings and a concrete ‘log cabin’ toilet block of the Tom Adams (Taronga Zoo) design, typical of other structures in the local area. Other values for KMSP include it’s potential as a venue for entertainment, social activities and tourism, a favoured walking route, and being at the headwaters to the Leura Creek catchment KSMP is also important for its impacts on vegetation and water quality further downstream. Many issues effect the values of KSMP including,
The landscape design requires high maintenance, with levels of staff allocation and resources no longer being available.
Weed growth poses a major issue throughout the Parks landscape.
Many landscape and heritage features require maintenance.
Cultural changes have seen a decline in the use of KSMP for an entertainment venue.
The enclosed overgrown nature of KSMP make it feel unsafe and attracts antisocial behaviour.
The pathway system does not provide easy access for less mobile people.
The toilet block is outdated; It is not accessible and not easily seen. During the process of developing this PoM, a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) was prepared for KSMP. This CMP provides a detailed description of the landscape features, items of heritage value and historical background for KSMP, and gives direction for these attributes in the context of the cultural values of KSMP and the landscape layout. This CMP informed the management direction in the KSMP Plan of Management. The CMP for KSMP can be found on Council’s record system at Trim F02101 – 13/101919 and 13/50947 (appendices). The CMP can also be downloaded from Council’s website under the Community Land Management page. The PoM gives general direction on the development and maintenance and permissible activities within the park. More specific direction is given on the following key areas:
Items of heritage value;
Landscape and Vegetation Management;
Creation of Vistas;
Further development of pathways;
Development of car park;
Guidelines for events.
Enhancing usability of Park; and
Signage; Direction is also given on engineering, drainage and slope; leases and licences, and maintenance.
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SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION This section introduces the Kingsford Smith Memorial Park Plan of Management document; its purpose, how it was prepared and its structure. It also details how research was carried out.
1.1 Purpose of Plan of Management
This Plan of Management was initiated by the need to identify the priorities for expenditure in the park, however the plan of management process will seek to identify all values held by the community for the park and provide management direction to maintain those values in perpetuity. In summary this Plan of Management will achieve the following:
Provide a framework for effective use and management of the land, in accordance with the public purpose of public recreation;
Address the management and use of the land to reflect the community’s vision, and aspirations for the land;
Be consistent with the Crown Lands Act, Council’s Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and the 25-year vision for the City;
Protect and enhance the significant social, and natural values of the Park; and
Provide direction for the future public recreation uses, maintenance and capital works for the Park.
1.2 Land to which Plan of Management applies
This Plan of Management will provide direction for Kingsford Smith Memorial Park. The subject area for this Plan of Management, as shown in Figure 1.1, comprises:
Crown Reserve No. 65643, 17 Gang Gang Street Katoomba, Lot 7-13 DP 10800; Trust
Name – Kingsford Smith Park, Trust Manager – BMCC. 1.213ha; Council Community Land. 19 Gang Gang Street Katoomba. Lot 11 DP 4824. 0.045ha; That portion of Gang Gang Street Road Reserve which is not under the formed road -
0.29ha; That portion of William Street, which is not under the formed road. 0.127ha; and That portion of Lovel Street, associated with 19 Gang Gang Street, which is not under the
formed road. 0.02ha.
For the purposes of this Plan of Management document, any reference to ‘Kingsford Smith Memorial Park’ will refer to all five land parcels listed above. The total size of this study area is 1.69ha.
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Figure 1 - Map of Study Area – Kingsford Smith Memorial Park Plan of Management
1.3 General Description of Reserves
Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is located within the township of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains NSW, approximately 103km west of Sydney. The park is located on the edge of Katoomba town centre; approximately 100m from the top (south) of Katoomba Street and Katoomba Railway Station. It is in a steep-sided park, which was impressive formal gardens in its heyday and while now run down and overgrown, is valued for a number of values particularly its heritage values and its potential as a social and tourism venue. Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is essentially modified parkland, tiered and planted out with a wide range of evergreen and deciduous exotic trees and shrubs. The park contains a number of facilities including a unique historical amenities block, park benches and a sound shell .The table overleaf provides a brief snapshot of the features and current management practices of this park.
1.4 Historical Background
Kingsford Smith Memorial Park was established in 1935, from land acquired from the surrounds of the Wadi Shaifa building known as Hudson’s Gully. Historical records indicate that this was naturally a steep gully, the amphitheatre shape being emphasised by later developments of the Railway Line, Lurline and Gang Gang Streets. Originally named ‘Jubilee Park’ in recognition of the silver jubilee of King George V, the name was changed to ‘Kingsford Smith Memorial Park’ in 1936 in memory of the recently killed Australian Aviator, Charles Kingsford Smith. Much of the development of the park took place in the late 1930s including the characteristic network of stone walls, the Sound shell, and the toilet block of ‘mock’ log cabin design constructed in a similar manner to other ‘mock rock’ shelters of that era in the Blue Mountains. Once a popular venue of performances and events, the manner in which Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is used has changed significantly over time. For a more detailed historical account, refer to Appendix A.
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PARK MANAGEMENT & KEY FEATURES SNAPSHOT Site Name Kingsford Smith Memorial Park Reserve No 55772 Ownership State of New South Wales as Crown Land administered by Department of
Lands under Crown Lands Act 1989. Management Blue Mountains City Council (BMCC) BMCC Hierarchy Local Park Area 12,223 m2 Zoning Recreation Environmental Protection- LEP 1991
Recreation Open Space - LEP 2005 Protected Area - Slope Constraint Area- 2005 Protected Area - Water Catchment Area- LEP 1991
Maintenance Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is managed by BMCC. The following works are part of the maintenance program: - Grass mowing, weed removal, arboriculture works, garden
maintenance; - Rubbish removal; - Graffiti removal; and - General repairs to assets including: picnic seats, buildings, fences,
paths/retaining walls, lights, drainage etc.
Condition of Assets
See Appendix D - Assets Inventory
Existing Uses Informal recreation Income None
Photo 1. Picture taken by Melvin Vaniman from power pole. Katoomba. 1903.
Photo 2. Panorama of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park 1938
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1.5 Structure of Plan of Management
This Plan of Management is structured into five different sections and has tables, maps and figures throughout. The sections contained within this Plan of Management are:
Section 1 – Introduction: This section introduces the document and sets out how it was prepared, who was involved and its background;
Section 2 – Legislation & Policy Framework: This section sets out the relevant legislation and policy framework that gives direction to the Plan of Management such as Council’s strategic documents and the Crown Lands Act;
Section 3 – Basis for Management: This section looks at what is important about the place and therefore what we want to protect;
Section 4 – Management Strategies and Actions: This section looks at how we will address issues and preserve values we have identified in Section 3 above and also includes a spatial Management Plan for the Park; and
Section 5 – Action Plan: This section contains the Action Plan for implementing the Plan of Management and indicates how performance will be measured. 1.6 Information sources The information in this document has been sourced from Council’s records, a Conservation Management Plan commissioned specifically to inform the Plan of Management, and from the community. Community consultation plays an essential role in the formulation of any plan of management by providing Council with a sound understanding of the values of the park to the community, additional background material, identification of issues relating to the park and through input into the management direction of the Plan of Management. Community consultation that occurred during the Plan of Management process included:
Briefing to the Youth Council who provided ideas and matters for the Community Liaison Group to consider;
Public meeting on 15 November 2012;
Meeting with historical society through the development of the Conservation Management Plan;
Formation of a Community liaison Group (see below); and
Public exhibition of draft Plan of Management document from 20 March to 1 May 2013. The exhibition includes:
- A public information session held at TBA; and
- Public Hearing conducted by an independent planner. The Community liaison group had members representing the following groups:
Aboriginal peoples,
Residents,
Bushcare – Leura Creek sub Catchment,
Katoomba Chamber of Commerce,
Tourism,
Musicians and the City Band, and
Councillors. The group met on two occasions and also provided comments on draft documents. They helped Council to articulate community values and formulate the policies within the Plan of Management.
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SECTION 2 LEGISLATION AND POLICY This section sets out the legal and policy documents which provide direction on how Kingsford Smith Memorial Park can and should be managed. Some of the documents are based on law and others are strategic direction or planning documents of Blue Mountains City Council.
2.1 Legislative Requirements
2.1.1 Crown Lands Act 1989
The Crown Lands Act 1989, gives direction on the management of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park through: Objects of Act (S10) The objects of this Act are to ensure that Crown land is managed for the benefit of the people of New South Wales ….. Principles of Crown land management (S11) For the purposes of this Act, the principles of
Crown land management are: (a) That environmental protection principles be observed in relation to the management and
administration of Crown land; (b) That the natural resources of Crown land (including water, soil, flora, fauna and scenic
quality) be conserved wherever possible; (c) That public use and enjoyment of appropriate Crown land be encouraged; (d) That, where appropriate, multiple use of Crown land be encouraged; (e) That, where appropriate, Crown land should be used and managed in such a way that
both the land and its resources are sustained in perpetuity; and (f) That Crown land be occupied, used, sold, leased, licensed or otherwise dealt with in the
best interests of the State consistent with the above principles. Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is reserved Crown land and the Crown Lands Act 1989 is the primary Act applying to its management. This legislation can be found on-line at www.legislation.nsw.gov.au. The Crown Lands Act 1989 governs the planning, management and use of Crown land, including reservation or dedication for a range of public purposes, and leasing and licensing. The Department of Lands, together with Reserve Trust, which is Blue Mountains City Council, are required to manage the reserve for the benefit of the people of New South Wales (as per section 10 of the Crown Lands Act), and with regard for the principles of Crown land management (section.11 of the Crown Lands Act). Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is dedicated as a Public Recreation Reserve. The definition of public recreation for the purposes of this Plan of Management is: informal, passive recreational, low-key sporting, social and cultural activities. 2.1.2 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act)
The EPA Act establishes the statutory planning framework for environmental and land use planning of all land in NSW with the objective of ensuring good management, land with specific reference to environmental protection and community service. It works through setting out processes for development applications. One of the main instruments for implementing the act are Local Environmental Plans.
Local Environment Plans (LEPs) are statutory planning tools that set controls over development in the area to which it applies. They contain zoning controls as well as controls for heritage conservation areas and protected areas, amongst other matters. The relevant one for
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Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is Blue Mountains LEP 2005. In Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2005, the current zoning for the KINGSFORD SMITH MEMORIAL PARK study area is; (i) Recreation – Open Space; (ii) Heritage Item – K056 (Kingsford Smith Memorial Park); (iii) Protected Area – Slope Constraint; (iv) Protected Area – Water Supply Catchment; and (v) Unzoned land, on the road reserve parcel. The zoning is shown on Figure 2 below and the objectives of these zones can be found on Council’s website.
Figure 2. Zoning map for Kingsford Smith Memorial Park
While LEP’s do not change often, they are revised. There is scope to assist in the desire to activate Kingsford Smith Memorial Park by increasing its residential use and surveillance. A change of the LEP zones adjacent to the park from living conservation to village housing could facilitate an increase in the number of residential properties facing the park. This will be discussed further in Sections 3 and 4.
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2.1.3 Local Government Act 1993
The Local Government Act 1993 (LGA 1993) gives direction on how a plan of management is to be written for community land. While it technically only applies to the Council owned portions of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park, the Plan of Management direction is compatible with that of the Crown Lands Act and the Land and Property Management Authority has expressed a preference that, as Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is not a regional park, that the Plan of Management is developed under the Local Government Act model. The Act requires land to be categorised depending on how it is intended to be used and provides the core objectives for the categories that can be applied to it.
The relevant core objectives for these categories have been applied to this Plan of Management. In summary, the land categories for Community Land under the LGA 1993 are,
1. Natural Area. This is further categorised into: (a) Bushland (b) Watercourse (c ) Escarpment
2. Park; 3. Sportsground; and 4. General Community Use.
The categories as applied to Kingsford Smith Memorial Park are depicted in Figure 3. Further description of the categories which apply to KSMP and their relevant core objectives are listed in Management Directions in Section 4.
2.1.4 Local Heritage Register
Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is listed on the Blue Mountains Local Heritage Register (K054).
2.2 Council Policies and Requirements
Blue Mountains City Council over the years has developed a number of strategic documents and policies to guide Council’s direction on a variety of issues, including social matters, the environment and land use/management matters. The most significant in guiding the future of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is the Sustainable Blue Mountains 2025 which is the Council’s main document for setting the broad level direction for how the Blue Mountains are managed and developed. It identifies objectives and strategies in six interlinked Key Directions that aim to achieve the community’s ideas and aspirations for the future of the Blue Mountains. The key directions most pertinent to Kingsford Smith Memorial Park are:
Manage the urban/ bushland interface to minimise impacts from weeds, feral / domestic animals and urban runoff on native flora and fauna;
Increase the recognition and care for water catchments;
Enhance the distinctive qualities of our towns and villages;
Foster the identity and sense of pride in the Blue Mountains;
Promote the health benefits of physical activity and provide and maintain accessible infrastructure for walking and cycling;
Retrofit existing public spaces to improve accessibility and ensure any new public spaces are accessible;
Improve the health of the community particularly those most in need; and
Better utilise existing recreational, sporting and cultural facilities.
All the strategic and legal directions outlined in this section need to be considered in the management direction provided in the Plan of Management.
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SECTION 3 BASIS FOR MANAGEMENT OF KINGSFORD SMITH MEMORIAL PARK
This section provides a description of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park and outlines the values of the study area as identified through community consultation. The value areas are; cultural and heritage, landscape and catchment and weed management, uses – recreation and events, drainage – engineering and slope. Other areas requiring Plan of Management direction include Leases and licences, Access and Maintenance. The information in this section is the background to the objectives and policies in Section 4.
3.1 Cultural and heritage
Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is valued for the aesthetic and historical value of its total landscape and for its potential to be restored to former glory. It is also valued for the various heritage items within it. A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) has been prepared in 2013 which identifies the assets of heritage value within KSMP and provides direction to their management in the context of the cultural values for KSMP and the landscape layout. The CMP informs the management direction in the KSMP Plan of Management. The CMP can be found on Council’s record system at Trim F02101 – 13/101919 and 13/50947 (appendices). The CMP can also be downloaded from Council’s website under the Community Land Management page.
A history of KSMP is included in Appendix A. Further historical background is included in the Conservation Management Plan. Kingsford Smith Memorial Park was laid out and planted out in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s in a grand style. The stone walls are of particular note. At that time it was very open, giving views into the park and across the park to the mountains beyond. Over time various facilities were added or removed including a potting shed, the sound shell, play equipment & ponds.
Photos 3, 4 & 5 – Stone wall features of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park
The style in which the garden was laid out requires high levels of maintenance and this was originally provided. Over time the level of staffing and resources for maintenance has dropped and the planted vegetation and weeds have grown up and obscured the views and reduced the surveillance within the park. While the main structure of the park remains, it is now an
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overgrown, weed infested and enclosed park which obscures views to the mountains from the top end of Katoomba. Members of the community have expressed interest in undertaking maintenance or raising funds to contribute to maintenance costs however at the time of writing Council does not have the processes or resourcing for volunteers to be managed for park maintenance.
It is assumed that Kingsford Smith Memorial Park may have Aboriginal cultural values but these are not currently documented. There is potential to document the values and interpret them to the community. Any such activities need to have regard to the Aboriginal stories and interpretation being provided in The Gully, which is an Aboriginal Place very similar in landform to Kingsford Smith Memorial Park, on the other side of the ridge on which Katoomba town centre has developed.
3.2 Catchment and environmental values
Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is valued for its role as a significant part of the Leura Falls Creek Catchment. A number of formed drains enter into the park and ground water seeps in. The groundwater has a high impact on the creek and catchment because it picks up water from the Great Western Highway, the rail corridor and Katoomba township. A creek-line forms within the park, and drains through private property before entering the Vale Street wetlands and joining Leura Creek. Leura Creek flows through Leura Park and into the Leura Cascades and the National Park. It is for this reason that Leura Falls Creek is significant and the impacts from surrounding areas on the catchment need to be understood and managed. A working group of community volunteers with the support of the Blue Mountains City Council and National Parks and Wildlife Service are working towards a catchment management plan for the Leura Falls Creek Catchment. They have provided further background which forms appendix B. Kingsford Smith Memorial Park does not currently contain any structures aimed at slowing, cleaning or improving the storm water flow in anyway. It can accumulate weed propagules from the park and exit the park in worse condition than it entered the park. The park has the space to allow water sensitive urban design features to be added to better manage the storm water. While Kingsford Smith Memorial Park contains primarily exotic plantings it does have environmental values as it contains some native plants, and is home to native animals. Of particular note are the Mountain Ash - Eucalyptus oreades - within the park; the biggest stand occurring in the triangle of land between roads between William, Gang Gang and Lovell Streets. While these trees are much loved by the community, being an iconic mountains tree, their size makes it preferable that they occur only in large public spaces. Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is an opportunity for Mountain Ash to remain part of the Katoomba landscape. Much of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park consists of themed plantings, predominantly of cool climate exotic species, which provide strong character to the Park. The majority of these occupy stable zones within the Park and do not pose any weed threat to the surrounding catchment, however a small percentage of these species cause serious weed problems throughout Katoomba. These include Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocarasus) which has been planted in groves throughout the Park, Small-leaf Privet (Ligustrum sinense), English Holly (Ilex aquifolium), Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster sp) and Buddleia (Buddleja davidii). The inclusion of these species within the Park landscape requires review.
Photo 6. Privet Hedge barrier on
Gang Gang St
Photo 7. Cherry Laurel grove at
William St
Photo 8. Thick understory
weeds amongst plantings
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The weeds harboured in Kingsford Smith Memorial Park pose a particular issue. There are many species of both noxious and environmental weeds including those noted above. They are a problem as both a source of propagating material – water born, wind born and bird born – but also that the weeds are a major component of the vegetation that blocks views into the park. Removal of the weeds, however, may destabilise the slope and therefore progressive removal of weeds will need to be carried out along with actions to stabilise areas.
Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is also seen as having potential for educational activities relating to the water, weed and habitat issues noted above. The activities, where hands-on in nature, could assist in delivery of environmental outcomes.
3.3 Uses – recreation and events
Kingsford Smith Memorial Park currently receives casual residential recreation; play, picnics, music, re-enactments, dog off-leash and casual games. It has a large lawn area with no formal sporting facilities and while it has a sound shell with potential for events this only receives casual use.
Kingsford Smith Memorial Park valued for its potential for many recreational uses; commercial, increased family use, tourism and events. There is a strong community desire to activate the park. Its landscape setting, its proximity to Katoomba town centre and residential areas, the large central open space and the sound shell all contribute to this potential.
The issues to be addressed in developing additional recreation uses include:
Potential residential impact;
Not easily found from town centre;
Often wet underfoot;
Poor surveillance;
Poor or inadequate facilities, particularly toilets, parking and wheelchair access; and
Community and commercial initiative, resources and support for any activation proposals.
These issues can in part be addressed through management direction provided by policies in this Plan of Management & by physical changes to the park. The activation relies on community initiative which is hoped will arise after the physical changes and policies are in place.
The toilet block in the park is old and not up to current standards for public toilets nor is it suitable for renovation as a toilet although it could be adaptively re-used. Its site is more suited to additional parking. Its removal when it reaches the end of its useful life appears warranted. The other building is the sound shell which is suitable for ongoing use and repairs.
Photo 10. Beech tree plantings
Photo 11. Canadian Maple seedlings. Plentiful amongst amphitheatre slope
Photo 9. Mountain Ash stand – Gang Gang St
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Kingsford Smith Memorial Park does not have formal play equipment but does offer many play settings including:
Large level open lawn area suitable for ball games, Frisbee;
Sloped lawn suitable for rolling and sliding;
Paths suitable for hide-and-seek/treasure hunts and various hide and chase games such as 44 home;
The sound shell offers a setting for performances;
The sound shell is a whispering wall;
The sound shell, due to its shape, is suitable for practising ball skills;
Small circular path is suitable for learner bike riders;
Trees for climbing; and
Enough habitat to make bird watching, animal/insect watching worthwhile.
3.4 Engineering; drainage and slope
Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is ringed by a steep and apparently built slope. The history of how the Park came to have such a steep slope is undocumented but various oral histories exist. Much water is channelled through the park and natural springs arise. The park is valued for its capacity to support the roads and take the water from surrounding streets and the railway line. The main issue related to the parks engineering values is that the extent of its capacity to continue to do these things, or increase its capacity to do these things, is currently undocumented. Kingsford Smith Memorial Park has a history of land slips the causal factors for which may include;
The degree of slope and nature of the soil,
Water, natural or from formed drains, moving through the soil,
Vibration on the upper slopes from the railway and vehicles on Gang Gang and Lurline Streets,
The nature of the vegetative support on the slope. As portions of the park are road reserve it is possible, but unlikely in the short term, that the roads will be widened; placing further stress on the steep slopes. Any significant removal of vegetation may lead to further slips; how much vegetation removal could be tolerated is unknown. Caution and research are needed to ensure no failures occur.
3.5 Leases and licences
Bookings for events are technically a licence, and a Plan of Management needs to specifically allow events to occur. The Plan of Management should also outline the nature of any leases allowed. Being Crown Land, the profit from any commercial venture needs to go back into the park and a portion may need to go to the Land and Property Management Authority.
3.6 Access and Thoroughfare Kingsford Smith Memorial Park can be entered from Lurline, Gang Gang, Vale, Lovell, and Williams Streets and from Miles Avenue. There are connecting paths throughout in various conditions, but none are at a grade suitable for wheelchairs, nor currently in a condition suitable for ambulant access, that is access suitable for frail walkers. They have stone walls and are canopied in trees. These paths provide a shortcut from the station to a portion of Katoomba’s residential areas and are appreciated as such. The paths through Kingsford Smith Memorial Park are valued as a direct route to and from the railway station and the top end of Katoomba. While some people experience the paths as ‘creepy’ or ‘unsafe’ others value walking through with the landscape experience of trees,
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stonework and associated wildlife. Selective clearing could make the paths attractive to more people. Given the slope of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park it is not feasible to provide wheelchair accessible access from the top to the bottom but it is possible to create suitable parking and access into the main area from Vale Street. It is also possible to develop links in the current pathway system to a standard suitable for ambulant access. Vehicular access to adjacent properties is currently via William Street and this is an essential value of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park. One property in Vale Street uses part of the reserve, as well as William Street, to access their back yard. As this access has been in place many years and only transits a very short distance through the recreation reserve, it is not considered an issue. A telegraph pole prevents William Street being used as a through road by cars, which may be vexatious to some residents but keeps the level of vehicular use compatible with the park use. Motorbikes and bikes can use it as a through road but, as it is steep, it does not receive high levels of use so no issue currently arises. The issues of thoroughfare and access relate to safety, surveillance and accessibility of the paths. There is also an issue relating to wayfinding; both to and within the park.
The values and issues identified in this section inform the management direction outlined in Section 4.
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SECTION 4 MANAGEMENT DIRECTION
This section outlines the management direction proposed for Kingsford Smith Memorial Park. The objectives and policies are to guide all future decision making regards the park and ensure that all day to day or development decisions are in keeping with the community’s vision for Kingsford Smith Memorial Park.
4.1 Vision Statement for Kingsford Smith Memorial Park Plan of Management
A vision statement encapsulates the shared understanding of how a park will be used, managed. It helps to provide overall direction and to cover unforseen matters not covered by the policy direction. The Vision Statement for Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is;
“ Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is a unique place in Katoomba where the community and visitors can socialise together and connect with the history, heritage, culture, environment and vistas of the Blue Mountains.”
4.2 Management Principles
The Principles that have led to the objectives and policies below are:
Compliance with the Objects of the Act and the Principals of Crown land management (see section 2.1);
Compliance with all relevant legislation and direction documents of Blue Mountains City Council (see section 2.1); and
Long term protection of the community’s identified values of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park. (see section 3).
To best respond to the differing values of the different parts of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park, this plan of management divides the park into different management zones and provides a category from the Local Government Act for each, with specific and differing management direction for each category. A masterplan is also provided to give more detail to the special arrangement of any future developments, within each management zone.
The proposed categories are shown in figure 3 below. More detail of the objectives of these categories is provided in the text following.
Figure 3. Categorisation of Land within Kingsford Smith Memorial Park
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4.2.1 Core objectives for land categorisation under the Local Govt Act
The core objectives for management of community land categorised as a Natural Area are:
(a) to conserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem function in respect of the land, or the feature or habitat in respect of which the land is categorised as a natural area, and
(b) to maintain the land, or that feature or habitat, in its natural state and setting, and
(c) to provide for the restoration and regeneration of the land, and
(d) to provide for community use of and access to the land in such a manner as will minimise and mitigate any disturbance caused by human intrusion, and
(e) to assist in and facilitate the implementation of any provisions restricting the use and management of the land that are set out in a recovery plan or threat abatement plan prepared under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or the Fisheries Management Act 1994 . The core objectives for management of community land categorised as a Park are:
(a) to encourage, promote and facilitate recreational, cultural, social and educational pastimes and activities, and
(b) to provide for passive recreational activities or pastimes and for the casual playing of games, and
(c) to improve the land in such a way as to promote and facilitate its use to achieve the other core objectives for its management. 4.2.2 Cultural and heritage
Objective: to retain and enhance the heritage values of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park.
Policies:
1. Protect and interpret heritage values within Kingsford Smith Memorial Park
2. Retain and maintain primary components of original park layout; paths, vistas, plantings, built features and walls. (Refer to Conservation Management Plan, Trim F02101 - 13/026878)
3. Interpretation is provided to acknowledge the Aboriginal connection of the Mountains.
4. Restoration priorities should reflect cultural significance and priorities, as assessed in the Conservation Management Plan, and aim to restore the original levels of social use. Priorities include
Establishing vistas into the park through vegetation management
Restore heritage pathways, priority given to developing ambulant access route from Lurline Street to open park space at base of amphitheatre.
Please refer to the Conservation Management Plan for further details.
5. Future plantings to be consistent with the historic plantings and recommended planting schedule from the CMP (refer to Appendices C and D), or as approved by Council.
6. Allow removal, shaping or replacement with different species of established trees to facilitate vistas and increased surveillance into the park. (Refer to Conservation Management Plan)
7. Allow removal of plant species that can proliferate in the catchment, even if they were historically planted, in line with policy number 10. (Refer to Appendices C and D)
8. Ensure ongoing presence of significant vegetation through succession planting.
Please refer also to policies on maintenance.
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4.2.3 Catchment and environmental values
Objective: Kingsford Smith Memorial Park contributes to the environmental health of the Blue Mountains
Policies: 9 Water exiting Kingsford Smith Memorial Park shall be cleaner than water entering the
site, to improve the health of the catchment.
10 Aim for removal of all weeds from Kingsford Smith Memorial Park with priority on management of weeds to reduce spread to nearby areas and protect bushland.
11 Retain stand of Mountain ash (Eucalyptus oreades) on corner of Lovell & William St. Please refer also to policies on engineering and vista development. 4.2.4 Uses – recreation and events
Objective: Maximise the use of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park to the extent that is compatible with the residential settings and the heritage values.
Policies:
12 Upgrades to existing and provision of new facilities that encourage family and tourism activities in Kingsford Smith Memorial Park are permitted to a township park standard, in accordance with recommendations in the Conservation Management Plan for KSMP.
13 Major performance event bookings limited to two evenings per year, event permitted to 9pm, with people to leave park by 10:00pm subject to any conditions of the event booking process. Major includes amplified music/sound, and up to 500 people expected.
14 Minor performance events allowed, for up to 6 hours, until sunset or 7pm whichever is later, with people to leave park within one hour, subject to any conditions of the event booking process. Minor includes individually amplified instruments (maximum to 100 watts), and up to 200 people expected.
15 Community or commercial events, without performance component, and in keeping in with the vision and objectives of the park are permitted in daylight hours subject to any conditions of the event booking process.
16 Allow use of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park for training, conferences, community gardens and the like.
17 Support the rezoning of properties adjacent to Kingsford Smith Memorial Park from living conservation to village housing to facilitate an increase in recreational use and surveillance, if environmental review supports the change.
Note; performance component refers to that element likely to use amplified sound, create clapping or cheering and generate a narrow timeframe of vehicles arriving and departing.
Please refer also to policies on access and thoroughfare.
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4.2.5 Engineering; drainage and slope
Objective: Allow all necessary works to ensure a stable slope and functional services while ensuring the landscape character of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is retained.
Policies:
18 Prior to any significant removal of vegetation, obtain an understanding of the potential for increasing the risk of landslip.
19 Any work to support road or drainage works is to be undertaken, as far as practical, in a manner that either minimises change or enhances the landscape style and catchment values of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park.
4.2.6 Leases and licences
Objective; Facilitate events and ventures in Kingsford Smith Memorial Park to the extent that they are compatible with the objectives of this Plan of Management.
Policies:
20 Allow for short term commercial activities such as skate rinks, personal trainers, markets, tourism ventures that
Do not result in permanent structures in the Park,
Occupy less than one quarter of the grassed area, and
Do not obstruct access to the Park.
Note; Cross refer to event policies
4.2.7 Access and thoroughfare
Objective; Enhance Kingsford Smith Memorial Park’s place in Katoomba through the ease and enjoyment of access into and through the park.
Policies:
21 Wheel chair access to be provided into Kingsford Smith Memorial Park from Vale Street and to as many facilities as practical.
22 At least one route of ambulant access to be provided from the entry point at Lurline Street to the open park space at the base of the amphitheatre.
23 Encourage public use and access to Kingsford Smith Memorial Park from Katoomba town centre and Vale Street, through signage and entry treatments.
24 Allow for directional and interpretive signage to be placed within KSMP which will improve public usage.
25 Create and maintain vistas into the park
4.2.8 Maintenance
Policies
26 Facilitate volunteer maintenance and gardening activities as resources permit.
27 Maintain to a township park standard.
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4.3 Masterplan
To show the placement of the various proposed uses of the site a masterplan is shown below. A masterplan is indicative only. For example, more detail on how the parking layout for the possible future on-site parking will need to be developed if this is to be built; the species of replacement plantings will be determined at the design phase. The Masterplan does give the general layout intended for the future uses or any development of the site. Not all components of the Masterplan are budgeted or planned for in the immediate future. The Masterplan is to acknowledge that the components shown may be built at a future date if funds become available.
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SECTION 5 ACTION PLAN
This section outlines the actions Council can take to achieve the Plan of Management’s objectives and policies. Adoption of the Plan of Management does not ensure that all actions will be included into council’s budgets and work programs in the near future but the information in the action table facilitates their inclusion and assists in assessing their priority against other demands on Council. These actions in the action table arise from the issues, opportunities, objectives and policies outlined in sections three and four of this Plan of Management. They are presented in a table format with the headings explained below:
Policy: Refers to the policy that generated the action
Action: Refers to the proposed method of achieving the objectives and policies within the Plan of Management. It is a short description of the work to be carried out.
Priority: Refers to the relative importance of the action depending on importance to the community, risk management and other factors. Priorities used in this Plan of Management are as follows: Priority 1: Actions address issues where there is a potential for the public to be exposed to an unacceptable level of risk, and/or potential for a serious threat to the environment or heritage site; Priority 2: These actions address issues that meet significant community need; and Priority 3: These actions are to address less urgent community needs, improve inefficient services or provide policy guidance for Council’s services. The priorities reflect the priority to the park management and may not necessarily be reflected in the Council’s funding priorities.
Funding Sources: Refers to where the funding could come from for the completion of a project. It may often be a combination of sources.
Estimated Costs: Refers to the estimated costs for carrying out the action in 2013 rates. These costs are often sourced from industry experts or information from previous similar works; they do not come from detailed designs or from quotes so are indicative only. Costs presented here in the Plan of Management should be reviewed before being used for grant applications etc.
Performance indicator
Indicates how to monitor whether the action is progressing
Evaluation: Refers to how to evaluate outcome of the action once completed.
Note: there are no dates and/or years given for the completion of projects indicated in the Action Plan. Some actions are dependent on funding and others are only required as circumstances arise. There are a total of 29 actions within the Plan of Management. The total estimated costs of all one off works, without staff time, that are High priority is $180,000 to $245,000 The total estimated costs of all one off works, without staff time, that are Medium priority is $262,000 to $347,000
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From policy no
Actions Priority Indicative Cost
Funding sources
Performance Indicators Evaluation
CULTURAL & HERITAGE
1 Interpret history and values of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park
Medium $3,000 BMCC Signage is developed based on research and input from local community.
Interpretive signage installed to communicate site’s European Aboriginal history.
3 Research Aboriginal story relating to Kingsford Smith Memorial Park water flowing through it.
Medium $5 000 (if outsourced)
BMCC
Aboriginal story is recorded. Aboriginal story provides content for interpretive signage.
6, 25 Vista development;
Remove weeds first, then review which other vegetation needs removal or trimming
And undertake appropriate replacement planting and slope stabilisation
High $10,000 (high cost due to working on slope)
BMCC or Grant funding
Three vistas into KINGSFORD SMITH MEMORIAL PARK planned with minimum of desirable vegetation removed.
Original design feature of KINGSFORD SMITH MEMORIAL PARK is restored.
6, 25 Vista development;
Trim and remove vegetation to create vistas at;
1. Corner Lurline St and Gang Gang St into the park.
2. Lurline St over to Kings Tableland.
3. From Gang Gang St into the park.
And undertake appropriate replacement planting and slope stabilisation
High $10-20,000 (high cost due to working on slope and adjacent road)
BMCC or Grant funding
Funding identified. Works program developed. Vegetation maintenance undertaken.
Three vistas into KINGSFORD SMITH MEMORIAL PARK are reinstated.
6 Remove row of conifers along William Street and replace with deciduous trees.
High
$13,000 BMCC
Removal and planting evident.
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From policy no
Actions Priority Indicative Cost
Funding sources
Performance Indicators Evaluation
8 Undertake succession planting
Medium $1,000 per 5 years ($200 / yr)
BMCC Site periodically evaluated. Relevant trees ordered when necessary. Removal and planting as required.
Landscape trees replaced when required
CATCHMENT & ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES
9, 18, 19
Develop water management strategy including water sensitive urban design (WSUD) elements, e.g. rain gardens and dry basins. ay need background studies into Leura Falls catchment.
High Staff time $5-10,000 for background studies
BMCC Water management strategy in place including elements of water sensitive design.
Direction provided to allow water management & improvement in KSMP. I
9, 18, 19
Implement water management strategy High $50-100,000 BMCC Actions are undertaken Water quality in Leura catchment is improved.
7, 10 Develop weed strategy:
1. Based on inherent soil and heritage issues.
2. Prioritise specific species removal, i.e. bird- and wind-distributed weeds.
3. Refer to BMCC’s weed list and recommendations in the CMP
High
Short term
$2,000 Staff time, in conjunct-ion w/ Bushcare groups
BMCC or
Environmental Levy
or Grant funding
Document in place providing direction to weed management.
7, 10 Implement weed strategy
High
Initial works; $6,000, excluding vistas. Follow up works; $4,000 per annum, including vistas.
BMCC or
Environmental Levy
or Grant funding
Before and after photos show reduction in weed density. Precautionary clearing: sections of KINGSFORD SMITH MEMORIAL PARK cleared in increments to keep sloped areas stable.
Reduction of area affected by weeds. Prevents weeds spreading elsewhere. Slopes remain stable.
10, 11 Undertake weeding around the Mountain Ash (eucalyptus oreades) trees on corner of Lovell and William Streets.
Medium $2,000
& ongoing maintenance
BMCC Ongoing weed removal. Ongoing presence of Mountain Ash trees.
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From policy no
Actions Priority Indicative Cost
Funding sources
Performance Indicators Evaluation
USES – RECREATION & EVENTS
4, 12 Remove vegetation from around toilet block.
Medium $1000 BMCC Toilet is free of any apparent hiding places near entrance.
People feel comfortable to use toilet block
4, 12 Upgrade or replace toilet block Low $100,000 - $150,000
BMCC Plans in place and funding sought. Toilet meets all applicable Australian standards and is suitable for normal park uses.
4, 12 Repair sound shell.
Medium $100,000 BMCC Task list prioritised Funding identified Works implemented
Issues within sound shell which require repair or modification are rectified.
4, 17 Improve drainage of lawn area.
Medium $15-20,000 BMCC Expertise advice provided. Design prepared. Drainage works implemented.
Drainage issues on lawn area improved. Design developed which is compat-able to lawn use & environmentally sensitive.
4, 12 Upgrade park facilities
Medium $50-100,000
BMCC Priorities for improved facilities developed. Funding identified. Development consents sought. Works implemented
Upgraded or improved facilities placed in park to enhance its usability.
13,14,15,16
Develop booking form to reflect special booking conditions
High Staff time BMCC Events are managed in line with Plan of Management requirements
KINGSFORD SMITH MEMORIAL PARK successfully used for performance events of varying sizes.
Establish a fund in which community donations or other income generating sources can be utilised specifically for KSMP.
Low Community initiative Staff time
External Account established. Administrative structure in place to manage funds and account.
ENGINEERING - DRAINAGE & SLOPE
18, 19 Investigate capacity for supporting any proposed structures or potential for landslips
Prior to any
engineering work
$10,000 Consultant
BMCC Capacity documented Document can be referred to re: any proposed structures.
19 Review all drainage plans and road upgrade plans for impact on landscape values
Prior to engineering work
Staff time BMCC
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From policy no
Actions Priority Indicative Cost
Funding sources
Performance Indicators Evaluation
ACCESS & THOROUGHFARE
21 Wheel chair access developed into Kingsford Smith Memorial Park from Vale St and to as many facilities as practical.
Medium $30,000
Note: See ( * ) below
BMCC or Grant funding
Design undertaken. Funding sought. Access in place to Australian standards.
Wheelchairs and prams can access KSMP from Vale St, and have access to maximum no. of facilities on lower level of KSMP.
4, 12, 21
Create car park at Vale St entrance. This work is to include establishment of buffer to boundary of neighbouring property at 12 Vale St, to mitigate impacts, as noted in CMP Masterplan. (Refer also removal of Cherry Laurel hedge below).
Medium $35,000 if unsealed
$65,000 if sealed
BMCC Design undertaken. Funding sought. Car park present.
Increased no. of visitors to KINGSFORD SMITH MEMORIAL PARK due to sufficient car parking at Vale St entrance.
6 ,7 Remove Cherry Laurel hedge and provide alternative planting at Vale St entrance.
Low $6,000
Note: See ( * ) below
BMCC Planting present. Vale St entry is better defined and more inviting.
22 Develop selected path route to provide ambulant access from Lurline Street to open park space, as recommended in CMP.
High $75,000 BMCC or Grant funding
Design undertaken Development approvals acquired Funding sought Pathway upgraded
Pathway route from Lurline Street to open park space is repaired and upgraded to a standard suitable for ambulant access. Values of heritage stonework maintained in accordance to standards outlined in the Burra Charter.
4, 12 Improve existing priority paths as denoted in the Conservation Management Plan.
Medium $20,000 BMCC or Grant funding
Design undertaken Development approvals acquired Funding sought Pathway upgraded
22 Provide directional signage to Kingsford Smith Memorial Park from Katoomba town centre and adjacent streets.
High $2,000 BMCC Signs in place advising public of KINGSFORD SMITH MEMORIAL PARK location.
Increased use of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park.
23, 24 Install park name entry sign at entrances.
High $4 000 BMCC Signs in place. Increased use of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park.
24 Provide directional signage within Kingsford Smith Memorial Park. This may include maps of Park.
High
$3,000
BMCC
Maps in place.
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From policy no
Actions Priority Indicative Cost
Funding sources
Performance Indicators Evaluation
23, 24 Incorporate KSMP into tourist walking brochures for Katoomba.
Low Staff Time Consultant
BMCC or Grant funding
Information adding to Katoomba walking brochure and other tourism brochures on KSMP.
Increased awareness of KSMP by recreational walkers in Katoomba.
Note ( * ) : Efficiencies can be gained if constructed at the same time as the car park
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APPENDICES
Appendix A. Historical Background Appendix B. Leura Falls Creek Catchment Background information Appendix C. Plant Species List for Kingsford Smith Memorial Park Appendix D. Planting Schedule for future planting – Extract from
Conservation Management Plan Appendix E. Assets Inventory
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Appendix A – Historical Background
HISTORY SNAPSHOT
Date Event
1877- 78 Land granted to James Henry Neale including large parts of what is now Katoomba
1914 Land sub divided east of Lurline street( the site of Kingsford Smith Memorial Park) purchased by Ernest A.K. Hudson owner of local business ‗ Mullany & Co‘ on Bathurst Road
1916 – 17 May Davidson Hudson took over the business and commenced the building of a homestead
1918 Ernest dies of pneumonia the property goes to May D. Hudson
1919 The house was given the name ‗ Wadi Shaifa‘, an area of the middle east where Ernest had served in the First World War
1935 February, Katoomba Council resumes portions of the property known as ‗Hudson‘s Gully‘ to build a park
1935 Toilet block constructed
1935 August, ‗Jubilee Park‘ is created
1936 April, The park is renamed Kingsford Smith Memorial Park and Playground
1938 The park is officially dedicated by Lord Wakehurst KCMG Governor NSW
1939 The sound shell is built for £329
1940 The park is formally opened by L.O. Martin MLA Minister for Works and Local Government
1940s Park maintained by a team of nine gardeners
1960s Nursery shed constructed for propagation
1979 Management of the land is transferred to Blue Mountains City Council but remains a Crown land reserve
1970s The Park now being maintained by one full time gardener
1980 Refurbishment of the sound shell and paving in front of the sound shell, relocation of picnic tables
1981 Last concert held in park for 12 years
1980’s Community 547 Committee established which assisted in maintenance of KSMP.
1987 Severe storm damages entrance dome and model of ‗The Southern Cross‘
1987 Repair work carried out on the entry memorial dome, silhouette of ‗The Sothern Cross‘ erected
1993 Stage area of the sound shell extended and mobility access ramp installed
1993 December, concert held to celebrate restoration works to sound shell
1998 Landslide on western slope due to leaking water main
1998 Playground equipment removed and western slope repaired with gabion and timber retaining walls
2001 Entry memorial dome dismantled and reconstructed while nearby retaining wall was repaired
2003 Arborist works including tree removal undertaken throughout Park
2004 Old nursery propagation building is removed.
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Kingsford Smith Memorial Park and Wadi Shaifa, Katoomba
Information from Blue Mountains Local Studies. Prepared byJohn Merriman, Local Studies Librarian (c) Blue Mountains City Library, 2009
This park sits in a natural gully amphitheatre near Katoomba railway station bounded by Gang-Gang Street, Lurline Street and William Street. It covers portions 52 and 53 originally granted to James Henry Neal in 1877-78.
In one or other of these wadis, the enemy would establish a temporary stronghold. Hudson had been located at Wadi Senaab, eight miles to the westward, and on December 11th, a column moved out to attack his position. The Yeomanry, aided by a squadron of Australian Light Horse, inflicted over 100 casualties and cleared the wadi. The force, which included the Sikhs, camped on the ground won. Being reinforced by the Royal Scots, the column started again on the 13th for a spot 12 miles farther west to engage the enemy, but in crossing Wadi Shaifa, was itself attacked by a force of 1,200, with artillery and machine-guns. The enemy was defeated, however, leaving 180 dead, and was pursued until dark, when the column returned to Matruh. Following her husband's death, Mrs Hudson ran Wadi Shaifa as flats from the 1920s through the 1950s; she died in 1968 aged 88. It still operates as flats today, one of which was sold in 2009 for $260,000.
Wadi Shaifa Until the park was acquired by Blue Mountains City Council in 1921, the area was known as Hudson’s Gully or Hudson’s Park, from the family who had owned most of the surrounding land. Their nearby home, Wadi Shaifa, still overlooks the park at 2 Lurline Street. Mary Davidson Hudson nee Talbot married Ernest A K Hudson in 1900, and with their sons Ron, Kenneth, Cyril and Laurence and daughter Dorothy, moved to Katoomba around 1910, acquired part of portion 52 in 1914 and built the house in 1916. The rate book entry for that year shows the value of the house to be ₤2,100. Ernest purchased the bankrupt emporium business of Mullaney & Co. in Main Street and soon became known as a live-wire and a fighting force in the Bowling Club, the Jockey Club, the Rifle Club, the School
of Arts, the Show Society and other posts, the business however failed to prosper. He had formerly held the rank of Captain in the NSW Lancers and in 1915 re-enlisted in the ANZAC Mounted division, and with his horse Tango, served in Egypt and Palestine in WW1. In 1917, he was posted to Divisional HQ with the rank of Major. Henry Gullett described him in the official war history as “the most effective supply officer in adverse circumstances in all Palestine”, he was decorated DSO and mentioned in despatches three times, he died in Palestine of Pneumonia in 1918.
The name Wadi Shaifa commemorates a battle in Egypt about 150 km west of El Alamein described in The War Effort of New Zealand, by W S Austin 1923. The Light Horse was there, with the Kiwis, the Sikhs and the Scots, so perhaps Major Ernie Hudson was too. Major-General Wallace transferred his headquarters from Alexandria to Matruh on December 7th, 1915, and four days later had his first encounter with the Senussi forces. From five to six miles south of Matruh is a tableland some 300 feet high, dropping to the coastal strip in a steep escarpment. The outline of the plateau is irregular, and ten miles to the west of Matruh, it is only two miles from the sea. Intersecting the escarpment at right angles are numerous ancient watercourses, or wadis, which are steep, dry and rocky, and in some cases miles in length.
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Kingsford Smith Memorial Park Hudson’s Gully was in effect the front garden of Wadi Shaifa, when Katoomba Council resumed the land for a park in 1935. After removal of the blackberries and rubbish, it was landscaped according to a plan drawn up a Mr Kerr of the Sydney Botanical Gardens. The labour force was composed of men on unemployment relief and the stone for the many retaining walls was carted in from the surrounding bushland. In 1928, Kingsford Smith, in the aircraft Southern Cross, with co-pilot Charles Ulm, and navigation crew Harry Lyon and Jim Warner, had made the first trans-pacific flight from San Francisco to Brisbane, with refuelling stops at Hawaii and Fiji. Leaving Oakland Field on 31 May, they crossed the coast over Ballina at dawn on 8 June and turned north along the coast for Brisbane to refuel, landing at Eagle Farm. They then flew south to Sydney on the same day, where they were welcomed by a crowd of 300,000 people at Mascot. Smith and Ulm had spent over 83 hours in the air in an open cockpit, numbed by cold and lashed by storms, without sleep and deafened for several days after the flight by the engine noise. Being unable to hear, the only way they could communicate with each other and with Lyon and Walker in the cabin behind was via pencilled notes passed between them, these jottings on scap paper are now preserved in the State Library of NSW. On 8 November 1935, Smithy, at the age of only 38, was killed when he crashed into the sea near Aye Island in the Bay of Bengal, while making an attempt on the England-Australia speed record in the Lady Southern Cross, only the nose wheel of the plane was recovered.
On 7 March 1938, Lord Wakehurst, Governor of NSW, dedicated the entrance pavilion with a slate plaque, the lintel bearing the words Kingsford Smith Memorial Park. This was topped with a hemispherical metal dome showing a relief map of Australia, with a two foot scale model of Southern Cross, constructed by Mr Evan Cork of Randwick, mounted above it . In 1939 Katoomba Council constructed the band rotunda and public lavatories at a cost of ₤329 in time for the official opening on 1 January 1940, by the Hon. L. O. Martin, KCMG, Minister for Works and Local Government, a brass plaque on the pavilion commemorates this.
The park's first name, in 1935, was Jubilee Park to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of King George V. This however was changed only a year later to Kingsford Smith Memorial Park and Playground, in honour of the pioneer Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith
(1897-1935).
The park is one of many memorials throughout Australia to its courageous pioneer aviator, an unparalleled breaker of long-distance records, a trailblazer and remarkable visionary, and a man whose party trick after singing and playing the ulelele was to drink a glass of beer while standing on his head. The inaugural Carols by Candlelight was held 8.00 pm to midnight on Christmas Eve 1947, under the auspices of radio station 2GB with proceeds going to Blue Mountains Hospital. By then the park had an ornamental pond and a children’s playground.
Over the next 40 years, the park gradually fell into disuse and disrepair until local residents began to lobby Council to fund improvements and maintenance. In July 1987 high winds tore the dome from its base on the entry pavilion, it was repaired and replaced five months later. At the same time a scale profile of Southern Cross replaced the scale model, which had been vandalised and removed some years before.
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In 2001 the entry pavilion became unstable and was dismantled and re-erected on new foundations and reinforced pillars with a rebuilt retaining wall. Kingsford Smith Memorial Park is one of three aviator memorials in Katoomba, the others being Bert Hinkler Park in Lurline Street and Melrose Park in North Katoomba named after Charles James (Jimmy) Melrose (1913-1936) the only solo flier to finish the 1934 Melbourne Centenary Air race. Images from top: 1. 1930s tourist guide entry for Wadi Shaifa 2. Subdivision plan, Wadi Shaifa is located on lot 1. 3. 1940s view of the main entry with model of Southern Cross 4. Panorama of the park in 1938 5. 1940s view of rotunda and early plantings 6. 1947 Carols by Candlelight program See also a set by Merryjack John Merriman, Local Studies Librarian (c)Blue Mountains City Library, 2009
In 1991 a friends group was formed and a Carnivale and parade were staged. Restoration of the gardens and rotunda was commenced in 1993, and since the inception of the Winter Magic Festival in 1994 and the Blue Mountains Music Festival in 1996, it has regained much of its earlier
popularity as a music venue and picnic spot, weather permitting.
In 1998, a landslip caused by a leaking water main resulted in extensive damage, and a $300,000 repair bill. Around this time, there were also numerous complaints from nearby residents, of anti-social behaviour and drug dealing in the park, which were addressed with tree and foliage
thinning, security lighting and police patrols.
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Appendix B – Leura Falls Creek Catchment LEURA FALLS CREEK CATCHMENT The Leura Falls Creek Catchment incorporates all of the areas that drain into Leura Falls Creek. The catchment is bounded to the north by the Great Western Highway and railway line; to the east by Leura Mall; to the west by Katoomba St and to the south by Leura Cascades Falls and Blue Mountains National Park – a land area of approximately 230 ha in size. At the Blue Mountains Council meeting on 21 February 2012 Council resolved to make Leura Falls Creek a priority catchment for Environmental Restoration and Community Engagement programs. This priority was identified based on factors including: water quality and habitat condition; threatened species (Mountain Dwarf Pine), threatened ecological communities (Blue Mountains Swamps); and other natural and community values within the catchment.
1
The Leura Falls Creek Catchment contains Leura Cascades, a key Blue Mountains tourist asset and part of the World Heritage area and Kingsford Smith Memorial Park, a Heritage Conservation Area. It is a highly urbanised catchment with residential, commercial and light industrial areas as well as public reserves and Crown Lands. Leura Falls Creek is a tributary of the Coxs River, which flows into Warragamba Dam, Sydney’s drinking water supply.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LEURA CREEK CATCHMENT Communities Blue Mountains Swamps listed as vulnerable ecological community on the
NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995. The bushland and sedge swamp ecological communities influence the hydrology and water quality of the creek, as well as providing habitat for flora and fauna including several species that are rare, vulnerable or endangered.
Flora Species Acacia ptychoclada - regionally significant species (Smith and Smith 1995)
Dwarf Mountain Pine (Pherosphaera fitzgeraldii)
Fauna Species Blue Mountains Water Skink (Eulamprus leuraensis) (TSC Act 1995)
BUSHCARE AND LANDCARE in the Catchment There are four volunteer bushcare groups in the catchment: Govett St, Vale St, Cumberland Walkway and Leura Park including Peter Carroll oval. The groups are supported by and work with the Blue Mountains City Council Bush Care team and Land Care team.
1 Blue Mountains City Council, Leura Falls Creek Catchment Condition and Management, 2012, p 3.
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LEURA FALLS CREEK CATCHMENT STRATEGY
THE VISION CLEAN UP • CONSERVE • CONNECT • PROTECT • RESTORE
TO INTEGRATE THE MANAGEMENT OF ESTABLISHED LAND USES AND NATURAL AREAS TO ACHIEVE A STABLE AND FUNCTIONING CATCHMENT THROUGH: Cleaning up Conserving Connecting the bushland through the catchment Connecting the people who care about the catchment Protecting Restoring the riparian corridor
THE STRATEGY - connectivity of action The strategy aims are to:
a) Develop an integrated approach to restoration actions across the Leura Falls Creek
catchment and address the causes not just the symptoms
b) Develop a more coordinated approach to bush care and land care in the catchment
c) Develop a big view of the catchment and surrounds that brings all the data together in a
number of forms including maps and aerial photos. The better the information is, the
more fully impacts and consequences arising from future decisions and actions can be
understood.
d) Identify high priority work and goals for the future - that is: what is worth doing to get
significant results; what is cost effective both for volunteer time and to direct public
funds; how can all parties -Council, NPWS, community groups, landholders, businesses
and agencies direct efforts more effectively.
The strategy contributes to the following 2010-2025 objectives and strategies in the Blue Mountains City Council Sustainable Blue Mountains 2025:
• The diversity of native fauna and flora is maintained
- Protect and nurture the different flora, fauna and ecological communities of the BlueMountains
- Manage the urban- bushland interface to minimise urban development impacts
• The health of waterways and water catchments is maintained and enhanced
- Care for waterways and catchments
• The impact of development on the built and natural environment is managed
- Reduce urban development impacts on the environment
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Appendix C – Plant Species List for Kingsford Smith Memorial Park
Note: This list was compiled by Jaime Bohm, Emma Carroll, Cassandra Hawkins and Mark Vickers, whilst undertaken a Diploma in Horticulture at Blue Mountains TAFE in 2008, and was reproduced with kind permission.
Cultivated Species Noted in Kingsford Smith Memorial Park
Botanical Name Common Name Comments
Acer palmatum Japanese Maple
Acer saccharum Canadian Maple/Sugar Maple
Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis
Agapanthus/Lily of the Nile Bush invader
Azalea spp. Azalea
Bellis perennis English Daisy
Bergenia spp. Bergenia/Pigsqueak
Betula pendula Silver Birch
Buddleja davidii Butterfly Bush Bush invader
Camellia japonica Camellia
Cornus spp. Dogwood
Cotoneaster franchettii Cotoneaster Bush invader
Cryptomeria japonica
Cupressus macrocarpa Monterey Cypress
Cyathea australis Rough Tree Fern Native
Cymbalaria muralis Kenilworth Ivy
Dicksonia antarctica Soft Tree Fern Native
Fagus sylvatica Beech
Forsythia spp. Forsythia
Hebe spp. Veronica
Hedera helix English Ivy Bush invader
Hydrangea spp. Hydrangea
Hypericum perforatum St Johns Wort Weed
Ilex aquifolium Holly Bush invader
Liriodendron tulipifera Tulip Tree
Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle Bush invader
Myosotis silvatica Forget Me Not Weed
Nandina domestica Sacred Bamboo Weed
Nothofagus cunninghamii Tasmanian Beech Native
Persicaria capitata Japanese Knotweed Weed
Photinia robusta Photinia
Pittosporum eugenoides variegata
New Zealand Pittosporum Weed
Prunus laurocerasus Cherry Laurel Bush invader
Prunus serrulata Flowering Cherry Not encouraged
Quercus pallustris Pin Oak Quercus pallustris
Rhododendron spp. Rhododendron Rhododendron spp.
Salix babylonica Willow Salix babylonica
Scilla campanulata Spanish Bluebell Scilla campanulata
Ulmus spp. Elm Ulmus spp.
Vinca major Blue Periwinkle Bush invader
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Native Species Noted in Kingsford Smith Memorial Park
Botanical Name Common Name Comments
Acacia suaveolens
Blechnum Nudum Water Fern
Cyathea australis Rough Tree Fern
Dicksonia antarctica Soft Tree Fern
Eucalyptus oreades Blue Mountain Ash
Eucalyptus piperita
Geranium purpureum ssp. purpureum
Native Geranium
Nothofagus cunninghamii Tasmanian Beech
Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum Weed
Pteridium esculentum Bracken Fern
Weed Species Noted in Kingsford Smith Memorial Park
Botanical Name Common Name Comments
Agapanthus praecox ssp. Orientalis
Agapanthus/Lily of the Nile Bush Invader
Buddleja davidii Butterfly Bush Bush Invader
Cardamine hirsuta Flickweed * Cotoneaster franchettii Cotoneaster Bush Invader
Crocosmia x crocosmiliflora Montbretia Noxious Class 4
Hedera helix English Ivy Bush Invader
Hypericum perforatum St Johns Wort
Hypochoeris radicata Cats Ears
Ilex aquifolium Holly Bush Invader * Ligustrum lucidum Large Leaved Privet Noxious Class 4 * Ligustrum sinense Small Leaved Privet Noxious Class 4 *
Lonicera japonica Japanese Honeysuckle Bush Invader
Myosotis silvatica Forget Me Not
Nandina domestica Sacred Bamboo
Persicaria capitata Japanese Knotweed
Pittosporum eugenoides variegata
NZ Pittosporum
Plantago lanceaolata Lambs Tongue/Plantain
Prunus laurocerasus Cherry Laurel Bush Invader
Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup Bush Invader
Rubus fruticosus Blackberry Noxious Class 4
Tradescantia fluminensis Trad/Wandering Jew Bush Invader
Vinca major Blue Periwinkle Bush Invader
* =denotes that these plants are dominant in the park
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Appendix D – Plant Schedule for future planting – Extract from Conservation Management Plan for KSMP
Plantings and layout Selective removal and maintenance of existing trees is recommended to improve the health of the remaining trees and to provide vistas from within and from outside the park.
There are a number of positions identified where vistas into the park or over the park to the valley views beyond may be effectively achieved by removal of selected trees.
The removal of the row of over-mature Golden Monterey Cypress on the eastern side of the park will allow more effective solar access to the adjacent residences. Replacing these trees with a large deciduous trees will provide summer shade and winter sun. Conifers lower down the slope shall remain or be replaced by a selection conifers as the original ones decline in health and require removal.
A variety of trees to complement the existing plantings shall be gradually introduced. Trees shall be selected to enhance the cool climate exotic feel of the park. This may include conifers as well as a range of deciduous trees for Spring blossom and Autumn foliage succession over an extended period.
PLANTS SCHEDULE –for future planting.
Replanting of the park shall be in a style reflecting the intent of the original designs with seasonal floral displays supporting the broader structural plantings provided by the trees and larger shrubs. Flowers shall be provided by massed shrubs and groundcovers rather than higher maintenance annuals and perennials. The following plants are suitable for use in future landscape designs which may be prepared. This would include succession plantings from the list of existing trees as well. The list also includes a number of plants that were listed in the original designs as well as a number of Australian native plants which are considered appropriate for use in the park. This list is indicative only and may be added to.
TREES Suited for Zones (Refer to plan) Acer palmatum (hybrids) Japanese Maples 1,4,3 Acer x freemanii ‘Jeffersred’ Autumn Blaze Maple 1,8 Cedrus atlantica Atlantic Cedar 1 Cupressus torulosa Bhutan Cypress 1 Malus ioensis ‘Flora Plena’ Betchels Crabapple 1,4,3 Nyssa sylvatica Tupelo 1 Pyrus calleryana cvs Ornamental pear 1,4,3 Pyrus nivalis Snow Pear 1,4,3 Sequoiadendron giganteum Giant Redwood 1,4 Taxodium distichum Swamp Cypress 1,4 SHRUBS Azalea indica cvs 1,3,4,7A,7B,8 Azalea kurume cvs 1,3,4,7A,7B,8 Banksia spp Banksia 1,3,4,7A Buxus spp. Boxwood 1,3,4,7A,7B,8 Camellia japonica cvs 1,2,3,4, Camellia sasanqua cvs 1,2,3,4,
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Coleonema pulchrum Diosma 3,4,7A Daphne odora Daphne 1,3,4,7A,8 Deutzia gracilis Slender Deutzia 1,3,4,7A,8 Exochorda x macrantha Pearl Bush 1,3,4 Gunnera manicata Gunnera 1,4,6 Hakea sericea Pincushion Hakea 1,3 Hebe spp Hebe 1,3,4,7A Hydrangea macrophylla Bigleaf Hydrangea 1,3,4,8 Hydrangea quercifolia Oakleaf Hydrangea 1,3,4,8 Kalmia latifolia Mountain Laurel 1,3,4,8 Philadelphus x virginalis Mock Orange 1,4 Philotheca myoporoides Longleaf Waxflower 1,3,4,7A Pieris japonica cvs Pieris 1,3,4,7A Pittosporum ‘Golf Ball’ Pittosporum 3,4,7A Rhododendron cvs Rhododendron 1,3,4,7B Syringa vulgaris cvs Lilac 1,3,4 Telopea speciosissima Waratah 1,3,4,7A Viburnum spp Viburnum 1,3,4 GRASSES, GROUNDCOVERS, FERNS Asplenium australasicum Birdsnest Fern 1,6 Bergenia cordifolia Elephants Ears 1,3,4,7A,7B,8 Blechnum sp Fishbone Waterfern 1,6 Calamagrostis ‘Overdam’ Feather Grass 1,3,4,7A,7, Dianella cvs Blue Flaxlily 1,3,4,7A,8 Grevillea lanigera Mt Tamboritha’ Woolly Grevillea 1,3,4,7A Grevillea poorinda‘Royal Mantle’ 1,3,7A Lomandra longifolia Matrush 1,3,4,8 Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’ Dwarf Matrush 1,3,4,7A,7B,8 Juniperus groundcovers 1,3,4,7A Phormium cvs NZ Flax 1,3,4,6,7A Trachelospermum jasminoides Chinese Star Jasmine 1,3,4,7A Trachelospermum ‘Tricolor’ Tricolor Star Jasmine 1,3,4,7A Weed Management
There are a variety of measures for removal or control which may be applied to the weeds in the park. These are outlined in ‘Weeds of Blue Mountains Bushland’. The type of weed, its position in the park, the climatic conditions and soil condition all have a bearing on which method or methods might be applied at a particular time.
Ivy (Hedera helix) is the dominant ground surface plant, particularly on the steep slopes of the terraces. The ivy is also climbing up many of the trees and retaining walls. The ivy climbing up trees should be cut at the base of the trunk and allowed to die. Ground surface ivy may be initially left for slope stability.
Woody weeds growing on the steep slopes are helping to maintain the stability of the slope and should not be removed entirely. Stems may be cut at the base and poisoned with glyphosate allowing the roots to remain in the soil as new plants are introduced.
Weedy tree species may be gradually removed or selectively retained and managed.
Removal of N4 weeds should be a priority with the BI weeds being controlled and gradually removed.
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Appendix E – Assets Inventory
Assets Inventory – Updated March 2013 – Kingsford Smith Mem. Park
Item Description Asset No.
Location Description Average
Condit-ion
Status
Access Road 81870 Driveway – Concrete / Gravel Fair Active
Cultural & Physical Asset
Memorial Entry Pavillion & Shelter (Archway)
Corner of Gang Gang St & Lurline St
4x 1m x 1m sandstone block pillars, supporting 4m x 4m concrete domed roof structure with park name on it. Mounted on a 7m concrete (X) a metal cutout plane, with a map of Australia on (x) slab. Built in 1938 commemorating Charles Kingsford Smith
Good Active
Plaque 81092 North West of Archway
Marble plaque. Official opening. Fair Active
Landscape Summary
Lamp Post x 3 Lurnline St & Gang Gang St boundaries
Concrete Pillars. Assumed constructed when park established. Concrete cancer.
Poor Not Active
Lamp Post 81085 20m West of sound shell
Timber pole. Three floodlights. Lighting lawn area and sound shell.
Good Active
Lamp Post 81087 10m West of sound shell
Timber pole. 2 floodlights. . Lighting lawn area and sound shell.
Good Active
Retaining Wall Bushrock
62359 Throughout ampitheatre
2214 meters. Retaining wall of various heights from 300mm to several metres high, approximately 65m long. Also repairs on NW boundary from 1998 landslip on Lurline Street.
Refer to CMP
Active
Retaining Wall Bushrock
81070 Centre of park 15 meters. 250mm wide wall unknown height on western boundary
Refer to CMP
Active
Retaining Wall. Concrete
62360 West end of park along Lurline Street under a fence
15 meters. 250mm wide wall unknown height on western boundary
Refer to CMP
Active
Timber edging 81083 Along the western side of asphalt
15 metres Refer to CMP
Active
Park Furniture
Fences & Gates 62365 Border of Lurline & Gang Gang Streets
200 meters. Square profile galvanised attached to concrete dina bolts.
Good (Gang Gang
Poor (Lurline)
Active
Fences & Gates 62365 Bordering horseshoe ‘Fern Lawn’ near Vale Street
25 meters. Timber coppice logs. Some sections in bad disrepair. Remainder in reasonable condition
Poor Active
Tables & Seating 62369 Various 7 x concrete seating. i.e. 4 x perimeter of open lawn area; 1 x memorial shelter entry; 2 x near Vale Street entrance. Note: there are a number of seating ‘nooks’ throughout the stonewall pathway network.
Fair (others)
Poor (2xVale
St)
Active
Tap In the south/east corner of park in front of toilet block
1x anti-vandal tap mounted on a 50mm gal/steel tub x 600mm high
Good Active
Tap South entry to park 1x anti-vandal tap mounted on a 50mm gal/steel tub x 600mm high
Good Active
Bins x 2 62363 62364
Plastic wheelie bin. 240 litres Good Active
Pathway and Paved areas
Footpath - Asphalt
62382 Lurline St to William St
235m of 1.5m wide asphalt path in various conditions with 100 steps
Poor Active
Footpath - Asphalt
81081 Western and eastern side of theatre on the southern end of
500m2 of red concrete pavers each 230 x 200 x 40 edged with bush rock and concrete edging
Poor Active
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grassed area at the centre of the park.
Footpath - Concrete
62383 From the corner of Lovel St and Lurline St at Archway to garvel park to the Lovel St side of archway.
23m x 1.2m wide concrete path with a concrete wall and 25mm pipe/post and railing handrail from arch to gravel path
Fair Active
Footpath – Concrete
81080 75 meters x 1.5 meters. Fair Active
Footpath - Gravel 62384 From south of west side to the north side to east side of park, above grassed area in centre of park.
Approximately 750m x 1.5m wire gravel paths in park, in various conditions.
Fair Active
Steps - Concrete 62386 Throughout Park along Walking Track
Concrete. X 150. Handrail Fair Active
Steps - Stone 62387 Throughout Park along Walking Track
Bush Rock Steps in various conditions around the park. X 80.
Fair Active
Steps - Concrete 81088 At the entrance from Lurline Street
Approx 50. Concrete Steps. 9 x flights Fair Active
Steps - Sandstone
81071 East of the theatre, from the paved pathway to the asphalt pathway on the eastern side of the park.
Bush Rock Steps in various conditions. Fair Active
Buildings
Sound Shell Lowest point of lawn area, facing ampitheatre
Built in 1939 & used as a stage/entertainment area. An open half –dome/shell shaped construction with concrete walls. Front platform extended in 1991. Inner wall section is of a masonry material and the roof is gabled with corrugated galvanized sheeting with a plinth at the top. The floor appears to be a suspended concrete slab. Two concrete paths with tubular galvanized railings act as entrance points onto both sides of the structure. Guttering damaged, otherwise in good condition
Good Refer to
CMP
Active
Toilet Block Near Vale Street entrance
Constructed of a wire mesh frame covered with concrete render simulating a ‘log cabin’. A gently gabled roof of similar construction. The building is supported on a concrete slab. A style similar to Tom Adams mock rock enclosurers. Roof is rusting.
Fair Refer to
CMP
Active
Drainage
Drainage 82393 From the west to the East side of Central grassed area
Easement. Open Channel unlined. Functional but maintenance required.
Fair
Active
Drainage – sub surface
From Gang Gnag & Lurline Streets through park
250 meters of pipe. 11 pits Active
Drainage – sub surface
9541 9496 9497
William Street 180 meters of pipe. 4 pits Active
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Assets Inventory compiled in 2008 from Horticulture Diploma coursework Below is an assets inventory that was compiled in 2008 as part of a TAFE assignment preparing a Plan of Management of Kingsford Smith Park. This list was compiled by Jaime Bohm, Emma Carroll, Cassandra Hawkins and Mark Vickers, whilst undertaken a Diploma in Horticulture at Blue Mountains TAFE. It has been included as it provides a useful description of park assets including visual. Assets Inventory, 2008
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(Continued…)