Character Report of Yeronga

YERONGA CHARACTER REPORT

DLB310 - CHARACTER REPORT - DAVID UHLMANN - MATTHEW ANTICO - LUKE BRINSMEAD - JACOB FERROW 1

CONTENTSINTRODUCTION 3

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS 4 SUBURB PROFILE 4 CLIMATE 5 RAINFALL 6 SUNSHINE 7 HUMIDITY 8 WIND 8 LANDFORM AND FLOODING 9 SOIL 10

SPATIAL AND VISUAL ANALYSIS 11 IMAGEABILITY 11 LEGIBILITY 12 NODES 13 EDGES 13 DISTRICT PATHS 14 LANDMARKS 15 SERIAL VISION 16 EXTERNAL VIEWPOINTS TO AREA 17 ORIENTATION POINTS AND VISTAS FROM AREA 17 INTRUSIVE ELEMENTS 17 SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL CHARACTERISTICS 18 SPATIAL AND VISUAL ANALYSIS CONCLUSION 18

HISTORICAL ANALYSIS 19 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW 19 EVIDENCE OF MARKING CHANGE/TIME 22 TERRAIN VAGUE OR LATENT SPACES 22 HISTORICAL ANALYSIS CONCLUSION 23

REFERENCES 24


INTRODUCTION


This report aims to identify, analyze and communicate the promising characteristics and issues of concern of the Inner city suburb of Yeronga through the use of three sub headings

Physical and Geographic Landscape AnalysisSpatial and Visual AnalysisHistorical Analysis.

West Yeronga is situated approximately 5 km south from the Brisbane City central district, on the east side of the Brisbane River. Yeronga is primarily residential housing, with a small commercial district located along Fairfield Road. Due to the ever growing and continual need for inner city housing Yeronga has experienced extreme increases in both land value and residential numbers. The following report will comprise of a critical analysis of the West Yeronga area. The report will contain statistics and figures located from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) providing information on micro-climate, sunshine and possible environmental hazards. The application of Lynch’s model will also be used on the study area with a series of comparisons and diagrams used to gain conclusions on imageability, legibility as well as the location of important landmarks, Nodes , edges and corridors. A thorough Historical analysis will help accompany the report and the findings will discuss areas of terrain vague as well as the location and information on Heritage Buildings. Through this analysis a conclusion will be drawn and if needed solutions to problems chosen for the Yeronga area.


Suburb Profile.

The Brisbane River is the major water corridor flowing through south east Queensland region. The source of the river is located far inland in the Conondale Range. From here the river flows south, where it eventually joins with the Stanley River just south from Somerset Dam. The river runs from Wivenhoe damn through the inner city Brisbane region and then flows out into Moreton bay (J.G.Steele). The River flows through many residential suburbs such as Jindalee, Toowong and Yeronga. Yeronga is an inner city residential suburb located roughly 5km From Brisbane’s central business district (CBD). See adjacent figureDue to the ever growing need for affordable inner city residential housing, Yeronga has experienced massive property and land growth in the last 4-5 years. With easily accessible services such as public transport modes as well as restaurants and health services, Yeronga provides and offers families a financially booming and safe neighborhood with a friendly, residential character. The Brisbane River a major corridor that flows around the edge of the suburb provides great aesthetic views for river front house owners as well as recreational options in the form of waterskiing and fishing. Water flow overtime has created the boundaries that now separate land from river. The following sections will analyze the pros and cons of the geographical landscape and characteristics of the Yeronga area.

Source: Google maps

Physical Geographic Analysis Figure: Location Map Yeronga Brisbane

JACOB FERROW

Climate

The weather in Queensland and Brisbane in particular could be considered some of the nicest in the southern Hemisphere. Brisbane experiences sub tropical weather with hot summers and cool mild winters. These weather characteristics are one of the main reasons for Brisbane’s booming tourism industry. Whilst summer temperatures average at around the 29.4 ºC (See Figure 2).Brisbane experiences some extremely hot days. With temperatures reaching mid 30’s in 2007 (BOM). Brisbane winters produce only mild elements with days generally being sunny and average temperatures around 17ºC. (see Fig 3). Frosts have been recorded in Brisbane however only on rare occasions.

The weather conditions in the Inner city suburb of Yeronga would only differ slightly if anything to the Brisbane averages. Characteristics such as height and surroundings can play a role in a slight change of climate in the suburb. Breezes blowing across the river could cause wind chill effect and create the sensation of cooler weather. The large hill in the middle of the suburb see below fig (Fig 3) could also be location of colder temperatures due to its vulnerability to strong winds and elevation.Fig 4: Contours Map Yeronga

Fig 2: Maximum temperature Graph

Fig 3: Minimum Temperature Graph

Source as stated on Graph or under Source: Ebimap


Rainfall.

Brisbane’s average rainfall annually is around the 1100 -1200mm (BOM). however with this being said conditions vary greatly over the greater metropolitan area. By looking at (Fig 5) it shows that Brisbane experiences a dry period in the months from April to September being the drier winter months and only receives around 400mm. And then a roughly 750 -800mm in the humid hotter months from October to March. In past years however these figures have changed dramatically. Brisbane and on a larger scale Queensland is in the grip of the worst drought on record. Brisbane suburbs such as Zillmere, Sandgate and Toombul recorded only half of their average annual rainfall last year (P. Morley). Following these rainfalls statistics showed that 62% of Queensland was drought affected. Strong rainfalls over the 2007 Christmas break provided some relief for Brisbane residents, with steady rainfalls recorded in wivenhoe catchment area. However at present level six water restrictions have been implemented in Brisbane suburbs. Level six requirements ban all use of hoses, and only buckets of water can be used to spot wash cars, and water plants in times allocated by the Brisbane City Council (BCC). The building of new pools although still allowed must go through council guidelines and only rainwater or water outside the South East Queensland (SEQ) drought affected areas can be used. Through analysis of the Yeronga area it was evident that possibly only 25% of the total residents living in the area had a water tank installed. This is a major concern, due to increasing pressure to remain on or under daily water targets set by the BCC, water tanks can provide an easy alternative to watering plants or other household water needs, as no restrictions have been placed on the use of captured rainwater. Greater push for the installation of water tanks is necessary and a possible increase in price rebate, as the installation of water tanks is the easiest way for residents to gain a greater net annual rainfall.

Fig 5: Brisbane Annual Rainfall

Source: BOM


SunshineBrisbane on average receives 8 hours of sunshine a day ( see Fig 6) during which time many recreational activities occur in the Yeronga area especially on weekends. Activities included riding, social sports as well as use of the river for water sports recreation. It is important to be aware of the effects of Ultra Violet light especially during times where the sun is at it hottest. The following graph (Fig 7) shows that the worst time for exposure to UV rays is between the hours of 10 am and 2pm. According to the Australian government Bureau of Meteorology “Australians experience the highest rates of skin cancer in the world” as well as many cases of thermal stress which has become one of Australia’s “major natural hazards 4,200 deaths have been due to heat stress. It's easy to become dehydrated and overheated, especially when you are active, in hot weather. (TCC) Through survey of Yeronga area it was evident that local green spaces and parks are used regularly on weekday afternoons and especially on weekends for recreational activities such as barbecues and sports. It was promising to see that protection from the sun was present in the form of man made structures such as Gazebos and also a large range of natural shelters such as trees and large shrubs. Although protection from some sun elements is provided, improvements can still be made. The use of large trees close to children’s playgrounds proves as a possible safety issue, as falling branches pose as a serious injury threat. The introduction of a shade cloth over the playground would provide protection from the sun as well as provide a safer alternative. An example of shade cloths can be found in Oriel Park located in Ascot. Although a small proposal the implementation of Sun smart signage in parks and frequently used public spaces might encourage and remind the community to take care in hot and sunny conditions.

Fig 6: Hours of Sunshine Per day Queensland

Fig 7: UV Levels Indicator

Images Sourced From BOMDLB310 - CHARACTER REPORT - DAVID UHLMANN - MATTHEW ANTICO - LUKE BRINSMEAD - JACOB FERROW 7

Landform and Flooding.

The landform of Yeronga is one of interest as well as possible hazardous issues. As can be seen in (Fig 11) The Yeronga area grows in height from the Western boundary that runs along with the river corridor. By looking at (Fig 11) you can see that from the southern boundary to the top of Istow Street there is a rapid growth in land elevation. Although this hill/knoll provides spectacular views of the inner city skyline both during the day and at night, the hill proves as a possible flood risk in extreme weather. The land surrounding the hill/knoll in the middle of the suburb is low lying with smaller changes in land height occurring in some places. The western boundary from the river corridor is a more gradual slope upwards compared to the steeper, sharper change of the southern boundary. Flooding could be a major issue in the area as torrential rain could put huge pressure on storm water drains (Fig 12) in low lying areas. Run off from higher ground could prove to be a large issue, and the possible causing of flash floods. Rise in the river level could also pose as a threat, particularly on the western boundary where the land is flatter and has a softer upward land slope. The following figure (Fig 13) shows the predicted area that would be affected by a rise in water level. As you can see by comparing ( Fig 11 and 13) the area’s affected are all low lying areas particularly on the western river boundary and low lying land on the Eastern side of the suburb. Rising river levels can also cause erosion; the western and southern boundaries of the Yeronga area are prime locations to suffer the effects of erosion, whether by large scale run-off or rising river levels. As can be seen in (fig 14)the southern boundary would be the worst affected by erosion as this is where the outgoing tide would put pressure on the land boundary, a lack of vegetation along this boundary as well as the construction of houses close to the water could have devastating consequences if the area was to flood and severe erosion occurred. The Western suburb boundary although provides somewhat of a natural vegetation buffer would still suffer the effects of erosion over time.

Fig 11: Land Contours Yeronga Fig 12: Location Stormwater Drains Yeronga

Fig 13: Predicted Flood Zones Yeronga

Fig 14: Shows Water flow into Southern Boundary

Source: Google EarthFigs 11,12,13 all sourced From Ebimap


Soil.

The Yeronga area is predominantly made up of two differing types of soil firstly, gravelly red podzolic soils with minor red earths and secondly Red yellow Podzolic soils with Gleyed Podzolic soils and lateritic podzolic soils. The hills of the Yeronga area contain gravel beds, clays and weakly consolidated sandstone (G.E.Rinder). Yeronga’s southern and western riverfront boundaries contain sandy silty alluvial soils that have been deposited by the water movement of the Brisbane River and gradually built up over time. These soils are rich in nutrients and provide the perfect environment for the growth of many Australian natural flora. The area also contains some levels of Acid Sulphate Soils (See fig 15). Acid sulphate soils occur naturally and contain iron oxides most commonly pyrite. When these soils are exposed to air a chemical reaction occurs and the iron sulfides cause a variety of compounds as well as sulfuric acid. This process can leak heavy metals into the soil and the surrounding environment. These soils if disturbed and not treated can have devastating effects on the environment especially agricultural ones. Avoiding these soils is often the most environmentally friendly solution, and economical solution. (DEC)

Fig 15: Acid Sulphate Soils Yeronga Area

Conclusion.

Through survey of the Yeronga area it was evident that there are issues in the fast growing residential area. Natural threats such as flash flooding and erosion pose as huge threats in extreme circumstances. Due to Yeronga’s Hilly landscape the flooding of low lying areas is a very probable possibility. Survey into the location and working order of the Yeronga’s storm water drains should be completed in order to safely conclude that Yeronga can handle large rainfalls. Riverfront erosion particularly on the Southern boundary is another issue of concern. A lack of natural vegetation and the construction of residential establishments close to the river corridor are telling factors that the soils could be unstable and thus prone to erosion if natural changes were to occur such as rising river levels and strong wind and rain. Smaller issues such as the safety for children in parks are also an issue that can be looked into. The removal of large tress with potential falling branches over playgrounds and inclusion of shade tarpolans would provide a safer alternative whilst still providing much needed sun protection in recreational areas. Also the inclusion of greater sun smart signing particularly on public jetties and parks would remind the community of the rising issues of skin cancers and encourage them to take care in hot conditions.

Source EbiMap


SPATIAL AND VISUAL ANALYSISLUKE BRINSMEAD

IMAGEABILITY‘The ability to recognize place from setting, that is its imageability, is limited by the viewer’s ability to process information’. ‘The promotion of imageability and understanding increases visitor’s environmental awareness, sensory of pleasure, quality of experience, and a landscape’s levels of meaning’ (Lynch 1960). Imageability near the Yeronga Railway Station (figure 16) is found to be somewhat faint due to the distractions of vehicular traffic and its associated noise, commercial shops (figure 17) and the general business of the district. The district surrounding the railway station which includes the rented townhouse district (figure 18) has much the same feeling however at a much lower level. The older residential housing district (figure 19) gives more of a sense of imageability and place due to its fewer distractions and their single level homes opening up a perspective into the study area. There are few mature street trees around this district which gives the experience of openness, relatively wide streets accentuated this observation. The appreciation of the old homes is accentuated by the post war architecture within this district, as well as the slightly lower housing density to allow for better viewing. The old residential district towards the top of the hill (figure 20) comprises of unique features such as interesting old houses, large block sizes, old trees, more curvilinear roads and views to the city, all these features enhances the observer’s experience. It is found in the district facing the river (figure 21) to be dominated by relatively new large houses and well manicured gardens, the vibe of this district gives an overwhelming sense of grandeur and stature. This district is much quieter and emits an aurora of tranquility, the connection with the river is quite strong and much of the perspective from this area is projected towards the river. It is much easier to appreciate this district’s imageability due to the reduced traffic and commercial distractions associated with the districts adjacent to the main road.

Figure 17

Figure 16

Figure 18

Figure 20

Figure 19

Figure 21


LEGIBILITY‘The individual should find them self being in control of self navigating through a landscape without the need of excess signs.’ ‘An urban environment is said to be legible if it is designed in ways that allow people in it easily to know where they are and how to get to where they are going’ (Lynch 1960). Navigating and orientating from the railway station into the commercial district is made very legible from the overpass crossing Fairfield road, this gives the observer a good view over much of the commercial district (figure 22). In this commercial district the signage of business is overtly legible and perhaps excessive. The grid pattern in the lower residential is easy to follow to navigate through the streets to connect up to other streets, however some signs are partly covered with vegetation (figure 23) and/or partly vandalized (figure 24). Entering into the older district atop of the hill is found to be somewhat easier to self orientate by using landmarks such as old trees and houses together with views to other districts in the study district (figure 25), the street signs are quite well kept with minimal neglect. In the river facing district, views to the river provide a easy navigational reference if one were to visit the shoreline, however generally the river can only start to be seen half way down these small streets (figure 26). Many of the signs indicated no through roads however there are no signs indicating access to public parks.

Figure 22Figure 23

Figure 24

Figure 25

Figure 26


EDGES‘Edges are the linear elements not used or considered as paths by the observer.’ ‘...for may people important organizing features, particularly in the role of holding together generalized districts’ (Lynch 1960). The main road, Fairfield Road (east in the study area), is a hard edge which divides the main traffic flow from the study district on the eastern side, its edge is also audibly and visionally reflected into the commercial and townhouse districts. The relatively hard edge between Hyde Road in the northern residential district is found to be created by the bordering of Yeronga and Fairfield parks. The soft natural edge of the river corseting alongside the western side of the study area contributes up approximately half the study area edge and allows for a good perspective of the river and generates a calming sense of place. The south edge is seen as being partly hard due to its mostly human formation adjacent to a grassed field. Inside the study area edges include property boundary fences, streets, roads and hill ridge lines.

NODES‘Nodes are points, the strategic spots in a city into which an observer can enter, and which are the intensive foci to from a person is traveling’. ‘They may be primary junctions, places of a break in transition, a crossing or convergence of plants, movements of shift from one structure to another’ (Lynch 1960). The Yeronga railway station is perhaps the central node, it is a place where people converge and commute. The temporary car park near the railway station adjacent Fairfield road seems to act as node because of its attraction of users who temporarily park in this place and use it as a transition place to change from vehicular to pedestrian movement. The takeaway food business district adjacent to Fairfield Road are used primarily as an eating place with minimal local socializing. The buss stops in the study district are regularly used as nodes, pedestrians converge to the these places to travel away from the district. St Sebastian’s Primary School on the top of the hill is a prominent node which is also a monumental landmark, it is observed to also be a meeting pace for parents as they drop of and pick up their children. Parks in the study district have a varying level of magnetism and Rowlinson Park (south in study area) is found to be the main node in the south of the study district, as it is entirely surrounded by residential housing. To the north of the study area, Esplanade Park (west in the study area) is partly used as node, however because it is some distance away from any social hubs it seems to be somewhat underutilized at the present time.


Figure 26

LANDMARKS‘Landmarks, the point of references considered to be external to the observer, are simple physical elements which may vary widely in scale.’ (Lynch 1960). The biggest built landmark/node in the study district is the Yeronga railway station and its associated overpass, it dominates the study district both physically and audibly. The Dominos Pizza business located along Fairfield road in the south of the study district with its relatively large colourful sign is seen as a form of commercial landmark. The church (figure 26) on the corner of Kingsley Parade and Kadumba Road is a subtle landmark, however St Sebastian’s Primary School (figure 27) on the corner of Kadumba and Rome Street North is a very strong landmark due to its position on the top of the hill as well as its little vegetation surrounding it. Unusual eye-catching houses (figure 28), old or new, which can be easily seen from the road can be used as public landmarks, even though they are obviously on private property. Some old large trees, especially the more architectural trees such as the Hoop Pine halfway along Kadumba road (figure 29) can be also used as a landmarks when viewing from a certain distance when traveling up the hill. The grand entrances into the new estates can be used as a landmark as a way point (figure 30), it was generally found that the grander the entrance the greater the remembrance of that particular landmark. The largest natural landmark, or watermark more accurately, is the Brisbane River (figure 31). However, it was found to only have a landmark status when it was able to be seen, and that generally requires relatively out-of-the-way searching from roads which lead to down to the river. The second largest ‘natural’ landmark, Esplanade Park, located in the west in the study area, is partly used as a landmark when either commuting past on Esplanade Drive. Rowlinson Park in the south of the study area is also used as a landmark but to a lesser degree than Esplanade Park due to its remoteness.

Figure 27

Figure 28 Figure 29

Figure 30 Figure 31


DISTRICT PATHS‘Paths are the channels along which the observer customarily, occasionally, or potentially moves’ (Lynch 1960). Kadumba Road (pictured in the centre of study area) is seen to be the main spine road which travels through much of the study area, it allows for busses, cars, some cyclists and pedestrians to connect to Orcades Road (north west in study area) and ultimately to Brisbane Corso (north in study area) which follows the river northwards. Many recreational cyclists travel through the study district use Days Avenue and Kingsley Parade (centre of study area), this links them to the quiet Brisbane Corso which is immediately adjacent to the river scenic and therefore provides for a scenic bicycle trip. Many of the smaller streets entering into the road network from the western river side have minimal traffic flow between rush hours. Pedestrian paths are mostly used along the main spine road, few people are observed using the limited paths along the streets which connects to spine road.



1 2

3 4

SERIAL VISION

In sketch 1 the observer can see no river and just the entrance to a potential connection road which leeds down to the river. Here there are no indicators that this particular street leads to the river, the observer is drawn into the entrance though by its grandeur.

A small sighting of the river can be seen in sketch 2, the dark foliaged date palm slightly of centre of the sketch can be used as a reference point when comparing between sketches 2 and 3.

Moving downwards from the hill the vertical viewing angle in sketch 3 can be seen as slightly reduced somewhat compared to sketch 2. A larger percentage of the river can be seen from this vision and part of the date palm can be seen on the far right of the sketch.

Viewing over the river in sketch 4 one can see that there is a green parklike area to view the river from, the relatively high view of the river indicates an ideal vantage point for a table seat setting.

SCALE

12

34

EXTERNAL VIEW POINTS TOWARDS STUDY AREAThe 1800 (north, west and south) view from the railway overpass is a good external view point of the study area (figure 32) where the line of sight distance varies from approximately 100 metres up to approximately 400 metres.

ORIENTATION POINTS & VISTAS FROM AREAFrom the top of the hill the lower rental housing district can be only seen through the road corridor (figure 33). Vacant properties on the hill give a external view down to the lower owner occupier and rental housing district, from this vantage point one can clearly see the tiled and iron pitched roofs amongst medium sized shady trees. The only views to the river can only be seen when one travels approximately half way down a river facing hill, there are excellent views to the river and over to the leafy Indooroopilly golf course on the opposite side of the river.

INTRUSIVE ELEMENTS The traffic associated with Fairfield road seemed to be audibly and visually obtrusive into much of the areas bordering this particular busy main road. Town houses currently being built and newly built town houses in the old owner occupier housing district seemed to be intrusive in this otherwise relative peaceful area, out with the old and in with new so to speak (figure 34). Graffiti on bus stop shelters and road signs were seen as remains of obtrusive minded people which intend to leave their mark to reflect their obtrusiveness into the residential district (figure 35).

Figure 32

Figure 33

Figure 34

Figure 35


Figure 37

SPECIAL LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL CHARACTERISTICSThe large Eucalypts growing on the top of the hill on the east side (figure 37) can be seen as important landscape contributers, they are located inside one of the oldest properties in the study area. There are few islands of virgin remnant vegetation like this within the study area. The Brisbane river receives the most recognition for the most important natural landscape in the study area, it dominates by corseting approximately half of the study area edge. The few mangroves along the partly impoverished river shoreline are not obviously seen by casual observers as a important landscape character, however if one were to learn and understand about the contribution to the ecology and visual uniqueness of the area one would appreciate their importance.

SPATIAL & VISUAL ANALYSIS CONCLUSIONThe traffic noise, visual and air pollution from Fairfield road is somewhat distracting and irritating, to buffer against this it is suggested to have screening vegetation parallel to the main road to help filter out the noise, screen visuals and help reduce air pollution. It is observed that there were no guiding features or signs on Instow Street to entice or guide a visitor down to the easement over looking the river. Therefore is suggested that there are signs and riverine trees species scatted down the nature strip to help initiate the visitor to navigate down to the easement. Together with these enhancements, a table and chair seating with perhaps a barbeque would entice visitors to stay longer at the pleasant site. A public jetty would also entice the visitors down towards the shoreline.


HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

Yeronga is important in demonstrating part of the pattern of Queensland's history. The history in relation to the name of ‘Yeronga’ is believed to derive from two origins. The local Aboriginal people named the area in reference to the sandy profile of the land, ‘Yerongpa’, meaning sandy place. An alternative source of the word may have derived from the name of the house of CH Buzzacott, one of the original pioneers of the area after white settlement, who named his house Yerong-Lea. This name was applied to the station nearby when the railway line went through in 1884.

The extensive history of Yeronga began with the Aboriginal Jagara Tribe, which would have originally been a district from the larger Coorparoo or Yerongpan clan. The Brisbane River and river flats provided continuous food throughout the year, with summer rains developing a series of waterholes, which provided a reliable supply of water (bungwall). The Jagara clan occupied the area before the arrival of Europeans in 1823, where three lost cedar cutters, Pamphlett, Finnegan and Parsons, passed through Yeronga to Oxley Creek. The Jagara Tribe was later pushed out by land clearing and farming, which took away their food and water supply.

During the convict era, land in Yeronga was used to pasture sheep from the Government Farm at Oxley. The Yeronga area was seen as a gateway to the graziers of the west with transportation routes establishing between Brisbane and Ipswich. “The first land sale in the area was farming land in 1854, which was bought by Edward Cooke and TLM Prior. In 1861, 100 more acres were sold and Yeronga began to attract settlers” (Brisbites, 2000). The Cotton industry soon developed in the 1960’s as there was a need during the US Civil War. In the 1870’s sugar, and to a lesser extent, arrowroot, corn and potato farming practices were adopted as the main industries until a series of bad winters in the 1870s killed much of their crops.

The Yeronga Park land was first set aside as a recreation reserve in 1882, and is Brisbane’s second oldest park. 103 acres and three roods (41.9 hectares) here cleared for the park; with the remaining native vegetation suggesting that the reserve was originally open eucalypt forest (Environmental Protection Agency, 2006). However this amount of land has greatly been reduced, as portions of land have been allocated and given to other community beneficial developments such as the South Coast Railway line and water reserve (1888), Villa Street (1902), Yeronga Fire Station (1934), Yeronga Kindergarten and Pre-School (1950), Yeronga High School (1960), Yeronga Technical College (1967), Meals on Wheels Depot (1975), with the current park covering a total of 22.46 hectares.

In 1884, one of the most influential provisions in Yeronga’s development was the opening of Yeronga railway. This created greater distribution of products and services, generating and assisting a growing economy. It also created a more efficient access to transportation and linkages for people with nearby settlements, which led to increased urbanisation and growth in the Yeronga area. Yeronga consequently developed as a prestigious suburb, with the large riverside homes of wealthy settlers surrounded by the original farms (Brisbites, 2000).


In 1886 the Stephens Division was established, which was made up primarily of the Yeronga area, and by 1887 the Stephens Division had a population of 3480. “The Stephens Division had become popular with the elite, with grand homes intermingling with farming estates and small subdivisions. The second main phase of development at Yeronga was again transport-related; it began after the Ipswich Road tramline reached Yeronga Park in 1915” (Environment Protection Agency, 2006).

Rhyndarra (figure 38) is a large semi-rural residence which is strongly associated with the development of Yeronga as a middle class suburb (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 2001). Rhyndarra was constructed in 1888-89 for William Williams on the 140 aces he had bought in 1885. The house and stables were designed by prominent Brisbane architect Andrea Stombuco, and constructed by R. Smith for £3,200 (Brisbites, 2000). The two storey structure was constructed in Victorian filigree style, with rendered brickwork, suspended timber floors, corrugated iron roofing and cast iron verandahs, with well finished cedar joinery, rich plaster work, and fireplaces.It wasn’t until 1907, after Williams had moved out that the house and 12 acres was bought by the founder of the Salvation Army, William Booth, who converted the house as a home for orphaned and endangered girls, and in the later a Girls Industrial School.“In 1942, the Australian Army took over Rhyndarra and it has been used for recruit training, a hospital, and temporary accommodation for homeless people. The hospital ceased functioning in 1997 and the land around Rhyndarra has now been subdivided for housing” (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, 2001). In the year 2000 the stables were refurbished and an extension was added to convert the heritage-listed stables into modernistic residence, which further emphasises the changing historical culture of Yeronga; from a predominantly farmed and military background, into a highly residential suburban area.

Some of the endemic and typically Brisbane species of trees identified on the ground include, spotted gums (Eucalyptus maculata), forest red gums (E. tereticornis), ironbark (E. crebrae), cotton palms (Washingtonea robusta), jacarandas (Acaranda mimosifolia), silky oaks (Grevillea robusta), and crows ash (Flindersia australis).

Figure 38. Stables at Rhyndarra [Source]: Australia at War, 2005


The 1893 flood which devastated much of Brisbane, led to a loss of confidence in the lower lying areas of Yeronga. The town’s rapid growth and urbanisation was greatly changed with a reduction in housing development until the beginning of the twentieth century, when residential growth and urban sprawl intensified.

In 1917 Yeronga Park was renamed Memorial Park (figure 39) as a tribute to those who lost their life in World War I. Of the 559 residents of the Stephens Shire that had enlisted in World War One, 97 did not return. In 1921 commemorative arches were built at the Ipswich and Park Road entrances, with an avenue of 97 weeping figs (Ficus benjamina) and flame trees (Delonix regia) planted between them, forming Honour Avenue. Each tree is accompanied with metal shields commemorating each fallen soldier of the area. During WW2 the park’s military involvement was furthered as it was occupied by a number of American military units to accommodate troops.

Figure 39- A memorial inside Yeronga Park [Source]: Australia at War, 2005


EVIDENCE OF MARKING CHANGE/TIME

Rogoff (2003, Pg. 157) states, “In some communities, developmental phases are not based on chronological age, or physical changes. Instead they centre on socially recognised events.” This statement emphasises the change or development of communities, not always or solely in a physical sense, but by cultural, emotional or social influences. Culturally historic changes have influenced and shaped Yeronga’s identity or character of place. These other influences on imageability of Yeronga, such as the social meaning of the area, its function, its history, or even its name, that have greater influence on its character, than the effects of physical, perceptible events of change (lynch, 1960, pg.46). Yeronga’s history contains many events of change which have had monumental influences on the character and identity of the community.

The first significant event of change know to have occurred in Yeronga was the arrival of Europeans, and the interaction between Europeans and Aboriginal people. For the Aboriginal people of Yeronga which had solely occupied the land for thousands of year’s prior European arrival, their emotional and cultural affiliation to the land throughout history was unbroken. When Europeans came, the Aboriginal cultural and spiritual connection was lost and being so, marked a significant event of change within Yeronga’s indigenous people’s history. Consequently, this brought about a large increase in Yeronga’s growth and development as a predominately colonised community.

The railway line which was introduced in 1884 brought with it significant opportunities for urbanisation in Yeronga, as transportation was very limited prior. The train line transformed Yeronga from a predominantly basic farming orientated area, into a prestigious suburb with the large riverside homes of wealthy settlers. This introduced a changing culture of Yeronga, and is viewed as one of the most monumental developments and/or events which influenced the holistic character of Yeronga today.

TERRAIN VAGUE or LATENT SPACES

The ‘terrain vague’ refers to a space that is contrary to the desired image of a prosperous city-the view that the space in subject does not represent the character or identity of the area. “The ‘terrain vague’ may well symbolise economic stagnation, and, it is often associated with careless investors and permissive municipal authorities, but consigning it to urban decay, simple because it does not correspond to the ideal of a functional city, is reductionist at best. While waiting for future development to solve the problem, people try to ignore the ‘terrain vague’, abandoning it to lucrative parking lots or trying a quick cosmetic fix to minimise the possibilities for use” (Luc Lévesque, 2002).

Yeronga has a number of places of terrain vague, including a derelict parking block on the corner of Yeronga street and Fairfield road (figure 40). This site has no specific use, and as a result many people have opted to use the space as a car park. The site however is not a designated car park- with no parking signs, car stops, or parking lines, and does not embody the characteristics of its surroundings. This bare urban space of terrain vague highlights Yeronga’s need for change and further development.


Figure 40

HISTORICAL ANALYSIS CONCLUSION

Events in Yeronga’s history are extensive and have directly and indirectly influenced and shaped the identity or character of Yeronga today. These events have consequently been influenced by the changing cultural and physical identify of Brisbane as a whole. Some of these changes have created areas of neglect, as highlighted above in ‘terrain vague’.Some issues and events of concerns evident in Yeronga’s historical and physical identity refer to the flood which devastated much of Yeronga, killing much of the areas crops and income. It also caused damage to housing and holistically delayed the development of Yeronga.The changing identity and character of Yeronga has come about from both negative and positive events in history. Having negative events of change are not necessarily bad, as these events often bring changes which create stability and bring communities together. All Yeronga’s events of change throughout history, being both negative and positive, have created Yeronga’s unique identity and character as seen today.


Conclusion

In conclusion many issues can be found in the geographical landscape and setup in the Yeronga area. The biggest and primary issue was drainage and vulnerability to flash flooding. Large hills located in the heart of west Yeronga put large strain on Storm-water drains, especially those located on the lower lying landscapes towards the east of the site. Through analysis it was determined that these areas were prone to flooding due to extensive runoff from the Yeronga hill. Surveys need to be constructed in order to safely prove that the storm-water drains in place can handle the excess runoff from the hill. Erosion from both wind and water was a concern as poor natural vegetation particularly on the southern boundary can lead to poor soil stability. A vegetation buffer could be implemented in order to improve soil stability on the Southern and Western Riverfront boundaries. Smaller issues were found in the way of children and sun safety. Large trees located above children's playground equipment in Hide park prove as a large safety issue as falling Branches could cause serious injury. The implementation of a Shade tarp would catch dangerous branches whilst still providing sun protection and improved safety for park users.

In the the Yeronga study area the aurora of uniqueness appears through its broad spectrum of residential zones, housing architecture and proximately to the river. The commercial zone emitted a sense of exposure and noisy environment surrounding the railway station. The large oldest homes on their large properties with their old trees give the observer insight into the heritage of the area and have quite a sharp contrast with the newly developing estates and townhouse residential districts. It can be relativity easy to navigate through by the use of a grip pattern on the lower parts and the hill provides a good vantage point fro orientation. Some parts can be somewhat miss leading to a visitor trying to locate access to the river’s edge via a public park. The plantings of screening plants would screen off part of the road noise associated with the main road edge while increasing a sense of place around the commercial district. Better signage to entice visitors down to riverine parks would increase public usage of these currently underused areas, as well as providing a better setting with tables, barbecues and a public jetty it would initiate picnics in the area.

Historical events have shaped the identity and character of Yeronga, initially through the arrival of Europeans which brought new land use practices; such of commercial farming. The introduction of the rail line in 1884 excelled the development and urbanisation of Yeronga dramatically, creating a primarily residential suburb. Some issues of concern within Yeronga refer to the areas depicting terrain vague. It is mostly evident in the commercial district of Yeronga, where unused spaces of value are unused or incorrectly used. Derelict spaces, such as the vacant area used as a car park off Fairfield road are examples of some issues of concern evident within Yeronga. Suggestions to improve such areas of concern could be related to better management of spaces which currently have no or little use.


REFERENCES

BRISbites- Suburban Sites. (2000). Yeronga: Urban Development. Accessed on May 18th, 2008, from http://www.brisbites.com/suburbView.asp?suburb=130&topic=3

Environment Protection Agency (APA). (2006). Yeronga Park. Accessed May 18th, 2008, from http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/projects/heritage/index.cgi?place=602462&back=1

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts- Australian Heritage Database. (2001). Rhyndarra, Yeronga Complex. Accessed May 19th, 2008, from http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/ahdb/search.pl?mode=place_detail;search=town%3Dyeronga%3Bstate%3DQLD%3Bcountry%3DAustralia%3Bkeyword_PD%3Don%3Bkeyword_SS%3Don%3Bkeyword_PH%3Don%3Blatitude_1dir%3DS%3Blongitude_1dir%3DE%3Blongitude_2dir%3DE%3Blatitude_2dir%3DS%3Bin_region%3Dpart;place_id=101603

Rogoff, B. (2003). The Cultural Nature of Human Development. Oxford University Press

Lévesque, L. (2002). The ‘terrain vague’ as material. Accessed on May 18th, 2008, from http://www.amarrages.com/textes_terrain.html

Our Brisbane. (2008). Camp Yeronga- Yeronga Park. Accessed May 18th, 2008, from http://home.st.net.au/~dunn/locations/campyeronga05.jpg

Australia at War. (2005). "Rhyndarra" at Yeronga. Accessed May 18th, 2008, from http://home.st.net.au/~dunn/ozatwar/rhyndarra.htm

BOM Bureau of Meterology Australian Government “Climate data” date accessed 19/05/07

J. G. Steele 1975 Brisbane Town in Convict Days 1824-42 pp. 118 University of Queensland Press

Department of Environments and conservations. (2003) “Acid Sulphate Soils”. http://portal.environment.wa.gov.au/portal/page?Accessed on 20/05/08

Brisbane City Council EbiMAP. (BCC) portal

P.Morely Brisbane Courier mail (2007). “Brisbane its in Drought” published by Courier Mail Brisbane may 14 2007. http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21749514-5005340,00.html date accessed 22/05/07

G. E. Rinder. (1985) CSIRO Divisions of Soils. Adelaide


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http://home.st.net.au/~dunn/locations/campyeronga05.jpg

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http://home.st.net.au/~dunn/ozatwar/rhyndarra.htm

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Character Report of Yeronga

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