DRAFT VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT PLANS – LACHLAN SHIRE …...DRAFT VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT PLANS – LACHLAN...

DRAFT VILLAGE ENHANCEMENT PLANS – LACHLAN SHIRE ALBERT

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AUGUST 2017 – DRAFT FOR CONSULTATION

ALB

ER

T


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1. Settlement Overview

1.1. Location & Road Distances

Albert is a settlement located in the north-eastern part of the

Lachlan Shire located between The Bogan Way and Trangie.

Driving distances are approximately:

a) 21km (~17 mins) from Tottenham (via The Bogan Way);

b) 36km (~27 mins) from Tullamore (via The Bogan Way);

c) 59km (~40 mins) from Trangie (via Trangie-Dandaloo Rd)

d) 116km from Condobolin (via The Bogan Way and Fifield Rd);

e) 124km from Dubbo (via Narromine).

Albert is located adjacent to Dandaloo Road (sealed) on the road

to Trangie. It is approximately 3km to the north-east of The

Bogan Way (connecting Tullamore and Tottenham to Nyngan

and the Mitchell/Barrier Highways). Dandaloo is a key regional

link road to Trangie and the Mitchell Highway and back to

Narromine and Dubbo.

1.2. Brief History & Rail

Albert is likely to have grown as a rural service centre that grew

after the construction of the rail line from the Main Western line

at Bogan Gate through Trundle and Tullamore and Albert which

terminates near Tottenham. The station at Albert opened in

October 1916 (www.nswrail.net). It is believed the rail line is

only used to move grain. There is no substantial rail heritage /

buildings now present.

There is little historical information on the internet so it would

be good for Council and the community to pursue a written

history of the town to inform this study and any works.

1.3. Population & Demographics

Albert's Census District is only defined by a State Suburb (SSC

10024) that includes the surrounding rural areas. As at the 2016

Census there were 81 people in this catchment district; 38

private dwellings; a median age of 40, and 18 families but due to

the small population limited information has been provided.

The area that forms part of the Village Zone would be only a

portion of these figures.


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2. Planning Controls & Growth

2.1. Zoning (Land Use)

The key planning controls are in Lachlan Local Environmental

Plan 2013 that applies Zone RU5 Village to the settlement with

Zone SP2 Infrastructure at the Waste Depot and along the rail

line. A Village Zone is a suitable category at this time. The

settlement has a minimum lot size of 4000m2 for subdivision.

The settlement is surrounded by Zone RU1 Primary Production

(that includes the golf course) and the closed waste depot is

Zone SP2 Infrastructure. There are no Zone R5 Large Lot

Residential areas around or near the settlement.

2.2. Crown Land & Growth Opportunities

This Plan does not consider changes to zoning or lot size

boundaries but it is assumed there is sufficient area for

residential and other land use growth at this time as there are a

number of vacant lots within the Village Zone. However, as the

diagram above shows, a large amount of Albert's Village Zone is

actually Crown land. It may be worth approaching the Crown

Lands Department to see if some Crown lands can be released

for private development (if required) particularly along

Federation and Comeback Streets / existing road frontages or

ecological replanting for these lands.

3. Entrance Design & Signage

3.1. Shire Location & Navigation Signage

Albert benefits from being on a key link road to Trangie and

Narromine/Dubbo. However, for tourists travelling along The

Bogan Way there still needs to be sufficient signage to warrant

turning off The Bogan Way. The Rabbit Trap Hotel is a well-

known attraction but signage could be improved (not costed).

There are no Key Facilities Signs (White on Blue) on The Bogan

Way on both approaches to Dandaloo Road showing that Albert

has Fuel/Food/Accommodation/Camping/Toilets so two (2)

should be added. At the intersection there is a clear 'Albert'

(White on Green) sign and it shows connections to Trangie.

3.2. Town Entrance Signage & Gateways

Generally, the large green/cream welcome signs at the northern

and southern entrances are well located and designed and will

only need repainting every 5-8 years.

There is an opportunity to highlight the entrance signs with a

widened / updated planting blister and low landscape that also

acts as a traffic calming device. The existing landscape needs

maintenance.


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3.3. Key Intersections & Navigation

Albert has a simple layout but the local navigation signage still

needs upgrading to provide clear directions to key public

facilities including the camping area(s)and the golf course. Most

of this signage needs to be on Dandaloo Road.

3.4. Central Information Board

Albert should have a small central information board with

history/points of interest. The most suitable location is likely to

be at the Park on the northern side of Federation St. However, it

should not clutter the Memorial Gates or park entries.

3.5. Advertising

Generally advertising signs do not clutter entrances or main

streets. However, it is unusual that a settlement of Albert's size

has facilities like a hotel, accommodation, food and drink, and

free camping areas. These could be better supported with some

consolidated, clear, and well-designed advertising signage (not

costed) at the key turn-off to Albert, village entrance signs,

and/or incorporated into the Central Information Board.

There is hotel / fuel station signage hidden back off the road that

is not clearly visible. The Hotel / Fuel Station owners should

discuss with Council if the hotel and fuel station could be in a

more visible location within the road reserve that does not

contravene any road signage policies/safety.

The Bogan Way/Dandaloo Road intersection (hotel sign hidden)

Example key facilities sign (desirable on The Bogan Way)

Good entrance signage south (planting blisters could be updated/landscaped)

Inner south entrance clear (but needs some landscape/softening)

Federation St intersection (wide but needs some landscape/softening)

Good advertising (needs low landscape / upgrades / orientation to south)

Good entrance signage north (planting blister could be updated/landscaped)

Hotel & fuel station signage on northern entry (consolidate closer to road?)

Railway line & landscape provide strong northern inner entrance

Example Central Information Board


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4. Key Facilities & Attractions

4.1. Park & Camping Facilities

Albert's main public facility is the Park and Memorial Gates on

Federation St opposite the hotel. This Park not only has

playground facilities. It also has a public toilet and hot shower

which functions as amenities for the informal camping areas

adjacent and on nearby Crown Land (see the Key Sites Section

below for upgrade details).

4.2. Other Public Facilities

There are a couple of church buildings along Federation Street

but it is unclear whether these are still in use or are now in

private ownership.

The Rural Fire Services (RFS) Shed is on the corner of Comeback

and Rymer Streets and appears to be relatively new.

The closest public schools appear to be in Tottenham &

Tullamore. This may limit the attraction for young families

unless good school bus services are available. There is no

recreation / sportsground at Albert.

4.3. Retail, Employment & Events

Albert is unique for a town of its size to have one of the largest

independent fuel distributors in NSW (Owens Petroleum) with

sales of up to 2 million litres a week delivered throughout

regional NSW (www.nmowenpetroleum.com). It also includes a

fuel service station.

The focal point of the community is very much the Rabbit Trap

Hotel which offers accommodation, entertainment, food and

drinks appears to run a number of events throughout the year

and is a major tourist drawcard. It would appear that the Hotel

has expanded into providing accommodation adjacent to the

Park using light-weight transportable buildings. If the Hotel

owners can continue to build on this history, attraction and

energy then Albert will have a good future.

GrainCorp has a significant grain storage area on the rail line.

Agriculture is the main employer of the area.

The private Golf Course is an 18-hole bush course and is a

significant opportunity / resource.

Without a major recreation ground Albert does not appear to

host any sporting events or shows.

Memorial Gates & Park, Federation St (See Key Sites for upgrades)

Rural Fire Services (RFS Shed)

Church (not clear if still used)(history at central info. board)

Owens Petroleum (needs softening landscape without impacting access)

The Rabbit Trap Hotel (potential footpath widening / outdoor dining?)

Tourist accommodation (needs landscape without impacting access)

GrainCorp entrance (protect entrance for truck movements)

Golf Club & 18-hole course (aim for increased usage)


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5. Town Centre / Main Street(s) This Section focusses more on other main street upgrades along

Federation St and around the Park.

5.1. Built Form & Streets

Albert is predominantly single storey in character. Detached

dwellings are setback from the street with the hotel having zero

or reduced setbacks to create a defined street edge / focal point.

5.2. Street Trees & Landscape

Federation and Comeback Streets are approximately 30m wide

so the setback dwellings do not create strong street character.

Therefore, street trees/ landscape has the greatest potential to

reinforce the street character.

The overall landscape character appears to be dominated by

native trees but these are sporadic, irregular, and some may not

be ideal street trees. There is potential for some non-native /

ornamental plantings at key locations to provide colour and

variety using species that would not interfere with overhead

power lines.

It is desirable that a street tree master plan is created for Albert.

It would be a relatively simple plan focussing on Dandaloo Road

and Federation Street and could also cover Comeback Street and

the cross streets. This could build on / finalise Council's draft

Street Tree Replacement Procedure (2014) & draft Tree

Replacement Plan/Policy.

The plans in this Chapter show some indicative street tree

planting areas (subject to more detailed investigation – not

costed) that would reinforce the native character of the village

but have more consistent themes that define the street and key

focal points with a focus on shade.

Localised planter boxes or hanging flower arrangements (a lot

more maintenance intensive) could be provided at the hotel but

would need to be maintained by the owners (not costed).

Albert has large hard-stand areas along Dandaloo Road at the

intersection with Federation Street that form the parking/access

to the fuel station and hotel and parking/camping areas for the

Park. However, these large hard-stand areas create a fairly stark

entrance to the village. There are some good landscape strips

between these parking areas and Dandaloo Road but these need

some upgrades.


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5.3. Watercourses & Drainage

Albert is not located on or near any major watercourses. It is

located on relatively flat land. However, there is minor

watercourse to the south-east of Albert and it is expected the

land drains roughly in this direction.

There are a number of drainage channels throughout the town

to pick up rainfall and overland flows. A number of these

channels and culverts are silted up resulting in poor drainage

and areas of standing water. The land should be first surveyed

to ascertain the falls needed for improved drainage. Drainage

lines can then be de-silted and angled to remove water towards

the catchment dams. In particular the channel to the south-

east of the Park could be formalised (at the time of formalising

the parking area).

The culvert under Federation Street is needed for drainage but is

fairly narrow and easily blocked. There is potential to widen this

culvert and upgrade the drainage as long as it does not interfere

with traffic movements from adjacent parking areas.

5.4. Roads Upgrades & Parking

Albert village is predominantly located to the side of Dandaloo

Road. Sealed local roads include Federation and Comeback

Streets and Jonathon and Cedar as cross streets. Rymer Street is

gravel as is most of Middlefield Road that runs along the railway

line. In the longer term Rymer Street could be sealed.

The focal point of the village is the Rabbit Trap Hotel and the

Memorial Park (& tourist accommodation) opposite on

Federation Street. During peak events parking in this area may

be difficult.

Federation Street is approximately 30m wide road reserve but it

only has a narrow two-way seal so the on-street parking is

generally on dirt on the park side. Ideally in the medium term

the road seal would extended across to the Park kerb allowing

parking to be formalised/maximised for larger events. There is

potential for street tree planting blisters to be added to narrow

the street and create a landscaped entrance.

Also, the parking / camping area adjacent to the Park could be

widened (gravel or limited seal) with 90-degree parking

adjacent to the Park and possibly parallel caravan parking on

the other side (to maximise / formalise parking).

Council should discuss with GrainCorp if there are any issues

with providing some additional gravel to the north of the Park

for an expanded informal camping / RV area.

Federation St in front of Park (needs sealing, formalised parking, footpath)

Adjacent to Park (needs gravel/sealing and formalised parking)

Federation St/Dandaloo Rd (widen culvert /crossing / de-silt)

Federation St (widen culvert / de-silt / improve drainage)

Hotel footpath (consider widening / outdoor dining / extension)

Drainage along Dandaloo Rd (improve drainage away from village)

GrainCorp drainage areas (de-silt & drain towards storage dams)

Free (by donation) camping area rear of Park (formalise / gravel / signpost)


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5.5. Footpaths

There is only existing footpath in front of the Hotel and through

the Park. Ideally this would extend along the areas of the

widened Federation Street seal / formalised parking areas and

around the edge of the Park.

Council could work with the Hotel owners / heritage architect to

consider whether there is potential/need to expand the

footpath in front of the Hotel. Currently the footpath is narrow

and there is limited outdoor seating. Widening could allow for a

safer footpath, more outdoor dining, incorporated street trees

for shade and adjacent parallel parking.

With the above narrowing of the road an informal or formal

pedestrian crossing between the Hotel and the Park could be

integrated, but may not be required at the low traffic densities

except during larger events.

5.6. Kerb & Gutter

Kerb and gutter is only provided along some sections of

Federation Street (see diagram on page above). Some parts of

the street have a low kerb that could be upgraded in the longer

term. Suggested kerb and gutter extensions shown on plan

should aim to improve drainage and reinforce road edges.

5.7. Accessibility & Pedestrian Crossings

No accessibility issues have been brought to our attention but

any new footpath works should seek to maximise access to the

Hotel and Park and crossing between with kerb ramps.

5.8. Street Furniture / Seating

Most public seating is provided in the park where there is shade

and amenities. As mentioned above, a widened footpath

outside the hotel could allow some further outdoor seating.

There may be a need to provide more waste bins, particularly

around the park and for the informal camping areas. These

could be standard 240L plastic Sulo bins affixed to posts or the

metal drums – but a consistent type should be chosen where

possible.

5.9. Public Art

There is an opportunity for increased public art in Albert to provide visual

interest, attract passing visitors, and highlight some of the history of the area.

The Rabbit Trap Hotel and its signage is a form of public art. The 'outback

Australian' theme could be continued over to the park and include, for

example, some metal sculpture etc (not costed). These items could be

provided by the community and affixed in appropriate locations by Council.

5.10. Utilities

The Tottenham Water Supply Scheme supplies water to Tottenham and

Albert using the B-section pipeline that runs from Forbes via Parkes Shire to

Tottenham. Forbes Shire Council treats and supplies all water to the B-

section pipeline with the reservoir in Parkes Shire (250kL) (Council's website).

However, it is noted that the pipeline has limited capacity and may not meet

peak summer demand which may have implications for population growth

and the need for ancillary rainfall collection and storage.

Albert does not have access to reticulated sewerage so it is reliant on on-site

sewage management systems such as septic systems – but there was no

comment these are not working.

Albert originally had a Waste Depot to the north-east of the village on

Dandaloo Road, however, this has been closed. The closest waste facility is

at Tottenham.

5.11. Heritage & Culture

A comprehensive history should be prepared by local historians/ the

community to inform visitors and guide this plan and ideally be summarised

on a new Central Information Board.

There are no listed heritage items in or immediately around Albert in the

Local Environmental Plan. However, the Heritage Inventory includes 3

listings including the Rabbit Trap Hotel, All Saints Church, and Albert General

Cemetery. Upgrades to these should buildings should seek heritage advice

and it may be worth having history boards/plaques near these items (not

costed). The history of these items can be included on the central

information board.

We have not investigated Aboriginal heritage in this area but it could be an

opportunity for cultural education and tourism in the area that links in with

the natural environment opportunities (see below).

5.12. Other Tourist Facilities/Attractions

There is potential to create a regional bird watching trail, particularly with

the birdlife associated with nearby wetlands and large areas of Crown

Reserves connection to opportunities in adjacent Shires. We have not

investigated the flora/fauna of Albert but significant vegetation / Crown

reserves surrounding the settlement may provide opportunities for bird

hides and trail/ educational signage (integrate with community information

board).


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6. Key Sites 6.1. Albert (Memorial) Park

Albert's main public facility is the Park and Memorial Gates on

Federation St opposite the hotel. This Park not only has

playground facilities. It also has a public toilet and hot shower

which functions as amenities for the informal camping areas

adjacent and on nearby Crown Land.

Council and the community obviously spend a great deal of

effort in maintaining the park and adding memorials and

achievements. Council's role should be to facilitate the

community to manage the park.

A small master plan / planting plan for this park may be

worthwhile to ensure that there is a longer-term plan for desired

projects and landscape so they don't create an inconsistent

'cluttering' effect and are suitable for its mixed-use. The Park

has a budget for irrigation works in 2018/2019.

The Park is often the first stopping point for visitors to Albert so

either here (or outside the Hotel) would be an ideal place for a

small Central Information Board with a short history of Albert,

explanation of the points of interests / services / facilities /

camping rules, and key emergency contact numbers.

The play equipment/soft-fall area and seating are good as long

as they continue to be maintained and are updated every 5-10

years. The toilet block incorporates a shower and is sufficient

for passing visitors and small numbers of campers (upgrade

every 10-15 years).

Attempts should be made to replace furniture over time with

compatible and robust materials in similar colour schemes/

styles – particularly bins and seating (see Street Furniture

above).

Whilst most campers have their own cooking facilities and

visitors mostly eat at the hotel – Council could add either a

simple BBQ & shelter or longer term a full kitchenette

/sinks/BBQ /seating area ('camp kitchen') (see Temora example

photos) as Albert appears to attract a larger number of visitors.

6.2. Management Plan(s)

For all Crown Lands (and also Council Community lands) ideally

there would be a Plan of Management prepared that would

guide all future decision making in these areas and include the

community and Crown Lands Division in their preparation.

Council's Parks and Reserves Five Year Improvement Plan (2008)

is now outdated or works completed.

Council should continue to support small villages with an

outdoors crew attending a minimum of two (2) times a year

working with the community for a couple of days on major

maintenance, repainting and landscaping projects.

Play equipment, shade, seating and soft-fall is good

Seating is good with some shade

Replace small bins with larger 240L in consistent styles

Ensure monuments do not conflict with play areas (master plan)

Park toilet / camping amenities meet local/visitor needs

Example camp kitchen & seating area (Temora)


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7. Summary Action Table (Subject to Community Consultation)

Item Description

Indicative Timing:

Short (1-3 years / Medium

3-5 years / Long (>5 years)

ENTRANCE DESIGN & SIGNAGE

1

Key Facilities Signs (White on Blue) on The Bogan Way both approaches to Dandaloo Road (incorporate Sign to The

Rabbit Trap Hotel) - seek RMS approval Medium

2 Repainting Town Entrance Signs (every 5-8 years) Medium

3 Widen/upgrade entrance sign blister Short

4 Replant entrance sign blister with low maintenance plantings Short

5 Navigation signage to Camping Areas & Golf Course (Dandaloo Rd intersection) Medium

6 Central (tourist) information board - 1 panel with small shade structure (information to be provided by community) Medium

TOWN CENTRE / MAIN STREET(S) - STREET UPGRADES

7 Road seal Federation St (widen to kerb past accommodation) 6m by 55m Medium

8 Widen footpath outside hotel / relocate kerb (2.5m wide by 25m long) Medium

9 Extend footpaths both sides Federation Street (60m both sides) Medium

10 Widen drainage culvert under Federation Street to 8-10m - install broader pipe Long

11 Seal Rymer St (6m wide / 130m long) Long

TOWN CENTRE / MAIN STREET(S) - LANDSCAPE UPGRADES

12 Maintenance to landscape strip between Hotel & Dandaloo Road Short

13 Street tree master plan (Federation / Comeback Sts & Dandaloo Rd) Medium

14 Planting of street trees in footpath / verge 60-100 trees + protectors Medium

15 Feature tree planting near entrance signs (no blisters) - 30-50 trees Medium

16 Install tree planting blisters along Dandaloo St (10-15 blisters) Long

17 Tree planting along Golf Course edge (100 trees + fencing?) Long

TOWN CENTRE / MAIN STREET(S) - STREET FURNITURE

18 240L Sulo Bins / post mounted Short

19 Metal bench seats painted Medium

20 Public art installations / fixing (provided by community) Long

ALBERT (MEMORIAL) PARK & ADJACENT CAMPING AREAS

21 Survey drainage channel for levels to improve drainage Short

22 Recontour drainage line adjacent to Park (earthworks ~100m) Short

23 Formalise parking adjacent to park (gravel + signage + bollards) 55m long Short

24 Gravel informal camping area on GrainCorp site (~800sqm) Medium

25 Master / Landscape / Management Plan for Park Medium

26 Update/maintain seats & bins Medium

27 Update/maintain Play Equipment every 10-15 years Long

28 Update/maintain Amenities Block every 10-15 years Long

29 Camp Kitchen Structure (if sufficient demand) at rear of park Long

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