YALLOCK-BULLUK MARINE AND COASTAL PARK DRAFT ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - Version C_March 23 2021 - Parks Victoria

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YALLOCK-BULLUK MARINE AND COASTAL PARK DRAFT ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - Version C_March 23 2021 - Parks Victoria
YALLOCK-BULLUK
MARINE AND COASTAL PARK
       DRAFT ACCESS AND
   INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN

                   Version C_March 23 2021
YALLOCK-BULLUK MARINE AND COASTAL PARK DRAFT ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - Version C_March 23 2021 - Parks Victoria
Hassell
                     61 Little Collins Street
                     Melbourne VIC
                     Australia 3000
                     hassellstudio.com
                     @hassell_studio

Prepared For

2   Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
YALLOCK-BULLUK MARINE AND COASTAL PARK DRAFT ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - Version C_March 23 2021 - Parks Victoria
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents                            3    Chapter 3 - Draft Access and Infrastructure 47
Acknowledgements                             5    Plan
Welcome to Country                           6    Park infrastructure and Services            48
Connecting with Country                      7    Park Experience                             50
Chapter 1 - Setting the Scene                9    San Remo                                    52
Introduction                                 10   Kilcunda                                    54
Purpose                                      14   Powlett River                               56
The creation of a new park                   16   Wonthaggi West                              58
Project Vision                               18   Wonthaggi South                             60
AIP Objectives                               19   Harmers Haven                               62
Stakeholder Engagement                       20   Cape Paterson                               64
Chapter 2 - Design Strategies                25   Bunurong Coastal Drive                      66
Caring For Country - Culture and Heritage    28   Inverloch                                   68
The Strata of Time                           30   Wonthaggi to Inverloch Inland Route         70
Caring For Country - Environment             32   Chapter 4 - Draft Access Infrastructure     73
Understanding Coastal and Marine Processes   34   Park Infrastructure Supporting Facilities   74
Access to Country - Loops and Journeys       36   Car Park Upgrade Shack Bay                  76
Trail Network                                37   Car Park Upgrade The Caves                  77
Journey Options                              38   Along the way - Trail Nodes                 78
Access to Experience                         40   Park Infrastructure Kit of Parts            90
Park Supporting Services                     42   Park Infrastructure Trail Design            80
Accessibility and Track Grading              44   Bunurong Coastal Drive Trail Options        82
                                                  Appendix 1 - Supporting Studies             85
                                                  Trail Grading Analysis                      86
                                                  Appendix 2 - Benchmarks and Precedents 93
                                                  Three Capes Track                           94
                                                  Copper Coast Geopark                        95
                                                  Park Infrastructure Precedents              96

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YALLOCK-BULLUK MARINE AND COASTAL PARK DRAFT ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - Version C_March 23 2021 - Parks Victoria
4   Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
YALLOCK-BULLUK MARINE AND COASTAL PARK DRAFT ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - Version C_March 23 2021 - Parks Victoria
Acknowledgement to Country

We pay our respects and acknowledge Bunurong ancestors, Bunurong
elders, the Bunurong community and to our community who call
Bunurong Country their home. Our land and waters are our home, it is
our cultural landscape that we work towards protecting and preserving
for our next generation and for all people on Bunurong Country to value
and appreciate. It is a landscape that we connect with our ancestors and
nurture our spirits.

                              Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   5
YALLOCK-BULLUK MARINE AND COASTAL PARK DRAFT ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - Version C_March 23 2021 - Parks Victoria
WELCOME TO COUNTRY
                                                                            Respects are given.
                                                                              Welcomes are made.
                                                                                To those now passed in earth they
                                                                                  lay.
                                                                                    Step gently upon these graves
                                                                                       and the spirits shall guide you,
                                                                                        They will keep you safe,
                                                                                       You will travel across land to
                                                                                    Where waves are made.
                                                                                   Where feasts were once eaten
                                                                                 Where old middens lay.
                                                                               This sacred place in which our past
                                                                             remains.                         Poem by
                                                                                                              Darrel Gibbs
                                                                                                              The illiterate poet.

6   Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
YALLOCK-BULLUK MARINE AND COASTAL PARK DRAFT ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - Version C_March 23 2021 - Parks Victoria
CONNECTING WITH COUNTRY

Country is living, constantly changing, and evolving.
Country is not only the actual physical land, soil or rock,
                                                              Traveling the Coast                                      The YBAIP enables connection to the cultural and
                                                                                                                       natural values of the park by:
that can be stepped upon. Country rather describes
the connection between all living and material entities       Travel routes, thousands of years in use, connect the    ‒ Providing access to information through signage
that together form the landscape, including biological,       various ceremonial places, living places and sacred      ‒ Providing access to information through
geomorphological, hydraulic, and even climatic systems        places along the Bass Coast. Weaving between ocean         interpretation and inclusion of narratives into
and processes.                                                break - even beyond over land now submerged, along         built form, such as lookouts, shelters, rest stops
It includes the person that visits, walks, rides or lives     waterways and rivers, and across wetlands teeming          [trailheads and trail nodes] and furniture.
here.                                                         with life. Through sand, forest and scrub.               ‒ Respecting and engaging with the values that
Country describes a tight and symbiotic relationship          When traveling, groups consisting of elders and young,     Bunurong people share with the broader
between human and landscape, one that is respectful,          would use resting times and locations to spin a yarn,      community.
loving and responsible. This relationship goes both           tell a story, teach some knowledge.
ways.                                                         Today, when taking those routes, ‘yarning circles
Country is culture.                                           and places’ along the various routes could provide

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      sky
Bunurong people have developed a deep                         opportunities to engage with nature, oneself or fellow
understanding of, and a caring relationship to Country        walkers.
- and invite non-aboriginal visitors to engage with this
relationship and to join becoming a fellow custodian of
the land.
The Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and
Infrastructure Plan [YBAIP] can explore how a deeper
connection between land and visitor can be achieved,
through the creation of awareness and understanding,
                                                                                                                                                        Earth
through the development of opportunities of active
engagement.
The Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation

                                                                                                                       Sea
are working actively with Parks Victoria and DELWP
to establish shared roles and responsibilities in
management and curation of the park.

                                                                                                                                                                              Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   7
YALLOCK-BULLUK MARINE AND COASTAL PARK DRAFT ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - Version C_March 23 2021 - Parks Victoria
8   Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
YALLOCK-BULLUK MARINE AND COASTAL PARK DRAFT ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - Version C_March 23 2021 - Parks Victoria
CHAPTER 1
SETTING THE SCENE

        Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   9
YALLOCK-BULLUK MARINE AND COASTAL PARK DRAFT ACCESS AND INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - Version C_March 23 2021 - Parks Victoria
INTRODUCTION

The Bass Coast is located                                         The Site                                                   The Setting
a 90 minute drive from                                            Dramatic cliffs give way to sandy beaches and, at low
                                                                  tide, rock shelves expose a diverse intertidal marine
                                                                                                                             For many thousands of years the Bass Coast has been
                                                                                                                             home to the Bunurong people. Rich hunting grounds
Melbourne and offers                                              scape of pools, seagrass beds and an abundance of
                                                                  marine life.
                                                                                                                             along the coast, in the water, and on land supported
                                                                                                                             settlements such as the large village near San Remo,
some of Victoria’s most                                           Lookouts at coastal formations such as the iconic Eagles   recorded in 1826 as a settlement of 50 to 100 huts.

visited and internationally                                       Nest rock stack provide extensive views along the
                                                                  dramatic Bass Strait coastline, and offer opportunities
                                                                                                                             Large shell middens and the many sacred sites, places
                                                                                                                             and artefacts along the coast are powerful reminders
recognised tourism                                                for wildlife watching. Whales can be seen close to the
                                                                  coastline on their annual migrations during winter and
                                                                                                                             of a human history within these landscapes.
                                                                                                                             With its unique natural reserves and extensive fertile
destinations, including                                           early spring.
                                                                  The rugged cliffs and headlands that were formed
                                                                                                                             agricultural land the Bass Coast shire area is recognised
                                                                                                                             as a unique place of environmental significance where
Phillip Island and its                                            around 95 million years ago are famous for the rich        a tranquil lifestyle is paired with strong economic
Penguin Parade. The                                               inclusion of fossil finds of national significance.
                                                                  The coastal headlands form a dramatic backdrop for
                                                                                                                             growth based on tourism, agriculture, manufacturing,
                                                                                                                             and residential development. Bass Coast Shire aspires
coast continues east with                                         water based recreational activities such as surfing,
                                                                  kayaking, fishing and boating that occur along the
                                                                                                                             [Bass Coast Shire Council Strategic Hierarchy 2016] to
                                                                                                                             be recognised as:
another natural highlight,                                        protected bays. The townships like San Remo, Kilcunda,
                                                                                                                             ‒ A celebration of natural assets;
the inspiring wilderness of                                       Cape Paterson and Inverloch are popular destinations
                                                                  during the summer months.                                  ‒ A window on the history of Victoria;

the Wilsons Promontory                                            The land is covered with a fragile layer of sensitive
                                                                  vegetation, hardy enough to withstand the raw coastal
                                                                                                                             ‒ A village in a technology world; and
                                                                                                                             ‒ A food bowl for Victoria.
National Park with South                                          processes, yet vulnerable to human impacts, and
                                                                  changing climatic conditions. Many of the present flora
                                                                                                                             The Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park has other
Gippsland on its doorstep.                                        and fauna communities are listed as endangered and
                                                                                                                             associated active government work that is relevant to
                                                                                                                             the overall planning. This planning may continue to
                                                                  vulnerable.                                                be influenced by and responsive to these associated
                                                                                                                             projects and include the Distinctive Area Landscape
                                                                                                                             work, new school location, Cape to Cape Resilience
                                                                                                                             Project (Inverloch Regional and Strategic Partnership)
                                                                                                                             for coastal processes at Inverloch, and future road
                                                                                                                             changes.’

10   Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
Melbourne                                                                                                            Yarra Ranges National
                                                                                                                                                                                       Park

                                                                                                                     Pakenham
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Longford
                                                                                                                                     M1 Prin
  Geelong                                                                                                                                   cess Hig
                                                                            Frankston                                                               hway

                                                                                                                            M 420                                                   Trafalgar

                                                         Port Phillip Bay
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Tarra-Bulga
                            Queenscliff
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   National Park
                                                                                                     Western Port Bay

                                                                                                         French Island                          Nyora
                                                                                  Hastings

                                                                                                                                                 M
                                                                                                                                               Hig 440
                                                                                                                                                  hw Gip
                                                                                                                                                    ay psl
                                                                                                                                                             an
                                                                                                                                                               d

                                                                                Phillip Island
                                                                                             Cowes                                                                 Leongatha
                                                                                                                                        B460
                                                                                                 San Remo
REGIONAL ACCESS MAP                                                                                       Anderson

            Major Road Connection                                                                                        Wonthaggi
                                                                                                                                                 Inverloch
            Road Connection                                                                                             Cape Paterson
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Legend
            Ferry Route           REGIONAL ACCESS MAP
Regional Access                           Major Road Connection                                                                                                                                                                                   REGIONAL ACCESS MAP
           V/Line
The Bass Coast      Coachfrom Phillip
                stretches             Road Connection
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Major Road Connection
Island in the west to Andersons Inlet Route
                                      Ferry
           Existing
and Inverloch  to theRail
                      east.Trail
                            It is located
                                      V/Line Coach
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Road Connection
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Wilsons Promontory                                        Ferry Route
approximately 100km from Melbourne    Existing Rail Trail
           Proposed Rail Trail Proposed Rail Trail                                                                                                                                               National Park                                             V/Line Coach
and is well connected via the South
GippslandProject
            FreewaySite
                     and Bass Highway.Project Site
                                                                                                                                                                                   Tidal River
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Existing Rail Trail
Public transport connects Melbourne   Coach Destinations                                                                                                                                                                                                   Proposed Rail Trail
           Coach Destinations
with all townships  including Cowes,  Coach Stops on Site
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Project Site
                                      National Parks
San Remo, Kilcunda, Wonthaggi and                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Coach Destinations
Inverloch.Coach Stops on Site                                                                                                                                                                                                                              Coach Stops on Site
                                                                                                                                                                               0         10         20           30        40km
            National Parks                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 National Parks

                                                                                                                                                                                                         Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan     11
The Project                                                         The Brief                                                    The project will resolve:
As part of the $105.6 million ‘Victoria’s Great Outdoors’           The access and infrastructure plan [AIP] will design a       ‒ Trail alignment;
initiative, the Victorian Government is creating the                complete walking and cycling trail connecting the 40km       ‒ Trail interface with townships and the establishment
Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park [YBMCP]. It will             of coastal landscapes between San Remo and Inverloch            of trailheads including carparking and amenities;
combine existing parks and reserves along 40km of                   and providing improved visitor amenities to better
coast from San Remo to Inverloch.                                                                                                ‒ Trail infrastructure such as resting, viewing and
                                                                    engage with attractions along the coast.                        access to attractions including the detailed
The Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park is created               The AIP focuses on the trail and associated visitor
under the National Parks Act to improve environmental                                                                               development of bridges, boardwalks, beach access,
                                                                    experience infrastructure. It is the first step toward          seating and viewing points;
protection along the sensitive coast and is set to                  establishing a marine and coastal park that will:
protect and enhance the land and waterscapes along                                                                               ‒ Delivery and maintenance strategies; and
the coastline between San Remo and Inverloch,                       ‒ Reposition the existing and proposed experiences           ‒ Construction budget estimates to support the
to improve access to these landscapes, providing                       into an attractive destination;                              delivery on ground.
opportunities for all ability users and visitors to engage          ‒ Diversify the number and type of visitors attracted to     The project further identifies additional opportunities
with the natural and cultural values, stories and                      visit the coast;                                          for linkages, destinations and improvements to existing
features of the coast.                                              ‒ Provide a diverse range of experiences for visitors to     assets, which are beyond the extent and scope of the
The park’s name honours the Yallock-Bulluk Clan of the                 enjoy;                                                    YBAIP.
Bunurong People whose Country spans across the park
areas. Yallock translates to ‘river’ and Bulluk to ‘swamp’          ‒ Curate the experiences into a cohesive regional
- a reference to the landscape characteristics of the                  offering that supports the Bass Coast visitor
region.                                                                economy;
Whilst the park’s proposed boundaries are based                     ‒ Invite visitors to spend more time and extend each
on consolidating individual reserves and parks, it is                  stay in the region and by effect - increase the visitor
expected that further land acquisition over time in                    spend to support direct and indirect benefits.
strategic locations will assist in achieving the vision for         A second focus of the plan is to understand how the
the park.                                                           park may evolve over time through the influences and
The core objective of the project is to invite a wide               relationships with its adjacencies.
variety of different visitors to spend time in the region,          The new park will both influence and be influenced by
enjoy its produce and experiences and contribute to                 a range of dynamic factors and variables that include
the local economies. In exchange, the new park status               the natural changes that shape the coast; the way
is better placed in protecting the very natural and                 that the local villages and towns interface with the
cultural values that visitors come to enjoy.                        park; and the evolution of existing and creation of
                                                                    new services and businesses that will grow around the
                                                                    experiences that are created.

12     Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
The George Bass Coastal Walk is popular amongst
walkers

                                                  Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   13
PURPOSE

                                                                                                                                                                                          promote travel [like trail running events or exhibitions].
In recent years Gippsland has undergone significant structural changes to                                                      sector investment and diminished innovation in
                                                                                                                               the diversification and modernisation of the visitor       Demand drivers act as anchors for other tourism
its economy. These changes have resulted in profound flow-on effects to                                                        experience sector.                                         investment including in accommodation, hospitality,
the region including significant negative impacts to employment and the                                                        Gippsland is a truly spectacular and unique part of        retail and other attractions that cannot attract visitors
                                                                                                                                                                                          to travel in isolation. The clustering of activities and
region’s communities.                                                                                                          Victoria, with a diverse landscape characterised by
                                                                                                                               mountains and valleys, bays and beaches that are           attractions and the development of tourism routes are
                                                                                                                               supported by a rich network of touring routes.             vital components of effective tourism development.
                                                                                                                               Unlocking the potential of these destinations and
Caring For Country                                                   ‒ Wonthaggi Heathland Nature Conservation Reserve;        experiences into a cohesive offering presents a great      Unique Offer
                                                                     ‒ Punchbowl Coastal Reserve; and                          opportunity to make this part of Victoria a year-round     The YBAIP and its associated trail network offers unique
Human habitation and custodianship of the coastal                                                                              draw card for domestic and international visitors, and
and marine landscapes has occurred over millennia.                   ‒ Parts of San Remo, Kilcunda and Cape Paterson                                                                      opportunities compared to other trail experiences
                                                                       Foreshore reserves.                                     just a short drive from Melbourne.                         across Australia. Typically walking trails in Australia
This continues today. The recognised Traditional
Owners of this Country and Sea Country, the Bunurong,                                                                                                                                     are located wholly within national parks and far from
have managed the lands, and the water, in a deep                    The consolidation of these reserves and parks into a       Bushfires and COVID 19                                     towns. The proposed trail will deliberately link through
relationship and understanding of its flora, fauna,                 single marine and coastal park allows better protection    The devastating bushfires of the summer 2019-2020          the towns and rural settings of the area to provide
landforms and water bodies.                                         of their environmental values, including threatened        season had substantial impact on life in regional          a unique and engaging experience. Nature will be
Traditional Owners are represented as key project                   ecologies and habitat such as Coast Banksia Woodland.      Victoria, not only destroying invaluable habitat           celebrated, as well as the history and culture of the
partners through the Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal               The protection of environmental values extends onto        and natural systems, but also destroying lives and         area’s communities and agricultural landscapes.
Corporation [BLCAC].                                                the extensive intertidal rock platforms, such as Twin      businesses, mostly depending on income generated           Visitors can immerse themselves in nature but also
This project bears the opportunity to strengthen the                Reefs, which are rare along the Victorian coast. The       through tourism.                                           stop in the region for high-quality accommodation,
close relationship of Indigenous communities to their               range of species and biological communities, their         The COVID 19 pandemic has highlighted the                  shopping, connected experiences [such as historic
lands, securing and growing roles and responsibilities,             relatively undisturbed condition and the occurrence of     importance of locally available open space and             sites, cellar doors or markets], and hospitality. For the
as well as economic opportunities for the indigenous                less common habitat types makes both the intertidal        recreational opportunities. Whilst it is not yet fully     communities of the Bass Coast, this means that existing
community. This role may extend to shared land                      and subtidal areas highly valuable as a natural            understood what implication the pandemic will have         and new businesses are capturing a more significant
management services, opportunities to arrange                       resource.                                                  on international travel and tourism in Australia, it is    share of tourist expenditure.
cultural events and ceremonies, and sharing knowledge               Through carefully curated improvement of access and        certain that local and regional demand for nature          The proposed trail will offer a new type of experience
with the broader local and visiting communities.                    amenities within the park, a balance can be achieved       based recreation will increase in the interim.             in the Victorian market. This will ensure that the trail
                                                                    between the protection, and in fact, increase of                                                                      will complement and enhance Victoria’s offer and
Environmental Protection                                            environmental value of the project area whilst at the      Visitor Economy                                            create new demand.
                                                                    same time catering for the increased visitation demand                                                                Critically, the trail will be accessible to all income
The new park will create a connected ecological                     and changing visitor uses.                                 The proposed trail and its associated infrastructure can   groups, ages and fitness levels through the multitude
corridor between San Remo and Inverloch by                                                                                     add significant value to the region and Victoria.          of entry and exit points. People can have a luxury
                                                                                                                               The trail can leverage existing natural and cultural
amalgamating the following parks and reserves under
schedule 3 of the National Parks Act:
                                                                    Contextual                                                 assets to attract tourists in search of new, authentic
                                                                                                                                                                                          experience with high-quality accommodation and
                                                                                                                                                                                          excellent food and wine, or camp and bring their own
                                                                    As the region’s traditional industries provided strong     experiences. Visitors that come to experience the park     supplies for a budget option. The target market for
‒ Bunurong Marine Park;                                             employment and underpinned the economy for much            are likely to expand their activities into townships and   the trail is therefore vast, due to the ‘choose your own
‒ Bunurong Coastal Reserve;                                         of the 20th century, the visitor economy received little   surrounding tourism offer.                                 adventure’ experience on offer.
‒ Kilcunda-Harmers Haven Coastal Reserve;                           investment or attention during this period.                The trail can act as a demand driver. Demand drivers
                                                                    The resultant lack of public investment in the visitor     can create and encourage visitation to a destination
                                                                    economy was compounded by waning private                   and are ‘must-see’ attractions or host activities that

14     Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
Benefits                                                                                                                                              Retail                   Community based
                                                            The trail and its associated attractions can attract                                                               Landcare Programs
There are many benefits to the trail. The trail will seek   further investment from the private and public sector,
                                                                                                                                                                                                           Bunurong Cultural
to:                                                                                                                           Food and Beverages                                                           Events and Ceremonies
                                                            and can increase visitation to Bass Coast matching
 ‒ Enhance the visitor experience;                          that of Victoria into the future. This could result in an
                                                            estimated increase of day visitors by the year 2035                                                                                                              Shuttle Services and
 ‒ Protect and conserve natural and cultural heritage                                                                                                                                                                        Transport
                                                            by an additional 232,000 visitors per annum, and
   values;                                                                                                               Local Produce
                                                            overnight stays may increase by 400,000, boosting local
 ‒ Increase visitation across the year (into shoulder and   economy. The predicted growth equates to an increase                                                                                                                            Bike Rentals
   off-peak times);                                         of 12.7 and 12 per cent respectively.
 ‒ Encourage more people to visit the outdoors and be
   active;                                                  The project aims to establish narratives and                Accommodation                                                                                                               Fossil Tours
 ‒ Encourage flow-on private investment through the         experiences around the cultural, natural, heritage
   demand for accommodation, food and beverages,            and geological values of the region. This strategy
   and retail;                                              can assist to link to broader initiatives by various
 ‒ Deepen, broaden and amplify the brand profile of         agencies including local and state government bodies.         Historical Tours                                                                                                       Temporary Arts
   the region;                                              As a result, a holistically curated visitor experience                                                                                                                               Events
                                                            within the Bass Coast region could be established and
 ‒ Provide new recreational opportunities for the local
                                                            assist in the establishment of a geopark, which as a
   population;
                                                            globally established tourism offer blurs the boundaries             Cultural Events and                                                                                      Re-Vegetation
 ‒ Generate employment pathways for younger                 between park, farmland and urban spaces in creating a               Markets                                                                                                  Programs
   residents;                                               coherent, branded visitor experience.
 ‒ Allow for the development of a network of                                                                                                                   Running and Cycling
                                                                                                                                                               Events                                                School and
   attractions and commercial partnerships; and                                                                                                                                                                      Education Camps
 ‒ Through the above, ultimately to connect people                                                                                                                                           Geo-Caching
   back to Country, re-establishing the links of
   awareness, care and responsibility.
The number of people visiting the region, along with
the length of time spent per visit, can increase because
of the development of the trail and its positioning as
an iconic visitor attraction for the Bass Coast.
Similar trails around Australia attract around 50,000-
60,000 visits each year. The trail network may expect
similar visitation in the medium term (3-10 years after
development). In addition, 27 per cent of the Latrobe-
Gippsland population are interested in bushwalking
and would also use the trail network.                                                                                   Economic Spin-off opportunities of the YBAIP
One of the core elements of the trail is its contribution                                                               The trail and its associated infrastructure provide opportunities for the public and private sector to
as an anchor and stimulus for the broader tourism offer                                                                 connect with the park and its users. The above shows some of these connection options.
in Bass Coast, growing regional visitation in total.

                                                                                                                                                                                     Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan    15
THE CREATION OF A NEW
PARK

                                                                                                                                                                    way   h
                                                                                                                                                                  Bass Hig
                                                                                                                                   Phillip Is
                                                                                                                                             land Roa
                                                                                                                                                     d

The Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park is created by the
amalgamation of various existing coastal parks and reserves,
managed currently by state or local governments. Some
other sections of Crown land are currently managed by
committees of management.
Land acquisition of private land in strategic locations for the
park over time is considered to enhance connectivity of the
various reserves and trail network.

                                                                                                                                                         Wonthaggi Heathland Nature
                                                                                                                                                               Conservation Reserve

                                                                                                                       Kilcunda       Kilcunda - Harmers Haven
                                                                                San Remo Foreshore   Punchbowl         Foreshore      Coastal Reserve
                                                                                Reserve              Coastal Reserve   Reserve

       Legend

                  YBMCP Extents
                  Existing Parks and Reserve Boundaries

       1         2         3         4         5 km

16      Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
Bass Highway

                                  Bunurong Coastal Reserve

                                                                                                       Road
         Cape Paterson
         Coastal Reserve

                                                                                                                   k
                                                                                                           -Kongwa
                                                             Inverloch Foreshore
                                                             Reserve

                                                                                                  Inverloch
                                                                                   Bass Hig
                                                                                           hway
                            d
                           Berrys Roa

                                                   Ca
                                                    pe
                                                      Pa
                                                        ter
                                                           so
                                                              n

                                                                                                                       Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   17
PROJECT VISION

     Vision                                                                   Design Response

                                                             The trail and associated infrastructure through the
     To create a unique, site responsive visitor               Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park will be
     experience through the design of a quality trail           recognised as a centerpiece of the new marine
     and associated infrastructure that will highlight and        and coastal park and a wonderful multi-day
     accentuate the coastal environment and significant           route for visitors to the Bass Coast. The trail
     natural features and cultural values of the site.           invites people to slow down and connect with
                                                                the coast's rich natural and cultural landscapes
     Parks Victoria Design Brief 2019                          and to engage visitors in a rewarding regional
                                                            experience focused in and around the local
                                                           villages and towns.

18    Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
YBAIP OBJECTIVES
The following five objectives inform the translation of the brief to the
design process and have been identified as:

             Culture and                          Experiences                                 Environment                                 Access and                                          Operations
             heritage                                                                                                                     movement                                            and
                                                                                                                                                                                              management
                                                                                                                                                                                ‒ Design and plan for a park
 ‒ Conserve and recognise culturally      ‒ Raise the profile and positioning       ‒ Conserve, protect, repair and          ‒ Optimise accessibility of the trail
                                                                                                                                                                                  boundary that may change over
   significant sites of Aboriginal and      of the experience with the trail          enhance the park's natural values.       by connecting it to the broader
                                                                                                                                                                                  time with the park boundary being
   European heritage.                       as the center piece of the visitor      ‒ Connect and link the park's coastal      road network and public transport
                                                                                                                                                                                  augmented.
 ‒ Through design reflect the               experience.                               and marine natural systems to            options.
                                                                                                                                                                                ‒ Leverage the trail's proximity and
   knowledge systems, values and          ‒ Connect the trail to the existing         amplify and leverage a broader         ‒ Improve connections of townships
                                                                                                                                                                                  relationship to each town for
   beliefs of the Traditional Owners to     visitor experience network of trails,     environmental improvement                with the park through better
                                                                                                                                                                                  supporting services, management
   enrich the visitor experience.           services and products to support a        program.                                 linking pathways and defining
                                                                                                                                                                                  and operational needs.
 ‒ Through the AIP and associated           range of links, loops and journeys.     ‒ Consider the trail's setting as one      borders.
                                                                                                                                                                                ‒ Develop the rural and coastal land
   services - create new opportunities    ‒ Design to enable the network of           part of an integrated landscape and    ‒ Provide defined entry points into
                                                                                                                                                                                  relationship to leverage benefits
   for the Bunurong people for              experiences to evolve, expand and         environmental system.                    the park [trailheads].
                                                                                                                                                                                  and services for the park and
   cultural, social and economic            grow over time.                         ‒ Enable the engagement of landcare      ‒ Enable growing visitor numbers                     townships.
   benefits.                              ‒ Curate an intuitive and immersive         groups and other not for profit          to engage with the park and its
                                                                                                                                                                                ‒ Implement the access and
 ‒ Harness local pride and productivity     interpretative and education              organisations to connect to the          attractions.
                                                                                                                                                                                  infrastructure plan in a phased,
   to connect the trail experience to       experience along the trail through a      park.                                  ‒ Create and build on a series of trail              managed and sustainable way that
   its regional surrounding offer.          variety of communication channels.      ‒ Explain the coast’s significance and     network connections establishing                   enables it to evolve.
 ‒ Consider the characteristics of the    ‒ Take a whole of landscape                 enable people to engage with its         loops and choices for trails of
                                                                                                                                                                                ‒ Design for the long-term and
   park that may elevate its attraction     approach.                                 values.                                  various lengths and difficulties.
                                                                                                                                                                                  consider capital expenditure
   to local and broader communities.      ‒ Promote the hinterland’s farming        ‒ Provide access to the natural          ‒ Enhance access for all abilities to                with ongoing maintenance and
                                            heritage, scenic values, landscape,       values of the land, both the living      key attractions of the park.                       operations costs.
                                            ecologies and cultural landscape.         environments and the geological        ‒ Identify trails through the trail                ‒ Develop a clear identity and
                                          ‒ Appreciate each town’s nature,            foundations.                             grading system to communicate                      marketing strategy for the park and
                                            character and identity through          ‒ Design for visitation which              level of challenge to visitors.                    its attractions.
                                            authentic local experiences.              mitigates impacts on the parks’        ‒ Develop a comprehensive signage                  ‒ Collaborate with partners and
                                                                                      ecology and cultural values.             and wayfinding strategy to                         engage with stakeholders regarding
                                                                                                                               improve on access to information                   connected tourism experiences.
                                                                                                                               in the park.

                                                                                                                                                        Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   19
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

The access and infrastructure plan is informed by                                          The comments have been grouped according to                                            Access and movement                                                                   Key Findings
stakeholder
  “exploring with and
                    my dogcommunity
                             on leash”        engagement, alongside            a
                                                                   Trail features
                                                                                           the five themes of project objectives: Access and                                      This theme addresses the actual infrastructure that is
range
  - survey ofrespondent
              technical studies.                                                           Movement; Experiences; Culture and Heritage;                                                                                                                                 The key findings from phase one of community
                                                                   Survey respondents gave feedback on the important                                                              provided in the park to enable the experiences, such as                               consultation were:
The
  Otherfirst  phasesuch
          recreation    of community
                            as horse riding,consultation
                                                paragliding      was                       Environment;
                                                                        heldof a trail through
                                                                   features                                     Operations and Management.
                                                                                                the multiple-choice                                                               car parking, walking trails, township connections etc.
inand  running was
    between           mentioned
                   8 May     and by 28some
                                         Juneparticipants.
                                                 2020. Participantsquestion: ‘What featuresThese     summarise
                                                                                               are important           as follow:
                                                                                                               in a trail?’.

contributed
      “Hang gliding through      surveysurfing
                      and paragliding       responses
                                                  and walking          shown in Figure 5, these responses largely
                                                            to theAsEngage                                                            Information sharing                                                                                                               ‒ A trail that respects the natural environment and
                             access” - survey respondent aligned with the qualitative             answers about what
                                                                                                                                                                                  Operations and Management:                                                               showcases the beauty of the coastline between San
Victoria platform, online community information                                            Culture and Heritage:
                                                                   respondents would like to see and do on the trail.
                                                                                                                                      Sharing information and signage emerged as a
  Multi-day experiences were mentioned by some                                                                                        theme in response to being asked about      This
                                                                                                                                                                                    whattheme focuses on all issues around management                                      Remo and Inverloch;
sessions      and an online workshop. AdditionalThe
  participants, including those who are interested in
                                                                     feedback              This theme
                                                                        most popular response               is focusing
                                                                                                   was for clear  directionalon all cultural    and
                                                                                                                                      participants     heritage
                                                                                                                                                    would  like to see and do on the trail.
was    sought      through                                                                                                            There was a further question about what     and   maintenance
                                                                                                                                                                                    values  in          including needs to clean and                                    ‒ The importance of protecting local environmental
  overnight   hiking, campingaand  targeted      survey
                                      an experience    thatfor young
                                                                   signage (69%) followed by lookouts (65%) and
                                                                                           both    Aboriginal      and    colonial and     can they
                                                                                                                                                 leadaretomost
                                                                                                                                                             strategies
  promotesbetween
people        overnight stays
                           10-31in nearby                          beach
                                             towns. Altogether, almost
                                     July 2020.
                                                                          access   (64%).   The  ‘other’ comments     tended          the area                                    maintain assets such as toilets.
                                                                                                                                                                 interested in learning  about.                                                                            and Aboriginal cultural values;
                                                                                           to express
                                                                   to mention specific facilities  such asthese
                                                                                                            toilets, stories
                                                                                                                     or       and narratives
                                                                                                                                      As shown inin     the 10,
                                                                                                                                                     Figure   park.
                                                                                                                                                                  there was a very strong
  Some
800       participants
       people           commented through
                   participated        that they dosurveys,
                                                    not wish community
                                                                   specific recreational activities.                                  appetite to learn more about environmental (82%),                                                                                 ‒ Provision of facilities such as toilets, drinking water,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Facilities along the trail
  to have camping along the trail, or that having                                                                                     and Aboriginal cultural heritage values The (74%).summary break-down to the right outlines key                                                                                                      Winter
information
  campsites would   sessions
                      need to be and    theregulated.
                                    closely    online workshop. This                       Experiences:                                                                                                                                                                    access to car parking and seating along the trail is
                                                                                                                                      When asked the ways to share stories messages
                                                                                                                                                                                  with the      that were reported during the process.
feedback        related    to facilities      alongalong
                                                     thethe trail and                                                                                                                                                                                                      important;                                                     Survey
  “Walk and be    in solitude.  Be able to camp                                            This theme attempts to group community,                  signage
                                                                                                                                       all activities    and(79%) was the most       popular
                                                                                                                                                                                  Participants
features      of it,with
  way, or nearby      sharing     information,
                          hike in only  campsites andand     sharing the trail.
                                                         drive                                                                        response, followed by information boards       (63%) and could also contact the Parks Victoria                                   Survey    respondents
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ‒ Managing               gave
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         use along   thefeedback    about the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          trail is needed   so that it    encoura
  in campsites.” – survey respondent
                                                                                           possible visitor experiences in downloadablethe park, from  guidedwalking
                                                                                                                                                               walks (54%). There engagement
                                                                                                                                                                                      was some     team through email or telephone to have                             facilities they think are important along the trail. As
For a full copy of the consultation report, please visit                                                                                                                                                                                                                   does not feel busy, and manages different user                 most fre
                                                                                           to  para   gliding    birdwatching       to  photographing.
                                                                                                                                      support  for other ways of sharing information such
                                                                                                                                                                                  a say. Several organizations and some individuals made                               shown in Figure 8, over three quarters of
  Ideas mentioned by fewer than five per cent of
www.engage.vic.gov.au/yallock-bulluk.                                                                                                 as website information (46%), interactive apps                                                                                       groups;                                                        along th
  respondents are not included in the above                                                                                           (36%). There was relatively low supportsubmissions
                                                                                                                                                                                   for            to inform the AIP.                                                   participants chose toilets as important along the trail.           respond
Insummary
    developing        the AIP,ofthese
               for efficiency               comments,
                                    reporting.   The ideas ideas and                       Environment:                               educational play areas (17%) and guided walks                                                                                     ‒ Thefacilities
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Other     trails should   be fit-for
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          that were   highlypurpose
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              regarded trails and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          included
concerns
  raised are arealsovaluable
                      often coveredandininform      design directions and
                                            the remainder                                                                             (22%).                                                                                                                                                                                              long as
                                                                                           This   theme     consolidates       all issues   and opportunities                                                                                                              functional
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       access            year-round
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 to drinking           withcar
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               water and     good   drainage,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 parking.  Thereand
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  was
  of the   report,  and  include:    safety,  provision
the recommendations of further testing and on-site       of
                                                                                                                                      Young people were also asked about what they are                                                                                     walking    connections    to  towns;   and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       appetite for seating, picnic tables, campsites and                 Some re
  facilities, beach access, mountain biking,
studies.                                                                                   related to the living, and material              eco systems, this is
  access for all abilities and connections to                                                                                         interested in learning about along the trail. As with                                                                            universal
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ‒ There access
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    should be(almost
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 good one   third of respondents
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       information    and signs           and man
  nearby towns.
                                                                                           all flora  and    fauna,     geology    andthecoastal    landscapes.
                                                                                                                                          broader survey,    the environment (called ‘nature’
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          trail cou
                                                                                                                                      in the youth survey) ranked highest (61%), followed                                                                              valued   these   facilities).
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           provided along the trail
                                                                                                                                      by beaches and historic heritage.

                                       What features are important in a trail?                                                                        What values are you most interested in learning about in this area?                                                     What facilities are most needed                             “Tracks
 80%                                                                                                                                   90%
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           82%
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        in the park?                                      Hiking in
                                                                                                                           69%                                                                                                                                                                                                      76%   many pe
 70%                                                                                                           68%                     80%                                                                                                                              80%
                                                                                                    64%                                                                                                                                   74%                                                                                             degrade
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        70%
                                                                                                                                       70%
 60%                                                                                                                                                                                                                     63%                                            60%                                                   54%            “I cur
                                                                                                                                                                                                        62%                                                                                                             49%
                                                                                         50%                                           60%                                                                                                                              50%
 50%                                                            46%
                                                                              48%                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 37%
                                                   46%
                                                                                                                                                                                       50%
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        40%                      31% 31% 32%
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      20% 24%
                                                                                                                                       50%                                                                                                                              30%
 40%                                  38%                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Some re
                                                                                                                                                                     40%                                                                                                20%     11%                                                       (i.e. allo
                                                                                                                                       40%
 30%                     27%                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            10%                                                               enabling
                                                                                                                                       30%                                                                                                                               0%                                                               help enc
 20%
            15%
                                                                                                                                       20%
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          “Winter
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          hiking a
 10%
                                                                                                                                       10%                                                                                                                                                                                                - survey
                                                                                                                                                     4%
  0%
                                                                                                                                        0%
            other     access to interpretive     points of    solitude   places to sit loop walks   beach    lookouts       clear
                       shelter information       interest                                           access              directional
                                                                                                                                                   other         post-colonial    archaeological     geological    palaeontological   Aboriginal       environmental                                                                          inco
                                                                                                                                                                   heritage                                         (dinosaurs and cultural heritage
                                                                                                                          signage                                                                                       fossils)                                                                                                                cyc
 Figure 5: survey respondent views on important features on a trail (n=794)                                                           Figure 10: Survey responses on which values participants are interested in learning more about (n=794)
20         Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
 12    Victoria's Great Outdoors                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Figure 8: survey responses regarding facilities along the trail    Overnig
Culture &                                 Experiences                                  Environment                                Access and                                           Operations &
                 heritage                                                                                                                          movement                                             management
   ‒ There is interest to learn about the          ‒ There is interest in trails for hiking   ‒ There is interest to learn more       ‒ There is a desire for trail access to
     Aboriginal cultural heritage of the             and walking, as well as some other         about environmental values along        beaches, and trails that go along
     area through storytelling along the             recreational uses.                         the trail.                              them.                                                – Provision of facilities such as
     trail.                                        ‒ The trail should showcase the            ‒ There was strong aspiration for the   ‒ Day walks are the preferred                            toilets, drinking water, access to
   ‒ Protecting places of cultural                   natural beauty of the area and             trail to provide opportunities to       experience for the trail.                              car parking and seating along the
     significance along and near the trail           provide the opportunity for good           appreciate and enjoy nature and       ‒ Connecting in to local townships is                    trail is important.
     is considered important.                        lookouts with diverse views.               views.                                  considered important, particularly                   – Maintaining the trail through
   ‒ Working together with Bunurong is             ‒ Loops walks that finish where they       ‒ Environmental values such as            for walkers and cyclists.                              winter months, and designing
     a priority.                                     start and that connect well to local       nesting areas for birds, sensitive    ‒ There should be good information                       for wet conditions was a
                                                     towns are desired.                         dunes and vegetation need to be         and signs provided along the trail.                    common treatment suggested
                                                   ‒ Clear signage, lookouts and beach          considered and protected.                                                                      to encourage all-seasons access
                                                                                                                                      ‒ The use of the trail needs to be
                                                     access were considered the most                                                                                                           along the trail.
                                                                                                                                        managed so that it does not feel
                                                     important features of the trail.                                                   busy, and manages different user                     – There was a strong desire for
                                                   ‒ Signage is considered important.                                                   groups.                                                engagement and being kept
                                                     It should help people find the way,                                                                                                       informed as the plans progress.
                                                     and also give information about the
                                                     environment, cultural heritage and
                                                     paleontological history.
                                                   ‒ There is some appetite for camping,
                                                     though consideration of existing
                                                     offering and environmental values
                                                     should be given.

   “Bush, spots to sit watch the                   “I love the natural environment            “preserving as much                     “Well signed, accessed walking                      “Short loop walks to interesting
   ocean, birds or just immerse                    and hope this will not develop or          environmental diversity as              paths. Facts and points of                          sites would be helpful with
   oneself if the beauty of nature.” –             interfere with the natural beauty          possible. Information for visitors      interest. A walk is always better                   information boards. Also, access
   survey response to ‘what would                  of the region...Creating some              of the importance of protecting         with information and history of                     paths to the beach where
   you like to see and do on the trail?            boardwalks to reduce damage to             the fragile costal environment.”        the area passing through.”                          appropriate. Access to toilet
                                                   different parts of walking tracks                                                                                                      facilities are important too.”
                                                   to create less walker impact.”

Above in speach bubble: survey response to ‘what
would you like to see and do on the trail?’
                                                                                                                                                                  Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   21
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Program and Engagement
The AIP is being delivered through a four stage process
as outlined below.
Of these, stages 1 - 3 are forming the scope of this
report.

                                     Early Stages                              Stage 1                                 Stage 2                     Stage 3                        Stage 4
                                     2019                                       JUNE - August 2020                      SEPTEMBER 20 - MAY 2021     MAY - AUGUST 2021              LATE 2021

Engagement                           ‒ The engagement was conducted            ‒ Online survey with 794 participants   ‒ Feedback on Draft YBAIP   ‒ Launch of final YBAIP         ‒ Progress and deliver final YBAIP
                                       in June and July of 2019 and            ‒ Three online community
                                       included:                                 information sessions with 58
                                       – A roundtable event                      participants
                                       – Five open house sessions              ‒ Online workshop with 30
                                       – Meetings with partners and              participants
                                          stakeholders.                        ‒ Youth Survey with 98 participants
                                                                               ‒ School workshop with six
                                                                                 participants
Design/ Delivery                                                               ‒ Site analysis                         ‒ Strategies                ‒ Concept development          ‒ Construction documentation
                                                                               ‒ Constraints and opportunities         ‒ Design concepts           ‒ Detail design development    ‒ Construction tender
                                                                               ‒ Draft concepts                                                    ‒ Staging and implementation   ‒ Construction

22     Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
Walkers and cyclists sharing the rail trail.

Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   23
24   Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
CHAPTER 2
DESIGN STRATEGIES

    A wide range of background reports including geospatial references has
    been reviewed as part of the site and project understanding to assess issues
    and opportunities related to site processes and facts such as vehicular
    movement and access around the area, environmental and cultural values,
    geomorphological and hydraulic influences, the wider planning and economic
    context in which the trail will develop. The following presents a graphic
    summary of the key findings that will inform the further trail design.

                             Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   25
Experience a trail journey through the layers of time,
     discovering imprints of life vanished 100 million years ago,
     nurturing soul and body with local produce and
     a relaxed local lifestyle,
     whilst learning about the industrial past, modern pastimes, and
     deep connections to a Country born by sea and water.

26   Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   27
CARING FOR COUNTRY
CULTURE AND HERITAGE
Aboriginal Values- Tangible                                          Aboriginal Values- Intangible                                                                                          European
The YBMCP features a large number of known                           The landscape of the YBMCP is also overlayed with           Key Sites                                                  The colonisation of the Bass Coast by Europeans and
Aboriginal heritage sites containing stone artefact                  a rich tapestry of intangible indigenous themes and                                                                    other cultures over the past 200 years has dramatically
                                                                                                                                 Key sites have been identified spatially within the park
scatters, shell middens and Aboriginal Ancestral                     stories. This project seeks to express this knowledge to                                                               altered the endemic natural landscape. Routes by
                                                                                                                                 that allow for concrete interpretation of narratives
Remains [burials]. The BLCAC has expressed its desire                the broader community through the design expression                                                                    explorers and surveyors are marked along roads and
                                                                                                                                 or cultural values that are embedded within the
to manage these sites in collaboration with Parks                    of trail infrastructure and interpretation.                                                                            highways. Shipwrecks along the coast tell the story of
                                                                                                                                 landscape.
Victoria.                                                            Working alongside the BLCAC, the following narratives                                                                  dramatic sea-faring along the stormy coast.
                                                                                                                                 The YBAIP may deliver on a few of these opportunities
Through work undertaken during the first project                     have been highlighted as significant to the area.                                                                      But most visible are the remnants of a short but
                                                                                                                                 however, ongoing projects can further develop a
stage, known sites have been mapped and the possible                                                                                                                                        important phase of coal mining that occurred between
                                                                                                                                 relationship of contemporary expression of Aboriginal
impact of works undertaken through the YBAIP                                                                                                                                                1909 and 1968.
                                                                                                                                 values and highlight the significance of specific sites
identified.                                                                                                                                                                                 Mining was undertaken since the first discovery of coal
Possible design responses have been identified where                 Trailhead                                                   and landscapes.
                                                                                                                                                                                            on the Bass Coast in Wonthaggi, Kilcunda, San Remo
trail or park facilities are in close vicinity to these sites.       A Welcome to Country experience.                            Griffith Point                                             and Cape Paterson. The State Coal Mine operates
                                                                     A gateway and threshold can be created that can                                                                        today as a museum managed by Parks Victoria. The
1. Through detailed site surveys, confirm existing                   reference a smoking ceremony and its effect to create       At the western tip of the San Remo foreshore the           West Area, along its Haulage Line and Mullock Heap
    known sites of cultural sensitivity and identify                 a transitional experience guiding from one reality or       relationship between mainland and Phillip Island           further west, offers land that strategically can connect
    additional areas of sensitive impacted by project.               realm to another. When traversing a trailhead, the park     and the dominant Cape Woolamai becomes highly              Wonthaggi to the coast, via the opportunity of
2. Develop Cultural Heritage Management Plan                         user should be made aware and be sensitive to being         legible where the fast flushing tides can be a             interpreting, displaying and highlighting the industrial,
    [CHMP].                                                          immersed in a place of significance.                        dramatic experience to observe. The island has been        and topographic features that were left behind once
3. Minimise impact on sites in close proximity to the                                                                            an important place to the Bunurong as a place for          the mines closed.
    trail through design strategies including.                                                                                   ceremonies and food collection.                            As a by-product of the mining activities, the Powlett
   – Elevate trail via boardwalks.                                   Trail Node                                                                                                             River railway line was established in 1910, connecting
                                                                                                                                 Wonthaggi
   – Identify sensitive sites through information and                Places along the journey.                                                                                              Wonthaggi with Nyora. The trestle bridge over Bourne
      interpretation.                                                The trail nodes are deisgned to stop, sit down and          The word ‘Wonthaggi’ translates into ‘home’ and            Creek in Kilcunda highlights the scenic location of this
                                                                     become both open to the surrounds, and reflective of        references the significance of the place as a ceremonial   line, which was closed in 1978 and converted to a
   – Where possible, ensure trail alignment avoids
                                                                     the experience. These places enable a deeper dialogue       meeting ground for the Bunurong and neighbouring           bridging link in the Bass Coast Rail Trail.
      sensitive sites [Micro siting of works].
                                                                     with oneself, or within groups. They can reference the      clans.
                                                                     idea of ‘yarning circles’, or traditional places of rest,                                                              The YBAIP promotes the interpretation of European
                                                                     where stories were told and connection to Country           Eagles Nest                                                cultural heritage through design references at key
                                                                     lived through story telling.                                Eagles Nest refers very directly to Bunjil, the creator,   sites and the conversion of the West Area into a
                                                                                                                                 who inhabited this place because of its great vistas       post industrial parkland offering access to history,
                                                                                                                                 along the coast, both west towards Cape Woolamai           sightseeing, art and the possible cultural activities.
                                                                                                                                 and east towards the Wilsons Promontory.                   A future opportunity for the trail would be the
                                                                                                                                                                                            development of a holistic interpretation strategy that
                                                                                                                                                                                            curates access to information along the whole coast in
                                                                                                                                                                                            coordination with stakeholders.

28      Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
San Remo                       Mitchell Coal
The map to the right shows the key areas of cultural                                         Mine Kilcunda
                                                                                                             Powlett River
interest.                                                                                                    Mouth
These include publicly known Aboriginal cultural
sites. Further, the labeled ‘key sites’ of Foots Lookout,                                                                    Wonthaggi West Area
                                                                                                                             Mining
Wonthaggi West Area and Eagles Nest are shown.
European heritage sites have been identified where
mining activities are still visible in the landscape, such                                                                               Wonthaggi Central
as the Kilcunda West area, Wonthaggi Mullock Heap                                                                                        Area Mining
and the West Area, as well as the State Coal Mine in
close vicinity to the project area.
Shipwrecks such as the Artisan and the Amazon are still
visible [at times] on the beach and rock shelf.
It is noted that the area presents a plethora of
Aboriginal Cultural sites such as middens [living
grounds], burial sites and other sites of significance.
The database of these sites is constantly updated.
Projects such as the YBAIP will require further
archaeological investigation to ensure that it will not
interfere with or damage additional sites that are
unknown to date.
The YBAIP is engaging with the Bunurong Land                                                                                                                                         Amazon Shipwreck
Council Aboriginal Corporation to curate possible
access to sites of cultural significance to enrich the       Legend:
coastal experience through stories, information and
interpretation.                                                   YBMCP extents

                                                                  Aboriginal heritage key
                                                                  Site [cultural value]                                                                                         Eagles Nest
                                                                  Mining heritage
                                                                  site

                                                                  Shipwreck site

                                                                  Opportunity for dinosaur
                                                                  interpretation                                                         Artisan                                                                             n
                                                                                                                                         shipwreck                                  1                         5
                                                                                                                                                                                        1                          5km

                                                                                                                                                     Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan       29
THE STRATA OF TIME

Access to Experience
The Bass Coast and its new Yallock-Bulluk Marine and
Coastal Park are significant landscapes on many levels.                                1
Archaeological finds prove human occupation for many
thousands of years supported by the many registered
sites of middens, stone artefacts, burial sites and
known stories.
Fertile soils are supporting a healthy agriculture and a
                                                                                   3
growing number of permanent and holiday residents
within an environment that is rich in diverse ecologies
and habitats.
The underlying bedrock itself is famous and of national                            6
significance for its important fossil content. In addition,
                                                                               7
the bedrock has supported an important period of
Victoria’s own production of coal.                                                     2
By way of providing physical access to places that are                                                                                4
offering insight into the many stories and histories
of the place, the trail enables a satisfying process of
learning and engaging.
Next to the sheer physical access to sites of significance
in regards to their natural, cultural, or geological values                                5
they display, the project can create the background
for information, interpretation and education
opportunities. The design approach to the trail and
the supporting visitor experience infrastructure is to
provide a range of channels for visitors to interpret and
engage in the coast and its many stories.
Multiple media may be utilised to display the
information, such as signage, digital media, art or
sculptural elements, and temporary installations such
as events, exhibitions and festivals.
                                                                                               1   The Natural Strata - coastal and marine flora and fauna of the Bass Coast
The YBAIP provides the foundation for information
                                                                                               2   The Colonial Strata - coastal and maritime European stories and histories
and interpretation strategies to improve access to
                                                                                               3   The Deep Time Strata - ancient connections to Country
knowledge, stories and narratives that make this
                                                                                               4   The Coal Seam - geology and industry
landscape unique.
                                                                                               5   The Fossil Strata - traces of ancient life forms
An example of how these layers of time can engage                                              6   The Sea Strata - the soft dynamics with hard impacts
with the park and its infrastructure, is the ‘Dinosaur                                         7   The Gondwana Strata - tectonics that shaped a landscape
Trail’ initiative by Bass Coast Shire Council.

30     Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   31
CARING FOR COUNTRY
ENVIRONMENT
The YBMCP covers a diverse region of ecosystems and                 In order to protect and enhance these fragile                 Interpretation and Education
Ecological Vegetation Classifications (EVCs), some of               environments, it is proposed that a range of actions are
these are classified as endangered or vulnerable, such              implemented in the trail design and construction. They        Broadening understanding of the sensitive ecologies
as Coast Banksia Woodland, Coastal Tussock Grassland                are:                                                          of the park helps to grow appreciation for the
or the Swamp Scrub.                                                                                                               regional landscape and its coast as one integrated
The park is home to some endangered animals, such                    ‒ Complete targeted site surveys to determine the            environmental system. Educating the public about it
as the Hooded Plover, the Swamp Antechinus and the                     presence and condition of native vegetation, and           can help explain the coast’s significance and enable
Southern Brown Bandicoot to just name a few of the                     to assess suitable habitats for endangered flora and       visitors to engage with the park’s values.
land based fauna present.                                              fauna;                                                     The YBAIP can support park, cultural and
There are multiple waterways that release large water                ‒ Where possible, utilise existing trails and goat tracks,   environmental awareness through information and
catchments into the ocean, and thus potentially                        reducing the need to cut new trails;                       signage across the park.
harming through the carriage of pollutants to the                    ‒ Minimise the impact on environmentally sensitive                                                                  Wetlands near Powlett River
marine and coastal ecosystems.                                         sites and habitats through the use of micro siting;
Many of the ecosystems in the park are established on                ‒ Ensure minimum trail widths are designed to reduce
soft sand which is prone to erosion once vegetation                    the impact on surrounding vegetation;
cover is removed and wind and water can access the                   ‒ Elevate sections of trail over sensitive flora, fauna
exposed and vulnerable soft sand.                                      and water systems using boardwalks; and
Expansive wetland systems showcase a vast variety of
migratory birds that depend on feeding and nesting                   ‒ Environmental planting to disturbed areas.
grounds.
                                                                    Protecting the waterways
The YBAIP proposes to modify the existing trail                     Even though most of the park is at the downstream
network to promote better access to the features and                end of waterways, the YBAIP can still contribute
attractions of the park. Existing tracks may be stabilised          to the quality of any run-off from its hard surfaces
to minimise erosion, other tracks may be widened to                 and minimise the carriage of sediments in run-off,                                                                   Coastal Tussock Grassland,
allow for better amenity for park users.                            often caused through poor trail design, steep and                                                                             Kilcunda
The plan carefully balances benefits for park users                 uncontrolled drainage channels and through the cause
versus impact on environmental values in the park to                of erosion by depleted vegetation.
create a visitor experience that heightens the value of             The plan initiatives propose to:
the landscape and improves it.
                                                                     ‒ Filter and cleanse all surface run-off from upgraded
                                                                       car parks;
                                                                     ‒ Manage velocities of run-off through the detailed
                                                                       design of water channels;
                                                                     ‒ Install water detention initiatives where possible;
                                                                     ‒ Minimise impact on waterways and drainage flows
                                                                       by elevating tracks where required.

                                                                                                                                                                                             Banksia Woodland

32     Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
Trails and Ecologies
The YBMCP is comprised of a wide variety of diverse
ecosystems, some of which are classified as vulnerable
or endangered. The park provides habitat to many rare
animal species.
The map to the right highlights some of the sensitive
ecosystems.
The YBAIP will upgrade some existing tracks and                    1      2                          3                      4      5      6       7
cut very short sections of new tracks to improve on
access to attractions in the park. Trail design has been
undertaken to minimise impact on the ecosystems.

                                                                                                                                                           9                10        11

                                                                              Wetland and dune
 Legend                                                                       boardwalk

        Hooded Plover                        YBMCP extents

        Orchid                               Areas of ecological
                                             sensitivity
        Southern Brown                       Revegetation
        Bandicoot                            opportunities
        Swamp Antechinus
                                             Existing trail
        Growling Grass Frog                  no change
                                             Existing trail
        Strzelecki Gum                       using roads
        River Swamp                          Beach walking                                                                                                                                      12             13
                                                                                                                     Reopen track to
        Wallaby Grass                                                                                                Cutlers Beach West
                                                                                                                                                      8
                                             Upgrades to existing trail
        Dwarf Galaxias                       surface and width                                                                                                  Improve dune
                                                                                                 Improve all beach              Harmers Haven                   trails in Cape
                                             New trail                                           access                         firebreak trail                 Paterson
                                             900mm wide
                                             New trail                                                                                                                                      1                           5km
                                             1800mm wide
                                                                                                                                                          Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan   33
UNDERSTANDING COASTAL AND
MARINE PROCESSES

The landscape of the Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal
Park is diverse in typologies, ranging from high cliff
                                                                    There are several options to access information on
                                                                    water levels:
                                                                                                                               Coastal Erosion
tops of elevated sedimentary rock to elevated ancient                                                                          Erosion of sandy coastlines is linked to sea levels and
sand dunes that are cut by rivers and waterways and                  ‒ Walkers are asked to self inform using weather apps     increased storm surges.
long sandy beaches with some low rock shelves. The                     or data from relevant websites;                         Along the YBMCP coastline, in particular the beaches
relentless energy of the Southern Ocean constantly                   ‒ A specific app for mobile phones may be developed       of Kilcunda and Inverloch have a record of increased
pulses against all these land forms and continues to                   as part of the overall YBMCP experience. The app        coastal erosion.
change these, either through slow and almost invisible                 could provide access to weather and tidal data. This    Various engineering solutions are available to manage
processes but also often in dramatic and abrupt                        app potentially can extend to recommend walking         the destructive nature of sea surges, some of these are
changes, expressed through cliff collapses and land                    times and become a tool to design an appropriate        already applied along the Inverloch beach and include
slides and beach and dune erosion.                                     experience;                                             sand bags and rock armour.
A different force that informs and alters the landscape              ‒ A dynamic onsite warning system that could provide      In addition, beach-replenishment, which describes the        Sea Cave at The Arches,
is the water that flows down rivers and waterways. A                   digital information directly on beaches [co-located     activity of recharging beaches by moving sand, may be               Kilcunda
pluvial flood event can be very visible in the riparian                with beach nodes for example] that informs on           feasible to mitigate or delay the destructive impact on
corridor of the Powlett River, where downstreaming                     accessibility.                                          assets.
rainwater builds up over time and creates vast                                                                                 The Inverloch Regional and Strategic Partnership is
                                                                    The sea water level is likely to increase over time and
temporary wetlands, supporting a rich diversity of                                                                             currently undertaking a Coastal Hazard Assessment
                                                                    access to beach walking may decrease accordingly. The
ecologies. Parks Victoria is actively managing this                                                                            which may inform and recommend best responses to
                                                                    impact of sea level on access to beaches will need to
ecosystem by carefully coordinating the opening of the                                                                         the risk of beach and coastal erosion.
                                                                    be monitored.
river mouth and releasing the freshwater build up.
In order to maximise the possible visitor experience by                                                                        Cliff and Ground Stability
bringing visitors as close to the water edge as possible,
the YBAIP will need to consider the risks caused by the
                                                                    Inundation                                                 The relatively soft structure of the various sedimentary
                                                                                                                               rock material that make up the elevated sections of
natural processes and understand impacts on locations               Pluvial flooding occurs when rain events over upstream
                                                                                                                               coastline is prone to erosion processes that are caused
of lookout structures, pathways and other assets.                   catchments increase the volume of stormwater
                                                                                                                               by wind and sea water impact. Sea caves, such as the        Typical sandy beach near
                                                                    flushing down the waterways. These pluvial events
                                                                                                                               collapsed cave at Punchbowl and the existing caves               Harmers Haven
                                                                    can sometimes occur relatively abruptly. The flood
                                                                                                                               further east at the Caves site, are expressions of this
Sea Level and Tidal Events                                          plain of the Powlett river is already being shaped and
                                                                    influenced by water building up behind the sandbank
                                                                                                                               force.
Tidal fluctuation with sea level changes between high                                                                          When locating viewing platforms close to cliffs, the
                                                                    that most of the time closes the river mouth. Any
and low tides ranging around 3m at times result in                                                                             siting will need to consider the likelihood of cliff
                                                                    structural elements that are placed into the flood zone
sections of beach being inaccessible at high tides.                                                                            collapse. Geotechnical analysis of key locations
                                                                    of waterways need to be designed so that they are less
These locations are mostly around Harmers Haven.                                                                               identified through this stage of the YBAIP will help
                                                                    impacted by flood waters. The boardwalks and viewing
                                                                                                                               to place viewing structures as close to the optimum
                                                                    platforms proposed for the Wetland Walk between
Between non-passable sections of beach at high tides,                                                                          experience as possible, yet at maximum safety for the
                                                                    Kilcunda and Powlett River will need to be elevated
hikers could potentially be trapped. To mitigate this risk                                                                     visitor.
                                                                    well above the maximum anticipated water level or,
it is important that all hikers choosing to walk along                                                                         A special feature of the rock strata of the coast is the
                                                                    alternatively, when levels are low to minimise visual
beaches have easy access to tidal charts and plan their                                                                        presence of coal and the resulting locations of mine
                                                                    impact of these structures, a certain timeframe of
hiking accordingly.                                                                                                            shafts to harvest the coal. These mine shafts bear the
                                                                    inundation of these structures in peak flood events will
                                                                                                                               risk of collapsing and their locations and stability will
                                                                    need to be factored into the experience.
                                                                                                                               need to be assessed in more detail.                         Cliff face near Eagles Nest

34     Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park Access and Infrastructure Plan
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