Point Resolution Reserve - Enviro-scape Master Plan

Adequate firebreaks are, of course, essential. However, I cannot agree that dead trees be removed, unless falling limbs are a potential danger to users. Dead trees are an important part of the natural environment.
Please explain why it is thought necessary to install concrete paths? How many ratepayers have made this request?
I would like to see an expansion of the area planted to native plant species. The revegetation of the recently closed golf course at Lake Claremont is an excellent example of what can be achieved. I feel sure that Claremont officers will be happy to share their knowledge.
David Free

Our residence borders Point Resolution Reserve, so will be very much affected by proposed changes to the reserve. My greatest concern is the fire hazard. The lemon scented gum trees should be regularly pruned away from our property which is not happening. The leaves and bark from those trees are regularly removed by the lawn mower. If bush is planted there, the accumulation of leaves and bark would create even more fuel. What insurance does the Nedlands Council have in the event of fire damage to our house which you have on your heritage list? A wide strip of grass with reticulation should be kept the length of our property..
Any paths are unnecessary. People walk on the grass under trees.. I will only walk in open area and will not walk down to the river on my own through the bush where there is an existing path. We need open area for safety. Increase the bush area , especially with the original plants - banksias - away from recreational areas.
The playground should be replaced with one which is attractive to children. The present one is very rarely used. Our own grandson doesn't like it. The Council should consult with a kindergarten teacher to plan a colourful playground.
At present there are many dead trees in the park. They are a fire hazard and should be removed.
Ilona Day
166 Victoria Ave
Dalkeith

The Reserve is a place of natural beauty and a frame for outstanding views of the Swan River. Users of the Reserve are mostly walkers, dog walkers, and visitors looking to experience a quiet area of the City. One aspect of the Reserve that is highly valued is the contrast with the built-up areas of the rest of Nedlands, and the absence of concrete. For that reason, I oppose the laying of any concrete paths that break up the continuity of the Reserve, create areas of heat and will require extra edging and attention.
Regarding water conservation; it is desirable to save water and most Nedlands residents appreciate your concern. However, it would be inequitable to destroy a Reserve that is loved by passive recreation users in order to funnel water resources to sports parks and active areas in the City.
A solution is to create one discrete area of Banksia woodland that is low water use and no fertilizer use, also a benefit for the Swan River.
The parking is fit for purpose as it is; requiring signage and yellow marking in the turn-around area.
Firebreaks can be maintained, improved near Jutland Parade housing; nearby residents would be safer with areas of turf near their homes.
The Reserve is a unique and much-appreciated area of Nedlands; the focus should be on enhancing its existing strengths rather than dropping a template of generic requirements over it.
Bronwen Tyson, Tyrell Street, Nedlands

I believe the following issues need to be included in the Masterplan document:

1. Sufficient firebreaks to adjoining properties
2. Maintenance of car park
3. Retention of vistas
4. Provision of signage regarding toilet facilities and pathways
5. Fix or remove pathways down the embankment
6. Access to White Beach near the Point.
7. Maintenance of wooden staircase
8. Retention of lawn areas
9. Significant water savings
10. The need or otherwise for any additional concrete pathways

I will address the above dot points below.




1. FIREBREAKS

I have strong concerns relating to the Jutland Parade Firebreak (also known as Path 5), and the Northern Firebreak. While the northern firebreak is sufficient, the Jutland Parade firebreak is insufficient and in my belief Council has a liability issue because the firebreak is not wide enough. Also I believe the turf areas adjacent the adjoining properties should be retained.

I believe this firebreak should be at least 5m wide and a wide staircase constructed of non-combustible materials (limestone) be built on this firebreak.

Recommendation 1:

Jutland Parade Firebreak – Upgrade (bitumen and limestone steps)
Northern Firebreak – Upgrade (trafficable bitumen or similar)
Retain turf to adjoining properties.


2. CAR PARKING

I believe the car park should be retained in its current configuration. However some repairs need to be done, and flush kerbing may be helpful to prevent damage to the bitumen edge. I do not support marking of parking bays.

Recommendation 2:

Retention of current parking, repair of car park. flush kerbing


3. RETENTION OF VISTAS

I strongly support retention of vistas. Any new planting near the bushland edge should be low plantings. We support up to 2 metres of low planting bounding the current bushland boundary.

Recommendation 3:

Retention of vistas by only low plantings on the bushland boundary.


4. PROVISION OF SIGNAGE

Due to the lack of toilet facilities at Point Resolution, some signage needs to be provided to direct users of the reserve to the nearby toilet at Adam Armstrong Pavilion. Also the signage should show where the pathways are located on the reserve and other user information.

Recommendation 4:

Provision of signage for toilet access, paths and other user information.




5. PATHWAYS DOWN THE EMBANKMENT

I believe that Path 1 should be removed, while the Northern and Jutland Parade firebreak paths are upgraded as per Recommendation 1.

The Northern Firebreak is the most used path on the reserve and needs to be formalised.
Path 1 is redundant, being next to the Northern Firebreak and is generally unused. Paths 2, 3, 4 and 5 are required.

Recommendation 5:

Removal of Path 1 and upgrade of the Northern Firebreak to become the new Path 1 and upgrade of Path 5 as per Recommendation 1.


6. ACCESS TO WHITE BEACH NEAR THE POINT

An informal access to White Beach has existed for a number of years, to provide access during high tides. This access needs to be formalised by a limestone staircase.

Recommendation 6:

Formalise access to White Beach near the Point.


7. MAINTENANCE OF WOODEN STAIRCASE

The treated pine staircase does not get sufficient maintenance and this is an issue.

Recommendation 7:

Yearly maintenance of the treated pine staircase.


8. RETENTION OF LAWN AREAS

I strongly support the retention of lawn areas in the reserve. However, I recognise the need to reduce the water used on reserve and suggest the provision of banksia groves (non-irrigated) as per the attached map to reduce the lawn areas where there is little use. Also the use of low plantings of the current bushland boundary, up to 2m from the current boundary.

Recommendation 8:

Create banksia groves and low planting on the existing bushland boundary.






9. SIGNIFICANT WATER SAVINGS

The upgrade of the irrigation system will save approximately 7% of the current water usage with no reduction of turf. I believe implementation of Recommendation 8 will result in another 10-15% water savings.

Recommendation 9:

Upgrade irrigation system and implement Recommendation 8 to reduce water usage by 20%.


10. ADDITIONAL CONCRETE PATHWAYS

I do not support the provision of additional pathways, due to the cost, the camber of the ground, the heat island effect and that the demand for a pathway has not been established. I also do not support pathways on Victoria Ave for the same reason.

Recommendation 10:

No new additional concrete pathways.

Thanks and regards

Andrew Mangano
Minora Road Dalkeith

Your survey structure is skewed to deliver your desired result. Very disappointing.
Keep the park as it is. You have ruined the tawarri foreshore and now you have your sights set on doing the same to this area. Leave Point Resolution alone. Are you aware of the fact that lawn, despite the current hysteria, actually cools the environment, uses less water than many plants and does not need truckloads of fertiliser that will run off into the river. Kids need lawn, dogs need lawn, walkers need lawn. Stop bowing to the eco-warrior idea du jour.