Looking Good
Strategy
5 December 2006
Contents
1.0 Introduction
2
2.0 Defining the Places
2.1 Bondi Junction
2.2 Bondi Beach
2.3 Local Village Centres
2.4 Residential Areas
2.5 Beaches
2.6 Parks and Reserves
2.7 Gateways
2.8 Green Links
2.9 Main Roads
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3.0 Defining the Elements
3.1 Bus Shelters
3.2 Directional Signage
3.3 Fences and Railings
3.4 Footpaths
3.5 Garden Beds
3.6 Graffiti and Bill Posters
3.7 Lighting
3.8 Nature Strips
3.9 Public Art and Commemorative Features
3.10 Street Furniture
3.11 Street Trees
3.12 Traffic Control Devices
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The ‘Looking Good Strategy’ provides a consolidated framework to guide the
design and maintenance of the public domain in the Waverley local
government area. It directs capital works and maintenance activities to
consider both the functionality and the attractiveness of the physical
environment, as well as the needs of residents, businesses and visitors and
the health and safety of staff. In short, the Strategy describes how, when and
by whom Waverley will be kept looking good.
1.1 Objectives
The objectives of the ‘Looking Good Strategy’ are to
develop a consistent approach to the design of the public domain across
the local government area, which also allows for the expression of specific
place identities
ensure that the entire public domain is well maintained, while also
acknowledging and meeting the differing needs of specific places
provide clear direction to Council managers and officers
ensure that design solutions and maintenance practices are financially
feasible
ensure that construction and maintenance actions can be easily
incorporated into Management Plans.
1.2 Principles
Places in Waverley look good when they are
clean: designed in a simple and elegant style and maintained so as to be
free from billposters, graffiti, rubbish and dirt
green: designed using plants and materials which are durable and
sustainable and maintained using practices which do not negatively impact
on the natural environment
consistent: designed to be harmonious with each other and with the
surrounding environment and maintained to the same high standard
throughout the year
smart: designed cleverly and functionally and maintained efficiently
welcoming: designed to be safe and inviting for use by people of all ages
and abilities and maintained so as to create a positive impression of the
area
1.3 Structure
The Looking Good Strategy has three sections. Section 1 provides the
objectives and principles. Section 2 defines the places within the Waverley
local government area in which Council will concentrate its efforts to improve
the design and maintenance of the public domain. These places are
Bondi Junction Major Centre
Bondi Beach Town Centre
Local Village Centres
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− Bronte Beach Neighbourhood Centre
− Bronte (Macpherson Street) Neighbourhood Centre
− Charing Cross Small Village
− Murray Street Neighbourhood Centre
− Bondi Road Village
− Old South Head Road Neighbourhood Centre
− Hall Street Town Centre
− Glenayr Avenue Neighbourhood Centre
− North Bondi Neighbourhood Centre
− Murriverie Road Neighbourhood Centre
− Rose Bay Small Village
− Blake Street Neighbourhood Centre
Residential Areas
Beaches
Parks and Coastal Reserves
Gateways
Greenlinks
Main Roads
With the exception of the Greenlinks, these places are identified on the map
on the following page.
Section 3 describes the individual elements from which all places within the
Waverley local government area are created. It sets out Council’s existing
design and maintenance approaches to each element and recommends a
preferred approach for the future. The elements which are considered in
Section 3 are
bus shelters
directional signage
fences and railings
footpaths
garden beds
graffiti and bill posters
lighting
nature strips
public art and commemorative features
street furniture
street trees
traffic control devices.
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Bondi Junction
Bondi Beach
Local Village Centres
Residential Areas
Beaches
Parks and Reserves
Gateways
Main Roads
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2.0 DEFINING THE PLACES
2.1 Bondi Junction
Bondi Junction is the commercial centre of the Waverley local government
area and the entire Eastern Beaches region. It is defined in the State
Government’s Metropolitan Strategy as a ‘major centre’ and comprises a
significant bus/rail transport interchange. Over 10 000 people work in Bondi
Junction and it is home to some 6 500 residents. For the purposes of the
‘Looking Good Strategy’, Bondi Junction is bounded by Syd Einfeld Drive to
the north, Bondi and Council Roads to the east, Birrell Street to the south and
York Road to the west. This area is identical to the Bondi Junction Place
Management area.
As befits Waverley’s major centre, the public domain in Bondi Junction is
designed and maintained to the highest standards. Much of the area received
a significant upgrade in the early 2000s, when the Oxford Street Mall and
Waverley Street Mall, as well as Westfield Bondi Junction, were redeveloped.
Other parts of Bondi Junction, such as Newland Street and Oxford Street
West, have been upgraded more recently. The design of the public domain in
Bondi Junction is guided by specific standards which are set out in the
following documents
Bondi Junction Commercial Centre Urban Design Development Control
Plan (1994)
Bondi Junction Commercial Centre Design Framework (1999)
Bondi Junction Technical Manual (2000)
Currently, a new LEP, a new part of the Waverley DCP 2006 and a new
Public Domain Technical Manual are being prepared for the Bondi Junction
commercial centre.
A new maintenance regime was introduced at the time of the public domain
upgrades in the early 2000s. These were an important part of the introduction
of a Place Management approach to Bondi Junction, which aims to build and
sustain a vital, competitive location by enhancing the public realm, achieving
physical and economic regeneration and supporting a healthy social and
business environment. Maintenance standards are specified in service level
agreements between the Bondi Junction Place Manager and relevant service
managers within Council. The agreements cover
construction and maintenance of paving
construction and maintenance of street furniture and public art
cleaning of streets
emptying of litter bins
maintenance of parks
maintenance of traffic control devices
pruning of street trees
patrols by rangers
removal of garbage and recycling from residences.
Agreements have also been made with individual businesses regarding
garbage removal and recycling. These service levels achieved in Bondi
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Junction are being monitored through a six monthly survey of resident and
business satisfaction, the first of which was undertaken between December
2005 and January 2006.
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2.2 Bondi Beach
Bondi Beach is an eclectic residential and commercial area which draws a
large number of local, national and international visitors to its magnificent
beach and other recreation and cultural attractions. The Bondi Beach Town
Centre, which is focused around Campbell Parade and Hall Street, is the
second largest centre in the Waverley local government area. For the
purposes of the ‘Looking Good Strategy’, Bondi Beach is bounded generally
by the Pacific Ocean to the east, Warners Avenue to the north, Glenayr and
Chambers Avenues to the west and Lamrock Avenue to the south. This area
is consistent with the Bondi Place Management area.
Around the time of the Sydney Olympic Games, Bondi Beach experienced a
significant increase in visitor numbers. Council services at that time were not
adequate to the growth in visitation and an increase in litter and poor
presentation of the public domain resulted. In order to coordinate a response
to these and other issues facing Bondi Beach, a Place Management approach
was introduced in late 2003. This approach has been instrumental in
improving cleaning and maintenance services
improving waste management processes
organising for the removal of billposters and illegal graffiti
improving the approach to events and safety
undertaking and implementing the recommendations from safety audits.
There is currently a large program of capital works occurring in and around
Bondi Beach. This includes the Hall Street and Seven Ways Improvement
Projects, Campbell Parade (East) Upgrade and Bondi Park Playground
Upgrade. Some aspects of the design of the public domain in Bondi Beach
are guided by Part F2 – Bondi Beach of Waverley DCP 2006 and other parts
of the area, particularly on Hall Street, will be incorporated into draft Part F5 Local Village Centres, Waverley DCP 2006 (Amendment No. 1).
As in Bondi Junction, specific service level agreements have been developed
to ensure that the public domain in Bondi Beach is maintained to a high
standard. These cover
construction and maintenance of paving
construction and maintenance of street furniture
cleaning of streets
emptying of litter bins
maintenance of parks
pruning of street trees
patrols by rangers
removal of garbage and recycling from residences.
Agreements have also been made with individual businesses regarding
garbage removal and recycling. In recent years, additional cleaning and
waste management services have been provided over the summer to cater for
the increased use of the public domain.
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2.3 Local Village Centres
In addition to the major centre at Bondi Junction and the town centre at Bondi
Beach, the Waverley local government area has a large number of smaller
village centres. These centres have a 3(a) Business General, 3(b) Business
Mixed or 3(c) Business Neighbourhood zoning under the Waverley Local
Environment Plan 1996. The village centres contribute significantly to the
character and sustainability of the local government area, as they enable
residents to access a range of goods and services without travelling far.
The village centres are:
Bronte Beach Neighbourhood Centre
Bronte (Macpherson Street) Neighbourhood Centre
Charing Cross Small Village
Murray Street Neighbourhood Centre
Bondi Road Village
Old South Head Road Neighbourhood Centre
Hall Street Town Centre
Glenayr Avenue Neighbourhood Centre
North Bondi Neighbourhood Centre
Murrivale Road Neighbourhood Centre
Rose Bay Small Village
Blake Street Neighbourhood Centre
A new planning framework is being established for these centres. This
framework will include the first amendment to Waverley DCP 2006, Part F5 –
Local Village Centres (Amendment No. 1), a new Public Domain Improvement
Plan and a new Technical Manual. The Public Domain Improvement Plan for
Hall Street and Macpherson Street (Lugar Street) commercial centres have
been prioritised. Construction has already been finalised in the Mapherson
Street (Lugar Street) centre and the Hall Street commercial centre and is
anticipated to be finalised in May 2007.
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2.4 Residential Areas
The residential areas of Waverley are generally located on undulating terrain
and have an irregular street network which reflect this topography. Many
residential areas offer spectacular views west to the city and harbour or east
to the ocean. The residential areas support a very wide range of housing
types, from high rise residential towers to heritage-listed villas, walk-up flats
and newly-renovated family homes. Many homes in the Waverley local
government area are built on sloping sites, with buildings and landscaping
designed to reflect the topography and maximise views. Although the
residential areas are largely devoid of remnant bushland, vegetation which is
hardy enough to cope with the sometimes extreme coastal environment has
been planted in much of the public and private domain. Parts of the local
government area are planted with street trees, in some places with
inappropriate species which result in trip hazards in footpaths.
There are several residential areas within the Waverley local government area
which have been noted for their special character. These include the
residential parts of Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach, which are discussed in
previous sections of the ‘Looking Good Strategy’. Development controls for
these areas, which include guidance on the design of the public domain, are
contained in Waverley DCP 2006, Part F1 - Bondi Junction Commercial
Centre and Part F2 - Bondi Beach.
In addition, Waverley DCP 2006, Part D1 - Dwelling House and Dual
Occupancy Development and Part D2 - Multi-Unit Housing identify the
following areas as having unique physical qualities and intrinsic residential
characters that should be preserved
Ben Buckler
Bondi Heights
Bronte
Dover Heights
Mill Hill
North Bondi
Queens Park.
Council undertakes a number of core cleaning and maintenance activities in
the public domain of all residential areas. These include
cleaning and sweeping of streets and gutters
collection of garbage, recycling and green waste
spraying of weeds
maintenance of parks and reserves
maintenance of landscaped traffic calming devices
planting and maintenance of street trees.
In addition, Council maintains nature strips for residents who have need of
special assistance.
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2.5 Beaches
Waverley Council is responsible for keeping three of Australia’s most
prominent beaches looking good. The beaches contribute significantly to the
character of the local government area and are highly valued and well used
by residents and visitors.
2.5.1 Bondi Beach
Bondi is the largest and most northern of the three beaches in Waverley. It
incorporates three ocean-fed pools: the Children’s Wading Pool and Wally
Weekes Pool at the north end of the beach and the Bondi Baths to the south.
The two northern pools are cleaned and maintained by Council, as is the sand
on the beach. The beach is surrounded by a large number of recreational and
cultural attractions, including Bondi Park, Bondi Pavilion and the Eastern
Beaches Walk. The Bondi Beach commercial centre is also located close to
the beach and is part of its attraction for many visitors.
Nine Council officers are allocated to beach maintenance in Bondi throughout
the year, with an additional six to manage the impacts on the beach and the
town centre associated with the increase in visitors over summer. There are
several existing and forthcoming plans which relate to keeping Bondi Beach
looking good. These include Bondi Park and Pavilion Plan of Management
(1995), Bondi Litter and Waste Management Policy (2006) and the draft Bondi
Basin Master Plan (2006).
2.5.2 Tamarama Beach
Tamarama is located south of Bondi Beach and is the smallest of the three
beaches maintained by Waverley Council. It is particularly popular with
surfers and local swimmers. There are two staff allocated to beach
maintenance in Tamarama. The appearance of the neighbouring Tamarama
Park is guided by a draft Plan of Management, which was exhibited in 2006.
2.5.3 Bronte Beach
Bronte is located at Nelson Bay, a short walk south of Tamarama Beach. It
includes the ocean-fed Bronte Baths and is surrounded by the extensive
grounds of Bronte Park. A small village centre, which consists mainly of cafes
and take-away outlets, is located near the beach. The appearance of Bronte
Beach is closely linked to the appearance of Bronte Park, the design and
maintenance of which is guided by the Bronte Park Plan of Management
(2004). There are currently four staff allocated to beach maintenance at
Bronte.
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2.6 Parks and Reserves
Waverley Council maintains over 70 parks and reserves of varying size. They
range from high use sports fields to local pocket parks and small coastal
reserves. Many of the parks have spectacular ocean views and some draw
visitors from well outside the local government area. Although there are a
number of specific and generic plans of management for parks and reserves
in Waverley, a number of these are over ten years old and hence in need of
review.
For the purposes of the ‘Looking Good Strategy’, the parks and reserves have
been divided into the four categories described below. It should be noted that
although Queens Park and Bondi Golf Course are located within the Waverley
local government area, they are not managed or maintained by Council.
2.6.1 Major Parks and Reserves
The major parks and reserves are large areas of open space for which
specific plans of management are prepared and which are maintained on a
daily basis. They all incorporate Crown or Community lands. The major
parks and reserves are
Bondi Park, for which a Plan of Management was adopted in 1995
Bronte Park, for which a Plan of Management was adopted in 2004
Tamarama Park, for which a draft Plan of Management was exhibited in
2006
Thomas Hogan Reserve
Waverley Park, for which a Plan of Management was adopted in 1993.
2.6.2 Other Parks
There are many other parks in the Waverley local government area, including
Blair Street Reserve, Dickson Park, Fletcher Street Reserve, Forrest Knoll
Reserve, Francis and Edwards Street Reserve, Gilgandra Reserve, Hunter
Park, Niblick Reserve, Sir Thomas Mitchell Reserve and Stephen Street
Reserve in Bondi
Clemenston Park, Eora Park, Fingleton Reserve and St James Reserve in
Bondi Junction
Faith Patterson Reserve, Gipps Street Reserve, Hewlett Street Reserve,
Murray/Belgrave Street Reserve and Palmerston/Murray Street Reserve in
Bronte
Caffyn Park and Dover Road Reserve in Dover Heights
Barracluff Park and O’Donnell Street Reserve in North Bondi
Cuthbert Street Park in Queens Park
Onslow Street Reserve in Rose Bay
Kimberley Reserve in Vaucluse
Macpherson Park, Marlborough Reserve, Simpson Park, Varna Park and
Victoria Park in Waverley
These design and maintenance of the majority of these parks is guided by a
generic Small Parks Plan of Management, which is some years old and in
need of review.
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2.6.3 Coastal Reserves
One of the most distinctive characteristics of the Waverley local government
area is the network of coastal reserves running along much of its eastern
boundary. They include
Marks Park and the soon to be constructed Sam Fiszman Park in Bondi
Calga Reserve in Bronte
Dudley Page, Raleigh and Rodney Reserves in Dover Heights
Hugh Bamford and Ray O’Keefe Reserves in North Bondi
Clark, Diamond Bay and Eastern Reserves in Vaucluse
Together with beachside parks and other areas of open space, including
Bondi Golf Course and Waverley Cemetery, the coastal reserves are
connected through the Eastern Beaches Regional Walk. Some significant
project have recently been undertaken or are underway in the coastal
reserves, including the construction of the Cliff Walk and completion of the
Coastal Walk.
The design and maintenance of the coastal reserves is guided by a generic
Coastal Reserves Plan of Management, which is also some years old and in
need of review.
2.6.4 Cemeteries
In addition to its parks and reserves used for active and passive recreation,
Council maintains two significant cemetery sites. These are
Waverley Cemetery, for which draft Plan of Management was prepared in
2005
South Head General Cemetery.
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2.7 Gateways
In addition to having a significant length of boundary along the Pacific Ocean,
Waverley Council shares a land boundary with Woollahra and Randwick
Councils. The gateways are places where these boundaries coincide with
major roads and with changes in topography and landscape character.
The gateways are
Western Gateway at the intersection of Syd Einfeld Drive at Oxford Street
Northern Gateway at the intersection of Old South Head Road and New
South Head Road
Southern Gateways at the intersections of Macpherson Street, Carrington
Road and Darley Road and of Macpherson and Albion Streets
Bondi Junction Gateway at the intersection of Syd Einfeld Drive and Old
South Head Road
Bondi Gateway at the intersection of Old South Head Road and Blair
Street
Queens Park Gateway at the intersection of York Street and Darley Road
Bronte Gateway at the intersection of Macpherson Street and Arden
Street
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2.8 Green Links
The aim of the green links project is to improve accessibility in and around the
Waverley local government area by developing pedestrian links between
areas of open space and community facilities and attractors such as beaches,
schools and commercial centres. The links will be green, clean, safe and
promote a sense of well being within the community. Where possible, they
will be made accessible for people who use prams, wheelchairs and mobility
aids.
It is envisioned that the links will encourage people to walk, rather than relying
on vehicular transportation. This will, in turn produce a greener Waverley
local government area with enhanced public open space. Another objective of
this project is to make public transport more easily accessible. Five green
links have initially been identified and will be progressively implemented in the
order of priority set out below.
2.8.1 Green Link 1: Centennial Park to Bondi Beach via Bondi Junction
This green link connects Centennial Park, which is located at the boundary of
the Waverley local government area, with Bondi Beach. The route includes
Oxford Street, Old South Head Road, Orr Street, Francis Street, Forest Knoll
Avenue and Lamrock Avenue. The route passes the Bondi Junction
commercial centre and transport interchange, Dickson Park and the Bondi
Beach commercial centre.
2.8.2 Green Link 2: Bondi Junction to Queens Park
The second green link consists of two routes between the Bondi Junction
commercial centre and transport interchange and Queens Park. One of these
routes runs west on Ebley Street and then south on Lawson and Alt Streets to
Queens Park and, via Queens Park Road, Centennial Park. This route also
passes Clemenston Park in Bondi Junction and Moriah College. The other
route runs east on Ebley Street and then south on Brisbane, Bourke and
Blenheim Streets to Queens Park. It runs close to the Charing Cross
commercial centre and also Waverley Public School.
2.8.3 Green Link 3: Queens Park to Bronte Park
This green link provides two east-west routes between Queens Park and
Bronte Park. The northern most of the routes traverses Bronte Road, Gipps
and Brown Streets, Langlee Lane and Hewlett Street to enter the north
western corner of Bronte Park. This route runs directly in front of the Bronte
Public School and the southern part of the Bronte Road commercial centre.
The southern most route traverses MacPherson Street, Chesterfield Parade
and Pembroke and Gardyne Streets to the southern end of Bronte Park. It
runs past a number of significant community facilities, including St Catherine’s
School, Simpson Park, the MacPherson Street village centre, MacPherson
Park, Clovelly Public School and the Bronte Beach village centre.
2.8.4 Green Link 4: Bondi Junction to Tamarama Park and Bronte Park
The fourth green link begins at Bondi Junction commercial centre and
transport interchange and runs south on Bronte Road. It connects into Allens
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Parade before running along the south western boundary of Waverley Park.
The link diverges into two routes at the intersection of Birrell and Dickson
Streets, with one continuing along Birrell Street to Tamarama Park and the
other running along Dickson Street into Hewett Street and from there into the
north western corner of Bronte Park. The this green link thus connects three
major areas of open space, in Waverley Park, Tamarama Park and Bronte
Park, with the Bondi Junction commercial centre and other community
facilities such as Charing Cross commercial centre, Waverley College and
Bronte Primary School.
2.8.5 Green Link 5: Bronte Park to Tamarama Park
The fifth green link provides a direct route between Tamarama Beach and
Bronte Park. It runs south along Wolaroi Crescent, Mirimar Avenue and
Bayview Street.
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2.9 Main Roads
Main roads in the Waverley local government area are those which have the
highest levels of traffic and serve as the primary thoroughfares to significant
destinations such as Bondi Junction and Bondi Beach. As they are driven by
thousands of vehicles a day, the main roads should be attractive and
welcoming in appearance. A Greening Master Plan is currently being
prepared to identify the kinds of trees which should be planted on Council’s
main roads in order to improve the appearance of the road and reflect the
character of the surrounding area.
The main roads are:
Arden Street is a major connection from the Waverley local government
area south to beachside suburbs in neighbouring municipalities. The
street runs generally north-south. Its intersection with MacPherson Street
is marked by a small village centre.
Birrell Street runs directly east-west from its commencement at York
Street across most of the local government area. The street connects a
number of significant open spaces and community facilities, including
Centennial Park, Waverley Park and Waverley College.
Blair Street runs due east-west from Old South Head Road to the Bondi
Golf Course. It is a significant defining feature of the Bondi Basin and is
well used by local residents.
Bondi Road connects Bondi Junction with Bondi Beach and thus runs
through the heart of the local government area. The road was once
famous for its trams and still provides the primary means of access for the
numerous visitors to the beach. Bondi Road is also a key access route for
residents and contains a relatively large village centre.
Bronte Road is a winding road which follows the topography. It is the
central route through the southern half of the local government area to
Bronte Beach and contains several village centres, including Charing
Cross and the Bronte Beach strip.
Campbell Parade is the primary entry to Bondi Beach and separates the
Bondi Beach Town Centre from Bondi Park.
Carrington Road runs generally north-south and links Bondi Junction with
suburbs such as Randwick and Coogee. It provides a spine for a range of
significant activities, including Queens Park, Waverley Park, War Memorial
Hospital and Waverley College.
Curlewis Street is an important access road to Bondi Beach, particularly
for local residents. It provides a connection between Old South Head
Road and the beachside avenue of Campbell Parade.
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MacPherson Street runs generally east-west from Carrington Road to the
ocean. It contains two village centres and provides the main route into
Bronte.
Military Road is aligned close to the coastline. It is a significant route
through North Bondi and Dover Heights and provides access, via feeder
streets, to oceanside cliffs and to many small reserves and other areas of
open space.
Murray Street is a short route which traverses a significant change in
topography between Bronte Road and Birrell Street.
Old South Head Road is a sinuous road which was established in the
very early years of Sydney’s development and forms the boundary
between Waverley and Woollahra local government area. Old South Head
Road contains a number of village centres, as well as several significant
gateways.
Penkivil Street runs generally north-south and between Bondi Road and
Old South Head Road in Bondi.
York Street is the western boundary of the Waverley local government
area and also separates the residential areas of Bondi Junction and
Queens Park from the open green spaces of Centennial Park. The street
therefore marks a significant transition point in urban character.
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3.0 DEFINING THE ELEMENTS
3.1 Bus Shelters
Existing Situation
There are currently at least six different types of bus shelters in the Waverley
local government area. These include
heritage-style shelters
tram shelters located at Bronte Park and Waverley Park
brick shelters located on Macpherson Street and Queens Park Road
pale blue timber and perspex shelters
metal and perspex JC Decaux (JCD) shelters
metal and perspex Adshell shelters.
The heritage-style, tram and brick shelters all reflect the heritage and
contribute to the character of the Waverley local government area and should
thus be retained.
JCD is responsible for maintaining their own shelters and the heritage-style
shelters. Each of these shelters is attended for maintenance purposes once a
week and emergency actions are undertaken within 24 hours. Installation of
new shelters, subject to development approval, is by mutual agreement
between JCD and Council. All JCD shelters under the current contract are to
have the capacity for advertising.
The pale blue shelters do not add to the attractiveness of the public domain,
are in poor condition and are difficult to maintain due to their age and colour.
In recent years, the pale blue shelters have gradually been replaced with
Adshell shelters at a rate of two to three shelters per year. The Adshell
shelters are installed and maintained by Council, as this is a more cost
effective way of improving the facilities than incorporating them into the JCD
contract. It is expected that his process will continue until all of the pale blue
shelters have been replaced. The two brick shelters are owned and
maintained by Sydney Buses.
Council is required by Commonwealth legislation to ensure that 25% of public
transport infrastructure is accessible by December 2007, with 100%
compliance expected by 2022.
Policy Approach
1. Bus shelters will be designed and located in consideration of the following
criteria
provision of disability access
provision of shade
provision of shelter from wind and rain
incorporation of crime prevention through environmental design
principles
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protection of local heritage
expression of local character
ease of maintenance.
2. Heritage-style bus shelters will be retained and will continue to be
maintained by JC Decaux.
3. Tram shelters will be retained and will continue to be maintained by
Council.
4. Brick bus shelters will be retained and will continue to be maintained by
Sydney Buses.
5. JCD bus shelters will be retained and will continue to be maintained by
JCD in accordance with the contract.
6. All other bus shelters located on operational bus routes will be gradually
replaced with Adshell shelters. These shelters will be maintained by
Council.
7. All pale blue, JCD or Adshell bus shelters not located on operational bus
routes will be relocated or removed.
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3.2 Directional Signage
Existing Situation
There is currently a plethora of different signage in Waverley’s public domain.
The oldest and most consistent is the street signage, which consists of dark
blue or black lettering on a yellow background. Signs on main roads are
150mm in height while signs on other streets are 100mm in height. Many of
the signs include the former Council logo and, on streets which are more than
one block long, indicate the range of street numbers in each direction.
Council has recently initiated a range of signage projects to ensure greater
consistency. These projects include
preparation of the Waverley Coastal Zone Signage Manual
preparation of the Bondi Junction Signage Strategy
preparation of a concept design for gateways signage
Way finding signage for the Greenlinks is also being commissioned.
Policy Approach
1. Signage will be designed in consideration of the following criteria
sense of welcome
consistency of appearance
readability of text and images
expression of local character
durability of materials
ease of maintenance
2. Signage in Bondi Junction will be designed in accordance with the Bondi
Junction Signage Strategy.
3. Signage in the Beaches and Parks and Coastal Reserves will be designed
in accordance with the Waverley Coastal Zone Signage Manual.
4. Signage in gateways will be designed in accordance with the approved
concept design.
5. Street signage will be designed with black lettering on a yellow
background. Signs will be 150mm in height on Major Streets and 100mm
in height and on other streets. New signs will include the new Council logo
and, on streets which are more than one block in length, indicate the range
of street numbers in either direction.
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3.3 Fences and Railings
Existing Situation
Fences are usually constructed in the public domain to protect the safety of
pedestrians and vehicles when there are changes in level. There are
currently a wide variety of fencing types used in the Waverley local
government area. These include
white arris rail
galvanised steel
treated pine logs
timber and safety wire
sandstone
unpainted metal road guard rails
green metal
white picket.
Some fencing types are particularly associated with heritage or character
features of an area, such as the sandstone walls in Bronte and the white
picket fencing around the oval in Waverley Park. A small number of fences or
walls in the public domain are heritage listed.
Council maintains all fencing in the public domain. Some arris rail fencing in
Waverley is in poor repair and needs to be upgraded or replaced.
Policy Approach
1. Fencing will generally be designed in consideration of the following criteria
incorporation of crime prevention through environmental design
principles
disability access
consistency of appearance
expression of local character
protection of local heritage
durability of materials
origin of materials
ease of replacement
ease of maintenance
2. Fencing in parks and reserves will be designed in consultation with a
Council landscape architect.
3. Fencing along the Eastern Beaches Regional Walk will be constructed of
timber and safety wire.
4. Fencing in heritage listed places, such as at Bondi Park, Campbell Parade
and Waverley Park, will be designed so as to harmonise with existing
heritage features.
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5. Fencing in other areas will generally be constructed of white arris rail, with
galvanised steel for safety and hand rails which meets AS 1428.
6. Fencing will be maintained through regular painting and maintenance
programs.
7. White arris rail fencing will gradually be upgraded or replaced until all such
fencing in the local government area is of a similarly high standard of
repair.
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3.4 Footpaths
Existing Situation
There is currently a very large variety of footpath treatments within the
Waverley local government area, including concrete, asphalt, pavers and
exposed aggregate. There are specific access standards and legislation with
which all local governments, including Waverley, must comply. A Disability
Access Policy and Action Plan was prepared in 1999, and updated in 2002, to
help ensure that the public domain in Waverley is universally accessible. A
Pedestrian Access and Management Plan is also being prepared to improve
the design of footpaths for all users.
Footpaths are repaired through an ongoing program which classifies hazards
according to their
location within the footpath reserve
location along the street
type
trip size
Weeds in and alongside footpaths are currently sprayed six times per year
throughout the entire local government area.
Council maintains all footpaths in the local government area.
Policy Approach
1. Footpaths will be designed in consideration of the following criteria
safety
consistency of appearance
expression of local character
provision of disability access
durability of materials
cost of materials
ease of replacement
ease of maintenance
2. Footpaths in Bondi Junction will be designed in accordance with the Bondi
Junction Technical Manual.
3. Footpaths in Campbell Parade in Bondi Beach will be designed in
accordance with the Campbell Parade Concept Plan.
Footpaths
elsewhere in Bondi Beach will be designed in accordance with the Local
Village Centres Public Domain Improvement Plan.
4. Footpaths in the village centres will be designed in accordance with the
Local Village Centres Public Domain Improvement Plan.
5. Footpaths residential areas and main roads will be designed of concrete
cast in situ.
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6. Footpaths in Greenlinks will be designed of concrete cast in situ with
subtle artworks or other markers set into the surface of the footpath.
7. Footpaths in beaches and in parks and coastal reserves will be designed
according to the relevant Plan of Management.
8. Upgrading of large areas of footpaths will be prioritised in
Bondi Junction
Bondi Beach
Village Centres
9. Replacement of small areas of damaged footpath will be prioritised in
Bondi Junction
Bondi Beach
major roads
outside schools
and in response to requests from residents with disabilities and the Access
Committee.
10. Footpaths in Bondi Junction will be cleaned in accordance with the specific
service level agreement.
11. Footpaths in Bondi Beach will be cleaned in accordance with the specific
service level agreement.
12. Weeds in and alongside footpaths will be sprayed six times per year.
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3.5 Garden Beds
Existing Situation
Garden beds in Waverley local government area are generally located in
parks and reserves. These garden beds often contribute to the character of
an area and are highly valued by the local community. There are also a small
number of garden beds in other parts of the public domain, such in front of the
Council Chambers and in various locations in Bondi Junction and Bondi
Beach.
Although garden beds in these locations require intensive
maintenance, they bring focus to places with a civic or ceremonial function.
Landscaping in traffic calming devices such as roundabouts and kerb
extension islands are considered in a separate section of this Strategy.
Policy Approach
1. Garden beds will be designed in consideration of the following criteria
expression of local character
protection of heritage character
use of a majority of native species
protection of native fauna
use of food source plants for native fauna
avoidance of noxious species
incorporation of ecologically sustainable development principles
incorporation of water sensitive urban design principles
incorporation of crime prevention through environmental design
principles
2. Garden beds in parks and reserves will be designed in accordance with
the relevant plan of management, where applicable, and in consultation
with a Council landscape architect.
3. Major parks will be maintained daily, while other parks and reserves will be
maintained on an ongoing six weekly cycle.
4. Garden beds in places with a civic function, that is Bondi Junction, Bondi
Beach and outside the Council Chambers, will be maintained according to
the specific service level agreement.
5. Garden beds will generally not be constructed elsewhere, unless a specific
maintenance regime has been negotiated and resourced.
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3.6 Graffiti and Bill Posters
Existing Situation
The defacement of the public domain with graffiti and bill posters is a concern
in local government areas across Sydney, including Waverley. In order to
address this issue and to assist in the rapid removal of illegal graffiti and
billposters from property, Council adopted a Graffiti Management Policy and
Plan in 2006.
Policy Approach
1. Graffiti and bill posters throughout the local government area will be
managed in accordance with the Graffiti Management Policy and Plan.
2. The principles of the Graffiti Management Policy are that Council
believes that unauthorised graffiti detracts from the visual amenity of
the public domain
views any unauthorised drawings, names, words or marks on public
buildings, infrastructure or private property as illegal
views billposting as a form of graffiti
believes that the prevention and removal of graffiti is the responsibility
of all levels of government as well as private residents, businesses and
agencies
is committed to the apprehension and prosecution of graffiti vandals
and where possible will use the law to prosecute those who perpetrate
acts of graffiti in Waverley
recognises that it must use its position to provide leadership in the
management of graffiti within Waverley. As such, Council will look to
form partnerships with other stakeholders to assist in the elimination of
graffiti throughout the public domain of Waverley
will work in partnership with key stakeholders to identify appropriate
locations and processes for the placement of legal graffiti as one
element of public art
is committed to a program of systematic inspection and the rapid
removal of graffiti from Council owned property
accepts that while it does not have sufficient resources to remove
graffiti from non Council owned property, it will lobby, assist and
encourage other parties to remove graffiti from their property including
public authorities and other government departments
recognises that its approach to graffiti needs to be managed
systematically and to achieve this Council will introduce a Graffiti
Management Plan.
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3.7 Lighting
Existing Situation
There are currently some four thousand street lights in the Waverley local
government area, which are provided and maintained by Energy Australia.
Lights on main streets are generally high pressure sodium or mercury vapour
on metal poles, while lights elsewhere are often fluorescent on timber or metal
poles.
Waverley Council is part of the ‘Street Lighting Improvement Program’ being
coordinated by SSROC over the next four years. The program aims to
accelerate the deployment of energy efficient street lighting and deliver
energy, greenhouse and financial benefits to local governments. It will allow
the upgrading of street lights, particularly on main roads, and the retirement of
inefficient lights before the end of their design lives.
Policy Approach
1. Street lights will be designed in consideration of the following criteria
maximisation of energy efficiency
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
reduction of light pollution
incorporation of crime prevention through environmental design
principles
durability of materials
2. All new street lights will be of high pressure sodium, mercury vapour or
similar design on metal poles.
3. All fluorescent street lights will gradually be replaced.
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3.8 Nature Strips
Existing Situation
Nature strips are the landscaped areas of the public domain located between
the roadway and the boundary line of private properties. Nature strips are
usually turfed but can include footpath gardens, which are constructed and
maintained by residents on areas adjacent to their front gardens.
Encouraging communities to maintain and feel proud of nature strips and
footpath gardens may become a component of Council’s Civic Pride Program
Council currently has eight staff permanently dedicated to the maintenance of
nature strips. These staff prioritise the maintenance of nature strips in
main roads
gateways
laneways
areas which are difficult to mow due to their gradient or configuration
areas outside schools or other special buildings
areas which are located outside the properties of people with special
needs, such as where the resident has mobility difficulties or is
permanently blind
Weeds on nature strips are currently sprayed six times per year throughout
the entire local government area.
Policy Approach
1.
Footpath gardens may be planted, in accordance with the Guidelines
for Footpath Gardens, with species considered appropriate by a
Council horticulturalist and on approval of an application.
2.
Footpath gardens will be maintained by residents of the adjacent
property.
3.
Nature strips will be planted with turf.
4.
Nature strips will generally be maintained by residents of the adjacent
property.
5.
Nature strips in
main roads
gateways
laneways
areas outside schools and other special buildings
areas which are difficult to mow
will be maintained by Council.
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6.
Nature strips outside the residences of people with special needs will
be maintained by Council on approval of an application.
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3.9 Public Art and Commemorative Features
Existing Situation
Council adopted a Public Art Policy in February 1999 and continues to
support placement of artworks and commemorative features in the public
domain following the principles outlined in the Policy and in consultation with
the Public Art Committee. Council, through the public art acquisition program,
endeavours to create artistic ‘nodes’ by clustering similar types of artwork (in
terms of style, colour, texture, materials and representations) within public
spaces, enhancing the character of local areas and realising a sense of place
for their users.
Public artworks developed for the public domain should be
sensitive to perceived cultural barriers, recognising the high volume of
foreign visitors to the area
accessible, particularly for children, older people and people with a
disability.
The draft ArtsPlus Plan identifies that public art should be seen as a central
part of the urban fabric, as well as integrated into other broader Council
programs. It is proposed that public art be incorporated into new
developments, be part of everyday life across the local government area, well
maintained and funded by both the public and private sectors. This whole of
Council/community approach will ensure that new works enliven and
complement local areas, increase the visibility of local culture and provide
valuable support to local practising artists, thus ensuring quality outcomes for
Council the community and visitors alike.
On an operational level the ArtsPlus Plan, once adopted, will identify key
target sites such as gateways, corridors, hubs, parks and shopping precincts
to advance the ongoing development of quality, diverse and creative public art
throughout Waverley. It will also act as a guide in decision making with regard
to capital works, new commissions and budgeting.
Public art and commemorative features bring a richness of colour, warmth
and character to the Waverley area as well as capturing people’s imaginations
and stimulating critical debate. Creating an environment with these qualities
demands a view of the arts for everyone, from the exotic to the quirky from the
inspirational to the whimsical, from the obscure to the popular.
Policy Approach
1. Public art and commemorative features will be commissioned, selected
and installed in accordance with the Public Art Policy, with criteria for
consideration including
Contribution to the enrichment of aesthetic experience and quality of
life amongst residents, workers and visitors by linking through art,
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aspects of Waverley’s cultural life including its indigenous heritage, its
social history and its unique urban coastal environment.
Consistency with Council’s values, including the value of cultural
diversity, local identity, integrity, safety, amenity and equity of access.
Fostering community well being and social cohesion including
opportunities for community consultation.
Celebrating, encouraging and providing opportunities for creativity and
innovation.
Integrating public art into the natural and built environment through
aesthetic, architectural, spatial and socio-cultural considerations
Treating artists equitably in the commissioning and selection processes
and in contract negotiations, including recognising artist’ intellectual
copyright.
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3.10 Street Furniture
Existing Situation
Street furniture includes elements of the public domain which provide for the
comfort, safety and convenience of residents and visitors. These include
bins, seats, tables, bollards, drinking fountains and bike racks.
A consistent palette of street furniture has been designed for Bondi Junction.
Elsewhere, street furniture is of a variety of types and levels of repair.
Bin casings of teal coloured powder coated aluminium, to house 140 litre and
240 litre bins, have recently been installed in places including Bondi Road,
Bronte Road and parts of Old South Head Road. Similar bin casings in
stainless steel have also been installed in Bondi Beach. In other parts of the
local government area, timber bin cradles remain. These older style bins will
need to be replaced as they are unattractive and raise various occupational
health and safety concerns.
There are also a variety of other street furniture, including timber and metal
seats and tables.
Policy Approach
1. Street furniture will be designed and located in consideration of the
following criteria
proximity to community facilities
provision of disability access
incorporation of crime prevention through environmental design
principles
consistency of appearance
durability of materials
ease of replacement
ease of maintenance
2. Street furniture in Bondi Junction will be designed in accordance with the
Bondi Junction Technical Manual.
3. Furniture in parks and reserves will be designed in accordance with the
relevant plan of management and in consultation with a Council landscape
architect.
4. Street furniture elsewhere will be designed in consultation with a Council
landscape architect.
5. Bins in Bondi Beach will have stainless steel casings.
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6. Bins in village centres and on main roads will have teal coloured powder
coated aluminium casings.
7. Street furniture in Bondi Junction will be maintained in accordance with the
specific service level agreement.
8. Street furniture in Bondi Beach will be maintained in accordance with the
specific service level agreement.
9. Street furniture elsewhere will be maintained on request.
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3.11 Street Trees
Existing Situation
There are currently a large number and variety of street trees in Waverley
local government area. Although street trees are highly valued by the
community for their shade and contribution to the appearance of streetscapes,
some existing street trees are inappropriately selected and located.
To ensure that the right street tree is located in the right place, Council has
prepared a Tree Management Plan. The Plan consists of three volumes and
incorporates policies and an action plan for implementation.
Policy Approach
1. Street trees will be selected in accordance with the Tree Management
Plan, with criteria for consideration including
use of native species
use of species suitable to a coastal urban environment
avoidance of noxious species
expression of local character
protection of heritage character
use of food source plants for native fauna
incorporation of ecologically sustainable development principles
provision of shade
protection from traffic
ease of replacement
ease of maintenance
provision of disability access.
2. Street trees will be maintained in accordance with the Tree Management
Plan.
3. Street trees in Bondi Junction will be maintained in accordance with the
specific service level agreement.
4. Street trees in Bondi Beach will be maintained in accordance with the
specific service level agreement.
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3.12 Traffic Control Devices
Existing Situation
Traffic control devices (TCDs) include roundabouts, pedestrian refuge islands,
kerb extension islands, median strips and speed threshold devices. There are
currently both paved and landscaped TCDs in Waverley local government
area, with over 50 landscaped TCDs totalling over 120 separate garden beds.
In November 2001, Council adopted a policy approach to determine which
TCDs would be landscaped.
Paved TCDs are maintained on an ad hoc basis, while landscaped TCDs are
maintained four times per year.
Policy Approach
1. Landscaped TCDs may be located in places
with a high profile, such as Bondi Junction, Bondi Beach, village
centres and gateways
where streetscape quality is poor, such as Bondi
where tree planting is needed, but is restricted by overhead wires
where the TCD is very large, such as a roundabout or an island greater
than 1.5m in width or 6m2 in area
where there is strong community commitment to residents ‘adopting’ a
garden bed.
2. Paved TCDs will be located in places
where the streetscape is of a reasonable quality, such as with
significant planting, large street trees or shrubby cover and/or well
developed private gardens
in close proximity to large parks, where environmental values are
already high
where the TCD is small
where the TCD is a pedestrian walkway or refuge
where there is little community commitment to residents ‘adopting’ a
garden bed.
3. Landscaped TCDs will be designed in accordance with the following
criteria
use of a majority of native species
use of plants which grow to a maximum of 500mm in height
avoidance of noxious species
ease of replacement
ease of maintenance
4. Landscaped TCDs will be maintained four times per year, generally in
February/March, May/June, August/September ad November/December.
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5. Paved TCDs will be maintained on request.
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