19th January 2017

A Focus Group of interested people met to discuss the interpretive signage requirements of the project today.  The group responded to the feedback from the community consultation and came up with three key themes for signs; Wetlands, Snipe and Migratory Birds and Culture and Heritage.  A report of the groups findings can be read here.

21st October 2016

Alexandrina Council commissioned Oxigen to develop a draft concept plan as a starting point for discussion.

From 21st September to 21st October 2016 a public consultation was held.  

Through the consultation process we wanted to understand how the community felt about the site, the environment and the ideas proposed in the Concept Plan.

The following synthesis of community feedback highlights matters recommended for consideration in finalising the Concept Plan, and subsequent Detailed Design:

* Retain the existing boardwalk across the wetland if it is financially viable to upgrade it to meet current Building Code of Australia standards. Install interpretive signs on it and it would continue to be a viewing platform, one that allows a closer experience of the wetlands, compared to viewing platforms on the edge of the wetlands.

* Construct a new viewing platform at the current bird hide site at the rear of the shacks area and include in the design of the platform a series of bird screens, which will function as both a viewing platform and a bird hide.

* Consider upgrading the rotunda and immediate surrounds area so that this becomes a viewing site. Have interpretation and information signs here. This will be the site many first time visitors will go to first as it is close to and visible from Daranda Tce.

* Install a concrete path running from Daranda Tce (parking area) to below the rotunda and then right around the wetland to the bird screen viewing platform at the rear of the shacks area.

* Consider installing artwork and interpretation designs into the concrete paths.

* Upgrade the rubble path between the existing boardwalk and Pobbybonk point so that it remains dry all year round

* Where ever possible, all tracks to be 3m wide and multi-use including for bicycles (both concrete and gravel tracks) to promote access for a wide variety of users.

* Retain the old Dunny at the foreshore end and the link track back to the main wetland track and boardwalk.

* Install the two proposed viewing nodes along the track to Pobbybonk Point as shown on the draft concept plan, and install seating at these sites.

* Do not put a viewing platform as proposed opposite the caravan park, but possibly widen the concrete path here and make it another viewing node, with seating.

* Add mesh to the wetland fencing along the rear of the shack area and install signs requesting people do not enter into the wetland area (the mesh will reduce the opportunity for dogs to enter the wetland from the shacks area).

* Upgrade (neaten up) the existing fencing around the whole wetland area.

* Reuse as much of the existing materials, especially the large hardwood planks (used as fenceposts and walls of old bird hides) as this material came from the old Milang jetty.

* Install the pump pad and pipework to allow environmental watering of the wetlands as per the concept plan. Lower the Daranda Tce end of the levee so it’s the same height as the outlet drain – to ensure adequate outflow from the northern section of the Snipe Sanctuary to reduce the risk of flooding in the shack area.

* Consider installing additional rubbish bins where appropriate.

* Consider providing more shade at one or more of the viewing nodes.

* The following interpretation topics were suggested by the community (for signage, paths etc):

* Ngarrindjeri use of the site historically and currently

* Site history

* Lathams Snipe (id, migration info, status)

* Other water birds and raptors

* Other animals such as frogs, turtles and fish

* Ramsar values

 

You can view the finalised concept plans here.