Berry Community Strategic Plan. The Berry Forum - September 2016

Transcription

1 Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan The Berry Frum - September 2016

2 Cntents Intrductin 1 Purpse 1 Plan Preparatin Prcess 1 Acknwledgements 1 Visin Statement 2 Strategic Themes 3 Strategic Theme Summaries and Objectives 4 Very Pririty Strategic Fcus Items 7 Strategic Fcus Tables 9 Theme 1 - Twn Centre Imprvements 9 Theme 2 - Infrastructure and Assets 10 Theme 3 - Recreatin, Cmmunity and Cultural Facilities 12 Theme 4 - Twn Planning 14 Theme 5 - Sustainability 15 Theme 6 - Turism 16 Theme 7 - Business and Emplyment 17 All images in this dcument are prvide by Chris Jallard - Red Berry Phtgraphy Implementatin 18 Interested in being invlved? 18 Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016

3 Intrductin Purpse The Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan has been develped by the Berry cmmunity and its visitrs t prvide a fundatin fr future effrts t maintain and imprve the cmmunity aspiratins in a crdinated and cllabrative way. The Plan is based n the cllective knwledge f the cmmunity, input frm ne f the twn s biggest assets, turists, and frm the direct input f all thse wh have participated in varius frums. The purpse f the Plan is t prvide nging engagement with the cmmunity thrugh the Berry Cmmunity Cnsultative Bdy (the Berry Frum) and its representative sub-cmmittees, Shalhaven City Cuncil (Cuncil) and thers as required n Berry s pririties fr the future. Plan Preparatin Prcess The Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan prcess cmmenced in late 2015 with initial planning fr the prject (phase 1 belw). The prject quickly mved int a phase f engagement arund ideas generatin (phase 2), with 540 surveys cmpleted by residents, businesses and visitrs. Outcmes were rganised int seven themes. A cmmunity frum attended by 200 identified the highest pririties (phase 3). This Cmmunity Strategic Plan is the utcme f these prcesses. In reviewing the infrmatin gained, a clse link has been sught between the cre themes presented in this dcument, and the structure f Cuncil and its Cmmunity Strategic Plan frm which it sets its wn pririties. This shuld help t facilitate smther implementatin. The themes that have been established are: Twn Centre Imprvements Infrastructure and Assets Recreatin, Cmmunity and Cultural Facilities Twn Planning Sustainability Turism Business and Emplyment Each f these themes are further detailed later in this dcument. Acknwledgements The Berry Frum acknwledges the assistance f Cuncil and the NSW State Gvernment in prviding funding fr the prject t prceed in a timely and cmprehensive way. Thanks als t Chris Jallard frm Red Berry Phtgraphy fr the use f the images used in this dcument. Phase 1 - Planning Phase 2 - Engagement: Idea Generatin Phase 3: Engagement Priritisatin Phase 4: Plan Drafting Phase 5: Plan Review Phase 6: Plan Finalisatin Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 1

4 Visin Statement A visin statement has been develped based n the strategic themes and pririties identified by residents and visitrs thrugh the strategic planning prcess. The visin captures the reasns why Berry is seen as a highly desirable place t live and visit. It als sets ut hw Berry residents aspire the twn t be and be perceived in the future. The purpse f the visin is t act as an verarching directin fr the cmmunity - a Visin fr Berry. Berry is highly valued by bth its residents and its visitrs fr its lcatin and its heritage village atmsphere. Idyllically situated in a rural landscape, surrunded by rlling hills and with the escarpment as a backdrp, Berry's histric character is enriched by quality retail utlets and eateries, a full calendar f cmmunity and cultural events and a diverse ffering f recreatinal activities and experiences. The Berry Bypass brings a quieter main street, an increase in public spaces and a netwrk f paths and trails. Berry residents can nw plan imprvements t the amenity f their twn, emphasising its imprtance as the gateway t the Shalhaven. Future develpment, infrastructure imprvement and grwth f turism will be carefully balanced with a heightened fcus n Berry's unique histric charm, rural character and renwn as "The Twn f Trees". Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 2

5 Strategic Themes The strategic planning prcess allwed the cmmunity t identify seven "Strategic Themes", each with a stated bjective. Further cnsultatin led t the identificatin and priritisatin f items, listed under Strategic Fcus, suggested t accmplish each f these bjectives. Wrking twards achieving each strategic bjective will mve the cmmunity clser t realising the Visin fr Berry. This sectin summarises: The seven Strategic Themes and the bjective fr each theme; and The six areas f Strategic Fcus acrss all themes that the cmmunity identified as very high pririty. All areas f Strategic Fcus fr each theme, including thse f high and medium pririty, are detailed later in this dcument. Plans are als prvided at the end f this dcument which identify the lcatin f many f the landmarks and prject lcatins identified in this Plan. Strategic Planning Prcess Used t establish the verall cntext and directin fr the Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan, including the Visin fr Berry. Strategic Theme / Objective The varius areas which are imprtant t the cmmunity and visitrs including a strategic bjective fr each. Strategic Fcus Items / areas which lead t achieving the theme directins and bjectives, such as infrastructure and planning prjects. Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 3

6 Strategic Theme Summaries and Objectives Theme 1 - Twn Centre Imprvements Objective: T develp an inviting twn centre that highlights Berry s atmsphere and appeal, prviding a pleasurable experience fr bth residents and visitrs. Imprving the twn centre is particularly imprtant t the cmmunity, being ne f the key benefits r utcmes f the by-pass. Preparing a Twn Centre Imprvement Plan was the single highest pririty at the cmmunity priritisatin event. This prject shuld be undertaken in a way that incrprates ther related areas f Strategic Fcus acrss all Strategic Themes. In particular the cmmunity has identified as pririties the preserving f the heritage character f Berry and enhancing the cncept f the Twn f Trees by further landscaping and planned planting f trees. Theme 2 - Infrastructure and Assets Objective: T prvide a high level f well maintained infrastructure apprpriate t the needs f bth the lcal cmmunity and visitrs arriving at the gateway t the Shalhaven. Establishing and maintaining an apprpriate level f infrastructure is als particularly imprtant t the cmmunity. In particular preparing plans fr cycle and walking paths in and arund Berry and the planting f trees and landscaping are identified as very high pririties. This seems t capture the desire by the cmmunity fr an accessible twn that is well cnnected fr bth pedestrians and cyclists. Public car parking and tilets are pririties fr many peple, especially visitrs. Rads, kerbs and guttering and telecmmunicatins and banking are als pririties. Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 4

7 Theme 3 - Recreatin, Cmmunity and Cultural Facilities Objective: T build a strng and engaged cmmunity thrugh the prvisin f quality sprting, leisure and cultural facilities and activities. The imprtance f recreatin, cmmunity and cultural facilities is expressed by the cmmunity's supprt f a large range f sprting, health and well-being captured in this Strategic Theme. The design and implementatin f the Adventure Playgrund prpsal is ne f the very high pririties in the Strategic Plan. The planning f this playgrund shuld be incrprated int the planning fr the District / Nrth Street Park alng with a number f ther pririties such as a dg ff leash area. Preserving, imprving and making better use f existing facilities such as Schl f Arts, Museum, ther public buildings, the Berry Pl and Berry Shwgrund are pririties. Prviding facilities and pprtunities fr Berry's yuth and family friendly attractins and activities are seen as imprtant. The prvisin f facilities such as a theatre, a library and a ptential high schl and develping the reginal equestrian centre are all pririties in this theme. Theme 4 - Twn Planning Objective: T maintain the histry, setting and unique character f the Berry area thrugh careful planning and develpment. Twn Planning is an imprtant theme fr many peple. In particular, the preservatin f the twn's heritage character and village feel is ne f the very high pririties in the Strategic Plan. This priritisatin f heritage character is eched by heritage related pririties in ther strategic themes. In additin t the built character, the prtectin f the village feel, including the cntext f the twn within the surrunding rural landscape, is imprtant t many. Husing affrdability was als identified as an imprtant issue. Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 5

8 Theme 5 - Sustainability Objective: T establish Berry as an envirnmentally aware cmmunity lking t adpt sustainable practices. The Sustainability theme is imprtant t many peple. Advcating fr imprved recycling and green waste infrastructure is a very high pririty fr the cmmunity. There are a number f pririties such as encuraging and supprting lcal fd prductin, becming plastic bag free and encuraging renewable energy that will rely primarily n cmmunity supprt. Hwever pririties such as the imprvement f waterways and public transprt will require gvernment supprt. Theme 6 - Turism Objective: T prmte Berry as a turist destinatin thrugh the planned prvisin f a brad range f activities, experiences and infrmatin. The twn f Berry is very well knwn as a turist destinatin, serving as the gateway t the Shalhaven. The imprtance f the Turism theme is evidenced by the pririty given t ensuring that the twn and the twn entry is well presented. The imprtance f prviding psitive and memrable experiences fr visitrs will be enhanced by encuraging mre activities and events as well as prviding easy access t up-t-date infrmatin fr visitrs. Theme 7 - Business and Emplyment Objective: T strengthen the lcal ecnmy by encuraging innvatin and grwth f the business and industry sectr. Creating successful businesses and emplyment pprtunities is an imprtant theme. It is mstly reliant n thse invlved t create strng cnnectins between the lcal cmmunity, turists and businesses. Explring ideas such as a Buy Lcal card and establishing a creative r entrepreneurs' hub are seen as pririties. Encuraging a mre diverse retail ffering is als seen as imprtant. Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 6

9 Very Pririty Strategic Fcus Items The fllwing table summarises the six Strategic Fcus items acrss all Strategic Themes that were given a very high pririty ranking frm the strategic planning prcess. Strategic Fcus Descriptin Theme Prepare a Twn Centre Imprvement Plan Develp ptins fr cmprehensive changes t the way the twn centre is used. Implementatin t cnsider ther Strategic Fcus areas, as well as: 1 - Twn Centre Imprvements explring traffic flw and vehicle access ptins ptins fr increasing pedestrian pririty and cnnectins utilising mre public art and creating lively spaces pprtunities fr a twn centre green space and/r frmal twn square lcatins fr additinal seating and street furniture tree planting and landscaping ptential fr planters and heritage lighting Prepare cycle and walking path pririty plans Build a cnnected and healthy cmmunity by planning and cnstructing cycle and walking paths: 2 Infrastructure and Assets arund the twn centre and cnnecting the twn centre t the surrunding residential areas linking the areas clse by, but utside the urban area, such as the Sprt and Recreatin Centre accessing the beach and ther areas utside the twn, including the Berry Estate Trails prject Undertake tree planting in the urban area t emphasise Berry as "The Twn f Trees" Prepare a Street Tree Master Plan t establish agreed street tree lcatins, species and pririties fr implementatin f a cnsistent The Twn f Trees apprach - with a view t marketing this as part f the twn s identity. 2 Infrastructure and Assets Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 7

10 Strategic Fcus Descriptin Theme Design and implement the Adventure Playgrund Preserve the twn s heritage character and "village feel" Advcate fr imprved recycling and green waste infrastructure Undertake detailed design and implementatin f the prpsed Adventure Playgrund lcated n Nrth Street. Actively prmte it as a majr lifestyle attractin fr bth residents and visitrs. Ensure that the twn s planning cntrls and any prpsed CBD develpments retain existing character buildings and reflect the heritage appeal. This is apprached frm a planning and develpment cnsent perspective and shuld be viewed in additin t directins and actins t preserve heritage buildings (see Strategic Fcus 3.2) and character imprvements f existing buildings (see Strategic Fcus 1.2). Advcate fr Cuncil t prvide green waste bins as part f kerbside cllectin and t prvide recycle bins in public places, leading t increased reuse and recycling f prducts rather than waste ging t landfill. 3 - Recreatin, Cmmunity and Cultural Facilities 4 - Twn Planning 5 - Sustainability Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 8

11 Strategic Fcus Tables Theme 1 - Twn Centre Imprvements Objective: T develp an inviting twn centre that highlights Berry s atmsphere and appeal, prviding a pleasurable experience fr bth residents and visitrs. All strategic fcus areas fr this theme are utlined in Table 1. Table 1: Twn Centre Imprvements Strategic Fcus Descriptin Pririty Prepare a Twn Centre Imprvement Plan Develp ptins fr cmprehensive changes t the way the twn centre is used. Implementatin t cnsider ther Strategic Fcus areas, as well as: Very explring traffic flw and vehicle access ptins ptins fr increasing pedestrian pririty and cnnectins utilising mre public art and creating lively spaces pprtunities fr a twn centre green space and/r frmal twn square lcatins fr additinal seating and street furniture ptential fr planters and heritage lighting Build upn Berry s reputatin as a heritage twn Reinfrce the heritage character f the twn, by identifying strategies such as shp-frnt imprvements and cnsistency in clurs and signage. C-rdinate with Twn Planning Theme Strategic Fcus Upgrade Brughtn Mall Upgrade Brughtn Mall t make it a mre attractive place t gather and linger in additin t its functin as a thrughfare. Ensure c-rdinatin with Twn Centre Imprvement Plan (Strategic Fcus 1.1) Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 9

12 Theme 2 - Infrastructure and Assets Objective: T prvide a high level f well maintained infrastructure apprpriate t the needs f bth the lcal cmmunity and visitrs arriving at the gateway t the Shalhaven All strategic fcus areas fr this theme are utlined in Table 2. Table 2: Infrastructure and Assets Strategic Fcus Descriptin Pririty Prepare cycle and walking path pririty plans Build a cnnected and healthy cmmunity by planning and cnstructing cycle and walking paths: Very arund the twn centre and cnnecting the twn centre t the surrunding residential areas linking the areas clse by, but utside the urban area, such as the Sprt and Recreatin Centre accessing the beach and ther areas utside the twn, including the Berry Estate Trails prject Undertake tree planting in the urban area t emphasise Berry as "The Twn f Trees" Increase the availability f public car parking Increase availability f public tilets Rads, including kerb and gutter, asset planning Prepare a Street Tree Master Plan t establish agreed street tree lcatins, species and pririties fr implementatin f a cnsistent The Twn f Trees apprach - with a view t marketing this as part f the twn s identity. Identify lcatins fr prvisin f mre car parking in and arund the twn, particularly fr visitrs, and including a dedicated lng vehicle parking area. Identify sites and prvide additinal public tilets in and arund the twn centre t meet the high demand fr amenities. Establish and priritise a publicly available database identifying where imprvements t ftpaths, kerb and guttering, rad repair and maintenance are needed. Lbby and wrk with Cuncil t develp a wrks prgram and a timetable fr implementatin. Very Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 10

13 Strategic Fcus Descriptin Pririty Advcate fr imprved telecmmunicatins and banking facilities Identify twn pririties fr telecmmunicatin and banking facilities and advcate fr issues such as: Establishing a free Wi-Fi ht spt Imprving banking infrastructure Getting access t the Natinal Bradband Netwrk Imprved mbile cverage Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 11

14 Theme 3 - Recreatin, Cmmunity and Cultural Facilities Objective: T build a strng and engaged cmmunity thrugh the prvisin f quality sprting, leisure and cultural facilities and activities. All strategic fcus areas fr this theme are utlined in Table 3. Table 3: Recreatin, Cmmunity and Cultural Facilities Strategic Fcus Descriptin Pririty Design and implement the Adventure Playgrund Preserve and imprve public buildings Imprve swimming pl facilities Prvide facilities and pprtunities fr Berry's yuth Prvide a twn theatre r cinema District Park (Nrth Street) design and implementatin Prvide a suitable dg ff leash area Undertake detailed design and implementatin f the prpsed Adventure Playgrund lcated n Nrth Street. Actively prmte it as a majr lifestyle attractin fr bth residents and visitrs. Prepare a priritised plan fr preserving, maintaining, imprving and making better use f Berry's heritage buildings including the Schl f Arts, Museum and thers. Assess the facilities prvided at Berry Pl and advcate fr imprvements. Investigate pssible cmmunity access t the Sprt and Recreatin Centre s facilities. Establish a plan t invlve and prvide fr yung peple in the twn, thrugh infrastructure (such as a yuth hub/centre), events and emplyment pprtunities. Investigate ptins and develp business plans t facilitate the intrductin f a permanent r seasnal, indr r utdr theatre - ptentially within the Schl f Arts r at the Shwgrund. Advcate fr Cuncil t finalise the Berry District Park Master Plan (Nrth Street) and t priritise implementatin f detailed design and cnstructin (t be c-rdinated with Strategic Fcus 3.1 abve). Identify a new area fr an apprpriately fenced and designed ff leash facility, preferably still n Nrth Street, and lbby Cuncil fr its cnstructin. Very Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 12

15 Strategic Fcus Descriptin Pririty Undertake imprvements t the Shwgrund Prmte family friendly attractins and activities Investigate feasibility fr prvisin f a high schl in Berry Imprve prvisin f library service within the twn Develp the reginal equestrian centre Encurage greater use and integratin f the Shwgrund t the twn centre including playgrund upgrade, parking, imprved maintenance and use fr events. Investigate the need t renew and update the Berry Shwgrund Plan f Management, nw mre than 10 years ld. Identify, map and prmte t bth residents and visitrs family friendly areas and activities, updating this infrmatin when necessary. Encurage and supprt additinal venues and activities with family appeal. Investigating the feasibility f a high schl t be established in the twn t prvide fr the Berry ppulatin, as well as surrunding areas such as Shalhaven Heads, Gerringng and Gerra. Investigate and advcate fr imprved services such as the prvisin f a small library service in cnjunctin with ther twn facilities (such as a visitr centre, public building r yuth centre) r ther mre flexible cmmunity based arrangement. Advcate fr the implementatin f plans fr the reginal Equestrian Centre f Excellence at the Schfields/Andersns Lane site and prmte it t residents and visitrs as a key sprting facility. Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 13

16 Theme 4 - Twn Planning Objective: T maintain the histry, setting and unique character f the Berry area thrugh careful planning and develpment. All strategic fcus areas fr this theme are utlined in Table 4. Table 4: Twn Planning Strategic Fcus Descriptin Pririty Preserve the twn s heritage character and "village feel" Define the edge f the twn Explre ways t imprve husing affrdability int the future Ensure that the twn s planning cntrls and any prpsed CBD develpments retain existing character buildings and reflect the heritage appeal. This is apprached frm a planning and develpment cnsent perspective and shuld be viewed in additin t directins and actins t preserve heritage buildings (Strategic Fcus 3.2) and character imprvements f existing buildings (Strategic Fcus 1.2). Prvide a distinct twn edge that retains views t the escarpment t the nrth and minimises residential subdivisins and husing release at the rural interface. Examine ptins fr prmting imprved husing affrdability within the twn whilst retaining key attributes f the twn in terms f heritage retentin (Strategic Fcus 4.1) and definitin f the twn edge (Strategic Fcus 4.2). Very Update planning cntrls T acknwledge changes brught by the bypass and t ensure that the character bth within and external t the twn is retained and reinfrced, review and update relevant planning cntrls and strategic dcuments t reflect the desired future f the twn. Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 14

17 Theme 5 - Sustainability Objective: T establish Berry as an envirnmentally aware cmmunity lking t adpt sustainable practices. All strategic fcus areas fr this theme are utlined in Table 5. Table 5: Sustainability Strategic Fcus Descriptin Pririty Advcate fr imprved recycling and green waste infrastructure Encurage and supprt lcal fd prductin Imprve waterways and riparian areas Advcate fr better public transprt Becme a plastic bag free twn Encuraging renewable energy Advcate fr Cuncil t prvide green waste bins as part f kerbside cllectin and t prvide recycle bins in public places, leading t increased reuse and recycling f prducts rather than waste ging t landfill. Encurage and prmte lcal fd prductin. Supprting strategies culd include street planting f fruit trees, cmmunity gardens, farmers markets, a permanent fresh prduce stre, prmtin f wineries and an eat lcal philsphy, etc. Imprve access between the twn and its waterways as part f the paths and trails prject (Strategic Fcus 2.1). Raise awareness f the cmmunity's respnsibility t these areas, prmte and supprt the wrk f bush care, land care and park care grups, lbby cuncil fr cntrl f weed infestatins. Advcate fr a range f public transprt, such as retentin f existing train services, bus r cmmunity transprt, taxi services and carpling. Determine ways t measure the level f supprt in the cmmunity and frm business wners fr a plastic bag free twn. Identify cmmunity members t build cmmunity supprt and t develp a plan fr implementatin. In the shrt-term, and ultimately as a lng-term plan fr the twn t be carbn neutral, take steps t encurage and act n pprtunities t reduce the envirnmental ftprint f the twn in terms f energy use and carbn prductin, including fr example electric car charging pints. Very high Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 15

18 Theme 6 - Turism Objective: T prmte Berry as a turist destinatin thrugh the planned prvisin f a brad range f activities, experiences and infrmatin. All strategic fcus areas fr this theme are utlined in Table 6. Table 6: Turism Strategic Fcus Descriptin Pririty Imprve the appearance f the twn entry Encurage mre activities fr turists Undertake a cmprehensive Berry Turism Plan Wrking with Cuncil and the Shalhaven Turism Bard, prmte Berry as "The Gateway t the Shalhaven". Design, cnstruct and landscape entrances t the twn that reflect its imprtance in drawing turists t Berry and the wider Shalhaven area. Braden the current fcus n the twn character, shpping and fd by prmting a mre diverse ffering f activities, such as heritage / estate trails, walking and riding trails, street entertainers and night activities, etc. Encurage lnger stays thrugh the prmtin f nearby attractins and lcal excursins. Develp a Turism Plan fr the area t identify pririties and c-rdinate actins t ensure lng-term success f the sectr Encurage mre events Centralise and prmte a calendar f events n the Shalhaven and Berry Turism websites t supprt planning and t attract new events. C rdinate with Strategic Fcus areas 6.2 and Develp an imprved range f turist infrmatin Prvide quality, up-t-date infrmatin that reflects the imprtance f turism t the Berry ecnmy and supprts sustained grwth f the sectr. This culd include imprved signage t and arund the twn, infrmatin bards, a turist infrmatin centre, pamphlets / brchures, websites r applicatins. Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 16

19 Theme 7 - Business and Emplyment Objective: T strengthen the lcal ecnmy by encuraging innvatin and grwth f the business and industry sectr. All strategic fcus areas fr this theme are utlined in Table 7. Table 7: Business and Emplyment Strategic Fcus Descriptin Pririty Prvide fr mre emplyment pprtunities Cntinue t prvide fr emplyment fr bth yung and ld alike, likely t result frm a strng turism industry, expansin f emplyment land (alng Creamery Lane fr example), and thrugh ther business supprt mechanisms Establish a buy lcal card Encurage the lcal cmmunity t supprt lcal business, and fr lcal business t recgnise the value f the lcal cmmunity thrugh establishing a bus lcal card r similar that prmtes lcal spending and ecnmic benefits within the area Establish a creative r entrepreneurs hub Encuraging a mre diverse retail ffering Create a central pint fr hme businesses, entrepreneurs and thse lking t build a lng-term presence in the twn t cnnect with thse that are lking t cllabrate, assist in develping new business pprtunities and t prvide a starting pint fr new ideas. Where pssible, encurage lcal business t prvide fr a greater range f retail fferings, including thse aimed at lcal cmmunity. Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 17

20 Implementatin Interested in being invlved? The Berry Frum is the Cmmunity Cnsultative Bdy (CCB) that has been nminated by Shalhaven City Cuncil as its cmmunity liaisn grup. The Berry Frum will establish wrking grups t implement this Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan and its utcmes. If yu wuld like t be invlved, there are many ways that yu can help t implement the plans. In the first instance, cntact the Berry Frum - wh will be able t let yu knw wh the key cntacts fr themes r strategic directins which may be f interest. Berry Cmmunity Strategic Plan - September 2016 Page 18