Visions for Armidale Creeklands responses to draft Creeklands Master Plan ...
In the interests of transparency, we provide a link here to our association’s responses to the draft Creeklands Master Plan which was recently on public exhibition.
Executive Summary
We are delighted with the release of the draft Creeklands Master Plan and we congratulate the authors on creating a comprehensive compilation of the background, the consultation and the interesting concepts put forward in this professionally prepared document.
The best features were the detailed figures and maps of the many features of the creeklands environment and the extensive consultation with most groups and individuals with interests in the creeklands.
The levels and extent of soil contamination from past industrial activity is described well and should result in plans being made for its remediation.
As soon as resources permit, the scope of planning needs to be extended beyond the limited geographical area covered by the draft Master Plan and should also include exploring how the original natural flow rates along the creeklands can be restored through water engineering.
As plans are developed for future improvements, more engagement with the Aboriginal community, the University of New England and Armidale’s sporting bodies would assist in improving plans.
We approve the recommendations and our association would especially like to be part of any working group that might take this exciting plan forward towards refinement and implementation.
This submission has the support of all members of our association. Our desire to see the draft Plan include the further investigation of safe instream water bodies along the city’s creeklands also has widespread support from hundreds if not thousands of members of the broader community (see Evidence below).
We trust that Council will revise the draft Creeklands Master Plan in response to submissions before it is adopted - and advise the community of the changes made.
