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MERINO URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK GLENELG SHIRE COUNCIL

MICHAEL SMITH AND ASSOCIATES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE & URBAN DESIGN 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.............................................................................................2

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................4

1.1 STUDY AREA ..................................................................................................................4 1.2 PROJECT OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................4 1.3 OVERVIEW OF KEY CHARACTERISTICS....................................................................5

2 STUDY TEAM AND STEERING COMMITTEE........................................................6

3 METHODOLOGY .....................................................................................................8

3.1 BRIEFING BY STEERING COMMITTEE ........................................................................8 3.2 TOWNSHIP INSPECTIONS AND INTEREST GROUP MEETINGS ..............................8 3.3 ANALYSIS AND OPPORTUNITIES STAGE ..................................................................8 3.4 PREPARATION OF THE FRAMEWORK DIRECTIONS PLAN .....................................8

4 CONSULTATION PROCESS...................................................................................9

5 HISTORY AND SETTLEMENT PATTERN ............................................................10

6 ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONTEXTS ................................................................12

6.1 ECONOMIC CONTEXT ................................................................................................ 12 6.2 SOCIAL CONTEXT ...................................................................................................... 13 6.3 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS........................................................................................ 13

7 CORPORATE POLICY CONTEXT ........................................................................18

8 GLENELG PLANNING CONTEXT.........................................................................20

9 PHYSICAL CONDITIONS, ANALYSIS AND OPPORTUNITIES...........................23

10 VISION AND STRATEGIES.................................................................................24

10.1 VISION ........................................................................................................................ 24 10.2 STRATEGIES ............................................................................................................. 26 10.3 COMMUNITY FACILITIES ......................................................................................... 27 10.4 HERITAGE CULTURE AND THE ARTS ................................................................... 30 10.5 TOURISM AND VISITOR AMENITIES....................................................................... 34 10.6 THE BUSINESS ECONOMY ...................................................................................... 37 10.7 STREETSCAPE.......................................................................................................... 39 10.8 TRANSPORT AND ACCESS ..................................................................................... 42 10.9 OPEN SPACE............................................................................................................. 44

12 IMPLEMENTATION AND BUDGET.....................................................................46

13 FUNDING .............................................................................................................48

13.1 FUNDING SOURCES ............................................................................................ 48

APPENDICES ...........................................................................................................50



EX ECU T I V E SU M M A RY

The Merino Urban Design Framework is a long term strategy, which sets a vision and action strategies for the enhancement of the town.

The framework is a practical resource that will assist Council, landowners and community groups to achieve significant improvements in both physical presentation and function of the township. The Framework is designed to serve as a primary reference guide for future capital works and private investment in Merino.

In developing the Framework, consideration has been given to the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities inherent in Merino s environment as indicated through consultation with the local community, visitors, the Steering Committee and representatives from Glenelg Shire Council.

A detailed analysis has been undertaken of perceptions of Merino s image, attributes, issues and opportunities to improve the overall area and several key sites in the township.

The information contributed to the development of the vision for the future and action strategies to achieve it.

The Urban Design Vision for Merino builds on the direction in Council s Municipal Strategic Statement (M.S.S.)

Key elements of the vision are:

To provide the community with initiatives that are achievable and are primarily community capacity building exercises that can be undertaken by residents of Merino;

To build upon the township s attractive setting and documented history to promote the town and its development;

To improve the presentation of the township in terms of the appearance of vacant land;

To encourage community activities and over time, investment in business to facilitate occupation of some of the vacant shops;

To focus on upgrading the community infrastructure currently available to local residents;

To strengthen community development initiatives to ensure community infrastructure is used well, and improves community spirit and sense of place; and

To explore event based strategies, such as conducting the local league football finals carnival at the local Merino Football ground, as a means of generating greater interest in the town and improving its economic viability.



From those visions for Merino the framework provides a comprehensive series of strategies under the following headings:

Community Facilities

Heritage, Culture and the Arts.

Tourism and Visitor Amenities

The Business Economy

Streetscape

Transport and Access

Open Space and the Surrounding Environment.



1 I N T RODU CT I ON

1.1 STUDY AREA

The Study Area of the Merino Urban Design Framework is the residential bounds of the township and its rural interface. The area is defined on the Study Area plan, Figure 1.

1.2 PROJECT OBJECTIVES Council s brief for the preparation of the Urban Design Framework was to:

Involve the community of Merino to identify issues that are important to local residents.

Recognise and further incorporate the physical and natural environments.

Review the economic and social attributes of Merino.

Review the community facilities, main street presentation and residential environment.

Develop strategies to improve the township s economic and business performance.

Develop strategies to enrich the social and cultural values of Merino.

Prepare strategies and actions of both physical and non-physical elements in Merino.

Prepare staged sequence actions, works and costing of all proposals.

STUDY AREA

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TO HEYWOOD48 kms

TO CASTERTON21 kms

TO COLERAINE22 kms

TO HAMILTON45 kms

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TOWNSHIP STUDY AREA

M E R I N O U R B A N D E S I G N F R A M E W O R KG L E N E L G S H I R E C O U N C I L

SCALE 1:8000

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FIGURE 1

In Association With:Peter McNabb & Associates P/Lbrecknock Consulting P/LDonald Walker & Associates P/LASR Reasearch

Michael Smith and AssociatesLandscape Architecture and Urban Design5 Jervis Street, Camberwell, 3124Tel: 9830 0414 Fax: 9830 2555

REVISIONS: Drawn: C. TattersallDate: 9th July 2004

PRINT ISSUE:October 2004



1.3 OVERVIEW OF KEY CHARACTERISTICS Merino is a small township approximately 340 kilometres west of Melbourne, between the townships of Hamilton and Coleraine. The township is nestled in a valley of Merino Creek and Palmers Creek and surrounded by low undulating hills. The population of Merino is approximately 215 people.

The surrounding landscape

The undulating hills of the surrounding landscape form a strong character setting for the Merino Township. The majority of the streets are planted with mature tree species, predominately deciduous, which greatly enhance the appearance of the township. Merino is a physically large town and the wide streets show the original settlers intent that it would become a centre for the region. High Street is sixty metres wide with generous grassed medians planted with predominately English Oak (Quercus robur) and Desert Ash (Fraxinus oxycarpa). The residential streets which intersect the main street provide significant views across the town and valley, thereby enriching the scenic quality of the High Street experience. Many of the residential properties to the east of the township have attractive views across Merino towards the hills.

High Street

Burke Street



2 ST U DY T EA M A N D ST EERI N G COM M I T T EE

In March 2004 Council appointed the firm of Michael Smith and Associates Landscape Architecture and Urban Design, in conjunction with the following sub-consultants, to undertake the study:

Michael Smith and Associates Landscape Architecture & Urban Design

Michael Smith Landscape Architect and Urban Designer, is the study team Manager. He oversaw the project, attended all meetings of the Steering Committee and the public consultation meetings and oversaw all plan and report production. Cathryn Tattersall Landscape Architect, met with community members, attended all meetings of the Steering committee and public consultation meetings, visited key sites and undertook the visual analysis and undertook the preparation of the report and plans.

Peter McNabb and Associates Business and Economic Analyst, Strategic Planner

Peter McNabb Peter made presentations to the Steering Committee and at one of the public consultation meetings. Peter met with retail and commercial business owners and provided specialist input into the economic development and future marketing of Merino. Peter reviewed Council s policies and planning controls for any changes to zonings.

brecknock consulting Urban Art and Cultural Planning

Carol Atwell

Carol met initially with the Steering Committee and visited Merino to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the cultural values and potential community capacity building. She assisted in the preparation of opportunities and strategies.

Donald Walker and Associates Architect and historian

Donald Walker Donald met initially with the Steering Committee and visited Merino to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the built form and urban design opportunities. He assisted in developing the strategies and design concepts for the township.

ASR Research Social Research and Community Development

Robert Pannozzo Robert visited Merino to attend the first public meeting and to undertake research into the social realm, values, demographics of the town and immediate region. With the consultant team, he looked at developing the image, community capacity, building opportunities and social networks.



Traffix Group Traffic Engineers

Will de Waard

Will reviewed details of key sites to confirm strategic directions for

their improvement with respect to vehicular and pedestrian access and safety.

Steering Committee

Glenelg Shire Council established a Steering Committee to oversee and assist the Study Team in the preparation of the Urban Design Framework. The Steering Committee members were Rick Lane, Alf Lane, Carol Lawton, Brendan Glenn, John Kirby and Joan Irving.

Mr. Malcolm Armstrong

Infrastructure Engineer Glenelg Shire Council.

Community members who attended Committee meetings were:

Bill Lambert, Veronica Taylor, Scott Morison, Wilf Dinning, Lexie Eagleson, Bill Bell, Edie Humphries, Barry Humphries, Les Brown, John Broad, Joan Hamill, Joan Irving, Pamela Moore, Rosemary Sandford, Neil Sandford and Vicki Talbot

Acknowledgment of historic photographic material

Historic photographs used in the report were sourced from the Merino Website:

Merino Homepage http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/merino/index.html

http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/merino/index.html



3 M ET H ODOL OGY

The following study process was undertaken to address the project objectives:

3.1 BRIEFING BY STEERING COMMITTEE

Initial meeting with the steering committee on 15th April 2004 held at the Merino Lions Club. Malcolm Armstrong, Rick Lane, Alf Lane, Carol Lawton, Brendan Glenn, John Kirby and Joan Irving met with the five members of the study team.

3.2 TOWNSHIP INSPECTIONS AND INTEREST GROUP MEETINGS

Following the Steering Committee briefing, one day was spent analysing the physical conditions of the town. Five Study Team members also met with interested community members and local business owners.

3.3 ANALYSIS AND OPPORTUNITIES STAGE

Recording physical and non-physical analysis and opportunities on plans.

Preparation of questionnaires.

Analysis of the 29 questionnaires returned.

Presentation of analysis and opportunities plans.

Opportunities plans displayed in the township over the duration of a fortnight and public review and comment.

3.4 PREPARATION OF THE FRAMEWORK DIRECTIONS PLAN

Site measure-up of key sites and preparation of key site plans.

Preparation of the draft report including strategies and priority works.

Preparation of the Framework and Directions Plan.

Presentation of the draft report and strategies to the community.

Preparation of the final framework report.



4 CON SU L T A T I ON PROCESS

In response to Council s brief for the consultation process to provide ownership of the study outcomes by the community, the Study Team conducted the following process:

Briefing by the Steering Committee held on Thursday the 15th April 2004 to introduce the Steering Committee and the Study Team. Refer to Appendix 1 for meeting minutes.

Questionnaires

Two questionnaires were prepared to assist the study team in establishing resident and visitor perceptions of the township. A total of 29 responses highlighted residents perceptions of key attributes and issues. No visitor questionnaires were returned. Refer to Appendices 2, 3 and 4 for questionnaires and results.

First public meeting

on 13th May at Merino attended by sixteen local residents and four members of the study team, to present the analysis and opportunities plans. Refer to Appendix 5 for minutes.

Draft Framework Preparation of the draft framework plan in July 2004 and circulated by Council to the Steering Committee for their review. Documents were available for public review for twenty one days in July and August. Comments from the Steering Committee were forwarded by Council for amendment and inclusion in the report in October 2004.

Second public meeting

Presentation of the draft framework on 19th July by Michael Smith and Cathryn Tattersall. Attended by eight local residents, Malcolm Armstrong (Infrastructure Engineer, Glenelg Shire Council) and Cr Tom Munroe (Councillor, Glenelg Shire Council). Michael Smith and Cathryn Tattersall presented the draft strategies and discussion followed. At the meeting those present voted on the high priority items within the implementation budget. Refer to Section 12.1. Refer to Appendix 7 for minutes.



5 H I ST ORY A N D SET T L EM EN T PA T T ERN

Merino received its name after the Merino Downs pastoral station, located approximately twelve kilometres north of the town. The area was explored by Major Mitchell s expedition in 1836 from Sydney to Portland and the coastline. To Mitchell s surprise, Thomas Henty had settled Portland having arrived in 1834, his son Edward arrived in November 1836. Francis Henty, another son, drove sheep to Merino Downs in 1837. Members of the Henty family managed Merino Downs as one property until 1908 when the three daughters of Francis Henty subdivided the property into three smaller properties, Merino Downs, Wurt Wurt Koort and Talisker. The Wurt Wurt property was further divided to thirteen share dairy farms of 120 acres each.

High Street, the principal shopping centre in the town of Merino, was part of the system of roads under the control of the Country Roads Board. It had been surveyed on the layout of the township site to a width of three chains, the prospects evidently being that Merino would develop into a large city. 1

High Street is wide with established median tree plantings

About the time the Country Roads Board took over High Street, a movement was on began to allow the residents to have gardens planted in the middle of the street, thus reducing the effect of its considerable width. Roads were proposed on both sides of the street in front of the businesses, but efforts to obtain the residents' wishes were unavailing.2

The present cemetery is located north from the township, and graves of historic importance may be seen. The first to be interred there in 1862 was Miss Croker, from Merino Downs. Two others from this homestead are Lawrence Shum Henty and Mrs.

1 Merino Homepage http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/merino/index.html Accessed on 24/06/04 2 Merino Homepage http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/merino/index.html Accessed on 24/06/04





C. McLeod, also the graves of some early servants. There are also those of Maloney, King and others of the early pioneers.3

The Merino Cemetery The Recreation Reserve

The Merino Park was founded in the year 1889, principally through the efforts of the late Jas. Tait, who took a very lively interest in the town. The sixteen acre park is ideally situated and is used by the Football and Cricket Clubs and Sporting Committees. The Pastoral and Agricultural Society also hold their show in the park. The public of Merino and district justly appreciate the efforts of the founder and trustees' foresight in securing such an ideal spot as a recreation ground for the future inhabitants.4

Our perusal through the historic photograph display within the community hall, revealed a very well documented history of the settlement of the township and the region, with emphasis on families and the use and development of key sites and buildings. Some of the sites documented still remain, their buildings in varying condition. The display is compiled largely through the efforts of Senior Constable Steve Clampit. The Merino website contains a history of settlement and the local families. Through this framework and discussions with the owners, the Museum, formerly a Flour Mill, will be retained and the precinct improved to create a village green. Further detail can be found in Chapter 10 Strategies.

A board from the photo display in the community hall The Museum, former Flour Mill

3 Merino Homepage http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/merino/index.html Accessed on 24/06/04

4 Merino Homepage http://www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/merino/index.html Accessed on 24/06/04





6 ECON OM I C A N D SOCI A L CON T EX T S

6.1 ECONOMIC CONTEXT

It is important to have an understanding of the economic and social aspects of Merino as these factors underpin the Urban Design Framework.

Merino is a small township in the Glenelg Shire. It is situated about 21 kilometres from Casterton, 22 kilometres from Coleraine and 45 kilometres from Hamilton. Portland and Mt Gambier are both approximately 90 kilometres to the south and west respectively.

Merino is no longer the centre it was twenty years ago. It is a small, attractive township with a friendly rural atmosphere. Its proximity to the main towns of the Western District and to Mt Gambier makes Merino a commuter area for those urban settlements. Residents of the township travel to Casterton, Coleraine, Hamilton and Portland for work, school, shopping, recreation and entertainment, as well as to access various community services and facilities.

Forestry and dairying are still important, although the modernisation of farming practices and improved transport links have brought many changes to rural areas such as the Merino district.

Merino also appears to be popular as an escape from city life, with affordable housing in a picturesque setting.

Merino has the following socio-economic characteristics:

Merino has an extremely limited employment base with only about 10-15 jobs in the township area. The main sources of employment are the public facilities such as Merino Primary School, the Bush Nursing Centre and the Police Station. Other small scale (non sustaining) employment are the General Store, Merino Hotel, and Jasmine Gallery. Also there are a few trades people and other workers operating from home-based businesses.

As a service centre, the Merino township centre provides an extremely limited range of retail services for local residents. The main retail businesses are the General Store, Merino Hotel, and the Jasmine gallery. In the last ten years, Merino Motors and Service Station, the bank and grocery stores have all closed.

As a result, the local community uses the centre only for very minor top up convenience shopping and does most of its major grocery and other household shopping in Casterton, Hamilton, Mt Gambier and Portland.



In wider economic terms, Merino operates as a very small component of the Western District economy.

It is in this wider context that it important to look at the small township of Merino. The future of the township centre will depend not only on the aspirations of its local residents, but on the changes that are likely to occur within the various elements that make up the existing and potential future local and regional economy.

6.2 SOCIAL CONTEXT

The township of Merino, for a community of its size, has a good range of health, education and recreation infrastructure. However, the quality of some of these facilities, particularly outdoor recreation infrastructure such as the tennis courts and the football oval, require resources to upgrade them.

A recent Council report shows that usage of the Merino Pool is well above the norm for rural towns. Figure 2 below shows that attendance rates Merino are increasing.

Aquatic Centres 2000/2001 Merino Attendances 4,230

Population 217

Attendance Multiple 19

Aquatic Centres 2001/2002 Merino Attendances 4978

Population 215

Attendance Multiple 23.2

Figure 1 Aquatic Centre Attendance Statistics for Merino Pool

Attendance at key leisure venues 2000

2002; Source: Shire records and YMCA Data (Note that attendance data for the Portland YMCA in FY 2001/2002 is an estimate based on 2001 calendar year data)

6.3 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

The 2001 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census of Population and Housing indicates that the locality of Merino contained a total population of 215 people. This is only one percent of the Glenelg Shire s total population of approximately 19,300.



Other key statistics about Merino highlighted by the ABS Census are outlined below. Table 1 below shows that:

Merino has a slightly younger population than Glenelg Shire and Victoria.

The average weekly income of Merino households ($400 - $499) is less than that of Glenelg households and around half that of Victorian households

Merino households pay similar rents to Glenelg households but less rent than Victorian households. Their average mortgage repayments are less than the average for Glenelg and considerably less than the average for Victoria.

Area Median Age

Median Monthly Household repayment

Median Weekly Rent

Median Weekly Individual Income

Median Weekly Family Income

Median Weekly Household Income

Mean Household Size

Victoria 35 $800-$999 $150-$199 $300-$399 $800-$999 $800-$999 2.6

Glenelg (S) 37 $400-$599 $50-$99

$300-$399 $800-$999 $600-$699 2.5

Merino (L) 33 $200-$399 $50-$99

$200-$299 $500-$599 $400-$499 2.6

Table 1 Selected Averages: A Comparison of Key Characteristics (Source: ABS 2001 Census)

Table 2 below shows that:

Merino s household structure is different to Glenelg and Victoria. Its proportion of families with children is higher (54% compared to 47% and 49% respectively) and conversely its proportion of families without children is lower. Its proportion of single parent families is slightly higher than Glenelg s and Victoria s.

Couple Families with Children

Couple Families without Children

One Parent Families

Other Family Types

Total Families

Merino (L)

27 15 8 0 50

% 54% 30% 16% 0% 100% Glenelg (S)

2439 2002 704 61 5206

% 47% 38% 14% 1% 100% Victoria 596686 421196 181137 23671 1222690 % 49% 34% 15% 2% 100%

Table 2 Selected Household Structure (Source: ABS 2001 Census)



Table 3 below shows key Centrelink pension statistics for the postcode area encompassing Merino (postcode 3310). It should be noted that the ABS Census indicates that the total population of postcode 3310 was 443 in 2001. The table shows that:

Age pension recipient numbers have remained steady at approximately fifty people between the December quarters 2001 and 2003. This represents about eleven per cent of the total population.

Disability support pension recipient have remained steady at approximately twenty-five people between the December quarters 2001 and 2003. This represents about six percent of total population.

Postcode 3310 Age Pension Disability Support Pension

Dec Quarter 2001 46 23 Dec Quarter 2002 52 22 Dec Quarter 2003 49 26

Table 3 Age Pension and Disability Support Pension Statistics 2001 to 2003 Source: Centrelink)

KEY COMMUNITY FACILITY - The Bush Nursing Centre

The Merino Bush Nursing Centre (one component of Coleraine District Health Services) was originally established as a Bush Nursing Hospital in 1958 after pursuing government funding since 1944 when soldier settlement began to swell the district s population. The hospital closed in August 1991 and reopened as a Bush Nursing Centre in May 1992. The Centre provides the following services:

Nursing Centre

Visiting GP

Planned Activities Group

Footcare

Asthma Education

Diabetes Education

District Nursing

Community transport bus service

Social support

Community car available on an as needs basis

The Centre, along with the Primary School, is Merino s most important community service. Its catchment encompasses a fifteen to twenty kilometre radius of the township and presently has about sixteen clients.



A Centre representative reported the following on Local Health Issues:

Diabetes, heart disease; and a higher incidence of cancer are key local health issues.

The Centre has capacity to meet future health needs if they increase. Co-location of other complimentary health services at the Centre could be explored.

Efforts at trying to establish a needle syringe service and condom distribution service have met with some local community resistance even though the need exists.

KEY CONCLUSIONS

From a community development and infrastructure perspective the township of Merino, through the Shire of Glenelg, should focus on three priorities:

Focus on upgrading the community infrastructure currently available to local residents.

Strengthen community development initiatives to ensure this infrastructure is used well, and improves community spirit and sense of place.

Explore event based strategies, such as conducting the local league football finals carnival at the local Merino Football ground, as a means of generating greater interest in the town and improving its economic viability.

Suggested community development initiatives are listed below. The projects are aimed at:

Improving the condition of and optimizing the use of community facilities such as the Bush Nursing Centre, Community Hall, Recreation Reserve, Merino Creek, playground, Swimming Pool, Tennis Club and Museum

Enhancing community pride and creating a positive attitude in the town through local residents successfully joining together for a common important community purpose

Initiatives

Establish a local environment group to organise community programs e.g. creek revegetation programs (tree planting days), litter removal campaign, water saving campaign

Establish a recreation activities group to encourage greater local participation in recreation as a player, spectator or organizer. Projects could include:

A campaign to convince the South West Football league to play some home and way games and even finals at the recreation reserve

Community tennis event eg a twilight social tennis activity

Family pool parties

Activity to recognise local achievements in recreation participation or administration



Establish a local history/cultural group. Projects could include:

Oral history of the town

A display of the memorabilia in the museum

Genealogy and research

Establish community buildings reference group to organise projects aimed at improving the condition of community infrastructure. Project could include an upgrade of

The tennis courts so they are suitable for social tennis

The floor in the Community Hall

The local playground



7 CORPORA T E POL I CY CONTEXT

Glenelg Shire Council s Corporate Plan 2001-2005 provides the corporate policy context for this project.

The Corporate Plan outlines the vision for the Shire, its mission statement, and the corporate principles underlying the way the Council is to operate.

The vision for the Shire as set out in the Plan is:

The Glenelg Shire is a vibrant community where more and more people come to live work and play in harmony with each other and the environment.

Glenelg Shire Council provides effective community leadership and assists residents achieve optimum quality of life. It delivers quality services and achieves its goals by planning, managing its resources and focusing on outcomes.

The vision for Glenelg Shire in the Corporate Plan embraces a prosperous community that capitalises on the sustainable development opportunities provided by its natural resource base, its industrial sectors and its strategic location.

As the Plan emphasises, development of the Shire s resources will be directed to increasing employment prospects, widening the industrial base, reversing recent population decline, and at the same time conserving the Shire s diverse natural environments and habitats.

The following key Service Areas are highlighted in the Plan as the Shire s priorities:

Leadership, Governance and Corporate Management

Community Development

Family Support

Economic Development

Land Use and Building Regulation

Infrastructure and Asset Management

The Plan contains strategies and actions for 2003-04 that will be undertaken by Council to achieve the goals and performance indicators under each key service area.

Although there are not any strategies in the Plan directed specifically at Merino, there are several strategies and actions that have a bearing on the Merino Urban Design Framework. These are:

Support for community development particularly through encouragement of community groups to participate in the Tidy Towns Program



Strategies to stimulate appropriate economic development in different parts of the Shire

Improvements in the land use planning and building regulation system through modifications to the Municipal Strategic Statement



8 GL EN EL G PL A N N I N G CON T EX T

The Glenelg Planning Scheme is the relevant planning policy and development control document affecting the Merino Township Centre. See Figure 3.

A key component of the Planning Scheme is the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS). The MSS provides the strategic policy directions for the future growth, development and management of land use for the Shire. It assists Council decision-making by providing guidance for land use and development planning in the Shire.

The approved MSS is outlined in Clause 21 of the Planning Scheme. During this project, Council prepared a new Municipal Strategic Statement.

A key part of the MSS is the vision statement for Glenelg Shire. As stated in Clause 21.03, the vision for the Shire embraces a prosperous community that capitalises on the sustainable development opportunities provided by its natural resource base, its industry sectors and its strategic location in south west Victoria, midway between Melbourne and Adelaide. Development of the Shire s resources will be directed to increasing employment prospects, widening the industrial base, particularly the processing and value-adding of local product, reversing recent population decline, particularly in rural areas and smaller inland towns and, at the same time, conserving the Shire s diverse natural environment and habitats.

The key issues relevant to this Framework that are identified in Clause 21.07 of the MSS are:

The need to protect residential amenity and provide land for future residential areas

The need to make efficient use of the existing infrastructure

The need to ensure improved management of the Shire s natural resources

The need to ensure improved presentation of the Shire

The need to facilitate the managed expansion of the timber industry

The need to develop opportunities to utilise productive agricultural land to support innovative industries

The need to maintain biodiversity in terms of diversity of habitats and the conservation of flora and fauna

The main section of the MSS that is most relevant to the Framework is Clauses 21.08 (Urban Areas and Development).

Clause 21.08 indicates that the Shire s objective of facilitating urban growth in and around existing urban areas is to ensure:



Efficient use of land, maximisation of existing infrastructure and investment and access to services and facilities

Use of growth boundaries which encompass existing and projected residential, industrial and rural residential development for the next 10 to 15 years

Focusing new retail facilities within existing commercial precincts

Enhancing the entrances to townships and main street presentation so as to improve presentation and facilitate tourism

Protecting heritage buildings, precincts, landscapes and areas of cultural significance through the consistent application of conservation policies

Clause 22 provides the local policies which Council must consider in assessing applications for the use and development of land. The local policies cover the following areas:

Settlement (Clause 22.01)

Environment (Clause 22.02)

Economic Development (Clause 22.03)

Infrastructure (Clause 22.04)

The most relevant local policies for this Framework are outlined in Clause 22.01-2 under the headings of:

Townscape

Design and Landscaping of Township Entrances and Town Edges

The objectives of the Townscape policy are:

To ensure that new uses and developments in towns have regard to design, siting, and landscaping needs

To ensure that development assists in the presentation of main road entrances into townships and enhances the immediate environment.

Implementation measures of the policy are:

New use and development of land should consider the existing character and local heritage values of towns. The design of buildings, including their mass and scale is important in preserving the character and historical attributes of towns. Design of new buildings and works should demonstrate that these factors have been considered.

Identified streetscape character should be taken into account in the consideration of new uses and development

Where applicable, new uses and developments should take into account existing landscape and design planning for the area.



The policy relating to the Design and Landscaping of Township Entrances and Town Edges states that:

Development along the entrances to all towns should be landscaped with species consistent with existing landscape planning for the township

Developments located on the edge of township areas should be landscaped to assist in absorbing the development within the surrounding landscape and providing a delineated edge to the town

The following information will be considered where relevant to the application for major new uses and development of land located adjacent to highways, main roads and the edges of township areas:

A landscape plan demonstrating consistency with local landscape themes and plantings

For developments on the edge of urban areas, a landscape plan showing how the development can be absorbed into the surrounding environment

A design report demonstrating that building mass, scale and form have been considered, having regard to the local surroundings and streetscape character

The Glenelg Planning Scheme outlines zoning provisions for the study area. The zoning is outlined in Figure 3. The study area is covered predominantly by a Township Zone. There are no overlay provisions affecting the zone.

Public Park and Recreation Zone

Public Use Zone Health and Community

L E G E N D O F E X I S T I N G Z O N E S

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PRINT ISSUE:October 2004 Date: October 2004

Drawn: C. TattersallREVISIONS:



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FIGURE 3

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SOURCE: Glenelg Shire Council http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/glenelg/home.html

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http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/planningschemes/glenelg/home.html



9 PH Y SI CA L CON DI T I ON S, A N A L Y SI S A N D OPPORT U N I T I ES

The analysis process was important in the resolution and prioritisation of action areas, key sites and recommendations. The process of analysis has been carried out in consultation with the community and the Steering Committee through site inspections, questionnaires, presentations and discussions at the public meetings.

The process provided sufficient information for the preparation of the opportunities plan which documents key strategies and directions based on preliminary analysis.

For Analysis Plan, refer to Figure 4

For Opportunities Plan, refer to Figure 5

STUDY AREA

SIGNIFICANT VIEW CONE

EXISTING MAJOR VEGETATION MASS

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PRINT ISSUE:October 2004 Date: 12th May 2004

Drawn: C. TattersallREVISIONS:October 2004



COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND AMENITIES

Sport is very important in the town and a major activity for young people.There are two junior and two senior cricket clubs in Merino.There is no football team, although the Sandford team are looking to move to Merino.The netball courts have not been maintained and require resurfacing. Residents must go to Sandford and Casterton to play netball.Indoor bowls and badminton are played in the hall.The golf club is located approximately 1.5kms along the Digby Road.The Catholic Church holds services. The Anglican and Uniting Churches have closed.Approximately 60-70 children attend the primary school. A playgroup is held on Friday mornings at the primary school.A policeman for the region is based in Merino.Bush Nursing Centre is open six days a week. The doctor visits from Casterton on Tuesday.

TOURISM AND VISITOR AMENITIES

Public toilets and barbeque facilities are located at the Lions Park.The Merino Hotel is the only accommodation available.The General store offers take away food and petrol.The railway reserves from the former rail line still exist and they link with Casterton. There is the potential for a walking trail.The Lions Club auction is held annually.The Merino Show is held at the end of October.The Museum (former flour mill) is currently closed but may reopen in the future.

HERITAGE AND CULTURE

The war memorial is located in High Street.There are a number of significant old buildings.The railway reserves from the former rail line still exist and they link with Casterton.

LANDSCAPE AND STREETSCAPE

Nestled in a valley surrounded by undulating hillsides, Merino has a classic village setting with unfolding view lines at many locations within the town.Many of the streets of Merino are lined with mature street trees of species such as Fraxinus oxycarpa, Populus nigra, Populus canadensis, Quercus robur and Eucalyptus ficifolia.The main street is picturesque with wide nature strips and mature tree plantings.Hillside creep is casuing erosion to the hills to the immediate east of the town.

KEY FACILITIES AND SITES

Community HallCFA and former Post Office

Lions Park play area / shelter and barbeque

Bush Nursing Centre

Showgrounds, oval, sports courts and Merino Creek

Swimming Pool

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Roman Catholic Church - ImmaculateConception

Anglican Church - St Peters

School bus depot

Museum (The former Fultons Mill)

Jasmine Gallery

Commercial Hotel with picture theatre

General Store and petrol sales

Existing Township entrance sign


Former railway station

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SCALE 1:4000 (B1 SHEET)

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SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT

Merino is set in a valley, reminiscent of the 'Welsh Landscape'.Agriculture and blue-gum plantations are the major land use in the area.

THE BUSINESS ECONOMY

Very limited economic base - no industry in or near the township; only three small active businesses in the township - General Store, Merino Hotel and Jasmine Gallery.Lack of employment in the township - most local workers are involved with farming or trades work - only one involved with the nearby blue gum industry.Very limited tourism base at present - poorly developed tourist facilities, limited accommodation at the hotel, no promotion.A small population of 200 - 1% of the Shire's current population of about 19,300 .Poor infrastructure - eg, no mobile phone coverage or courier service, although an E-Gaps facility (a computer with internet connection) is being established at the general store for community use.Significant decline over the last 25 years, precipitated particularly with the closure of the Murray Goulburn Co-operative butter factory and the railway in the late 1970's. Now a quiet and charming township that relies on goods, services and employment in larger nearby towns such as Casterton, Hamilton and Mt Gambier.

RESIDENTIAL LAND AND LANDUSE

Houses can be purchased in Merino for an average price of $20,000-$40,000.A number of properties are not well maintained.Much of the land surrounding the township is used for agriculture.

GATEWAY ENTRANCE POINTS

The intersection of Burke Street needs definition.Signage identifying Merino needs improvement. This includes signage in the greater region. Casterton is one of the few places which are clearly sign posted.

TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Little traffic travels through Merino.The V Line bus stops in Merino once a week on Thursday.The township is serviced by water and electricity. Gas is bottled.Rubbish and recycling collections occur within the township. Possibility of hard rubbish collections.

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N400 METRES120 200400




REVISIONS:October 2004

Drawn: C. TattersallDate: 24th June 2004



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Community HallCFA and former Post Office

Lions Park play area / shelter and barbeque

Bush Nursing Centre

Showgrounds, oval, sports courts and Merino Creek

Swimming Pool

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Roman Catholic Church - ImmaculateConception

Anglican Church - St Peters

School bus depot

Museum (former Fultons Mill)

Jasmine Gallery

Commercial Hotel with picture theatre

General Store and petrol sales



Former Railway Station

Cemetery - 2 km to the north

Former Butter Factory

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PRESENTATION OF THE TOWN AND STREETSCAPE

Nestled in a significant valley, Merino Township has a beautiful natural setting and should take full advantage of this feature. This should include the presentation of High Street and side streets.The main street is wide and has significant trees, as do most of the side streets. Tree planting should continue to ultimately produce a consistent streetscape.The town centre needs to improve its presentation to encourage people to visit and explore the town. Measures to include replacement of broken windows and removing car bodies and debris from private properties.The presentation of former service station must be improved. It is located at a key intersection and is one of the first things that visitors to Merino notice. This does not give a welcoming impression of the town.Possibility for residents to take an active role in street maintenance and working on a roster between the Shire visits.Possibility for a town gardener, assisted by the community and 'Work for the Dole' participants.Maintenance is required on some of the buildings.Opportunity to place quality displays in the window of vacant buildings.Encourage cottage industries to establish in vacant shop fronts. Also, a second hand shop could be established as currently a lot of saleable items are disposed of at the tip. Encouragement of businesses is heavily reliant on the presentation of the town and people stopping in Merino.Opportunity for lighting of key buildings, such as the Merino Hotel. This building is obvious during the day but not at night.Increase the number of street lights throughout Merino as the streets are poorly lit at night. Council to assess against Shire Standards.The open drains must be regularly inspected and cleaned by Council as required.The gravel service track on the western side of Main Street could be planted with trees and some new seats installed to create a picnic stop opposite the general store and Hotel. A truck stop is required to encourage drivers to use the store.The gravel traffic island at the intersection of Main and Hare Streets should be removed and replaced with a proper traffic island.

TOURISM AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS

The historic photograph display in the community hall is a great source of information for the town and of tourist interest.Opportunity for story-boards to be placed along the main street, identifying important buildings and their past uses.Information could also be condensed into a brochure for tourists, locating key sites in the town and district, including the former Butter Factory, site of the former Railway, the former flour mill and former bank. In order for this venture to be successful, buildings such as the Butter Factory that have deteriorated will require some restoration works.Opportunity to promote the history of Merino and the link with the Henty Family, perhaps through Merino Downs Station, 11 km north of Merino.The town cemetery in conjunction with genealogy research could be promoted as a facility for people researching family history.The museum could possibly be reopened and staffed with members of the local community. The items displayed in the museum must be retained there if possible. The museum could also hold events for hobby interests such as vintage cars, food and wine. The area in front of the museum would be an ideal space. This could link with the monthly market.Events that take advantage of the natural topography of the area surrounding Merino could be organised. One possibility is a music festival to be held in a 'natural amphitheatre'.Art and painting tours could operate from Merino and take people on day trips to surrounding areas. A major requirement of such businesses is a variety of quality accommodation options.Establish a caravan park and cabins for accommodation. The showground has electricity and may be a possible site, subject to negations with Council. Accommodation could also assist with overflow of tourists from the Casterton Kelpie Festival and other popular tourist events in the region.A natural gas line connects Apollo Bay and Adelaide. It passes within one kilometre of Merino. Possibility for industry to connect into this resource.

WALKING TRAIL, SPORT AND RECREATION

A walking trail, linking the southern end of the township with the recreation area to the north, has been suggested. This could take advantage of the rail reserves which are no longer used and build upon the existing mown grass track, located near the former railway line.Take full advantage of the setting of the recreation ground, specifically the high quality football field, and its ideal location in the centre of the league by encouraging some of the home games to be played in Merino and possibly the finals.One of the constraints to in playing Home games in Merino is that the tennis and netball courts are in such poor condition and need improvement or replacement. The football club is trying to borrow money to undertake this. Possibility of applying for Sports and Recreation Grants through Council.Investigate the possibility of incorporating the tennis club with another existing club, for example the football club, to allow for the re-establishment of the tennis club and relevant insurance. Through rejuvenating sports facilities, the general store and hotel will benefit in increased patronage.

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1 0 V I SI ON A N D ST RA T EGI ES

10.1 VISION

The vision for Merino is to:

To provide the community with initiatives that are achievable and are primarily community capacity building exercises that can be undertaken by residents of Merino to create a stronger sense of community spirit and morale;

To build upon the township s attractive setting and documented history to promote the town and its development;

To improve the presentation of the township in terms of the appearance of vacant land;

To encourage community activities and over time investment in business to facilitate occupation of some of the vacant shops;

Focus on upgrading the community infrastructure currently available to local residents;

Strengthen community development initiatives to ensure community infrastructure is used well, and improves community spirit and sense of place; and

Explore event based strategies, such as conducting the local league football finals carnival at the local Merino Football ground, as a means of generating greater interest in the town and improving its economic viability.

Initiatives to achieve the vision:

Establish a local environment group to organise community programs

e.g. creek revegetation programs (tree planting days), litter removal campaign, water saving campaign

Establish a recreation activities group to encourage greater local participation in recreation as a player, spectator or organizer. Projects could include:

A campaign to convince the South West Football league to play some home and way games and even finals at the recreation reserve

Community tennis event e.g. a twilight social tennis activity

Family pool parties

Activity to recognise local achievements in recreation participation or administration

Establish a local history/cultural group. Projects could include:

Oral history of the town

A display of the memorabilia in the museum

Genealogy and research



Establish community buildings reference group to organise projects aimed at improving the condition of community infrastructure. Project could include an upgrade of

The tennis courts so they are suitable for social tennis

The floor in the hall

The local playground

Community Priorities:

Out of 18 action items with allocated budget established during the study, the community present voted for the following priorities:

a. Recreation Reserve Upgrade b. Intersection of Hare and High Streets c. High Street safety and presentation including building appearance and tree

planting d. Interpretive information to sites of historic interest e. Entrance gateways f. Revegetation of Merino Creek



10.2 STRATEGIES

The framework directions for the study area and the core township precinct are outlined in Figure 6, 7, 8..

The strategies are set out in tabulated form in terms of proposed actions arising from the issues/attributes and opportunities identified in the previous analysis.

Each issue/attribute is given a priority rating from high (H) to low (L) based on assessment of the relative importance and budget available. The strategies also provide budget estimates and indicate on whom the responsibility falls for seeking funding grants and over-seeing the implementation of each strategy.

Following these tables there is a budget summary of capital works and non-physical strategies for Merino.

From this vision, the following key strategies of the Urban Design Framework have been prepared:


Heritage, Culture and the Arts

Tourism and Visitor Amenities

The Business Economy

Streetscape and Built Form


Open Space

STUDY AREA


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N400 METRES120 200400




REVISIONS:October 2004

Drawn: C. TattersallDate: 15th July 2004



COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Encourage the Bush Nursing Hospital to retain the various service providers and further develop the range of services. Encourage more volunteer assistance and seek funding grants.Properly maintain the public facilities, such as the toilets, and promote Merino as a stopping point in the region.Encourage school performances and displays involving children and invite parents and the community to attend.Use the material in the historic photographic display, located in the Community Hall, to develop high quality external interpretive information at key sites.Market the Community Hall for use by visiting specialist hobby / club visits as a venue for their displays and activities and events.Encourage team sport to continue, both social and competitive.Upgrade the tennis and netball courts. Apply for Sports and Recreation Grants through the Shire.Encourage a number of football matches to be played in Merino, along with the finals.Ensure continued management and maintenance of the swimming pool.Build on existing facilities and encourage the school to taken an active role in after hours entertainment.

THE BUSINESS ECONOMY

Build upon the work of the Economic Development staff at Glenelg Shire Council.Establishment of a e-gaps public internet facility in the Merino General Store. Funding has been sourced through the State Library of Victoria and arrangements have been made with the Merino Digby Lions Club to take ownership of the project. To date, the funding has been delivered, a bank account opened for the project and progress is being made to refurbish a portion of the store, buy the computer, printer, scanner and modem, establish access and install a Telstra line for the site.Encourage the store proprietor to remove the blue coloured screen at the front of the General Store and replace with glass to provide a sense of activity and function as a shop to attract passing motorists.Encourage the Hotel owner to continue with the extensive renovations to the Hotel and to improve the presentation of the picture theatre within the hotel to show films and sports events.Encourage the establishment of bed and breakfast and other tourist accommodation.Develop a Tourism and Business Plan.Establish art and painting tours.

STREETSCAPE

Council to construct a kerb extension to provide space for several tables and chairs outside the General Store. Encourage the store proprietor to consider enhancement of the grassed area to the north side of the general store.Establish a precinct between the Museum and High Street through tree planting and landscape works.Encourage an active local volunteer group, advised regularly by a Council representative, to maintain public garden areas.Maintenance of existing mature street trees, including infill planting in some streets.Encourage several land owners to remove car bodies and debris and better present their properties. This could link to the Council clean up day.Prepare a strategy plan for provision of footpaths to at least one side of each street.Progress Association Committee to review the presentation of two key sites, the former service station and the former tea rooms. Review sources of funding and township resources to assist.

TRANSPORT AND ACCESS

Improve pedestrian access. Incorporate the several key pathways as a co-ordinated path hierarchy and provide signage linked with storyboards.Remove the gravel traffic island at the intersection of Main and Hare Streets and replace with a proper traffic island with kerbing and low planting. This work is to be carried out in conjunction with breaking out the median strip and creating a traffic access point. Angle parking 60 degrees. Maintain the service lane as one way in southerly direction.Improve road safety of Glenelg Highway at the Grassdale intersection. Immediate priority would be warning signage on the eastern approach to the intersection. In the long term, consider re-profiling the intersection. Review accident statistics. Vic Roads need to be consulted.

OPEN SPACE

Improve the water quality and revegetate the creek. Approach the land owners that have the creek run through their property to assist in revegetation.Create a rail trail using the railway reserve. It is important to consider how to define, market and promote the trail.Ensure the existing grassed walking track is regularly mown and consider a gravel track in the longer term to link at least the pool to the Burke Street intersection along the railway line.

HERITAGE, CULTURE AND THE ARTS

Promote Merino through highway signage and a tourist brochure. Locate key sites in the town and surrounding district such as the Butter Factory, former railway and former Flour Mill, and the former Bank building.Involve youth from "Work for the Dole" scheme to paint exterior of key buildings.Develop art exhibitions, food and wine tasting and markets in conjunction with the Merino - Digby Show.Promote existing events, such as the Lions Club Auction. Promotional events held annually would bring visitors to the township and increase tourism.Investigate the willingness of Merino Downs current owner to participate in allowing visitation and publicity.Improve the presentation of the cemetery by cleaning up the site and develop a map or written material that indicates the location of significant graves, a list of people buried there for those wishing to locate gravesReopen the museum with support from the local community. Link information with that at the Community Hall without duplication.Encourage more community members to be actively involved in assisting with the operation of the Museum.Reinforce the importance of the museum through development of a quality 'Village Green' external space and ampitheatre near by.Hold events for hobby interests, such as car clubs, food and wine appreciation groups. The area in front of the museum would be an ideal temporary display space with civic scale. This could link with the monthly market. Promote the venue to existing regional networks such as car clubs, art groups, hobby groups, collectors etc.In the hall, or a vacant building, a reading room dedicated to family research could be established. Possibility to link with a shop for security and logistics of management.Possibility to establish a series of galleries displaying professional artwork by local artists and students or installation work. Link to various township art and history display initiatives.

TOURISM AND VISITOR AMENITIES

Further develop the town's identity through gateway signage/sculpture to be created in conjunction with a graphic artist / sculptor. Build upon the special attractions and scenic attributes of the town.Encourage private operators to base tourism businesses in Merino, such as landscape painting tours to natural features in the area. This needs to be developed in parallel to increasing the accommodation range. Link also to galleries in the region and in Merino over time.Encourage development of bed and breakfast accommodation in and near town.Establish interpretive information on the heritage at each of the key sites. Ensure graphic presentation is consistent.Information condensed into a brochure for tourists locating key sites in the town and district. Use photographic and written information that already exists in the Community Hall and the Museum as the basis for the information provided.

FIGURE 6

Existing Deciduous Tree to be retained

Existing Evergreen Tree to be retained

Existing Shrub to be removed

Proposed Deciduous Treepredominately Quercus robur

Proposed 60 degree and parrallel car parks

LEGEND

Proposed picnic tables and benchesExisting building

Existing overhead power linesPole

New traffic movements

Slashed grass track to be regularly maintained a s a walking trail with signage at key locations

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Grevillea robusta

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Scout Hall

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War Memorial

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Quercus robur

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Quercus robur Merino Majik and residence

Quercus robur

Merino Hotel

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Shop for sale

Former Hardware Store

General Store

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Residence

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Populus canadensisPopulus canadensis

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Galvanised shed

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Callistemon viminalis(REMOVE)

Callistemon citrinus(REMOVE)

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Pole



Grevillea robusta(REMOVE)


Pole

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Eucalyptus ficifolia(REMOVE)

Prunus serrulata(REMOVE)

Prunus nigra(REMOVE)

Quercus robur

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Remove existing gravel surface and establish a traffic island to clearly delineate traffic turning movemnts in all directions.

Create a break in the median strip to enable vehicle access to the service lane.

Proposed kerb extention to allow space for picnic tables and additional seating outside the general store.

Formalise 60 degree angle parking. One way traffic only allowed.

Existing grassed area to be graded to create an informal ampitheatre. A set of stairs and a gentle switch back ramp will be required to enable access for all people. Oak trees (Quercus robur) to be planted at 12 metre centres to create a sense of enclosure and back drop for the ampitheatre.

Path to link existing slashed grass track to swimming pool and recreation reserve.

Path to link with existing slashed grass track.

Develop museum and include outdoor exhibitions. This could include a sculpture garden.

Existing grassed area to be retained. This is a key precinct in town and could be used for a local market, special commmunity events and hobby displays like vinatge cars or food and wine tasting. Proposed Oak Tree (Quercus robur) plantings to create an avenue and sense of place.

Incorporate informal parking for access to the museum. This area could be closed to vehicles and used during special events.

Approximate location of existing slashed grass track to swimming pool and recreation reserve.

ACTION PLAN - KEY PRECINCTS M E R I N O U R B A N D E S I G N F R A M E W O R KG L E N E L G S H I R E C O U N C I L

PRINT ISSUE:October 2004 Date: 9th July 2004



In Association With:Peter McNabb & Associates P/Lbrecknock Consulting P/LDonald Walker & Associates P/LASR ReasearchSCALE 1:500 (B1 SHEET)

N50 1510 20M

FIGURE 7

M A T C H L I N E J O I N S F I G U R E 8

Existing Deciduous Tree to be retained

Existing Evergreen Tree to be retained

Existing Shrub to be removed

Proposed Deciduous Treepredominately Quercus robur

LEGEND

Eucalyptus ficifolia

Quercus robur

Existing tree to be removed

Grevillea robusta

Existing building

Existing overhead power linesPole

Slashed grass track to be regularly maintained a s a walking trail with signage at key locations

C R

E E

K

M E

R I

N O

P O

R T

L A

N D

C

A S

T E

R T

O N

R

O A

DCallistemon

VACANT

CFA

Post Office and Residence at rear

Merino Community Hall

Brick Shop with Verandah

VACANT

Telephone box



Public Toilets

Bus ShelterPlayground and Lions Club Shelter and BBQ

PoleCallistemon saligna(REMOVE)


Pole


Former Bank

Pole

2x Callistemon salignus(REMOVE)


Quercus roburSeat

Cairn

Quercus robur




Quercus robur





Pole



Quercus robur

Quercus robur

Quercus robur



Jasmine Gallery

Lions Club

Residence

Vacant shop

Vacant shop

Former Railway Station Site

Former Shell Service Station

Bus Depot

C R

E E

K

P A L M E R

S

Former Mrs McDonalds Tea Rooms



B U R K E S T

ACTION PLAN - KEY PRECINCTS M E R I N O U R B A N D E S I G N F R A M E W O R K

PRINT ISSUE:October 2004 Date: 9th July 2004


Michael Smith and AssociatesLandscape Architecture and Urban Design5 Jervis Street, Camberwell, 3124

In Association With:Peter McNabb & Associates P/Lbrecknock Consulting P/L

N50 1510 20M

FIGURE 8

M A T C H L I N E J O I N S F I G U R E 7

Proposed right hand turn lane, delineated by white line road markings.

Widen road to facilitate truck turning movements

Proposed line marking



10.3 COMMUNITY FACILITIES The following section describes the key issues and recommended actions for guiding the development and enhancement of the existing community facilities within Merino. The broad objectives of the recommended actions are to:

Focus on upgrading the community infrastructure currently available to local residents and strengthen community development initiatives to ensure this infrastructure is used well, and improves community spirit and sense of place;

Foster further community spirit and networking within the town through the school and sporting clubs;

Improve the presentation of several key facilities in town such as the Recreation Reserve, the Hotel and the General Store;

Build upon the General Store s strategic location and services provided;

Maintain and support the Merino Bush Nursing Centre as it is an important community resource; and

Continue to encourage use of the Community Hall. There are two large rooms and two smaller sized rooms available for hire. Regular (weekly) community based activities are also held in the hall.

The Merino Bush Nursing Centre is an important community resource

The Recreation Reserve is an important focus for community activity



10.3 COMMUNITY FACILITIES

ISSUE/ATTRIBUTE OPPORTUNITY ACTION PRIORITY BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY

The Bush Nursing Centre is open 6 days per week

Encourage the support networks which work from this facility.

Build upon the existing services offered.

Ensure the various service providers are retained and further developed.

Encourage more volunteer assistance. Seek funding grants.

H -

Bush Nursing Centre Community Council

Public toilets and a barbeque are located at the Lions Park

The toilets are located in a prominent site within town.

Properly maintain facilities and promote as a stopping point in the region.

H - Council Community Progress Association

The Primary School. Children come from the surrounding district. The playgroup is held at the primary school hall.

A conduit for community awareness and participation and township bonding.

Encourage school performances and displays involving children and invite parents and the community to attend.

H - School Community

The Community Hall is available for hire and also has a significant history display.

Focus for community spirit and activity

The Community Hall provides a venue for a number of leisure and recreation pursuits.

Promote the Hall for use by external groups.

Promote the photo display through tourist outlets and also on interpretive story boards to be located within town.

Some of the photos can be used to develop high quality external interpretive information at key sites.

Market the Hall for use by visiting specialist hobby / club visits as a venue for their displays.

H

H

Refer to Heritage and Culture

Progress Association Community Council

Sport is important to the town

Activities and social development and networks / friendships.

Links with community facilities.

Encourage team sport to continue. Both social and competitive. - -

Sporting Clubs Community

Merino Swimming Pool

A point of strong community focus.

Ensure continued management and maintenance of the pool.

H - Council Community



10.3 COMMUNITY FACILITIES CONTINUED


The Recreation Reserve. The tennis and netball courts are in a state of decline and no football matches are currently played in Merino.

Good surrounds and setting to the Reserve.

Good quality ground in a central location for the district.

Improve the presentation of sections of the Reserve.

Incorporate the tennis and netball clubs within an existing club, for example the Football Club.

Re-convene the tennis club s operation.

Upgrade (complete replacement) of tennis and netball courts is required. Apply for Sports and Recreation Grants through the Shire.

Encourage a number of football matches to be played here, along with the finals.

H

-

$35,000 works

2 new courts Clearing and re-sheeting

Council Sandford and District Football Club Netball and Tennis Clubs

Lack of facilities for young people

Provision of further facilities for youth.

Engage the youth in the town in discussion on preferred activities and facilities.

Investigate demand for a youth centre / room facility.

Conduct a survey through the school and invite youths of the town to participate to determine the facilities they desire. Do not duplicate facilities that are at Mt Gambier. i.e. no large fixed structures, combine future and existing walking tracks to cycle path width.

Build on existing facilities and encourage the school to take an active role in after hours entertainment.

H

H

School Community Progress Association Council

The General Store. The store provides a range of services including an ATM and Post Office

Refer to business economy section.

Refer to business economy section.

- - -

The Merino Hotel

Refer to business economy Refer to business economy - - -



10.4 HERITAGE CULTURE AND THE ARTS The following section describes the key issues and recommended actions for enhancement of heritage and cultural values, which link strongly to the promotion and economic base within the township. The broad objectives of the recommended actions are to:

Further develop then promote the tourist attractions;

Build on the theme of the sheep industry and the surrounding natural environment;

Improve directional signage and interpretive information in an integrated manner;

Re-open the museum, retain and extend its displays and capitalise on its strategic setting and location; and

Encourage new promotional events in the town such as music festivals and hobby club visits.

Reinstate original features of the Hotel, such as the veranda

The Lodge Museum former flour mill



10.4 HERITAGE, CULTURE AND THE ARTS


Collection of historic photographs displayed in the Community Hall.

Use the information to create high quality external interpretive signage to be placed at key sites along High Street.

Incorporate as part of a trail.

Promote, through highway signage and tourist brochure. Locate key sites in the town and surrounding district such as the Butter Factory, former railway and former Flour Mill, and the former Bank building.

H $8,000 Graphics and

Material

$17,000 signs

Council Community

Progress Association

A number of significant old buildings exist in Merino

Renovate to enhance streetscape and promote as tourist attractions.

Involve youth from Work for the Dole scheme to paint exterior of key buildings.

H $10,000 materials

Council Community Progress Association

The Merino / Digby show, held annually at the end of October.

Further promote to draw people from throughout the region and to increase the profile of Merino.

Develop art exhibitions, food and wine tasting and markets in conjunction with the Merino

Digby Show.

H $5,000 initially

$2,000 annually

Community Show Committee

Further promotion of the town.

Promotional events held annually would bring visitors to the township and increase tourism.

Increase awareness of what the township has to offer and its scenic setting.

Market to various hobby clubs i.e. car clubs, wine groups, art groups.

Promote existing events such as Lions Club Auction.

Holding football, netball and tennis matches will assist in making people aware of Merino.

An art group is already interested in conducting painting classes in the region. (See Tourism and Visitor Amenities for further details)

H -

Organisations Progress Association Community Sandford Football Club



10.4 HERITAGE, CULTURE AND THE ARTS CONTINUED


Natural amphitheatre of hills

Begin a music festival which can utilise the natural amphitheatre form of the hills.

Grass embankment adjacent to the former flour mill (museum) could also be used for this purpose, capitalising on the village green setting.

Promote to various clubs and organisations through existing networks.

M $5,000 minor

earthworks

Progress Association and Organisers

Link with the Henty Family and proximity to Merino Downs Station.

Opportunity to promote the history of Merino and the link with the Henty Family, perhaps through Merino Downs Station, 11 km north of Merino.

Investigate the willingness of Merino Downs current owner to participate in allowing visitation and publicity.

L - Progress Association and Community

General township history

There is an abundance of historical information available at the Hall, the Museum and on the web site.

A number of sites of historical interest exist in Merino and the surrounding area, such as the cemetery.

Improve the presentation of the cemetery by cleaning up the site and develop a map or written material that indicates the location of significant graves, a list of people buried there for those wishing to locate graves.

The Hall and Museum actions are documented in other sections.

H - Community and Progress Association

Genealogy and family history

The town cemetery, the information at the Community Hall and on the web site, in conjunction with genealogy research could be promoted as a facility for people researching family history.

The Community Hall or a vacant shop building could have a dedicated reading room for family research. Possibly link with other services or a shop for security and surveillance and logistics of management.

M $8,000

(set up in a room or shop.

Computer access)

Community Progress Association



10.4 HERITAGE, CULTURE AND THE ARTS CONTINUED


The former Flour Mill is now a Museum. The display material is a significant part of Merino s heritage.

Increase exposure of information and museum items available to visitors.

Link to the Community hall as part of the self guided walk.

Build on the Museums strategic location with respect to the Village Green setting.

Reopen the museum with support from the local community. Link information with that at the hall without excessive duplication.

Encourage more community members to be actively involved in assisting with the operation of the Museum.

Hold events for hobby interests such as car clubs, food and wine appreciation groups. The area in front of the museum would be an ideal temporary display space. This could link with the monthly market. Promote the venue to existing regional networks such as car clubs, art groups, hobby groups, collectors etc.

Establish a precinct between the Museum and High Street through tree planting and landscape works.

H

M

$5,000 Initial funding

Refer streetscape

section

Museum Owners

Progress Association Community

-

Little to interpret sites of the interest / significance in the town

Interpretation of key sites

Refer to visitor and tourism section - - -

Rail trail along the existing rail reserve.

Refer to open space section

Refer to open space section - - -



10.5 TOURISM AND VISITOR AMENITIES

The following section describes the key issues and recommended actions for guiding the development and enhancement of amenities to attract and provide for visitors within and around Merino. The Broad objectives of the recommended actions are:

Build on the towns surrounding scenic qualities;

Facilitate the provision of further accommodation options to encourage visitation;

Further establish and promote key tourist attractions within the town and the immediate area;

Link with events in surrounding towns, for example the Kelpie Festival in Casterton;

Encourage further community participation in running the museum;

Provide interpretive information at key sites; and

Ensure the business plan currently being prepared by the Glenelg Shire is implemented for Merino.

Scenic quality of the township view from the west Lions Park with playground, shelter, barbeque and public toilets



10.5 TOURISM AND VISITOR AMENITIES


Gateway entrances to town do not entice visitors to stop.

Further develop the town s identity through gateway signage/sculpture.

Marketing the town for motorists.

Image and presentation.

Build upon scenic attributes and the special attractions the town has to offer.

In conjunction with a graphic artist / sculptor, develop gateway entrance signage and sculpture.

H $7,000 strategy

$25,000 site works in 3

locations

Council Progress Association School

Natural setting and environment.

Scenic drives with stops at key viewing sites.

Promote through specialist interest businesses. Already an artist has shown interest in conducting regular painting tours.

Landscape painting tours to natural features in the area. Needs to be developed in parallel to increasing the accommodation range. Link also to galleries in the region and in Merino over time.

H - Progress Association

Lack of interpretive material at key heritage sites.

Further exposure of heritage values at sites such as the Museum (former flour mill), the butter factory, the cemetery and several of the shops.

Link the historic and natural features.

Establish interpretive information on the heritage at each of the key sites. Ensure graphic presentation is consistent.

Information condensed into a brochure for tourists locating key sites in the town and district.

In both of the above use photographic and written information that already exists in the Community Hall and the Museum as the basis for the information provided.

H

H

H

See Heritage, Culture and

the Arts Community Progress Association

Council in an overview capacity only



10.5 TOURISM AND VISITOR AMENITIES CONTINUED


Lack of accommodation facilities for tourists and visitors.

Overnight stays in Merino have positive flow-on effects to other businesses in town.

Encourage development of bed and breakfast accommodation in/near town.

Promotion to various clubs and organisations.

L - Progress Association Council

Promotion of tourism and business.

Economic benefit

Township pride.

Link with Community Capacity Building Program.

See Business Economy - - -

Rail Trail

Refer to open space section

Refer to open space section - - -

Genealogy and family history

See Heritage, Culture and the Arts.

See Heritage, Culture and the Arts. - - -



10.6 THE BUSINESS ECONOMY The following section describes the key issues and recommended actions for guiding the business economy within Merino. The broad objectives of the recommended actions are to;

Continue to improve the presentation of the key existing businesses in the township;

Explore the possibilities of enhancing the tourist potential of the township; and

Build upon the initiatives of the Economic Development staff at the Glenelg Shire.

The Merino Hotel The General Store

The Jasmine Gallery



10.6 THE BUSINESS ECONOMY


The General Store provides a range of services including an ATM and Post Office.

Build on the strategic location of the General Store. Potential outdoor café associated with the store.

Improve the external presentation of the store and signage.

Encourage the store proprietor to remove the blue coloured screen at the front of the store and replace with glass to provide a sense of activity and function as a shop to attract passing motorists.

Refer also streetscape section

H - General Store owner

The Hotel provides a service to both locals and visitors.

Develop the Hotel as a stronger community meeting place

Improve the accommodation facilities for visitors.

The picture theatre is an asset. Promote for people to attend sporting events and film nights.

Encourage the hotel owner to continue with the extensive renovations to the Hotel

Improve the presentation of the picture theatre within the Hotel.

H - Hotel owner

Art and Painting tours. An artist in Melbourne has expressed a desire to base painting classes in the region.

Art and painting tours could operate from Merino and take people on day trips to surrounding areas. A major requirement of such businesses is a variety of quality accommodation options.

Encourage the establishment of bed and breakfast and other tourist accommodation.

Establish art and painting tours.

M

H

-

-

Progress Association Community

Merino currently operates as a limited tourist destination.

Enhance the range of tourist destination facilities and services

Community to build on the initiatives being developed by the Economic Development staff at Glenelg Shire Council. These include an e-gaps facility at the General Store.

Develop a Tourism and Business Development Plan.

H - Council-Economic Development Section Progress Association


MICHAEL SMITH AND ASSOCIATES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE & URBAN DDESIGN

39

10.7 STREETSCAPE The following section describes the key issues and recommended actions for enhancement of the streetscape of Merino. The broad objectives of the recommended actions are to;

Improve the pedestrian amenity in several key areas;

Improve the presentation of several key sites within the township;

Remove unsightly features of the township such as the car bodies within private properties along High Street;

Develop a streetscape strategy and maintenance prescriptions for existing trees and the replacement and planting of new trees. The street trees are a significant asset for Merino; and

Develop a regular maintenance program to clean up the open drainage channels within the town.

Maintain the existing street trees and continue to plant new trees

`

Improve the presentation of key properties



10.7 STREETSCAPE


Maintenance of public garden / nature strip / open drains / median areas.

Residents to work on a roster between scheduled Shire maintenance visits.

Development of a stronger volunteer group of local residents.

Encourage an active local volunteer group and Council to provide contact and assistance as requested.

Council to continue their maintenance review with the community to determine key priorities.

H $5,000 materials

Community Council contact is required

Mature street trees and street tree planting strategy

The trees are a key feature of the township

Consistent streetscape setting through consolidation of species.

Maintenance of existing mature street trees.

Infill planting in some streets, particularly High Street. Replace trees to consolidate species to Quercus robur (English Oak).

H $5,000

Maintenance strategy $30,000

Planting and substantial tree guards

Council

Poor presentation of several key sites within the town.

Good presentation reinforces community pride and image.

Encourage several land owners to remove car bodies and debris to improve the presentation of their properties.

Replacement of broken windows.

Link to the council clean up day.

Council could assist in providing a hard rubbish collection.

H - Progress Association Community Council Land owners

Row of cypress trees in poor condition.

Planting on the ridgeline or just below to reduce erosion. Appropriate native trees associated with planting on the hillside to control erosion and creep.

The hillside will then act as a theatre background for the town.

Progress Association to approach land owners and offer volunteer assistance in planting trees.

Involves the local Landcare Group.

H $3,000 planting

Council Community Land-owners Landcare Group



10.7 STREETSCAPE CONTINUED


The General Store. The store provides a range of services including an ATM and Post Office

Build on the strategic location of the General Store. Potential outdoor café associated with the store.

Improve the external presentation of the store and signage.

Council to construct a kerb extension to provide space for several tables and chairs. Consider enhancement of the grassed area to the north side of the general store.

H $25,000 civil works

$5,000 seats and

tables

Council General Store owner

Shop fronts converted to private residences.

Place window displays in vacant shops, building on the historic information in the hall.

Changes to planning regulations.

Possibility to establish a series of galleries displaying professional artwork by local artists and students or installation work. Link to various township art and history display initiatives.

Suggest revisions to local planning policies.

H $10,000 Initial displays

grant

Community Progress Association.

Presentation of the two former service stations and the former tea rooms. They are located at a key intersection and termination vistas for motorists and are the first sites that visitors to Merino notice.

Improve presentation of each area. They are the main visible entry points on arriving in the core area of town.

Present a positive image for the town.

Progress Association Committee to review the presentation of these two key sites. Review avenues of funding and township resources to assist.

Progress Association to investigate the possibility of private investment in these buildings.

H - Property owners Progress Association.

Lack of footpaths in side streets.

Safer access for elderly people.

Develop a footpath construction strategy. L

$2,000 Strategy Council

Street lighting.

Safer access for residents.

Provide additional street lighting in high Street and several side streets.

L - Council



10.8 TRANSPORT AND ACCESS

The following section describes the key issues and recommended actions for guiding the transport, traffic and access issues in Merino. The broad objectives of the recommended actions are to;

Improve pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety and amenity within the township;

Improve access to parking area and retail services and definition of northern median strip;

Define the intersection of Burke and High Street;

Provide clear directional signage at key intersections; and

The Grassdale intersection at the Glenelg Highway is dangerous with respect to motorists sight lines and vehicle speed. Review safety in association with Vic Roads.

The Glenelg Highway intersection at Grassdale is dangerous with respect to mortorist s sight lines and vehicle speed.

Vehicular access to Merino needs to be improve



10.8 TRANSPORT AND ACCESS


Pedestrian access and interpretation of key sites.

Improve pedestrian and motorist safety and amenity in the township.

Improve access to the recreation precinct north of the town.

Incorporate the several key pathways as a co-ordinated path hierarchy.

Provide signage linked with storyboards at key sites.

H See Heritage, Culture and

the Arts

Council Community Progress Association

Intersection of Main Street and Hare Street. Median strip access.

Intersection of Burke Street and High Street and right hand turning lane.

Improve access into service road for vehicles by removing gravel.

Delineation of roadway and access provides greater pedestrian safety.

Safer right hand turn into Burke Street.

Ease for truck movement to the south.

Remove the gravel traffic island at the intersection of Main and Hare Streets and replace with a proper traffic island with kerbing.

This work is to be carried out in conjunction with breaking out the median strip and creating a traffic access point. Angle parking 60 degrees.

Increase slip lane for truck movements.

New white line markings to delineate dedicated right hand turn lane.

H $3,000 Co-ordination

of work

$15,000 works island

$8,000 Median strip

break out and kerbing

$4,000 Markings

Council

The Glenelg Highway intersection at Grassdale is very dangerous, particularly for people unfamiliar with the road. There is a poor sight line due to crest.

In promoting visitation to the town and region, road safety is important.

Immediate priority would be warning signage on the eastern side of the intersection.

Long term consideration of re-profiling the intersection.

Review accident statistics.

Lobby Vic Roads for improvement of the intersection.

H - Council Vic Roads

Walking trail

See Open Space

See Open Space



10.9 OPEN SPACE The following section describes the key issues and recommended actions for enhancement of the open space area of Merino. The broad objectives of the recommended actions are to;

Revegetate the creek to enhance as a natural feature; and

Create a rail trail along the existing rail reserve with the possibility of linking to other towns.

The former railway station the rail reserve can form a walking trail



10.9 OPEN SPACE


Merino Creek

Re-vegetation of Merino Creek and enhancement as a natural feature.

Approach the land owners that have the creek run through their property.

Involve the local Landcare group.

M $30,000 Council Progress Association Landowners Landcare Group

Rail trail along the existing rail reserve. Currently a slashed grass track.

Creates an interesting walking trail linking the former railway station to the northern end of town.

Ultimately, link surrounding towns.

Consider how to define, market and promote the trail.

Ensure the grassed track is regularly mown and consider a gravel track in the longer term to link the pool to the Burke Street intersection along the railway line.

M $2 000 Volunteer

labour occasionally

supervised by council staff

Progress Association Residents

Create a picnic area near the General Store.

The gravel service track on the western side of Main Street could be planted and some new seats installed to create a picnic stop opposite the general store and Hotel.

Refer to community facilities - - -

Recreation precinct

Refer to community facilities

Refer to community facilities - - -


MICHAEL SMITH AND ASSOCIATES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE & URBAN DESIGN

46

1 2 I M PL EM EN T A T I ON A N D B U DGET

Below is a list of probable costs for components of the strategies:

Strategy Initial Budget

Annual Budget

Recreation Reserve works upgrade of tennis and net ball courts $35,000

Intersection of Main Street and Hare Street. Median Strip access Co-ordination Traffic Island Median and Kerbs Line markings

$3,000

$15,000

$8,000

$4,000

Painting and maintenance of key buildings and removal of car bodies

subsidy to owners $10,000

Tree maintenance Strategy Planting and tree guards

$ 5 000

$30,000

Apply for annual funding

Interpretive information on the heritage, signage to several key sites Graphics material Signs

$8,000

$17,000

Gateway entrances signage and sculpture Strategy Site works

$7,000

$25,000

Merino Creek revegetation $30 000


Promotion of the Merino Digby Show $5,000

$2,000

Reopening and improvement of the Museum $5,000

Kerb extension of general store Civil works Seats and tables

$25,000

5,000

Amphitheatre $5,000

Ridgeline planting $3,000

Establishment of a room for family research and genealogy $8 000

Rail trail along the existing rail reserve. Currently a slashed grass track $2,000

Window displays $10 000

-continued over-



47

Street maintenance $5 000


Footpath strategy $2 000


TOTAL

$272,000

$2,000

Out of 18 action items with allocated budget established during the study, the community present at the meeting on the 19th of July 2004, voted for the following priorities:

a. Recreation Reserve Upgrade b. Intersection of Hare and High Streets c. High Street safety and presentation including building appearance and tree planting. d. Interpretive information e. Entrance gateways f. Creek revegetation



48

1 3 FU N DI N G

The facilitation of the Merino Urban Design Framework requires the coordinated and committed involvement of both the public and private sectors. A number of broad strategies present a variety of physical and non-physical improvements and capital works initiatives. There are also important strategic planning and funding sources that need to be explored and developed through close liaison and partnership between Council and community of Merino.

The implementation for the Merino Urban Design Framework should be considered within the projects key directions and integrated into the strategic and statutory structure of State and Local government planning. The process is as follows:

Use of the Urban Design Framework in consideration of development proposals;

Enhancement of the non-physical and the social realm; and

To form the basis for the Council and Community to initiate funding applications to state Government for both physical and non physical improvements.

13.1 FUNDING SOURCES

To initiate projects in the Urban Design Framework a number of funding sources have been documented to assist the Shire and the community of Merino to seek assistance in implementation of projects, both physical and non-physical.

Development Contributions

As a condition of a planning permit for a development the Shire receives funds from the developer to contribute to infrastructure improvements such as open space and street lighting improvements. Need and accountability are key elements in linking the specific funding with the project.

Special Rate Schemes

A special rate scheme under the Local Government Act recoups funds from existing beneficiary landowners, as well as new development. Special rate schemes are usually oriented to building improvements and maintenance.



49

State and Federal Grant Programs

The State Government has a number of grants and funding programs that are available for Councils, organisations and communities to seek funds for both physical and non-physical improvements. Briefly these are:

Pride of Place Program for assistance with capital works in the public realm to promote local character and heritage and the creation of a sense of place.

Heritage Victoria. Grant funding is available for the conservation and ongoing maintenance of significant landscapes and buildings. There is also a register of the National Estate.

National Trust of Australia (Victoria). The National Trust has a register of significant buildings, streetscapes and landscapes. Items on either the Heritage Victoria or the National Trust registers have a greater chance of receiving grant funding.

The Department of Sustainability and the Environment, local Catchment Management Authorities and Parks Victoria. These are focussed on environment and revegetation projects.

Rural Community Development Scheme. Funding for projects with community building initiatives.

Tourism Victoria. Funding for projects with direct links to increasing tourism in regional and rural areas and the stimulation of their economies.

Arts Victoria has a number of categories for festivals, events and the development of art, music and television programs. The Regional Art Development Grant provides development opportunities for arts organisations in regional and rural Victoria.

Sport and Recreation Victoria. Grants for leisure and recreational projects with identified benefits to a broad section of the community.

Service Clubs

Local clubs and organisations often contribute to funding a project or part of a project



50

A PPEN DI CES

APPENDIX 1

Township Meeting Minutes

9.30am, 15th April 2004, Merino Lions Club

Present: Michael Smith, Cathryn Tattersall, Peter McNabb, Carol Atwell, Donald Walker, Rick Lane, Alf Lane, Carol Lawton, Brendan Glenn, John Kirby, Joan Irving, Malcolm Armstrong

MS explained the background, aims and outcomes of the Urban Design Framework.

Alf Lane resident of 60 years

The town has gone backwards, particularly in terms of commercial and retail activity, there used to be 2 pubs, 3 grocers, 2 banks, hairdresser and butcher.

What money is available in the future as a result of this study?

MA - Nelson/Dartmoor was well received and is under the corporate plan. Similarly, at the end of the study, council and community can seek grant funds and council puts in dollar for dollar.

Brendan Glenn bought the hotel 12 months ago

In terms of profit, it covers itself, mainly local trade.

There is a lot of renovation to do upstairs and downstairs.

Merino on the road to nowhere (geographically)

Carol Lawton Resident 5 years owner of Merino Majik shop

Came to merino to escape the city

Thinks the town has gone backwards and would like to see the town go forwards

DW What were the key events in decline of the town?

Murray Goulburn Co-operative

Bought the factory and 6 houses for workers and closed the butter factory approx 25yrs ago. 25% of town worked there. There were 3 grocery shops in town then.

Built a Foodland grocery (large chain) which was terrific for farming community but as supplies were so much cheaper, lead to the closure of the other shops which could not compete. Bought Colstons Store and closed it to get their liquor licence.

Railway closed in approx 1977 actual station is now used as a museum in Woodend. There were previously 3 gangs working there.

State bank and National bank - 2 banks closed in the 1980s. One of the most profitable state banks in Victoria.



51

Demographics and Employment

Population approx 200 people, lots of children

Lots of work available if you know where to look farming work, milking, shearing, fencing, grapes, carpenters, plumbers, electricians

People commute to Portland, Hamilton and Coleraine or the saw mill at Dartmoor

With blue gum, not as much farming. Not many locals work for blue gums, only one full time.

Children come from surrounding areas to go the primary school (Standford, Paschendale, Tahara). Casterton for secondary education and Melbourne for tertiary education

Can buy a house for 20-40k. Many people on pensions (social security, disability, veterans affairs). Not many people have permanent full-time work.

Access to info school newsletter goes to the families, neighbourhood watch

Services

Mobile library comes once per fortnight, talk of the service being withdrawn

Hotel and general store could the general store expand? Brendan finds it hard to compete with bigger chains

V Line bus service once per week on a Thursday. Everyday from Coleraine.

Bush nursing hospital offers a good service.

Sporting Clubs

No football team Sandford team looking to come here.

2 senior cricket, 2 junior cricket

Girls go to Sandford and Casterton for netball

won t resurface courts

Badminton, table tennis, indoor bowls

Pony club

Getting the facilities is the problem

Insufficient things for teenagers to do they hang around the hotel and the lion s park.

Nearest movie theatre is at Hamilton.

John Kirby resident 2 years, moved from Werribee

Loves the quiet life, moved to Merino for the lifestyle

Would like to see the town thriving and wants to find something that gets people here.

Possible link with farming



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Put Merino on the map and let people know that it exists. Everyone knows where Digby is.

Tourism

Since the museum closed, a loss of tourism has been experienced as there is now little to draw people in

Possibility of family research centre, one in Portland already.

Can t see any industry coming to town

Possibly a cottage industry, although many around here already

Car rallies and caravan group have stayed in the town in the past

The hotel can accommodate a maximum of 12 people. Currently full with people pruning for blue gums.

Lions club auction is an event held annually

Show at the end of October. Sunday this year instead of Saturday

Alf suggests Merino is promoted as a ghost town i.e. Tasmania, hydro scheme

mural

Plaques at key sites, cemetery, churches and old buildings

Local butter factory beautification

460 people invited to afternoon tea in 1930

Lack of mobile phone service is a problem also no courier service discourages industry

Hotel up on the hill between Casteton and Portland

Private cemetery 25 graves

David Peters has set up in Casterton Toy and Hobby Centre. Australian Vic distribution

Difficult to find on maps

Can you extend a visit into a day need tourists to spend money lunch, coffee

Major Mitchell trail has bought a few people to town

Wool store the corner shop Geelong and Hamilton have already used this image

Merino sheep like the dry not suited to this country

Graeme Henty-Anderson @ Merino Downs Station

AL spasmodic tourism

DW interpreting the space and landform, valley, a welsh landscape

Merino is a lovely surprise, in the main street you can look up to the rolling hills.

Possibly of interpreting thematic walk

Sense of safety and refuge interpretation of glory days

Daylesford feel undulating

Church and old mill

Good public toilets

Playground, want the gazebo extended

Good barbeque at Lions Park, covered picnic area



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Small winery to the south of the town Steve Rogers

Mary Davis renovating one of the buildings in the street

Two shops beside pub are empty

Most of the buildings in the main street are owned by residents

Bernie Wilder renovating building next door to Lions Club to make into a tea room then abandoned and sold it.

Old buildings

Several sites for sale

Former milk bar on the west side of the road

want to sell but can t do anything

Joan need to clean up town before can get tourism, especially the main street, rusty truck bodies

Tea rooms doubles as a boat shed

Town needs to get its pride back

Need to identify the key properties that need work.

Bernie Wilder planning apparently there is a heritage overlay Mandy Jansz

Suggestion by MA free one off metal collection, hard rubbish collection within merino township and other townships

Drought relief scheme 67-68 nature strips installed. Prior to that it was pine trees and asphalt road

Shire mow the nature strips, no community involvement, not like Dartmoor

War memorial was moved when the traffic island was put in

Definition of intersection required a sense of arrival

Edge of town needs to be defined 2 entrances important

Strong entrance statements from Casterton, Coleraine and Digby

Grassdale Intersection Vic Roads Safety Strategy looking for people to do it. MA advised meeting to ring in/write in to advice of dangerous roads.

RL got onto internet, about 12 merinos elsewhere, get a sister town partnership started

AL open to ideas for another sign

AL Merino, the town the sheep was named after

Sheep sculptures are located in Hamilton.

Level of report

I.e. documentation of separate and individual can take up with property owners. Focus on area within 3-5 km of town.

Groups

Friends of Merino and District (4-5 people) progress association fencing of creek (Harold Ensoe s property has considerable landslip and he is not doing anything to address the problem, won t plant any trees), rubbish bins in main street

Hillside falling down no Landcare group in town

Railway - can walk along reserves to Casterton

Lions Group, various committees, neighbourhood watch, CFA

Community network for child minding



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No after school care

There was a child-care facility at the bush nursing centre but it was not looked after

Bush nursing centre 2 staff, they live in Hamilton and Coleraine respectively. Open 7 days per week and doctor visits on Thursdays from Casterton

Community bus (3 days a month to Casterton and 1 day to Hamilton) and car (whoever / whenever in need)

Doctor comes once a week

Day car for elderly on Wednesday and Friday

No meals on wheels frozen meals from Coleraine given at day care

Shopping

Casterton 21 km

Mt Gambier 87 km

Hamilton 47 km

Merino

Community bus takes elderly people once a week

Residents also car pool

MA travel economics i.e. vehicle costs vs. purchase mark up in local shops

Henty family merino downs - connection??

Lack of identity!!!

Merino is one of the oldest towns in Victoria

Key features

History panels in hall

View and undulating terrain to immediate surround

Street trees in most streets in town

Wide street

Community hall

Why do people visit Merino?

Old family connections

Short cut from Portland to Casterton

People who are looking just travelling around

Lack of entrepreneurial spirit among business people and residents

No drive to clean up the place and improve community facilities as we saw at Carisbrook eg establishment of a rail trail



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Jasmine Gallery Pam Moore

Art crafts, baby wear, nostalgia

Much on consignment

Husband works at dairy works

10 visitors approx / week big sale $200 from bus

Purchased July 2003 opened shop 20 December 2003

David Peters steam train proposal

132 people in phone book for merino

Church up the hill possible Bed and Breakfast

3 businesses in town

Jasmine gallery Pam

General Store Brian

Merino Hotel Brendan

General Store Brian Marsh

5 years in shop

Ex dairy farmer from Gippsland

Merino has feel of Gippsland but is drier

Post office 125 boxes, 94 active boxes

Take-away food 3 orders for lunch 20 orders per day

No lunches for school has its own canteen

Wants to put signage on both sides of the road trailer mounted, advertise lunch

Recommends removal of 10 metre median strip

Hotel has a the median open in front of it

Two way service road area instead of one way

Merino not motorist friendly, truck drivers would stop if it were easier rather stop at Heywood

Major signage at approaches to town

Need to advertise community facilities bank, post office, ATM open 7 days

Interested in buying the block next door beautification / new signage

Signage at Coleraine / merino intersection directing people into the heart of the town, telling them what is in the town.

Videos

Newspapers, magazines

Petrol pumps

ATM machine Bank of Queensland

Potential business premises

Ex-Shell service station

Big shop on Coleraine intersection corner

Ex post office

Public hall

Lions club



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1 shop

2 residences

Carols shop

Vacant land

Merino hotel

Shop

Shop

Ex hardware

General store

Shop

Vacant shop

Jasmine gallery

Vacant shop

2 shops ex groceries

Scout hall

RSL club rooms

2 story brick premises

Footloose IT business cluster

Business incubation

Internet café

But, only 2 long term businesses

General store

Hotel

Art and craft shops come and go. Brian has seen 2 other shops of this kind come and go since he has been at the general store (5yrs)



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Meeting with Allison Wooldridge (Merino Playgroup), Carol Atwell, Cathryn Tattersall

11.30 am, 15th April 2004, Merino

Attendees: Alison and John

Discussion:

Has lived in Merino her whole life, husband has lived there for 10 years

Has 5 year old and 2 year old daughters

Works in Hamilton at hospital as a midwife

Local shop has everything. Has heard that due to changes with EPA regulations, maybe can t sell fuel anymore. Normally buy petrol out of town but might buy in Merino on weekends. Also the CFA fill up there.

Local tip concerns that it will be closed???

Recycling facilities none out of town. Take recycling to Coleraine at present

Library van concerns that it will be closed. Library facilities at school are not suitable

Positives

Policeman based in Merino

District Nurse

General Store - does a lot of shopping in Hamilton after work or Coleraine and Casterton where child care is

Lions Park used by playgroup

Very few vacant houses in town compared to a few years ago

Swimming Pool used by the community and school

Karen Stockdale runs the swimming pool and the lessons

Demographics

Two distinct social levels long term residents and blow-ins

No interaction between the groups

Divide in levels of pride in township perhaps some don t have the money to make improvements to houses etc

Bringing young people into town

Ideological split between environmentalists and older conservatives

Rick Lane writes for the local paper immigration and environment issues

Lots of residents in the 70+ age group

minimal younger people who ve been here a long time



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Farming reduced by the blue gums, land consolidated into other farms, therefore less landowners

Internet access mobile library and a number of homes

Red cross and sporting clubs and games in hall

Phil Sturgess - Myers

name you ll hear often

Creek - not a focus for recreation, CFA fills up there

Railway line link the towns together, need the bridges

Attracting people to town to visit reputation a while ago as a spiritual centre, shops

No passing traffic!!

Churches

Churches

new residents aren t attending services

Catholic church operates regional priest

The Anglican and Uniting Churches are closed

Schools and childcare

Childcare 18 kms Southern Grampians Shire

Playgroup

Numbers decreasing over last 6-7 years

Not attracting new families to it

Held at school good for kids to get used to it

Organised by the mothers space dedicated in the school hall

Donations of toys

2 hrs on a Friday morning

Kinder have to go to Casterton or Coleraine

Prep to year 6 at primary school

60-70 children attend the primary school

4 full time teachers and part time German and art teachers

Library improvements very important

Teenagers not much to do except sport

Negatives / issues to be improved

Civic centre needs to be cleaned up, too much rubbish, needs to be neat and tidy

Railway line- rubble coming into town

Vandalism and crime not bad compared to how it used to be

Toilet block never looks clean

Council maintenance? What is there role? Do they full fill it?

Town has water, electricity and rubbish collections but on septic.

Only hospitals with maternity are Hamilton, Mt Gambier and Portland latter are too far!



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Unknowns:

Local shop

changes to the EPA so he won t have fuel, provides top-up fuel and as

emergency for CFA

Local tips status, will it be closed/transfer station, need to clean it up before it closes

No recycling facilities, must take outside of town

Library van fortnightly, will this continue?

Have 2 daughters 5 years and 2 years

Schools have van, but books appear unsuitable, reliant on mobile library

Good things:

Have a policeman based in town

Bush Nursing Centre with a District Nurse and Doctor

Shop has everything, Alison works in Hamilton and shops there when working, otherwise Casterton (offer more personalized service) or Coleraine

Lions Park, playground and B-b-q, playground well used, always clean

No vacant houses or only a few

Two groups in the town older residents and newer blow-ins, filling vacancies and minimal interaction between the two and barely civil New residents are brining in kids, doing things (Friends of Merino) but don t have the financial capacity Playground 4-5 families, Alison the only established resident Older residents cynicism New residents - doers

Mobile phones no access, problem for the CFA Internet access slow

Service Clubs do a good job Lions, Neighbourhood Watch, Cubs, Scouts Sporting Clubs tennis (Phil Sturgess-Myers), pool used by school every day in summer and attracts people from Casterton and elsewhere for Learn to Swim, Karen Stockdale form the Shire manages the pool, Merino Swimming Club

Rail Trail bridges now cut but good link to other towns Spiritual Centre apparently good location Need a reason to attract people rather than have them pass through

Childcare is a problem, 18km to Tarinlea, no-one local, no-one interested in being registered

Churches Newer residents not going Older ones dying Only Catholic Church operating, priest comes from outside



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Anglican Church closed last year, Uniting Church closed Won t share the service around the various churches and aggregate into one

Playgroup numbers have reduced over the last 7 years Have 20 30 children Newer residents not being attracted Held at the school every Friday for 2 hours Kindergarten at Casterton or Coleraine, people car pool

Primary School has 63 pupils, prep to grade 6, German teacher P/T and Art

The Hang Out facility no longer habitable

Some vandalism with the toilets but not a big issue in town

Playgroup have maintained play area but sandpit needs weeding

Merino Urban Design Framework Consultation meeting Thursday 15 April 2004

Young People on the street

The town needs:

More shops (2 votes)

A take-away

A skate park

Another place like The Hang Out - in the Old Grocery shop?

A High School

An internet café

A pony area

A place to do things like sewing



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APPENDIX 2

1. As a resident of Merino what do you consider are the key features of the township area and within 3 km of Merino?

2. Are there any particular features of Merino that you would draw people s attention to? If yes, please record below:

3. How important is Merino s image?

Very important

Important

Of some importance

Of little importance List benefits:

4. Are there land-forms or heritage and

cultural values of Merino which you consider would be important to take into consideration in assisting the Urban Design Framework directions and strategies?

5. Is there one particular theme that Merino should build upon? If yes describe below:

6. What business and services improvements could be established to make living in Merino more comfortable

What physical improvements would you like to see within the township.

Should you wish to give additional comments pleased provide on back of this sheet

Please refold your questionnaire and return it to the Glenelg Shire by Friday 23rd April 2004 using the reply paid postage on the back.

Thank you for your involvement in providing information to assist in

the support of Merino.

Should you wish to find out more about our study please contact consultants: Mike Smith or Cathryn Tattersall on (03) 9830 0414 for

further study information and township issues and Malcolm Armstrong at Glenelg Shire on

(03) 5522 2200 for contract issues.



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APPENDIX 3

TRAVELLING THROUGH?

TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON MERINO

We invite you to take part in this short survey to help us to gain an accurate representation of the perceptions travellers have of the township of Merino. The Glenelg Shire is undertaking an Urban Design Study for Merino, which draws upon the surrounding natural environment, the early cultural history, early European heritage and settlement patterns, to provide a vision and direction that the township can embrace and design guidelines for improvement to the town.

We hope you enjoy your time in Merino and have a safe journey.

(Please tick or circle where appropriate)

1. How long do you intend to spend time in Merino? ½ hour 4 hours 3-4 days

1 hour 8 hours 1 week 2-3 hours 2 days Longer

2. Is this your first visit to Merino? YES / NO Purpose: Business

or Pleasure , Is there a particular local area of interest or attraction- please specify?

3. Was the approach to the town centre from the north, south or east, memorable? YES / NO

4. As you approached the town centre what were the distinctive features?

5. Are the key features you identified in question 4 worthy attributes? YES / NO

6. Were you aware or informed about the history of Merino and the number of historic sites within the township and surrounding Merino area.

If yes, how could they be promoted further? YES / NO



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7. What new businesses or services should be encouraged to increase visitation?

8. What physical improvements could be made to make visitors stay more enjoyable and

memorable?

Should you wish to give additional comments pleased provide on back of this sheet

Please return your questionnaire to the box provided nearby.

The Glenelg Shire thanks you for your time in responding to our survey.

Should you wish to find out more about our study please contact

Consultants: Mike Smith or Cathryn Tattersall on (03) 9830 0414 for further study information and township issues and Malcolm Armstrong at Glenelg Shire on (03) 5522 2200 for contract issues.



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APPENDIX 4

1. AS A RESIDENT OF MERINO WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER ARE THE KEY FEATURES OF THE TOWNSHIP AREA AND WITHIN 3 KM OF MERINO?

High scenic quality and env. values of surrounding environment 11 Swimming Pool 9 Showgrounds 9 District Nurse / Bush Nursing Centre 6 School 5 Building fabric Heritage Buildings 4 Community hall and photo display 5 Museum 3 The Main Street streetscape 3 The General Store 3 The Hotel and pub 3 Golf Course 2 Cemetery 2 Lions park and BBQ 2 Football oval 2 Tennis courts/netball court 2 Churches 1 Butter factory 2 Reasonable housing prices 1 Art work on Gus Lanes Building 1 Lifestyle 2 Merino Downs 1

2. ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR FEATURES OF MERINO THAT YOU WOULD DRAW PEOPLES ATTENTION TO?

High scenic quality / views and env. values of surrounding environment 7 Community hall and photo display 6 Swimming Pool 4 Museum / Historic Flour Mill 4 Lifestyle 3 Golf Course 2 Lions Park, playground and BBQ 2 Football oval 2 Buffer factory 2 Close proximity to major towns 2 School 2 District Nurse / Bush Nursing Centre 1 Building fabric Heritage Buildings 1 The General Store 1 The Hotel and pub 1 History 1 Merino Majik 1 Jasmine Gallery 1 Art work on Gus Lanes Building 1 Streetscape 1 Events - Annual P & A show and Lions Club Auction 1



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3. HOW IMPORTANT IS MERINO S IMAGE?

Very Important 12 Important 6 Of some importance 3 Of little importance 1

Comments:

Lifestyle / relaxed atmosphere 7 High scenic quality / views and env. values of surrounding environment 4 Good for housing prices 3 Only to local residents 2 Very little or no crime 2 Encourage more business and stores 3 Encourage tourism / people stopping 3 Close proximity to major towns 2 Plenty of work 2 History 1 The people are friendly 1 The Main Street streetscape 1 Affordable housing prices 1 Attract a higher quality of people 1

4. ARE THERE ANY LANDFORMS OF HERITAGE AND CULTURAL VALUES IN MERINO WHICH YOU CONSIDER WOULD BE IMPORTANT TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION IN ASSISTING THE URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK DIRECTIONS AND STRATEGIES?

High scenic quality / views and env. values of surrounding environment 6 Building fabric Heritage Buildings 6 Old Railway line 3 Community hall and photo display 2 Cemetery 2 The Main Street streetscape 1 The Flour Mill 1 Historic route north from Portland 1 Settlement by the Henty s 1 The Anzacs and servicemen from the district 1 Museum 1 Waterfall 1 Friendly relationship with local aboriginals 1 No, any heritage has been destroyed 2



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5. IS THERE ONE PARTICULAR THEME THAT MERINO SHOULD BUILD UPON?

History 5 Tourism 3 Relaxation and lifestyle 2 Village character / Ghost town 2 Tidiness 2 Promoting sport 1 Affordability of real estate 1 Semi-secret location 2 High scenic quality / views and env. values of surrounding environment 1 Building fabric Heritage Buildings 1 Implication of the name Merino 1 Farming community / Frontier Town 2 Historic route north from Portland one of the first roads in Victoria 1

6. WHAT BUSINESSES AND SERVICES IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE ESTABLISHED TO MAKE LIVING IN MERINO MORE COMFORTABLE?

Regular public transport / Bus to and from Casterton 7 More health services such as rehabilitation and dentists, doctor 24 hours and seven days

6

A garage / mechanic 5 Coffee Shop 4 New businesses, such as shops, manufacturing or industry 3 A bank, not in the post office 3 Collection of medicine from pharmacy / chemist agency 2 General store to be improved / open longer hours 2 Internet Café / Broadband internet access 3 Mobile Phone communication 3 Local Library 2 Bed and Breakfast 2 A second general store 1 Tennis Courts 1 Squash Courts 1 Gym 1 Rainwater tank for public use 1 Shopping for the aged 1 Notice to residents to beautify main street 1 Truck parking area to encourage them to stop 1 Natural gas 1 Return of Post Office 1 Develop Pub into Tourist Attraction 1 Ensure the bush nursing centre keeps operating 1 Local Gardner 1 Youth Centre / Drop in centre 1 Town Water needs improvement 1



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7. WHAT PHYSICAL IMPROVEMENTS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE WITHIN THE

TOWNSHIP?

The Main Street cleaned up 11 Planting 6 Painting of buildings 3 Tennis courts resurfaced and maintained 3 New township signs and maps with interpretive information 2 Derelict buildings repaired or demolished 2 Upgrade of showgrounds and camping ground 2 More street lights 3 Mobile Service 1 Bank 1 Shops 1 Roads maintained 1 Roadside vegetation cleared 1 Fencing and revegetation of creek 1 Rail trail 1 Passing lane on the northbound side of the main street 1 Better playground equipment 1 Upgrade of toilet facilities 1 Skate park 2 Lions Park maintained 1 Activities for young and middle aged 1 Upgrade of walking track to showground and extending it 2

Other comments:

The town appears to have been cleaned up in the last 2 and a half years, but still needs improvement.

Bed and breakfasts promotion of Merino as a weekend escape

Street maintenance is a disgrace. Grass and planting should be maintained.

Merino needs more employment options

Empty shop fronts make the town look bare and like a ghost town.

Due to road layout and median strips, the store and hotel are obscured and difficult to get to.

Sporting facilities are important to the younger generations

Mobile Phone service would be very valuable

Quite a lot of people take a scenic drive from Mt Gambier, through Dartmoor, Digby onto Casterton and back to Mt Gambier. Need a coffee shop and such to encourage these people to stop.

Environmental works such as creek revegetation and tree planting on hillsides.

There is a need to build on the existing facilities in the town.

Need government assistance in renewal of Merino.

Plaques erected to describe buildings and what was located on each site.

Walking track from the south side of town to the recreation area on the north.

A free campground like Kumbia, Qld. People can stay for free for 24 hours and spend some money in the town.



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Advertising of events. If there are events, such as a band at the Hotel, the event is only advertised locally and people outside the town have no opportunity to find out about them and come along.



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APPENDIX 5

Community Meeting 13th May 2004, 7 pm Merino Community Hall

Present:

Malcolm Armstrong

Infrastructure Engineer, Glenelg Shire

Mike Smith, Peter McNabb, Cathryn Tattersall, Rob Panozzo

Consultant Team

Bill Lambert, Veronica Taylor, Scott Morison, Wilf Dinning, Lexie Eagleson, Bill Bell, Edie Humphries, Barry Humphries, Les Brown, John Broad, Joan Hamill, Joan Irving, Pamela Moore, Rosemary Sandford, Neil Sandford, Vicki Talbot

Consultant presentation of the analysis and the preliminary opportunities

MS. Introduction what is a UDF?

Consultant Team.

Study Process.

Analysis

MS. Community facilities and amenities.

Nursing Centre operates 6 days per week.

Doctor visits on Thursdays.

Indoor bowls, badminton are played in the hall.

Golf club is 1.5 km along the Digby Road.

PM. Tourism and visitor amenities.

Lions club BBQ area.

Told there were grants available from the Shire.

The lions club wanted to extend and enhance the facility, but the Shire weren t helpful.

Another resident commented that these grants were specifically for recreation. Not the right grant to apply for.

PM. Business economy.

Limited economic / tourism base.

PM. Gateway Entrances.

PM. The signage is poor, intersections need definition.

It is not that hard, you just have to have a look.

No one knows where Merino is. No one knows how to get to Merino. Signage to Casterton is the only signage that is obvious.



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Preliminary Opportunities

MS. Presentation of the town.

PM. Walking Trail.

MS. Tourism Development.

PM. Mentioned the suggestion of a music festival.

After the consultant presentation, the meeting was opened to community discussion. The following were the issues raised and suggestions made by the local residents.

Museum

Is being dismantled at the moment.

Lots of things belonged to local people and they are taking them back.

Merino needs something like Casterton s story of the Kelpies .

Lights

In 1887 there were four street lights. In 2004 there are not many more than that.

The General Store has lights.

The pub has lights until they close

However, no one seems to walk the streets at night.

Butter Factory

Great old building, now used to store hay.

Due to the poor presentation, it is not an attraction at the moment.

Gary Stockdale owns it.

Presentation

Old cars, old service station, broken windows covered over with ply are some of the issues in the main street.

Does the Shire have an ordinance saying that these things need to be maintained?

Old facades on new buildings to create the image of an old streetscape.

Need to play on the history of the town and get the historical photos into the public domain.

Buildings need painting.

The pub stands out at night but not during the day. Key buildings need to be picked up and made a feature of the town.

Work for the Dole Scheme

Professionals, such as painters and carpenters to help the people on the scheme out with painting the buildings, as happened in Casterton.

A matter to discuss with Jim Hawker

Empty Shops

Cottage industry needs some assistance. These businesses could operate in the empty shops.

Antique shop.



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Second hand good store currently a lot of items that could be sold go to the tip.

Are there people who will move into the shops? They need incentive, and also need people to stop in Merino. The town needs to be brightened up to encourage people to stop.

Streetscape

Gravel Service track on western side of Main Street could be planted and seats placed to make a picnic stop.

A truck stop area is needed to encourage trucks to use the store.

The central median strips are a barrier to business.

Suggestion that the service road between Hare Street to Maud Street should be two-way.

People don t stop and decide to go to Digby instead.

MS suggests opening-up the appearance of the general store.

Brian the post boxes take up window space.

The shop is isolated from the road.

Gravel island at the end of hare Street could possibly be removed and replaced with a proper traffic island.

Have to make the town look attractive bright, lived in, well maintained and cared for.

Suggestion of sponsorship of the store with tables and umbrellas insurance issues with footpath furniture.

Possible projection of kerb to make a safe area for tables and chairs.

Make the store more of a landmark.

Possible use of the vacant block next door.

The Merino hotel is considering a beer garden on the vacant block next door.

Gus Lanes block (the former service station) will come up for sale sometime soon.

Across the street from store, perhaps put a parking bay and people can cross the road to the store.

Accommodation / tourism

A possible cottage industry is art / painting tours Jenny Mitchell. A major requirement is accommodation.

Bed and Breakfasts friends from Melbourne love merino.

Bernie Wilder was going to start one, but he sold it.

Autumn is the best time of year, the view into town is very pretty.

Farms, which could have been promoted as B&Bs have been sold to Bluegums.

Merino is central to lots of places in the Western District.

There are lots of nice properties in the area.

12 rooms at the Hotel, they are currently being renovated. Once improved the hotel will provide accommodation.

Cabins caravan park a possibility. Casterton always needs more accommodation during the kelpie festival.

Tourism ventures need to start small. They are difficult to start.

It is embarrassing that you can t say to go to Merino as there is little to see.

Grey Power try to capture their market.



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A feature of any town is water! Creek and waterfall behind the mill could be cleaned out.

There is arsenic in the water.

Idea that the museum could hold events for hobby interests, such as vintage cars, food and wine. The area in front of the museum would be an ideal space. This could link with the monthly market.

An Autumn Festival.

Short on volunteers. Need to build on peoples hobbies.

PROMOTION!

People will get involved once something is up and running.

Morale is very low.

Opinion of residents that Council aren t interested in doing anything in Merino.

Need to get an active group of local residents.

MA. Corporate policy adoption of the UDF, the role of Council and the community.

Sport and recreation

President of the Sandford Football Club advised the club would like to get some home games in Merino.

It is an excellent ground and located right in the centre of the league.

Possible to have football games running from 9.30am to 5pm (3 games).

One of the constraints is that the netball courts are in such poor condition and need improvement.

The football club is trying to borrow money to do this. Possibility of applying for grants.

Tennis courts need maintenance, but there is no club.

There are new nets and fences just need to organise a team.

Opportunity for grants. Major grants will be available in October

If sport was a greater focus in the town, there would be as many people visiting Merino on a Saturday as there currently is in a month.

Public liability and insurance issues associated with tennis club people are wary because of a previous bad experience where a child was hurt.

Possibility to incorporate the tennis club into another club.

Facilities

No one looks after the facilities the drains and the public toilets.

Since the amalgamation of the Shires, Portland gets more and the northern part of the Shire suffers

Council visits once per month are not enough.

Footpaths are not maintained and are trip hazards.

Public transport

Unemployment not helped by the lack of public transport.

If buses are coming through the area, they need to stop at Merino.

People on Work for the Dole scheme need to be able to access public transport.



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Committees

Friends of Merino.

Overall guiding body needed to encompass all the interest of the different groups.

Town Attitude a key!

Caravan / Camping

Showground ahs electricity but can not be used as a caravan park because someone is needed to collect the money.

Industry

A natural gas line goes between Apollo bay and Adelaide. It passes within a kilometre of Merino.

Industry could tap in to this resource.



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APPENDIX 6

Merino Bush Nursing Centre notes of discussion with Jan Koch on 13th May 2004

1. History

Merino community has always had a health service

would be badly missed if it were not

here an important part of the quality public services in the town

Originally a bush nursing hospital

The centre is now part of a district nursing service run by a board and CEO in Coleraine

The CEO in Coleraine is excellent and has had some meetings in Merino with members from social groups to identify community expectations / needs

2. Current Operation of the Centre

No beds at the centre

Limited opening hours. Centre open 1-3 Monday to Friday, 8.30-10.30 Saturday mornings

Three regular nurses and two casual nurses on part-time shifts

People visit the centre for a range of problems (eg, blood tests, dressings, first aid, health information) and the nurses make home visits. 8.30-5pm Monday to Friday, other than when the centre is open

A doctor comes to the centre one afternoon/week

There are 4 meeting/activity rooms in the centre used by selected community groups (ladies church group / bible group and craft group)

The centre services an area in a radius of 15-20 km from Merino

60 people on the centre s books range of health issues eg, diabetes, heart disease, cancer requiring palliative care (there seems to be a high rate of cancer in this community)

Centre provides a community bus (shared with Coleraine) that takes people to Casterton once a week (on a Thursday) to do shopping, etc and Hamilton monthly

Centre also owns a community car that will take people on demand to wherever at a cost of 15 cents/km this service is used 2-5 times a week and is provided by a small pool of volunteer drivers (now 9 but used to be 12 3 of which are under 40; 6 are over 50)

Most people in Merino think the service is good

3. Gaps in the Current Service

Lack of a podiatrist problem of getting one to come to Merino currently covered by an outreach facility from a bigger town such as Casterton, Coleraine and Hamilton

Counselling stigma in a small community of visiting a counsellor. Prefer to seek counsellor for financial / personal problems away from the town



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4. Future of the Centre

There is not a lot of discussion about the centre s future

There is a community expectation that there will always be a bush nursing service here

There are ongoing maintenance issues due to the building being old which cost a lot of money to repair

The future is very uncertain although there are continual assurances that the Government will not close down the centre

Possibility of links with Council services

eg, the Shire s maternal health care service has capacity to provide limited services in the town, but Council did not take this up when the Infant Welfare Centre closed years ago. Maternal nurse visits mothers for initial post hospital check. Therefore, these services are provided in Casterton. Home maintenance help from the Shire. In the past employed one local person only. Work load too much for one person therefore not adequate coverage of jobs. Now serviced by a person from the Casterton Hospital, tendered from the Glenelg Shire

A conundrum if the centre had more staff and was open more often, it could provide a better service but there is not enough money to do this

5. Socio-Demographic and Economic Profile of Merino

Mixture of ages and socio-economic income groups

Population of about 200

A proportion of established farmers with a reasonable income

An increasing proportion of low income single parent families more noticeable in the last three years these people come from Melbourne/Portland in search of cheaper housing

many in their 30 s and 40 s and unskilled

Many people don t work

Limited (4-5) professional people living in Merino Jan lives in Hamilton

Only $20,000 - $ 40,000 needed to buy a three bedroom house

A minority of 60 yr + couples coming into town to live - desire for quieter lifestyle, but don t really think about health care or public transport issues in this isolated community

Apparent decline in the 60+ population as evidenced by the decline in centre visits to this demographic group

Reasonable proportion of the population over 55 only 4 to 5 singles/couples of which are self-funded retirees, the rest on benefits

High proportion of non-pension age people on benefits disability support, health care card, etc

Merino is viewed as a needy town on a par with Nelson and Dartmoor

A fragmented community comprising many different groups

The commercial heart of the town is based now around the pub and general store/post office however, the pub is not an important community focal point, especially older members of community.

Economic decline in the town since Jan came her in 1992 then many more local services such as a bank and garage and another shop



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One activity group Merino Progress Association responsible for revegetation of the creek

6. Merino Primary School

A well run school with 60-70 students 50% of the kids come from outside the town

A good principal

Community respect for the school the school has been effective in engaging the community getting the support and involvement of parents one of the key leaders of the community

Some children travel to Casterton Primary School

7. Future of Merino

People dread the future of the town when a proprietor leaves the general store, many wonder whether someone else will take it on

The town is dependant on enthusiastic people to get things going, and there are not many enthusiastic people because when a town loses many of its assets it is difficult for people to be motivated

Tourism is important, but Merino does not have many tourist assets

Difficult with current local attitudes

older people can t be bothered about the condition of the town s buildings and other assets; young people are apathetic about the town and there is not much pride among young people; the community is prepared to tolerate roaming dogs and unsightly car bodies (the car body owners do not care about this problem and consider that it is none of anyone s business therefore should not be raised as an issue)

Merino needs people with a bit of initiative. Someone who knows how to source funding and with new ideas to boost the towns morale and profile

8. Key Future Needs in the Town

A youth centre

the bush nursing centre tried to get this kind of a centre going in the building next door however, there was a lack of adult supervision and the kids acted up and the building was not designed for kids

A community/internet facility

the centre has internet, but there would be the need for a secretarial service to oversee it and make it viable the centre also has the problem of limited opening hours when staff are available to supervise

A good community meeting place

the community hall is used for more formal functions (meetings, A.G.M s etc) (there is a hire fee) not an informal meeting place; similarly the bush nursing centre is a medical facility, not a community meeting place; perhaps the best place is the general store



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Syringe needle exchange program

Jan would like to provide this, but it is not seen as a

local problem the Coleraine CEO of the District Bush Nursing Service has put this on hold

Supply of condoms from the centre

a real ethical issue in a small community who do

you hand these condoms out to? Some parents may object to the availability of condoms to their children without their consent

Environmental streetscape improvements more seats, bins, garden beds

Better public transport and communication services the V Line bus currently runs only on Thursdays; there is no mobile phone access in the town need for a new tower



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APPENDIX 7

Present: Michael Smith, Cathryn Tattersall Michael Smith and Associates Malcolm Armstrong Infrastructure Engineer, Glenelg Shire Council Cr Tom Munro Councillor, Glenelg Shire Council Veronica Taylor, Rosemary Sandford, Ricky Lane, Steven Knight. Marge Owens, Pam Moore, Lexi Eagleson, Phillip Myers

Presentation of draft report by Michael Smith and Cathryn Tattersall

Issues which were raised for discussion by the community:


Where will the money come from to achieve the proposals?

Quote of $60K to fix the recreation ground. Perhaps the suggested budget of $35K is not feasible.

People have been taking steps to make improvements community spirit is alive!

The Sandford football club has been sending questionnaires to members to gauge their opinion of playing games at Merino. They have only received three negative responses in thirty seven questionnaires. Playing games at Merino would help both Merino and Sandford.

Possibility to investigate grants from both Glenelg Shire and for the tennis courts, Tennis Australia.

Heritage, Culture and the Arts

No comments

Tourism and visitor amenities

Advertising of events is not reaching far enough.

Sandford Football Club attempted to organise a concert at Merino performers were too expensive.

Signage from further a field is very bad. No one knows how to get to Merino.

Business Economy

Mt Gambier day trippers do a loop through Dartmoor, Casterton and Merino. Attract them to stop in Merino.

Streetscape

Presentation and maintenance is very important.

Residents have had to clear the drains themselves as there were some problems with flooding.

Tidy Town competition. Consider entering the Main Street to inspire community and give them something to work towards.

Key blocks need to be tidied.



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Tree Strategy should the trees be gradually replaced with one species to create a greater avenue effect? The wide streets are a good feature and opportunity to do something really special. This is a low priority, but worth considering in the long term. Important to maintain sight lines with trees in preference to shrubs. Trees also provide greater visual impact.


Safety of northern end of town is a priority.

Consider a passing lane for traffic to get around people waiting to turn right into Hare Street.

Open Space

Open drain runs along the edge of the rail trail. This needs to be improved before the trail can be further developed and promoted.

Discussion as to priorities for implementation and budget:

Out of 18 action items with allocated budget established during the study, the community present voted for the following priorities:

a. Recreation Reserve Upgrade b. Intersection of Hare and High Streets c. High Street safety and presentation including building appearance and tree planting. d. Interpretive information e. Entrance gateways f. Creek revegetation