Longreach Regional Council Park and Streetscape Infrastructure Manual - A Township Character Assessment and Guiding Manual
As communities grow and evolve, it is important for regional Councils to ensure that the character and identity of each township is maintained and celebrated. The Longreach Regional Council Park and Streetscape Infrastructure Manual was developed with this in mind, to preserve a cohesive community feel across the region.
The Infrastructure Manual serves as a valuable toolkit for Longreach Regional Council, providing officers, planners, maintenance staff and other stakeholders with a concise set of guidelines, palettes and specifications for external furniture, finishes and planting. This document provides the clear direction Council needs to consistently, cost effectively and efficiently maintain and build upon the unique identity of each township in the region - Longreach, Ilfracombe, Isisford, and Yaraka. The Manual assists in creating a sense of unity and formalisation which helps to generate pride, quality and value within these communities.
Benefits
For Longreach Regional Council, the benefits of applying a consistent and formalised approach to infrastructure and landscaping include:
Efficient selection of infrastructure for new capital projects
Expediency of installation
Suitable selection of plant species based on previous performance
Ability to quickly repair and replace pre-existing infrastructure items
Opportunities to bulk buy, potentially reducing purchasing costs
One of the key concepts that underpins the Manual is placemaking. This involves the planning, design, and management of public spaces that are tailored to the needs and aspirations of the local community. By capitalising on the assets, inspiration, and potential of each township, placemaking helps to create places that promote people's health, happiness, and wellbeing.
The Longreach Regional Council Park and Streetscape Infrastructure Manual serves as a foundation for the process of placemaking, reinforcing each township's unique character and identity. By creating a strong sense of place and lifestyle attributes, the Manual may even contribute to the retention of local residents and the extended stay of visitors.
Development
During the development stage of the Manual, on-ground site visits and inspections were conducted by Council Officers and CPR Group’s Senior Landscape Architect. The onsite audit focused on capturing data and photography at each location including types and condition of existing park and streetscape infrastructure and identifying the plant species used in existing landscaping. A comprehensive analysis of the quality, longevity, colour and consistency of style of existing infrastructure in each township was evaluated and documented. In close collaboration with Council, CPR Group developed the framework and palette for the Manual. The much needed Longreach Regional Council Park and Streetscape Infrastructure Manual has become an essential strategic resource for Council.
The Infrastructure Manual is an essential document for any Council looking to create vibrant, welcoming and sustainable communities. Through the use of placemaking principles and a focus on reinforcing each township's unique identity, this Manual helps Councils to save time and money, and assist with strategic decisions.
The final Infrastructure Manual outcomes consists of two parts:
Hardscape: A concise and succinct document outlining the character palettes for each local area identifying colour, furniture and pavement palettes and finishes to ensure continuity and reinforcement of existing built form character of the townships
Softscape: Plant species selection and planning including a localised street tree key plan
In order to achieve a cohesive and high-quality softscape outcome throughout the region, it is critical for Council, contractors, and developers to follow the Manual for preferred techniques and species. Planting guidelines and species palettes have been carefully selected to assist in informing these parties and ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved.
Following these guidelines not only helps to create a cohesive look and feel throughout the region, but also provides prime growing conditions to support plant health, less maintenance, longer lasting softscape areas, and a reduction in long-term asset maintenance costs and labour expenses for Council.
Implications
The benefits of following quality planting guidelines and species palettes are numerous. Additionally, a more attractive environment can improve well-being and contribute to a sense of community pride and identity.
Creating a cohesive and high-quality softscape throughout the region, means less maintenance is required, resulting in reduced long-term costs and greater opportunities for Council funding to be spent elsewhere.
By reducing costs, there is greater opportunity for Council funding to be spent in other areas of the community. This means that resources can be allocated to other important projects, such as community facilities or events, which can have a positive impact on the lives of residents.
Industry Experts
The CPR Group team has a great track record when it comes to delivering successful projects. We bring a wealth of expertise and over 25 years experience in working with Local Government and creating effective planning documents.
Our team of consultants understands the unique challenges faced by Councils when it comes to planning. We draw on our collective past experiences to ensure that the documents we create are tailored to the needs and goals of the Council.
CPR Group understands the benefits that a well-crafted planning document can bring to Council. By providing clear guidance and direction, our documents help streamline decision-making processes, improve project outcomes and ultimately save time and money for the Council and all stakeholders involved.
The Council's choice to work with the CPR Group team is a testament to their commitment to delivering high-quality projects. We are well-positioned to create planning documents that meet the Council's needs and set them up for success in the future. Together, we are dedicated to achieving the Council's goals and exceeding their expectations.
Contact CPR Group today on 1800 100 204 or email us at info@cprgroup.com.au.
