Appendix G Visual impact report

Transcription

1 Appendix G Visual impact report Environmental impact statement February 2009

2 Visual Impact Report Enlarged Cotter Dam February 2009

3 Certificate of approval for issue of documents Document number DM5 number Title Revision Visual Impact Report vd Document status Date of issue 11 February 2009 Position Name Signature Date Prepared by Environmental Planner Tracey Hooper Reviewed by Approved by Design Manager, Landscape Architecture Program Design Manager Suzanne Moulis Richard Frost Document revision control Version Author Date Description Approval A T Hooper B T Hooper C T Hooper D T Hooper Changes to reflect EIS submissions ACTEW Corporation Ltd This publication is copyright and contains information that is the property of ACTEW Corporation Ltd. It may be reproduced for the purposes of use while engaged on ACTEW commissioned projects, but is not to be communicated in whole or in part to any third party without prior written consent. Disclaimer This document has been prepared for ACTEW and is to be used for internal purposes. No warranty is given as to its suitability for any other purpose.

4 Contents 1 INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY Introduction Methodology 1 2 EXISTING LANDSCAPE Introduction Cotter Dam Catchment Landform Geology and Soils Vegetation Land Use 5 3 VISUAL CATCHMENT AND AMENITY Introduction Cotter Dam Visual Catchment Landscape Character Units Sensitive Visual Receptors View Points 23 4 ENLARGED COTTER DAM WORKS Sources of Potential Impacts 34 5 LANDSCAPE AND Introduction View of Construction Works and Completed Infrastructure Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methodology Visual Impact Assessment and Mitigation Measures 52 6 REFERENCES 63

5 Figures Figure 1 - Cotter Dam Visual Catchment 8 Figure 2 - Landscape Character Units 9 Figure 3 - Sensitive Visual Receptors and View Points 20 Figure 4 - Camp Cottermouth Viewshed 38 Figure 5 - Pierces Creek House Viewshed 39 Figure 6 - Pierces Creek House Photomontage 40 Figure 7 - Cotter Road Houses Viewshed 41 Figure Cotter Road Photomontage 42 Figure 9 - Cotter Road Viewshed 43 Figure 10 - Brindabella Road Viewshed 44 Figure 11 - Paddys River Road Viewshed 45 Figure 12 - Cotter Cave Viewshed 46 Figure 13 - Moores Hill Viewshed 47 Figure 14 - Moores Hill Photomontage 48 Figure 15 - Mt McDonald Viewshed 49 Figure 16 - Mt Stromlo Observatory Viewshed 50 Table Index Table 1 - Views from Sensitive Visual Receptors 36 Table 2 Views from View Points 37 Table 3 - Visual Assessment Parameters 51 Table 4 - Visual Impact Assessment - Sensitive Visual Receptors 53 Table 5 - Visual Impact Assessment View Points 57

6 1 Introduction and Methodology 1.1 Introduction The Cotter Dam and its catchment lies within a landscape that provides contrasting visual experiences, from the mountains of the Brindabella Range to the west, the fire affected forestry area in the lower catchment, the Cotter, Paddys and Murrumbidgee Rivers below the dam, and the recreation areas characterised by large established avenue trees. The undulating to steeply sloping landform of the area provides limited viewing opportunities of the reservoir and dam, but the works associated with the project will increase the visual prominence of these features. This will change the visual landscape both during construction and following completion of the site works. This visual impact assessment highlights the likely impacts on landscape character and visual amenity resulting from the Enlarged Cotter Dam (ECD) works. The existing features of the landscape and visual environment are outlined, as well as changes that are likely to occur as a result of the works. Possible mitigation measures are also identified. 1.2 Methodology The adopted methodology for undertaking the visual impact assessment for the ECD is: Analysis of the existing landscape and visual environment through: Defining the visual catchment, which is the area from which views of the dam and associated infrastructure and works, and the reservoir are visible; Describing the landscape character of the visual catchment including the aspects of landform and land use, which is supported by analysis of topographic landscape information; Classifying the visual catchment into landscape character units. These are the distinct areas that share common landscape features and characteristics; and Identifying sensitive visual receptors and view points and describing the visual outlook from these locations. Sensitive visual receptors are locations where the dam construction works and/or the enlarged Cotter Dam and associated infrastructure will be visible to residents or areas where visitors spend extended periods of time. View points are locations from which fixed or transient views will be possible, but where the time of stay is shorter. View Points may include lookouts, walking and cycling tracks, and recreation areas. Undertaking an assessment of the likely landscape and visual impacts by: Identifying the sources of potential landscape and visual impacts associated with the project works; Providing a description of landscape and visual impacts for each landscape character unit and identified sensitive receptors and view points, having regard to criteria such as scenic quality, visual and landscape sensitivity, and the significance of likely impacts; Preparation of computer generated viewsheds from these locations assisting in the aid of understanding the visual exposure of the dam and works from these sensitive visual receptors and view points; and 1

7 Presentation of three-dimensional simulations, showing the likely visual impact of the dam and reservoir following completion of the construction works. Undertaking mitigation measures to avoid, reduce, remedy or offset negative visual impacts resulting from the project. 2

8 2 Existing Landscape 2.1 Introduction Cotter Dam is located approximately 18km west of Canberra with access provided through three key roads. Cotter Road provides the main link with Canberra with access also available from Brindabella Road and Paddys River Road. The following sections provide an overview of the existing landscape and land uses of the Cotter Dam, its catchment and surrounding area. These features all contribute to the landscape and visual character of the area. 2.2 Cotter Dam Catchment Landform The Cotter River - a boulder, cobble and gravel-bed river sources from upland bogs in the Scabby Range and merges with the Murrumbidgee River downstream of the Cotter Dam. The Cotter River catchment is 481 km 2 in area, and incorporates the Cotter Dam catchment. This visual impact assessment is concentrated on the Cotter Dam catchment which for this assessment has been divided into the following three areas (Graphic 1): Namadgi National Park Section (NNPS) This is the upper area of the Cotter Dam catchment, incorporating the part of Namadgi National Park that extends from below Bendora Dam to its northern boundary; Fire Affected Forestry Section (FAFS) This part of the catchment incorporates land that was formerly pine forest but which has been affected by the 2003 bushfires. This section of the dam catchment is the area covered by the Lower Cotter Catchment Draft Strategic Management Plan produced by the ACT Government; and Cotter Precinct (CP) The area surrounding the Cotter Dam wall and incorporating the Cotter, Paddys and Murrumbidgee Rivers and Paddy s River is identified in this report as the Cotter Precinct. This area incorporates most of the key recreation areas in the vicinity of the dam Namadgi National Park Section This catchment area is characterised by a centrally incised valley system with steep eastern and western ranges characteristic of the Namadgi National Park. Landforms include rolling summits, exposed ridgelines and rocky outcrops Fire Affected Forestry Section This area is characterised by undulating terrain surrounded by western mountain ranges of Hardy, Tidbinbilla and Brindabella Ranges. Slopes are typically less than ten degrees. The Cotter River is confined by a steep gorge with slopes greater than fifteen degrees Cotter Precinct The Cotter River is confined in this area by steep valley walls of over forty degrees, and a flat rocky valley floor. Landscape features include some steep cliffs/gorges along the Murrumbidgee, Cotter and Paddys Rivers. 3

9 Graphic 1 Cotter Dam Catchment 4

10 2.3 Geology and Soils The area has underlying geology consisting of marine metasediments and volcanic granitoids. Volcanics are found almost exclusively in the FAFS and CP areas. Soils derived from granite soils tend to be highly erodible due to their coarse grain size, while soils derived from metasediments have a high percentage of fine grains which degrades water quality. The FAFS has historically been influenced by erosion and sediment problems, which has ultimately affected the water quality from the Cotter Dam. Rehabilitation works in the catchment are in place in an effort to control the erosion process through: Decommissioning of forestry roads; Building of sediment control structures; and Revegetation with native species. 2.4 Vegetation Namadgi National Park Section Being located within Namadgi National Park, this section of the dam catchment is characterised by a mixture of sub-alpine, wet and dry Sclerophyll forests Fire Affected Forestry Section Vegetation communities have been highly modified in the FAFS due to land use, particularly plantation and historic grazing activities. During early settlement native vegetation was cleared for grazing and plantation forest purposes. These activities occurred extensively in the Coree and Cotter districts. Remnant vegetation, including eucalypt and Callitris woodland are generally located on terrain too steep for other land uses or clearing. Original vegetation, pre-grazing and pine plantation, included woodlands to dry open forest and wet forest with pockets of grassland. Prior to the January 2003 bushfires, ACT Forests managed an extensive pine plantation of 4,200 ha within this section of the catchment. All areas of this forestry was affected by the bushfires Cotter Precinct Vegetation in the CP includes former pine plantation, land that has been replanted with pine post the 2003 bushfires, cleared grazing land, woodlands and native vegetation. Important remnant vegetation exists in the Murrumbidgee River Corridor area including native grassland, scrub, woodland and open forest. 2.5 Land Use Namadgi National Park Section As this area is located within a water supply catchment recreational activities are largely restricted to walking, with cycling also permitted on fire roads. No camping is permitted within the NNPS of the Cotter Dam Catchment Fire Affected Forestry Section Prior to the construction of the Cotter Dam, the FAFS was used for grazing and mining activities. Forestry activities commenced in 1926 with the plantation pine (Pinus radiata) throughout the Uriarra and Pierces Creek areas. Currently, FAFS land is used primarily for water catchment and recreation use 5

11 including walking and cycling. Replanting of pine plantations occurred in some areas of the FAFS after the 2003 bushfires. There is one permanent residence located within the FAFS at Pierces Creek Cotter Precinct Camp Cottermouth and Greenhills Camp and Conference Centre are located on Cotter Road and within Cotter Precinct. Camp Cottermouth is a scout camp that is available for public hire providing dormitory accommodation and camping areas. Training facilities are also provided at the camp. Greenhills Camp and Conference Centre is a Uniting Church facility that provides accommodation and conference facilities for up to 180 people. There are several permanent residencies within the Cotter Precinct. There are two dwellings located within Cotter Precinct, an ACT housing house on Cotter Road near Cotter Avenue and a house located adjacent to the PCL depot near Casuarina Sands. The Cotter pump station is also located within the Cotter Precinct. The Cotter precinct is seen as a tourist gateway to the Brindabella Range and Namadgi National Park with the Tourist Drive 5 travelling through the precinct. The Cotter Precinct is also the focal point for recreation activity in the vicinity of the dam. The key recreation areas are: Cotter Avenue - social/family recreation area that has facilities for picnicking and walking; Cotter Bend - social/family recreation with facilities providing for picnicking, walking, fishing and swimming; Cotter Campground - riverside campground with access to walking tracks and swimming; and Casuarina Sands - riverside recreation area with picnic facilities, walking tracks and swimming and other water based recreation opportunities. The Cotter Precinct was dramatically impacted by the January 2003 fires with many recreation facilities destroyed. Some facilities have subsequently been replaced. Recreational activities that are common in the Cotter Precinct include: Picnicking; Bushwalking, walking and running; Water Activities including swimming, fishing, canoeing and similar. These activities are restricted to the rivers downstream of Cotter Dam; Mountain biking and cycling; Horse riding; and Trail bike riding, Four-wheel driving, recreational driving and car rallying. 6

12 3 Visual Catchment and Amenity 3.1 Introduction This section provides a description of the aspects that contribute to the existing visual amenity of the visual catchment, including the visual exposure of the existing dam and associated features. Existing outlooks and sensitive visual locations have also been identified. 3.2 Cotter Dam Visual Catchment Visual impacts resulting from the works associated with dam construction will extend beyond the immediate surrounds of the dam and reservoir. To assess the landscape extent to which the works associated with the dam and the new full supply level is likely to be visible, a visual catchment has been identified and adopted as an assessment tool in this report. The visual catchment includes areas from which there is a view of any part of the proposed development. The extent of the Cotter Dam visual catchment is defined as: Mt McDonald and the associated ridgeline to the north; Mt Stromlo to the east; The northern section of Namadgi National Park west and south-west Brindabella Road (western section) to the north-west; and Pierces Creek Forest to the south and south-east. The Cotter Dam visual catchment is illustrated on Figure Landscape Character Units The Cotter Dam visual catchment has been divided into Landscape Character Units (LCUs) to identify areas that share common landscape features and visual characteristics. The identification of LCUs enables a thorough assessment of landscape and visual impacts. The elements that contribute to the identification of LCUs include landform, vegetation, water form, land use, significant features and views of the area. The LCUs for the Cotter Dam visual catchment are described below and shown on Figure 2. 7

13 New South Wales Australian Capital Territory Uriarra Rd 1. Cotter Avenue 2. Cotter Bend 3. Moores Hill 4. Cotter Campground 5. Cotter Pump Station 6. Casuarina Sands Brindabella Rd Murrumbidgee River Uriarra Rd Brindabella Rd Mt McDonald O!O! Brindabella Rd O!O! O!O! O!O! Cotter River 5 6 Mt Stromlo Observatory Paddys River Rd Murrumbidgee River Cotter Rd Paddys River Cotter River Namadgi National Park Pierces Creek Forest Paddys River Rd 1:50, ,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 Meters Map Projection: Transverse Mercator Horizontal Datum: Australian Geodetic Datum 1966 Grid: ACT Grid o LEGEND Locator Roads Point Not Visible Landmark Visible!O Locator Point Visible Area New Enlarged Dam Cotter AreaDam Enlarged Cotter Reservoir 10m Contours Rivers Roads 10m Contours Namadgi National Park Boundary ACT Border G:\23\12629\CADD\BWAGIS\BWAProject\ EnlargedCotterDam\Wkspace\04Planning\23_12629_Z010_ViewSheds_A3L.mxd While GHD has taken care to ensure the accuracy of this product, GHD (LEGAL ENTITY) and make no representations or warranties about its accuracy, completeness or suitability for any particular purpose. GHD and cannot accept liability of any kind (whether in contract, tort or otherwise) for any expenses, losses, damages and/or costs (including indirect or consequential damage) which are or may be incurred as a result of the product being inaccurate, incomplete or unsuitable in any way and for any reason. Data source: Data Custodian, Data Set Name/Title, Version/Date. Created by: T Bellwood Visual Catchment Visual Catchment ACTEW Enlarged Cotter Dam Viewshed from : All Dam Points Job Number Revision Date A August 2008 Figure 1 59 Cameron Avenue Belconnen ACT 2617 Australia T F Ecbrmail@ghd.com.au W EIS

14 Rd iver er a ell ab ind Br idge umb ry s ito ale Terr W al uth apit So C w n Ne ralia st Au Murr INSET Br ind ab ell ar d ys dd Pa d rr ve Ri Paddys River Co tte r Ri ve r Cotter Reservoir Namadgi National Park Co tte rr Pa dd ys Ri ve rr d d LCU 1 - Cotter Dam and Reservoir LCU 4 - Fire Affected Forrestry LCU2 - River Landscapes LCU 5 - Grazing and Cleared Areas LCU 3 - Native Ridges and Escarpments LCU 6 - Upper Catchment and Vegetated Slopes Landscape Character Units ACTEW Elarged Cotter Dam EIS 2

15 3.3.1 LCU1 Cotter Dam and Reservoir Photo 1 Cotter Dam and reservoir from the dam lookout. LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ELEMENT LANDSCAPE CHARACTER UNIT ASSESSMENT LOCATION Cotter Dam is located in the lower section of the Cotter River The Cotter Dam wall is located between two steep rocky escarpments (particularly on the northern side of the dam) which form a narrow valley (Photo 1) LANDFORM The dam and reservoir is located within a river valley with moderate to steeply sloping banks VEGETATION Cotter Dam is located within an area that was largely dominated by pine plantation. This vegetation was destroyed in the 2003 bushfires. The vegetated banks of the dam are described in greater detail in LCU3 and LCU4 WATERFORM The Cotter reservoir is the principal landscape feature of this character unit, and is of high scenic quality Cotter reservoir provides a still water visual outlook The water level impacts on the visual appeal of the reservoir. As the water level drops the cleared area below the full storage level is increasingly exposed impacting on the quality of the outlook from view points. LAND USE Human alteration to the landscape within this LCU is clearly evident through the constructed dam infrastructure, but due to the steep landform surrounding the dam, views of these elements are limited. Permanent built structures are limited to the dam wall, pumping stations and pipe infrastructure. SIGNIFICANT FEATURES The water body is the principal landscape feature of this LCU The dam wall is also a significant feature but its location, size and restricted access limit its current visual exposure 10

16 VIEWS Views of the dam and reservoir are limited due to the surrounding landform and the restricted access on the forestry roads surrounding the dam SCENIC QUALITY RANKING Views of the dam wall and reservoir are available from Moores Hill and Mt Mcdonald, which are accessible by walking tracks or bicycle Brindabella Road provides views of the dam wall with access to a small roadside parking area available to vehicles Views of the dam wall are not available from Cotter avenue recreation area but some of the downstream dam infrastructure is visible. Access to the dam wall lookout is also available from Cotter avenue The scenic quality of the Cotter reservoir is considered high due to the water views that are available from lookout points However, due to the location of the dam wall, the restricted access, and the landform of the area, the dam is visually isolated from the recreation areas downstream of the wall The existing dam therefore does not have a significant impact on the visual amenity of the Cotter area LCU2 River Landscapes Photo 2 Confluence Murrumbidgee and Cotter Rivers Photo 4 Cotter Avenue recreation area Photo 3 Confluence Paddys and Cotter Rivers at Cotter Bend recreation area 11

17 Photo 5 Murrumbidgee River Corridor Photo 6 Murrumbidgee River at Cotter campground Photo 7 Murrumbidgee River and Casuarina Sands from Grasstree Hill Lookout LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ELEMENT LOCATION LANDFORM VEGETATION WATERFORM LAND USE LANDSCAPE CHARACTER UNIT ASSESSMENT This LCU is defined as the Cotter, Paddys, and Murrumbidgee Rivers downstream of the dam wall and their associated riparian vegetation (Figure 2) This LCU includes the river sections of the Stoney Creek nature reserve and the Bullen range nature reserve The landform within this LCU is generally flat and low-lying The vegetation of this LCU is characterised by regenerating riparian vegetation (Photo 2) Vegetation within this LCU was impacted by the 2003 bushfire, and regrowth of pioneer species dominates some areas Casuarina Sands is noted for its regrowth of Acacia vegetation Recreation areas have avenue planting of established exotic tree species The Murrumbidgee, Cotter and paddy s rivers are within this LCU Rock pools, flowing water and small rapids are characteristic of the waterform within the LCU. The rivers are visually attractive and accessible from major recreation areas The dominant land use of this LCU is recreation including picnic and camping facilities The Cotter pump station and associated pipe and intake infrastructure provides an historic and visual reference point within this LCU 12

18 SIGNIFICANT FEATURES VIEWS SCENIC QUALITY RANKING Additional land uses include a dwelling located near Cotter Avenue and another dwelling adjacent to the PCL depot at Casuarina Sands Three river systems with public access Cotter pump station Regenerating riparian vegetation River systems that have rock pools, flowing water and small rapids Views from this LCU are limited due to the surrounding landform, including moderate to steeply sloping ridges. This is particularly evident from Cotter and Paddys Rivers Views down into the river corridor are available from several vantage points in the area including Moores Hill and Grasstree Lookout (Photo 7), Cotter Road, Paddys Road and Brindabella Road River views are assessed as having moderate scenic quality. This scenic quality is provided by the landscape setting, the visual access to the river systems, and the established large trees within the recreation areas The 2003 bushfires have diminished the scenic quality of this LCU due to the loss of some riparian vegetation. The regeneration of native bushland and the management of weeds within this LCU will continue to improve the scenic quality LCU3 Native Ridges and Escarpments PHOTO 8 STONEY CREEK NATURE RESERVE FROM CASUARINA SANDS 13

19 PHOTO 9 COTTER CAVE AND LOOKOUT LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ELEMENT LOCATION LANDFORM VEGETATION WATERFORM LAND USE SIGNIFICANT FEATURES VIEWS LANDSCAPE CHARACTER UNIT ASSESSMENT These areas are generally located downstream of Cotter Dam and include parts of Stoney Creek nature reserve and Bullen Range Nature Reserve (Figure 2) The landform of this LCU is moderate to steeply sloping, rising steeply from the river valley (Photo 8) Rocky outcrops are a landform feature within this LCU with Cotter cave being an example of such an outcrop (Photo 9) The area is characterised by native vegetation that is regenerating after the 2003 bushfires A small area in the vicinity of Cotter cave was formerly pine plantation with native bushland regeneration now occurring in this area Not applicable Camp Cottermouth and Greenhills Camp and Conference Centre are located on Cotter Road and within this LCU Most of the area protected within the Stoney Creek Nature Reserve and Bullen Range Nature Reserve Rocky outcrops, such as Cotter cave (Photo 9) are significant visual features of this LCU providing visual interest in the landscape The ridges and escarpments provide striking backdrops to riverside recreation areas such as Casuarina Sands (Photo 8) Views of the ridges and escarpment of the Cotter area are extensive and contribute significantly to the visual landscape of the area This LCU is visible from all the riverside recreation areas of the Cotter and provide a significant visual backdrop Lookout locations are common within this LCU and provide the most extensive views of Cotter Dam and surrounding areas of any location within the visual catchment The key viewing locations within this LCU are Moores Hill, Mt Mcdonald, Cotter Road, Paddys River Road and Brindabella Road. 14

20 SCENIC QUALITY RANKING Scenic quality is considered to be moderate, due to significant rocky outcrops and steep slopes which are visually impressive and prominent from many publically accessible locations. Disturbance of vegetation from this bushfires detracts from the scenic quality of this LCU, however the regeneration of native bushland will continue to improve the scenic quality LCU4 Fire Affected Forestry PHOTO 10 FIRE AFFECTED FORESTRY LAND FROM URIARRA VILLAGE PHOTO 11 VIEW FROM MOORES HILL 15

21 LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ELEMENT LOCATION LANDFORM VEGETATION WATERFORM LAND USE SIGNIFICANT FEATURES VIEWS SCENIC QUALITY RANKING LANDSCAPE CHARACTER UNIT ASSESSMENT The forestry areas that were impacted by fire are located both within the Cotter Dam catchment and surrounding the dam to the north, west and south (Figure 2) The landform of this LCU is moderate to steeply sloping with some high dominant ridgelines (Photo 10 and Photo 11) The loss of plantation forests has resulted in a largely cleared landscape Replanting of the pine forest has been undertaken in limited areas within this LCU while the remainder of the area is currently regenerating native bushland dominated by Acacia species Scattered areas of native vegetation exist within this LCU in particular along gullies and some ridgelines where land was not used for forestry operations Not applicable This LCU is largely forestry land that is a mixture of planted pine forest and regenerating native bushland accessed through a network of forestry roads which are identifiable in the visual landscape A single dwelling is located at pierces creek and is the only non-forestry or land management land use occurring within this LCU The cleared landscape with a visually dominant network of forestry access roads is the significant feature of this landscape. The roads and cleared rows of burnt pine trees provide linear visual elements in this landscape and are clearly evident from access roads and lookouts in the Cotter Dam area Views of this LCU dominates the visual outlook from Paddys River Road and parts of Brindabella Road The lack of established vegetation exposes ridgelines provides for extensive background views to the Brindabella Range to the west and east to black mountain and Mt Stromlo The dam lookout provides views over the existing Cotter Dam The views from and to these areas will change over time as vegetation reestablishes The disturbed landscape is visually dominant and due to the lack of established vegetation, the exposed earth and the extensive network of forestry roads The scenic quality of this LCU is assessed as low - moderate 16

22 3.3.5 LCU5 Grazing and Cleared Areas PHOTO 12 FOREGROUND VIEW OF GRAZING AND RURAL AREAS ADJACENT TO COTTER ROAD LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ELEMENT LOCATION LANDFORM VEGETATION WATERFORM LAND USE SIGNIFICANT FEATURES VIEWS SCENIC QUALITY RANKING LANDSCAPE CHARACTER UNIT ASSESSMENT This LCU is located downstream of the Cotter Dam to the east of the Cotter Road (Figure 2) The landform of this LCU is largely undulating but it also contains steeply sloping gullies This area has been cleared for grazing purposes and other rural land uses with scattered large trees and cleared areas defining the visual landscape Areas of native vegetation exist along the waterways and some gullies of this LCU Not applicable Land use is predominately grazing with associated rural infrastructure including several dwellings located within the visual catchment. The grazing land provides a visual entry to the Cotter area when travelling west along Cotter Road The above ground water pipeline extending east from the Cotter pump station Views of this LCU are available from all the major ridgelines within the view shed. Views from this LCU are extensive with foreground views of the rural land, middle ground views of the forestry areas in the vicinity of Cotter Dam, and background views of the Brindabella Range The cleared land provides a visual contrast to the vegetated ridges and escarpments of the visual catchment and the forested mountains of the Brindabella Range. This area is visually pleasing and has moderate scenic quality 17

23 3.3.6 LCU6 Vegetated Slopes PHOTO 13 BACKGROUND VIEWS OF THE BRINDABELLA RANGE AND NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK FROM MOORES HILL LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ELEMENT LANDSCAPE CHARACTER UNIT ASSESSMENT LOCATION This LCU is the located within the northern section of Namadgi national park (Figure 2) LANDFORM VEGETATION WATERFORM LAND USE SIGNIFICANT FEATURES VIEWS SCENIC QUALITY RANKING Landform is typically steep characterised by rolling summits, exposed ridgelines and rocky outcrops (Photo 13) The vegetation of this LCU includes a mixture of sub-alpine, wet and dry Sclerophyll forests This area was affected by the 2003 bushfires and currently consists of regenerating native bushland Not applicable This LCU is located within Namadgi national park with access and land use activities managed through PCL Bushwalking and cycling can be undertaken within this LCU but camping is prohibited due to the area being within the catchment of Cotter Dam This LCU provides a visually striking backdrop to Cotter Dam Rock outcrops and vegetated slopes are characteristic of this LCU This LCU provides the visual backdrop to the Cotter Dam with views available from all the major viewing locations in the vicinity of the dam The vegetation and the limited public access available within this LCU limit the available views from this area Impressive landforms and well-vegetated slopes ensure that this LCU has a high scenic quality 18

24 3.4 Sensitive Visual Receptors Sensitive visual receptors are locations where the dam construction works, including the enlarged Cotter Dam and associated construction and operation infrastructure will be visible. These include residences and areas where visitors spend extended periods of time. The location of each of the sensitive visual receptors is shown on Figure 3 and described below Camp Cottermouth and Greenhills Camp and Conference Centre PHOTO 14 CAMP COTTERMOUTH AND GREENHILLS CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTRE Description of Existing Views: Camp Cottermouth and Greenhills Camp and Conference Centre (Photo 14) provide accommodation and other facilities for visiting groups. Camp Cottermouth is a scout camp that is available for public hire providing dormitory accommodation and camping areas. Training facilities are also provided at the camp. Greenhills Camp and Conference Centre is a Uniting Church facility that provides accommodation and conference facilities for up to 180 people. Both facilities are located on Cotter Road (Figure 3) The outlook from these sensitive visual receptors incorporates the Native Ridges and Escarpments, River Landscapes, Fire Affected Forestry, and Vegetated Slopes LCUs The primary views from each site are in a north west to westerly direction Both locations provide fixed view points but do not currently have views of the dam wall, associated infrastructure or the reservoir The Brindabella Range to the west provides a visual backdrop with the fire affected forestry areas in the middleground. The foreground views are comprised of the Murrumbidgee River Valley and the adjacent ridges of the Bullen Range Nature Reserve 19