STAGE 3 WHITEBRIDGE STATION TO COWLISHAW ST REDHEAD

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Allyson Williamson
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STAGE 3 WHITEBRIDGE STATION TO COWLISHAW ST REDHEAD 3.1 Whitebridge Station This location currently displays a traditional station sign on a mound where the former platform was sited.

1 STAGE 3 WHITEBRIDGE STATION TO COWLISHAW ST REDHEAD 3.1 Whitebridge Station This location currently displays a traditional station sign on a mound where the former platform was sited. The fettlers hut adjoining the platform is still standing. Seating and a bubbler have been installed along with parking bays off Station Street. The implementation Plan recommends a toilet be provided at this location. A site near the track would be isolated from passive surveillance and is likely to attract anti-social behaviour. It is recommended a toilet be located on Dudley Road near the Whitebridge shopping centre carpark. Here it will have better surveillance and a dual use for shoppers. A major entry sign should be provided at this location and highlight the presence of Whitebridge shops and proposed toilet nearby. Recommendations for Whitebridge include signage and stories relating to station personalities and occupations, such as Mrs Sarah Armstrong, who was the '2 nd class female platform attendant' with service of more than 31 years. The historical detail relating to women's work on the railways could be told to great effect here. Also some information relating to the naming of Whitebridge and images of the bridge. This is a good location for a metal figure depicting/commemorating women station workers. Mrs Sarah Armstrong pictured on the platform, fettlers hut in background, Whitebridge station looking south, with the white bridge in background. A mobile phone download of a story from community consultation should be installed here. (Dennis Hall's grandmother was station mistress at Whitebridge good to follow up to this story). The 'white bridge' was once used for horse transport. A silhouette of a horse and cart/ coach would make an interesting feature to interpret aspects of transportation other than by train. The Archaeological Assessment (Umwelt 2004) rates the fettlers hut as being substantially intact and recommends the structure be essentially reconstructed to renew and make good. As this would create a potential community safety and nuisance issue for adjoining residences, it is recommended that the wall and roof cladding be stripped leaving only the steel structure and concrete slab for interpretation purposes. The Archaeological Assessment also recommends that the platform be reconstructed to the original specification using reclaimed sleepers to construct a retaining wall along the edge of the track. This could be undertaken for a short distance in front of the Station Sign if funding permits but is not essential when other interpretative elements are in place. The Station Sign should be maintained free of graffiti. Shade tree planting and landscaping will improve the amenity at the carpark. Page 33

3.2 Redhead Station Platform DRAFT INTERPRETATION PLAN FERNLEIGH TRACK This was the location of the former Redhead Platform and is important due its proximity to the Lambton Colliery buildings.

2 3.2 Redhead Station Platform DRAFT INTERPRETATION PLAN FERNLEIGH TRACK This was the location of the former Redhead Platform and is important due its proximity to the Lambton Colliery buildings. A carpark at the Cowlishaw Street crossing will make this a major entry point to the track. A major interpretation node is recommended with structural works commissioned for Redhead Platform and potential for an interpretive centre at the former Lambton Colliery buildings. The proposal for the interpretation node includes: stabilisation and protection of the platform remnants, a ghost structure interpreting the form of the station building, interpretation of the track around the western side of the platform and the spur line to Lambton Colliery, public art, interpretative signage, interpretation of the former station gardens along the top of the platform, and directional signage. In order to deflect the possibility of noise and visual intrusion to the nearby residential estate it is proposed to screen the eastern side of the platform and plant screening shrubs along the residential boundary. This presents an opportunity for interpretative signage and artwork. Artwork could be in the form of metal cut-outs that represent colliery workers waiting at the station. Redhead platform showing garden Tonks, 'Adamstown via Fernleigh' p.67 The spur line could be highlighted with interpretative signage showing images of the spur line deviating from the main line and remnant signal housings being revealed at the junction to the spur line. Interpretative sign should also highlight the history of the Lambton Colliery and former station. Directional signage should be located at the carpark at Cowlishaw Street Crossing and at the path junction south of the platform pointing towards the proposed interpretive centre. As a major interpretive node, drinking water is recommended at the carpark and the existing Liles Oval amenities building be redeveloped for public toilet access. Page 34

3.3 Lambton Colliery Buildings DRAFT INTERPRETATION PLAN FERNLEIGH TRACK There are obvious historical links with the Belmont line and the collieries located along its length.

3 3.3 Lambton Colliery Buildings DRAFT INTERPRETATION PLAN FERNLEIGH TRACK There are obvious historical links with the Belmont line and the collieries located along its length. The track was a conduit for the transport of workers to the mines and coal to Port Waratah, and a spur line headed off the main line just north of Redhead Platform, looping toward the Lambton Colliery at Redhead (see picture below). The Lambton Colliery was decommissioned in the 1980s, and the buildings that remain at that site present an opportunity to provide an adjunct to interpretation of the Fernleigh Track. Former colliery buildings retained today Spur line to colliery Fernleigh Track (former Belmont Line) Former Redhead Station Aerial photo taken prior to the colliery site being developed as a residential subdivision. The Fernleigh Track is the central track of the three cleared tracks evident across the bottom of the photo and continues to the right. Carol Jones The buildings are located close to the former Redhead Station and are linked by an existing path that is intended as a cycle link. (see map below). Ownership of the buildings recently transferred from community title in the adjoining residential subdivision to Lake Macquarie City Council. A Conservation Management Plan and Masterplan for the Lambton Colliery Buildings was prepared concurrently with this Interpretation Plan. The Conservation Management Plan identifies the buildings as historically unique and recommends that Council apply for listing on the state heritage register. Adaptive reuse options are being explored for the three spaces within the two buildings to make conservation of the buildings financially viable. Page 35

Former Redhead Station Former spur line to colliery Fernleigh Track (former Belmont Line) Former colliery buildings retained today Parkland / detention basin Pedestrian links to colliery review &

4 Former Redhead Station Former spur line to colliery Fernleigh Track (former Belmont Line) Former colliery buildings retained today Parkland / detention basin Pedestrian links to colliery review & possible upgrade required for compliance cycleway standards Cowlishaw St Crossing Picture Above: Aerial photo 2006/2007 showing path connections between the Fernleigh Track and Lambton Colliery Buildings. By integrating Redhead Platform and the adjacent reserve and linking to the proposed use of the colliery buildings as an Interpretation Centre, it is possible to create a precinct which will comprise a major interpretive node incorporating a number of elements. The Lambton Colliery is the most appropriate location for multi-media and displays. It provides an important link in the connection between the collieries and the railway, telling the stories in a more concentrated way. It creates an alternative but linked destination which has the potential to draw a broader audience. It also offers merchandising and marketing opportunities which could have a flow on effect for the track as a whole. The Fernleigh Track Interpretation Plan for the Redhead Platform should be read in conjunction with the Conservation Management Plan for the Lambton Colliery, and Concept Design for Redhead Platform by Jean Rice for Otto Cserhalmi & Partners PL. Interpretation ideas that involve moving parts and/or computer technology or electronic devices should be located in a managed interpretation centre. Interpretation opportunities could include: Reinstating heavy machinery associated with the former colliery, inside the existing buildings or external to the buildings. Protection of heritage fabric from deterioration by weather, vandalism and for public safety would require consideration. Installing interpretative signage in a style consistent with the track signage or using museum style presentation in internal spaces. Interactive displays and public art indoor and outdoor. These could be used to replace the existing playground. They could incorporate oral histories with push button devices or listening tubes. Page 36

Dioramas and display of memorabilia. This could be extended to a Shirley Spectravision proposal refer www.shirleyspectra.

com A film could be made to view at the centre or online, outlining the interpretative themes identified in the

Promotional shorts could be made available at the Tourist Information Centre and/or website for the Centre.

If the option of an interpretation centre is pursued, it should be undertaken as an independent commercial venture, run by

A detailed business plan/feasibility study would be required to assess capital costs, running costs, revenue sources,

5 Dioramas and display of memorabilia. This could be extended to a Shirley Spectravision proposal refer and Appendix Audio tours could hired out from the centre refer A film could be made to view at the centre or online, outlining the interpretative themes identified in the Interpretation Plan. Promotional shorts could be made available at the Tourist Information Centre and/or website for the Centre. Websites such as provide information on opportunities for a museum style facility. If the option of an interpretation centre is pursued, it should be undertaken as an independent commercial venture, run by either a community interest group or private business. A detailed business plan/feasibility study would be required to assess capital costs, running costs, revenue sources, opportunities and constraints, management responsibilities. An option may also be to simplify the interpretation centre into an outdoor display that is separate from the building use. Lambton Colliery Buildings today * Examples of items for display may include: old steel wheelbarrow part found along the track, track signage, (refer LMCC file notes D ; D ) Page 37

6 MACRAES MINING PROJECT MINERAL ZONE

6 MACRAES MINING PROJECT MINERAL ZONE 6.1 ZONE STATEMENT The Macraes Mining Zone applies to the area of land controlled by Macraes Mining Limited and included in Mining Permit 41-064 at the date of public