#

Issues raised

Votes

Comments – The Climate Factory

Category

Education

1.             

A digital platform/digital QR codes or on signage for high school kids and other visitors to scan

5

B

2.           

Include a natural area for performances/ places to sit in

5

These elements are about creating spaces where people can gather – one space may serve that purpose.  A classroom forest was a core feature of the Watson Micro-forest crowdfunding campaign proposal.

B

3.             

Classroom forest

2

4.             

Grassy Knoll or ampitheatre

2

5.             

Kid’s mustering area (ave. class size 23)

0

6.             

Develop an education curriculum that can be used by schools, including high schools.

1

This is not budgeted for but could be a future funding proposal to develop school resources. One participant, a qualified teacher, noted that the Watson micro-forest is in walking distance to pre-school and primary schools (but not high schools). Professional development would be needed for teachers. Activities need to link to learning outcomes.

C

Habitat

7.             

Encourage diverse bird life, not just bigger birds, but small birds

4

Encouraging smaller threatened birds is embedded in the micro-forest, using dense planting, layers of vegetation & small bird and pollinator species. The micro-forest will create a ‘stepping stone’ for wildlife. The Climate Factory has experience building bird & pollinator attracting landscapes eg Birdscaping #CBR revegetation project on Sullivans Ck bike path, opposite Turner Primary School.

A

8.             

Include logs & rocks that double as seating

2

A

9.             

Edible plants eg saltbush

1

A

10.          

Self-seeding plants

1 

A

11.          

Soil improvement – adding organics & mulch

1 

A

12.          

Art element doubling as habitat

1

B

13.          

Planting to encourage skinks & lizards

0

A

14.          

Create less dense areas of micro-forest that can be journeyed through

0

B

15.          

Bee hotel & insect habitat

0

B

16.          

Water features

0

B

Inclusivity

17.          

Gathering place – seating and table/

5

This could be a more intimate space for smaller groups (6-8 people)

B

18.          

Ampitheatre/outdoor cinema theatre/musical performances

1 

This fits in with the desire expressed under the Education theme for a gathering place of a moderate size (ie 23 people) - see Items #1-5

B

19.          

Pump track partly along perimeter

4 

This is outside the project scope and budget but could be added in the future. Proponents may also wish to contact the Watson Community Association Planning Sub-committee to suggest that a pump track be added to the Watson Master Plan.

C

20.          

Furniture designed to encouraged gathering/ meeting & seating with back support for older folk

2

B

21.          

Adult ‘play’ area eg chess, boules, exercise equipment

2

Permanent equipment is unlikely to receive Government approval as it is not consistent with guidelines for the use of the park. However, there may be community solutions - for example, perhaps a nearby resident could keep games equipment in a garden shed in their front yard for use by locals? Or community days could be held where people are invited to BYO games, or perhaps a services provider is commissioned to bring games. The nature play space could double as natural exercise equipment for stepping, climbing, pull-ups etc.

C

22.          

Noticeboard for stories eg like the story about ‘Silver’ the dog

1

This is not within scope of the WMF design but could be a volunteer-led initiative, and a lovely way for the community to share stories and connect.

C

23.          

Involve people who overlook the park

1

The WMF team welcomes engagement from all nearby residents. We have sought to engage community members, including those who overlook the site, through a variety of methods including letterbox drops about the crowdfunding campaign and design workshop, and a large sign installed at the park, as well as articles in the Watzon newsletter which is distributed to all Watson residents, sharing of Watson Micro-forest posts on the Watson Community Association facebook page and other relevant facebook pages.

A

24.          

Paths suitable for wheelchair, prams & walking frames.

Need little paths for interesting walks eg meditation or labyrinth

1 

There is some tension between participants’ desire for a micro-forest (a densely planted eco-system) that incorporates little pathways and intimate gathering spaces on the one hand, and the desire to ensure accessibility on the other hand. We will seek to achieve a balance in the Landscape Sketch Plan.

A new paved accessible path has not been budgeted for in the project as the existing grade is flat – but could be retrofitted in the future if necessary.

B / C

25.          

Viewing platform/tree house

1

This element may be difficult to secure Government approval for, but will be considered as a potential option in the design process. Alternatively it could be considered for a future enhancement of the site.

B / C

26.          

Mosaic

1 

B

27.          

Lighting on paths eg solar lights

1

Lighting is not recommended due to the disruptive effect it can have on wildlife.

C

28.          

Welcome and engage multi-cultural groups

1

We have attempted to engage all Watson residents and the broader community in the Watson Micro-forest project. We would welcome specific ideas on how to make the space welcoming for all cultural groups.

A

29.          

Bins for dog walkers/ involve capital composting

0

ACT Government is unlikely to install bins as they are not consistent with guidelines for the use of the park. The WMF team would expect dog users to continue to pick up after their dogs as they currently do.

C

30.          

Sculptures by local artists amongst trees

0

Art pieces will be considered, but would likely require specific funding through a dedicated grant application. See also Item #35

B

31.          

Water play area

0

Water play can be difficult to get approval for, however it has been a very popular suggestion from children and in this workshop (see Item #53). The WMF will work with Government to see what is possible here.

B

32.          

Indigenous participation in design & use (beyond consultants). Connect to community. Genuine indigenous engagement throughout.

5

The WMF team has reached out to the Ngunnawal Elders Council, and have engaged Yurbay as an indigenous consultant for the project. We hope to do more engagement, in particular with women, including through contacts we have made as a result of the design workshop.

A

33.          

Women’s input. So far consultants are men. 

2 

See item #32

A

Indigenous elements

34.          

Meeting place reflects indigenous gatherings.

2 

This meeting place could be one of the gathering spaces as mentioned under the topics of Education and Inclusivity.

B

35.          

Indigenous art as part of the site

1

The WMF is considering applying for grant funding to commission Indigenous art work to be installed in the Micro-forest.

B

36.          

Demonstration of bush foods/fibre ceremonial plants. Use Ngunnawal Plant Use guide and local knowledge.

1 

This will be included in the design, with the assistance of local Indigenous consultants.

A

37.          

Education around plants & their significance

0

See Item #1.

B

38.          

QR codes – detailed online information & signage

0

See Item #1.

B

39.          

Cultural story & education

0

While this did not receive votes, the WMF team considers it a potentially important component of the design. We have applied for grant funding that would cover the cost of an indigenous cultural story to be developed in consultation with the community. This, along with other Indigenous elements, will be the subject of a future community workshop.

B

Maintenance

40.          

Who will do the weeding, pruning, watering during drought?

2

Many concerns were raised by the participants who self-selected the maintenance theme. As described in the project principles the micro-forest is designed to be low maintenance once established and is not intended to look like a neat garden. Probably the biggest challenge in the early days is managing the running grasses like couch in the garden beds and spreading mulch thickly. We will recommend some lateral pruning of fast growing branches of some of the wattles to allow more light to the understorey. These can be left on the ground and will eventually break down. In order to get ACT Government approval we must submit a maintenance plans as part of the approvals process. The ACT Government will  also want to see evidence of a list of people willing to take part in an active carer group with a nominated convenor. We can factor in provision for additional watering during hot dry periods – at present the ACT Government is providing this service free of charge.

A

41.          

Neighbours who overlook the park need enlisting.

1

See comments in item #23 above. The WMF team would welcome the involvement of neighbours, including as part of the volunteer maintenance group. Participation in a carer  group is voluntary and there will be more opportunities to join (and probably  more excitement to join) once project starts getting built.

A

42.          

Young kids grow up, parents lose interest in the park.

0 votes

Volunteer groups wax and wane. At Banksia St O’Connor wetlands we had a very active carer group for about 3 years (very important in early days) 2010-2013. Then it dropped off. Has been reactivated again by local residents.

A

43.          

Insurance – who is responsible for public liability/workers comp etc.

0 votes

The Climate Factory holds $10M professional indemnity and public liability insurance. The ACT Government requests copies of insurance certificates from contractors prior to starting. Volunteers will be registered under the ACT Government’s insurance as long as they fill in the sign in sheet at each event. Once the landscape is complete it’s handed over to the ACT Government and they are liable if anyone is injured.

A

44.          

Parking for ‘play’ dates

0

We expect the primary users of the micro-forest will be local residents, and do not anticipate that it will become a ‘destination’ attraction that would require additional parking beyond what is available.  We will be encouraging ‘active travel’ – walking/bikes/scooters.

C

45.          

Adult overview of teenage kids is important

0

C

46.          

Dog poo & rubbish

0

Monitor and respond if this becomes an issue

C

47.          

Noise – how will it be managed?

0

Monitor and respond if this becomes an issue

A

48.          

Who maintains accessible footpath?

0

If an accessible footpath is built in the future, it must be built to ACT Design Standards and will be handed over to the ACT Government and it will be their responsibility to maintain. See also item # 24.

C

49.          

Is their money to replace dead or stolen plants or infrastructure?

0

The micro-forest is planted densely. If some plants die or are stolen it will have little impact on the overall micro-forest. There have been very few deaths at Downer micro-forest. Infrastructure like tables and seats will be very heavy and will need to be removed using a hi-ab. It’s unlikely but not impossible that they’ll be stolen.

The WMF team plans to set aside a modest budget for future maintenance costs, such as engaging a contractor to remove difficult weeds.

A

50.          

Anti-social activities – who will fix? Lighting? Shadows & darkness.

0

The design will take into account Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design codes to ensure lines of site from houses across the site. Installation of lighting is not recommended because of the impact it will have on wildlife.

A

51.          

Who will take care of timber seating?

0

If timber seating is used the ACT Government may require a member of the community group to oil the timber seat annually.

A

52.          

Grave for dead Pet under tree. Will it be respected?

0

There are no plans for earthworks under the canopy of existing trees.

A

Nature Play

53.          

Water play – work with ACT government to pilot

2

B

54.          

Tunnel/Hiding spots with perforations/transparency to allow for line of sight

2

B

55.          

Insect & animals. Frogs. Habitat. Bird boxes, insect hotel etc.

1

A / B

56.          

Trees to climb

1

A

57.          

Loose parts – sticks, stones

0

While this did not receive votes, loose parts play is an important aspect of nature play for children. We will work with the ACT Government to allow areas of the micro-forest site to be left undisturbed (logs and leaves to fall where they lie, no mowing), to promote loose parts play. We also hope to include a dry creek bed in the design as this was a very popular request from children and provides important habitat.

A

58.          

Haig Park nature play inspired

0

B

59.          

‘Fairy garden’ – signed, with loose parts, no plastics

0

B

60.          

Open ended play

0

A

61.          

Series of journeys – choose your own adventure

0

B

62.          

Special needs -access to features/elements via smooth paths

0

See item #24

B / C

63.          

Climbing & mounds & boulders

0

B

64.          

Bouldering wall/unit – natural version? Multiple skill levels.

0

B

65.          

Ropes between trees/from trees

0

While we would not include equipment like ropes in the micro-forest, it will be designed so that space is available for people to bring their own ropes and equipment to eg set up temporary a slack line between established trees. We would welcome these sorts of uses.

C

66.          

Mud ‘kitchen’

0

B

67.          

Community days – mud play, slack lines, loose parts

0

This idea goes to the future uses of the site. The WMF team hopes that events like this will be a regular feature of the Watson Micro-forest, and encourage interested community members to come forward with ideas and initiate events.

C