23-230307-FINAL-Camden-Green-and-Blue-Grid-Vision-April-2023-Version-for-webpage - Flipbook - Page 8
Camden Council
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to set a clear vision to create greener places
and healthier waterways across the Camden Local Government Area (LGA).
The Camden LGA is renowned for its picturesque scenic landscapes, for the
pristine gardens at the Australian Botanic Garden at Mount Annan, and for
the many natural waterways including the Nepean River which are frequently
visited by both residents and visitors. These places are not only important
landmarks inherently tied to the local character and identity of Camden, but
also contribute to the local and regional Green and Blue Grid.
The concept of a ‘Green Grid’ was introduced by the NSW Government Architect
in 2017. The Green Grid establishes a spatial framework for ensuring key
interconnected ‘green’ links are incorporated into the design of public spaces.
It also aims to create new and enhanced existing green links by strategically
planting trees and vegetation along waterways, public transport routes,
neighbourhood streets, footpaths, cycleways, and at playgrounds, sports fields,
community facilities and Town Centres. Locally, Camden’s Green Grid spans
across the entire LGA on both public and private land.
Camden Council recognises the Green Grid goes hand-in-hand with the ‘Blue
Grid’ - the network of rivers, lakes, creeks, ponds, farm dams, water sensitive
urban design (WSUD) and water features incorporated into built environments.
Trees and vegetation need a source of water to survive, while vegetation planted
near creeks, rivers and lakes helps to support the ecosystem and the health of
the waterway. There are clear benefits to managing the Green and Blue Grid
together to maximise the benefits for both.
In April 2020, Council adopted the Camden Local Strategic Planning Statement
(LSPS), the guiding land-use planning vision for Camden over the next 20 years.
The LSPS includes a local priority (Priority S1) to improve the accessibility and
connectivity of Camden’s Green and Blue Grid and deliver high quality open
space. The LSPS also includes the following short-term actions:
• Action 82 – Prepare a Green and Blue Grid Analysis for Camden and identify
mechanisms to implement the Green and Blue Grid; and
• Action 88 – Investigate opportunities to provide physical and visual connections
to waterways and green spaces.
1. NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet - 2022 Flood Inquiry Report
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In response, Clouston Associates were engaged by Council to undertake
an analysis of Camden’s Green and Blue Grid and to provide Council with
recommendations on what could be done across the Camden LGA to improve
the connectivity and quality of the Green and Blue Grid. This work has been
used to help inform this Vision.
In the Camden context, the delivery of an accessible, healthy, connected,
maintained and valued local Green and Blue Grid is an important aspiration.
As one of the fastest growing areas in Australia, Camden consistently
balances competing pressures to deliver more housing, increase tree canopy
cover, protect native vegetation, riparian land and biodiversity corridors and
deliver open spaces and community facilities. Recent events such as COVID-19
pandemic have emphasised the importance for people to have access to high
quality green open spaces close to their homes. Establishing a Vision to deliver
connected green spaces, active transport corridors and waterways will greatly
improve the liveability and sustainability of neighbhourhoods across Camden
LGA.
Camden has also endured the devastation caused by recent natural disasters
including bush fires and floods. The loss to property, livestock, business
operations and the impacts on natural landscapes serve as a reminder to plan
and design communities that are resilient to natural disasters. The 2022 Flood
Inquiry Report1 states green open spaces such as flood plains are important
community assets that may reduce risk to life and property during major
weather events. The local Green and Blue Grid has a role to play in cooling the
urban environment and replanting vegetation on riparian land to stabilise river
and creek banks damaged in recent flood events, which may lessen the impact
of future natural disasters. Bush fire and flood risk will be a key consideration
in the implementation of local Green and Blue Grid projects with the intent to
reduce risk to property and life.