Lanning for Sustainable Destinations Group Project Precinct-Manly - Case Study Example

LАNNING FОR SUSТАINАBLЕ DЕSТINАТIОNS (27523) GRОUР РRОJЕСТ (ТОURISМ) РRЕСINСТ - MANLY Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 Executive Summary 3 Introduction 3 Situational Analysis 4 Identification of key issues and challenges 7 A). Security and safety: 8 B). Inter social relationships: 8 C). Social problems: 9 Appraisal of planning practices 9 A). Waste Management and Environment health: 10 Suggested Improvement 14 A). More local cost accommodation: 15 B). Public safety and security: 15 C). Community- Social Networking Scheme- 16 E). Accessibility and improvement of heritage sites 16 Bibliography 17 Executive Summary This report will highlight the areas and issues within the current planning of Manly precinct that needs to be addressed and improved. The Manly precinct is one of the popular tourist destinations in New South Wales, Australia. This settlement has nice beaches, leisure centers, historical sites, cultural heritages and beautiful parks and natural surroundings that are attract both the local and international tourists. The analysis of the situation and setting have indicated that there are lots of tourism attractions opportunities in this precincts like the aboriginal sites, beaches, wild habit, faura and fauna. The development, improvement and planning for Manly can be assessed and facilitated through the SEPP policies and regulation framework of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority ( SHFA) and SOPA. The report has also highlighted some key challenges which need to be addressed like environmental concerns, security and public safety, community relations and amongst many. It concludes by bringing all the issues touched and few Introduction This report is about planning for sustainable destinations in Mainly Council, Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. Manly is one the most popular holiday and tourist destination in Australia (map is attached). Manly is an old place that is originally inhabited by the aborigines and the name was given an English explorer who came to Australia in the late 1770s. This study will centre on Manly and will examine its social and physical environment and conduct the situational analysis of the setting. Manly have the topographical and climatic conditions that are conducive and natural and ecosystems that attract many tourists the place. This report will also identify some of the challenges that affect the success of tourism in Manly. This report also seeks to examine ways to implementing the planning procedures for managing, controlling and improving the tourism in these areas for the purpose of benefiting the local communities by bringing on board all the stakeholders. This precinct is under the management of the Manly Council which also falls under the greater New South Wales region. This report also seeks to look at the work of various agencies and organizations that operate on the ground in Manly and how they have addressed the challenges, issues and problems are associated with this planning process and the policies for planning. The paper will eventually conclude by providing recommendations on how the planning process should apply to address the challenges facing tourist in Manly. Situational Analysis The situational analysis of this precent has been conducted through the observation of users and their behaviours in the precinct, the personal survey of precinct land and also drawing and examination of data from the local sources such the community group and committees and strategic planning reports. Manly is a small centre peri-urban centre that fall under the local government administration of Sydney. Geographically is it located long the Northern beaches of Sydney which stretches between 8 to 17 Kilometers. It is geographical setting makes it a unique place for tourist attraction, because it consists of the ocean beach and Sydney harbor (Manly website, 2013). The area that which manly council borders Tasman Sea, Burnt Bridge Creek, Manly Creek and Warringah in the North, Middle Harbour in the West and Sydney and North Harbour in the South ( Precint picture and the map attached). Manly has rich historical and cultural heritage that can be exploited for tourism. Curby (2002) indicates that originally, the place is belongs to the Guringai people who still holds the oldest surviving cultural traditions in the world and has main sites for camping and tourism. History has it that Guringai were so friendly to English colonialists but was wiped out almost to the point of extinction in 1830s due to the outbreak of small pox. Apart from the aborigines’ sites, the area also is also rich with European cultural heritage. This place was given the name Manly Cove by Captain Arthur Phillip in 1788 after witnessing the manner in which he saw the Australian male aborigines behaving. The colonialists latter acquire this vast land as a holiday resort and a tourist attraction place. The area was later incorporated into the local government in 1877 and became a seaside resort (Curby, 2002). Today, Manly is considered as one of the most popular seaside holiday resort in Australia. It attracts thousands of tourists who visit the area and enjoy these wonderful beaches (Hoskins, 2009). The topography of Manly consists of heights, slopes, escapements and plateau. It also has wonderful range of landforms like headlands, beaches, bays, steep slopes and rugged cliffs. The conditions of this area conducive and favourable to tourism due to its warm summer and mild winter. Its proximity to the ocean makes the temperature of the area to be humid, with the warmest months being December to February and the coldest months being June to August. The area also has lots of rainfalls up to 1200 mm (Manly Website, 2013). Manly also has beautiful natural environments and diverse ecosystems that can be exploited further for tourism attraction. The best examples are Manly Ocean beach, Cabbage Tree Bay, North Head, Escarpments, Aquative reserves and Manly Lagoon. The area also has beautiful natural parks, private lands, road reserves and variety of native flora and fauna populations such as reptiles, marsupial fauna, amphibians, forests and other biodiversities (Manly Website, 2013). The populations of Manly consist of over 40,000 residents and hundreds of visitors who come to the area. The languages being spoken by Manly residents include English, Mandarin, German, French, Cantonese and Italian (Manly Website, 2013). The tourist attraction within the precinct is mainly used by foreign visitors hence the multiple use of languages. These visitors come from other states and nations. According to Allon et al (2008) the majority of the international visitors who frequent this area are back packers who include “the students, working holidaymakers, highly skilled professional workers, long term semi-permanent residents and mobile travelers”. However, the management of such group of visitors is has become problematic due to the friction that they causes with the local residents. A research conducted by Alavalapati & Adamowicz (2000) on the interaction between tourism, other economic and environment has indicated that tourism is a booming business in the regions of New South Wales however it has become an endogenous activity due to its prices and its effects on the environment. The evidence of booming tourism business in the area of Manly can be seen in the multicity of stakeholders that are associated with the precinct. Indeed, the conflict between the stakeholders with interests Manly’s tourism industry has been identified in the tensions between the local government authorities, residents and the backpackers (Allon & Anderson, 2010). Allon & Anderson (2010) refers to this issue as the intimate encounters that embody the transnationalism of backpackers and independent travelers. This conflict comes in when the local residents comes into contact with the international tourists, the main causes of this conflict is identified in what Allon & Anderson (2010) refers to as the “patterns of occupancy and governance of the settled and established residential communities”. In most, the conflicts between the tourists and residents is caused by social, physical and community interaction which often results misuse of drugs, consumption of large quantities of alcohol, sexual practices, violence and other forms of insecurities. However, the Manly has many historical and cultural sites which can explored further and used to further tourism in the area. The residents are used to welcoming visitors from all over the world, from different nationalities, languages and cultures. It is this cultural diversity that makes Manly a very unique place. Once here tourists are able to explore various artifacts and cultural heritage of the aborigines and enjoy the beautiful environments with its biodiversities. Identification of key issues and challenges I have chosen the following issues as the key challenges that affect the Manly as tourist destination. These factors pose a threat to the interests of the stakeholders and the precinct’s leisure and tourism functions. A). Security and safety: Given that Manly council is a tourism attraction centre many people from all over the world converge here in big numbers. Due to the large of numbers of visitors that come to Manly the local authorities must address the issue of security and safety of both the residents and visitors. Some of the security and safety measures should include community policing and neighbourhood watch that incorporates the local communities into the policing measures. Some of the policing measures that have been initiated the Australian government is to install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in the public spaces. The study conducted by Wilson & Sutton (2003) has shown that CCTV has become the best form of community policing and safety measures in Australia and these are measure which the Manly local government need to install increase public confidence. The installation and close monitoring of CCTV in and around manly will ensure public safety and calm down fears and suspicion between the residents and visitors. B). Inter social relationships: The influx of tourists from other parts of Australia and other countries has caused some hostilities and fear between the local residents and the visitors. According to Hall (2005), tourism has the potentiality of changing the dynamics of any given community and spatial geography of any setting due to the high levels of social and transnational mobilities. In the case of Manly some residents have expressed fear that the influxes of tourists and backpackers have brought friction amongst various groups and unemployment. Allon (2004 has explored further the social cultural dynamics of tourism and especially the backpackers. This writer suggests that there is need for appropriate social policies that would address the consequences of the diversity of social motilities, identities and relations caused by the diverse communities that exists in the area of New South Wales. The local government must come up with initiatives to address the fears, hostiles and suspicion caused by the transnational motilities and the arrival of many tourists, refugees, asylum seekers and illegal migration. Some of the initiatives the local authorities ought to initiate should incorporate the C). Social problems: There have been concerns that the growing rates of international tourists and backpackers have caused many social and environment problems in the local communities of Manly. Some of these problems include the erosions of cultural values and social norms in the area. Specifically, there are concern that international tourists and backpackers have given rise to sexual promiscuity and prostitution, violence, unemployment, drugs and alcohol abuse and environmental degradation. Therefore, for Manly precinct to become a viable holiday destination there is need to address these social and environmental concerns in relation to the needs, expectations and aspirations of the stakeholders including the leisure and attraction sites, accommodation and food premises, the police and other security agencies, the local government and community groups. McArthur (2000) argues that there is need to come up with appropriate measures to manage the tourists’ arrivals and attractions so that they don’t destroy the environment and forests. Appraisal of planning practices Given that Manly is a fast growing settlement with high tourist rates, there is need to plan head for the future to accommodate the population growth the booming tourism business. The current planning need to allocate more space for developing the residential zones to accommodate the growing population. It is estimated the current population of Manly is about 40, 000 (Manly Website, 2013). However, this development scheme must take into account the natural environment and ecosystems, this type of physical development must be done to reflect on the “character, amenity and the natural environment of the residential areas” (Manly, 2012). The planning must also leave secured space for future development that will meet the social and economic needs of the current and future populations. A). Waste Management and Environment health: One of the downside features of the high tourist attraction is the impact it has on the environment. Therefore, the planning program must involve the minimization of the waste products and managing the waste that is generated by the number of visitors that comes to the area. However, the environmental planning must incorporate the residents and must be sensitive to their needs. The environmental initiatives must also encourage both the residents and the visitors to protect the natural environments, the camping sites and the historical and heritage sites. The environmental management must also include proper systems for dealing green gas emissions and water consumption. The planning must also adopt the scheme that is capable of controlling the weather and the especially the storms, heavy snow and rainfall. This should infact incorporate water drainage system, natural catchments to prevent flooding and soil erosion. B). Open Public Spaces: Manly has a big open space that is used by both residents and the visitors, which includes the shopping centers, public parks, bus stations and car parks. It is therefore imperative that these areas are properly managed and policed to ensure security and safety of the users. The planning programs for such open public spare is to make the streets are cleans and street trees are well cared for. The areas must be properly lit to discourage any incidences of theft or muggings. The bus stops and kerb crossings must be well maintained, the fences and the vegetations should be kept to higher standards according to the required legislations. The buildings, architecture and properties within the area must reflect the style and format that reflect the physical features of Manly. It has been suggested that the best housing styles are multi unit type of dwellings that is capable of accommodating larger families plus storage facilities. This must be done with the view of maximizing the space for public spaces and accessibility is paramount. The council must ensure that the materials used as environmentally friendly and does not conflict with the interests of the community. As the same it paramount that the current housing scheme has wheel chair accessibility for people with disability as required by the Australian Standards (AS 1428.1, AS 1428). Since heritages are important in the development of Manly’s tourism industry, the planners must sure that the heritage sites and other reserve area are conserved in accordance with the Australian ICOMOS Burra Charter (Manly Council, 2012). The Council must also conduct the assessment of buildings and the applications for planning’s must adopt the measures outlined by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 Section 79 C(1) which stipulates that every Council planning include the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and the Development Control Plan ( DCP) ( Manly Council, 2012). In terms of residential density, the planning needs to be based on the sub division of the future residential areas into zones and every zone will be allocated a certain amount of housing as a way of managing the population. This approach will also facilitate the regulation of the types of houses built and living schemes. Such regulations would minimize the impact of the environment factors on the natural vegetations, topography and the social and economic infrastucture. The planners must also make sure that the design of open space and landscape will ensure the sustainable environment and social development of this settlement. The landscape planning also includes the swimming pools, spa, leisure and recreational opportunities and facilities (Manly Council, 2012). This planning must also make sure the natural vegetation and the habit are not compromised or destroyed. This also implies there should be spaces that has to be aside and preserved for tourists, wild life habitat, fauna and leisure activities. The planning of the public spaces also includes planting of trees and restructuring of the parks, car parks, communal areas, water features, footpaths, road reserves, bush lands and the beaches. Meanwhile, the Environmental Planning Policies (SEPPs) have played an important role in planning for leisure and tourism business within the precinct. These policies have had impact on the planning of residential properties, tourism and leisure facilities and especially in accommodation, beach areas and public utilities. For instance, the planning and development of the precinct does allow the building of house near the roads, infact the regulations requires that the erection of building must be approved by the Manly authorities and that most of them must be within the 10 meters of the road. However, there are areas which have been exempted according to the State Environmental Planning Policy Exempt and Complying Development Codes 2008), which stipulates that exempt development may carried out without development consent. However, the development projects that are exempted must obtain licenses and permits from the concerned authorities. Such development projects include business and real estate identification signs in businesses and industrial zones. The purpose of these controlled management policies are aimed at protecting the environment and sustainability of heritage conservation areas and archaeological sites (New South Wales, 2013) Since Manly council falls within the state of New South Wales, it has to abide by and follow the regulations of this state. The New South Wales Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (2000) has provided the guidelines for SEPP which deals with policies for environmental planning on retaining low cost rental accommodation. The SEPP Guide 10 is a policy document that can be used the urban planners within the New South Wales for creating sustainable housing development for the local communities. The demand for better and afford able housing has been demand across this state the 2000 due to the growing population in the area. This is something that also affect the Manly settlement where is increasing demands for cheaper accommodations for backpackers, tourist and residential properties. However, the SEPP policies only applies to certain types of buildings like the boarding houses, hostels and low cost residential rental houses flats that were originally intended for such purposes and have been legalized. However, these policies does not deal with the development of residential houses, villas, homes for older people, town houses and multi unit housing schemes (New South Wales Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, 2000, p 10) The Australian Government has given the local authorities the powers to address the environmental issues that concern their communities. Part of these policies includes the management of flood plains and rehabilitation of natural environments and wild life habits. One those responsibilities involves the management and effective use of urban waterways, the improvement of recreational facilities and creation of leisure opportunities, minimizing the flood damage and facilitation of quality water. In Manly the regulation and enforcement of these policies falls under the SHFA and SOPA. The running of the properties, leisure and tourist activities are usually regulated by SHFA (Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA). These regulatory bodies that collects the levying charges, improves the services of these facilities and runs most of the operations that relates to foreshore and park use. The services of Manly beaches and parks falls under these two authorities who works in conjunction with the Manly Local Council to collect the charges and improve the infrastructure, as well as planning and improvement of the facilities. The difference between these regulatory bodies is that SOPA deals with the running of the estates parks and commercials properties that concerns with the tourist and leisure activities, while the SHFA deals with the beaches and foreshore activities (Tribunal, 2008). Suggested Improvement Having done the analysis and examined the current plans in the running and management of Manly precinct, I can urge that the planners are on the right track in addressing the key issues and challenges in Manly. However, there is still more room for improvements in regard to enhancing sustainable tourism in Manly. My suggested areas of improvement should address the following issues; A). More local cost accommodation: It is true that Manly still has more land for development and there is need to erect low cost cheap houses that would accommodate the growing demands for housing and accommodating for the growing number of international tourists and the local inhabitants. Although, the area can accommodate the large numbers of international tourists who use the beaches and other tourist attractions sites more development is needed. These designs should imply with the environmental regulations and policies as stipulated by the SEPP policies. B). Public safety and security: The growth of tourism in this settlement has fears about the safety of local population and the foreign immigrants and tourist communities. The best approach of dealing with these fears is to embark on residents and tourists awareness programs which can be done by the tourist board. It is the role of the tourist board and the other key stakeholders to create a positive image about tourism and international tourist in the region. Such initiatives should be done through networking and collaborative effort that incorporates the local community organisations, community committees, the police and other law enforcement agencies, the local business community, the hotel owners and the landlords. Part of the security measures should include community policing and the installation of CCTV and other surveillance system in public areas, shopping malls, bus stations and bus stops, the beaches, leisure centres and other communal areas to ensure public safety and confidence. This will make both the local pollutions and visitors to feel secure. This iniatiatives should include street lighting and improved traffic improvement programs. This will enhance pedestrian safety as especially the children and the elderly C). Community- Social Networking Scheme- The suspicion between the local populations and the tourists and especially the back papers can be addressed effectively through the community networking schemes that would create some kind of positive interactions between the two groups. The fact remains that the local community in Manly needs the tourism industry to create employment and boast their livelihoods. In the like manner, the tourist groups also need the local groups to security and enjoyment. One way of enhancing the community social networking to set aside specific days throughout the years as tourism festivals and community tourism associations. E). Accessibility and improvement of heritage sites For visitors to enjoy themselves and make a positive impact, the local government needs to make sure that the historical heritage sites are improved and are accessible through many means. There is need to make sure that the disabled persons and those with wheel chairs are able to able the public areas such as shopping malls, bus stations, leisure facilities and beaches easily. The other factor that needs to be addressed is the livelihood of the elderly. The local authority must plan and design better places and social schemes for the elderly and senior citizens. Bibliography Allon, F. (2004). Backpacker Heaven: The Consumption and Construction of Tourist Spaces and Landscapes in Sydney. Space and Culture, 7(1), 49-63. Allon, F., Anderson, K., & Bushell, R. (2008). Mutant mobilities: Backpacker tourism in ‘global’ Sydney. Mobilities, 3(1), 73-94. Allon, F., & Anderson, K. (2010). Intimate encounters: the embodied transnationalism of backpackers and independent travelers. Population, Space and Place, 16(1), 11-22. Curby, P., & Manly (N.S.W: Municipality). (2002). Seven miles from Sydney: A history of Manly. Manly, N.S.W: Manly Council. Hall, C. M. (2005). Reconsidering the geography of tourism and contemporary mobility. Geographical Research, 43(2), 125-139. Hoskins, I. (2009). Sydney Harbour: A history. Sydney: University of New South Wales Press. Manly Council. (2012). MANLY Council – DCP for the Residential Zone 2007 – Amendment 2 1 Manly Website. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.manly.nsw.gov.au/council/about-manly/ McArthur, A. (2000). Beyond carrying capacity: Introducing a model to monitor and manage visitor activity in forests. Forest tourism and recreation: Case studies in environmental management, 259-27 New South Wales Department of Urban Affairs and Planning. (2000). Guidelines for State Environmental Planning Policy No. 10 –Retention of Low Cost Rental Accommodation. New South Wales. (2013). Manly Local Environmental Plan 2013 under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, No 140. Retrieved from http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/nsw/consol_reg/seppn14w543/ Tribunal, R. (2008). Revenue Framework for Local Government. Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal New South Wales. Wilson, D., & Sutton, A. (2003). Open-Street CCTV in Australia: A comparative study of establishment. Retrieved from http://www.e-tractors.com.au Read More