heirisson island management plan 2008

Artist: Andy Goldsworthy

master plan reportjune 2008

h e i r i s s o n i s l a n d sculpture park

Vision StatementPerth is ready...The time has come to bring ‘art in the environment’ to a new level of sophistication. Heirisson Island is to become a major attraction, freely available to residents and visitors to Perth - a place of delicate environmental detail, of indigenous interpretation and celebration, and of exemplary outdoor sculpture.


This Masterplan presents an idea for the development of Heirisson Island. It is a starting point for discussion. Inevitably, the plan will evolve based on consultation and environmental considerations. In particular, the contribution of the local Aboriginal groups associated with the area will be highly valued in the refinement and enrichment of the design

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Landscape Masterplan Report 3


Contents1.0

Introduction 4

2.0 Aims and Outcomes 5

3.0 Project Background 6

4.0 Physical Context 7

5.0 The Forming of an ‘Island’ 8

6.0 Aboriginal Cultural Context 9

7.0 The City’s Cultural Context

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8.0 The Masterplan 11

- Creating the Vision

-Features of the Masterplan

9.0 Visitor / Interpretive Centre 24

10.0 Moving Forward 27

- Staging Program

- Progressing the Project

11.0 Funding and Management Partnerships 34

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Heirisson Island offers a unique environment with a strategic river

location. It has an abundance of inherent qualities, yet its incredible

potential remains unrealised.

This 25-hectare island, consisting of open grassed spaces, groves

of native trees, reed beds, beaches and inlets, is used primarily by

joggers and recreational fi shermen. But, for the most part, people

pass through this tranquil city oasis by vehicle, having little regard

or awareness of its treasures.

But Heirisson Island is now set to be transformed. With its superb

city and river views and enviable location adjacent to the CBD, the

island is envisaged to become a revitalized, connected parkland,

incorporating sculptural artistic works of the highest standard.

1.0

Introduction



To create an outstanding sculpture park that is sensitive to •

its riverine setting.

To provide a unique venue for the display of high quality •

exhibits of international standing.

To create a spectacular ‘Gateway’ to the city of Perth.•

To rejuvenate an under-utilized part of the city with a •

sustainable, long term plan.

To interpret and celebrate the historical and on-going •

Aboriginal connections to the area.

To create a leading tourist destination.•

To connect different areas of activity around the city and the •

river.

To restore and protect the ecology of the area.•

To raise the profi le of Perth in the national and international •

arts community.

2.0

Aims and outcomes

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Recognising Heirisson Island as an untapped asset, the idea of

establishing a world-class sculpture park was proposed by the

Heirisson Island Sculpture Park Committee, an independent group

of local artists and professionals. The City of Perth Council has

supported ‘in principle’ the proposal and further exploration of its

feasibility.

The City of Perth commissioned a Management Plan in 2001.

Although this plan made reference to the potential for artworks on

the Island, it did not fully explore the incorporation of the sculpture

park. Essentially, the plan was to guide the upgrading of the

facilities and the development of further low impact recreation

opportunities. It also highlighted areas prone to damage and

outlined measures for the protection and enhancement of

environmentally fragile areas and habitats. The 2001 Management

Plan serves as a foundation for the development of this new

Masterplan Plan.

Urbis was engaged to prepare this Masterplan and report in

2007/08. Throughout the process Urbis has pro actively sought

information to enable the design to be thoroughly developed, and

to address current and future management and maintenance

issues. This has involved liaising with the Heirisson Island Sculpture

Park Committee, and City of Perth representatives. Urbis has

also sought information from the designers for Point Fraser and

East Perth Redevelopment Authority’s “Riverside” project, to

create a masterplan that integrates with these proposed adjacent

developments.

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This Masterplan illustrates how the Guiding Principles of the Heirisson Island Management Plan can be implemented. The Management Plan makes specific recommendations in relation to:

Cultural significance, Activity on the land and water, Access and Environment

Heirisson Island is a unique riverside reserve which is close to the city and set with lakes and shady parkland. It has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Perth community and is currently an undervalued cultural and recreational site. Increased use can be supported in a way which protects the island environment through:

Well designed, unobtrusive picnic shelters and facilities, The separation of wetland habitat areas from high use recreation areas, Increased tree planting and landscaping to highlight features and views, Improved access, Initiatives which make the most of the island’s location and character.

The Aboriginal and European cultural history of Heirisson Island is currently not readily available to the community. Greater understanding of Heirisson Island’s cultural significance and interpretation of the island could be achieved through:

Signed walking trails, Shelters with interpretive information, Guided walks and brochures, Installations and artworks.

Information on the island’s plants, animals and river environment can also be woven into interpretation trails to add to visitor enjoyment.

The natural form of the island has been altered over the years, reducing the amount of wetland habitat available. Wetlands can be rehabilitated through:

Revegetation of low lying areas with riverine plant species, Re-introduction of wildlife; such as the black swans, Removal of weeds and rabbits, Increased lake areas, Revegetation of the river banks and reduction of stone ‘rip rap’ areas.

Views from the island to Swan River landmarks could be opened out and framed. This could be achieved by:

Planting to frame long views to Mt Elisa, South Perth, McCallum park, Burswood Park East Perth and Point Fraser,

Providing vantage points at the river’s edge and on hill tops for visitors, Placing seats and picnic shelters with scenic views in mind.

Views into Heirisson Island from the Causeway are screened, reducing the effect of the island as a gateway to Perth City.A higher profile for the site as one of only two islands on the Swan River and an entry point to Perth could be achieved through:

Opening up tree lined views into the island, Providing glimpses of the river for motorists and cyclists on

the Causeway, Landscaping the verges to provide colorful entries to the

island and city beyond, Lighting selected features of the island at night, such as up-

lighting tree trunks.

Increased use of some locations on the island has caused erosion to the banks, reducing the attractiveness of some areas.These areas could be made more durable and attractive through:

Building of a ‘waved’ retaining wall at the river’s edge, Shade tree planting and paving of high use areas, Picnic shelters and information on good angling practices and

interpretation of the river environment, Night time lighting and increased rubbish collection, Encouraging anglers to carry rubbish out and fish responsibly.

Small boats mooring in the bay and their passengers wading ashore will reduce the effectiveness of wetland revegetation projects. A more environmentally sustainable mooring could be created with

A small jetty Shelters with interpretation and river information Picnic tables and a path to the public toilets.

If there is a need to accommodate larger boats such as the ferries or river cruise boats, a jetty could be installed close to the deep water channel on the northwest bank of the island.

Kangaroo enclosure fence screened with tree planting.

Overflow or event car park.

Site for new public facilities if a need arises in the future.

Events / performance space for community activities.

Open play space for family activities.

Proposed pedestrian bridge fromPoint Fraser.

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C AU S E WAY

The Management Plan also recommends that the island be divided into five broad zones to enable different character and use areas to be managed appropriately. In summary these can be described as:

A landmark hill and grassed woodland with long views managed as a moderate impact recreation area.

B wetland habitat managed as a low impact recreation and wetland habitat area.

C high intensity recreation use and road/service corridor managed as a high impact recreation area.

D wetland habitat managed as a low impact recreation and wetland habitat area.

E knoll and surrounding woodland with long views managed as a moderate impact recreation area.

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LegendFloating freshwater bird feeders

Interpretation shelters

Picnic/Interpretation shelters

Boardwalks

Stabilised limestone paths

Kangaroo enclosure fence

Jetties/Interpretation points

Existing public toilet, refurbished

Wetland vegetation and habitat

Riverine vegetation and

parkland

Existing stone boulder banks

Sedges and rushes

Zone A

Zone B

Zone C

Zone E

Zone D

S W A N R I V E R

N O R T H

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metres

Heirisson Island 2001 Masterplan

3.0

Project Background


h e i r i s s o n i s l a n d sculpture park4.0

Physical Context

Heirisson Island Physical Context

PERTH CBD

EAST PERTH

HEIRISSON ISLAND

Riverside Drive

Causeway

Albany Highway

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ighw

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BURSWOOD

SOUTH PERTH

PERTH WATER

KINGS PARKC

LAISEBR

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MC

CALLU

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PARK

Heirisson Island is strategically located at the city’s eastern edge

at a narrow neck in the river between East Perth and Victoria

Park.

The island is centrally located to several ‘development centres’,

such as Burswood Peninsular, Claisebrook Cove, the proposed

Belmont Park redevelopment and the East Perth Riverside

project.

All of these projects house, or are anticipated to house,

signifi cant numbers of new residents, all within walking or

cycling distance of Heirisson Island. Many of these residents

will traverse the island daily when commuting to and from work

in the city.

The island is also surrounding by high quality public open

space, with Burswood and McCallum Park to the East and Point

Fraser and Langley Park to the west.

It is accessible by bus and may in future be serviced by a

light rail system linking Hay St across the island to Burswood

Peninsular. There is also great potential, with the increase in

riverside redevelopment, for the extension of the Swan River Taxi

service to extend and take in Heirisson Island.

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1870 1930

1900 1970

Historically, the area consisted of two small islands surrounded by mud fl ats.

While restricting access through this point in the river, the mudfl ats assisted

crossing between the east and west banks of the river. For this reason, the

area was of particular signifi cance to the local Aboriginal people.

The natural crossing point formed part of an important transport route for

the establishment of the British colony . In 1842 a toll bridge was constructed

over the two islands, close to the location of the existing Causeway. The

mudfl ats were dredged over time to assist passage upriver, resulting in the

fusing of the small islands with the dredged material.

By 1900 a single landmass was formed and by 1930 the island had been

expanded to its current size through further dredging and the dumping of

building rubble and the importing of sand and soil. The existing Causeway

was constructed in 1955.

The island however remained an undeveloped site, with the unoffi cial

dumping of waste material continuing until the 1960s. Major landscaping

works followed in the late 1970s which transformed the island into a parkland

supporting low impact recreational activities.

In 1975 Heirisson Isand was vested in the City of Perth as an A Class

Reserve. This 25 hectare island is one of only two islands in the Swan,

measuring 1.3km long by 300m at its widest point.

The Causeway, whilst connecting the Albany, Great Eastern and Canning

Highways to the Perth CBD, today carries great volumes of traffi c and

effectively divides the island in two.

5.0

The Forming of the Island



The Heirisson Island area is recognised as being of particular importance

to the local Aboriginal community and is registered with the Department of

Indigenous Affairs as a site of mythological signifi cance (Site ID 3589).

The area is traditionally associated with the Beeloo Nyungah people who

knew the small islands and mud fl ats as Matagarup, referring to the river

as being ‘one leg deep’. The island located between the current causeway

bridge was known as Kakaroomup. The Matagarup mud fl ats were the fi rst

major crossing point upriver from the river’s mouth (at Fremantle) and were an

important seasonal access way over which the Beeloo Nyungah gave other

groups right of passage across the river. The area was also an important

food-gathering place, refl ected in the traditional name for Point Fraser -

Beeabbolup, meaning ‘place of many fi sh’ (From the City of Perth’s 2001

Management Plan).

Though no longer an important food gathering area, the signifi cance of the

area has continued for the local people, especially due to its rich mythological

associations.

Heirisson Island currently houses a statue of Yagan, a important leader of the

Beelair Nyungah at the time of colonisation.

6.0

Aboriginal Cultural Context

Images Courtesy of Yirra Yaakin

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Nearby Cultural Precincts

The main cultural points of Perth – theatres, galleries,

museums, etc are distributed over the CBD. Additionally, there

many pieces of public art throughout the city area. Festivals

and performances are held at temporary venue sites further

contribute to the city’s cultural life.

King’s Park is a major environmental and cultural focus at

the western edge of the city. The park capitalises on its many

beautiful spaces and stunning views to host events such as

outdoor concerts, performances and cinema on Perth’s sublime

summer evenings.

The city is ‘crying out’ for another focus of international standing

to mirror King’s Park and thereby ‘book end’ the city at its

eastern edge. The Sculpture Park facility at Heirisson Island

is perfectly positioned to fulfi l this role. It has the potential to

greatly elevate Perth’s active and growing arts and culture

scene, not only in terms of the standard of art on offer, but also

as a stunning and easily accessed venue.

Heirisson Island has the potential to respond to the river and

the city in a manner unlike any other venue in Perth. It offers a

physical setting for more immediate and intimate engagement

with the Swan River, with all its cultural and environmental

attributes.

NNTS

7.0

The City’s Cultural Context

Cultural Venues

1. Kings Park

2. His Majesty’s Theatre

3. Cultural Centre

4. Concert Hall

5. Heirisson Island

Temporary Venues

6. Convention Centre

7. Esplanade

8. Langley Park

9. Wellington Square



8.0

The Masterplan8.1

Creating the Vision

8.2 Features of the Masterplan

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LEGEND

Visitor Centre and Facilities

Amphitheatre

Viewing Terrace

Lookout Towers

Land Bridge

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Ferry Drop Off - Primary

Re-confi gured Wetlands

Installation Garden

BBQ and Families

Interpretive Garden

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Bridge Crossing

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Ferry Drop Off - Secondary13

Service and Emergency Access

Point Fraser Pedestrian Bridge

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Existing Underpass18

Buildings Underneath19

Light Rail Stop (future)20

New Underpass21

22 Observation Deck

Light Rail Bridge (future)

Existing Trees

Proposed Trees

Mass Casuarinas

Existing Shrub

Proposed Shrub Planting

Ornamental Shrub

Irrigated Grass

Non-Irrigated Gass

Wetland Planting

Sculptural Element

Temporary Exhibitions9

This is an extraordinary and exciting opportunity to create an

environment in a prime location that is custom designed for the display

of and appreciation of fi ne sculptural artworks.

There are many wonderful sculpture parks around the world, some

dedicated to specifi c artists, others to historical or ethnographic works

and others to contemporary works. We have a unique ‘natural’ setting

that presents opportunities to create places and spaces for art works

that speak to, and of, the environment. The intent is for the island to be

easily and freely accessible to the public.

8.1

Creating the Vision



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POINT FRASER

FUTURE GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT LINK

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NNTS

The Plan

Heirisson Island-Landscape Masterplan

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1. Integrating Art and LandscapeThe creative integration of art and landscape will result in an

inspiring and provocative public space.

Landform as sculpture –A variety of landscaped spaces will •

be linked by sculpted landforms that can be read as art in

themselves. These sculpted landforms will also serve as

vantage points, wind barriers and provide spatial defi nition.

Permanent Works –. The Masterplan provides a framework •

in which both intimate and open spaces can be specially

designed in greater detail to display specifi c artworks.

These artworks could respond to the environment - the river,

the birdlife, the history, etc. It is proposed that pieces of art

of exceptional quality are acquired or commissioned over a

long period of time.

Feature Pieces – There are a number of locations in the plan •

that are intended for the installation of defi ning pieces of art.

These will serve as markers in the landscape, to be viewed

from a distance.

Temporary exhibits – A number of areas within the park •

have been created as temporary, fl exible exhibit spaces.

Delicate, ephemeral art installations could be an ongoing,

changing feature throughout the park.

There are a great range of possible synergies that could be

developed with the community, visiting exhibitions, and local

artists. This is a particularly valuable concept for the early years

in the park’s development when the number of permanent

artworks may be limited.

Performance – The performance spaces within the park •

allow for another layer of art to be on offer - performance

art, puppetry, light shows along with other conventional

forms of theatre such as dance, music and fi lm, that utilise

the landscape as ‘stage’.

2. Celebrating the Aboriginal StoryPerth is in dire need of a place where Aboriginal culture is

interpreted and celebrated. This is important not only for the

local Aboriginal community itself, but also for the citizens and

visitors to Perth, to raise awareness and appreciation of what is

an extraordinarily rich culture.

A facility at Heirisson Island is positioned to play a vital role •

– the landscape presents a perfect setting through which

interpretations of the Aboriginal story, both historical and

contemporary, can be delicately interwoven.

It is envisaged that consultation with relevant local groups •

regarding their cultural associations with the site will reveal

opportunities for interpretation. It is recognised that there

may be particular issues of cultural sensitivity – these will be

treated respectfully and sympathetically.

The proposal includes formal and informal gathering places •

for story telling and events. There are opportunities to

incorporate story telling journeys on the river. The curvilinear

wall to the visitor centre may be a starting point for artworks

that interpret the signifi cance of the site.

The layering of the Aboriginal Story into the very fabric of •

the design will bring a richness and depth of meaning to the

project unprecedented in any development in Perth.

Please refer to pages 37-39 of this report for further discussion

about issues relating to cultural heritage and consultation.

8.1

Creating the Vision



3. Strengthening the Sense of ‘Island’Road experience – To heighten awareness of Heirisson as •

an island, views across water to the island will be created

. These views are currently obscured by the heritage listed

balustrade on the Causeway bridge. The Masterplan

proposes excavation to the south and north sides of the

Causeway, potentially opening up views over water beyond

the balustrade.

Elevation - The proposed raised landform will allow a •

vantage point from which visitors will be able to view both

north and south sides of the island and the surrounding river.

Pedestrian experience – As all visitor parking will be •

relocated off the island, the journey across the river, either

over a pedestrian bridge or by boat will, heighten the visitor’s

experience of ‘island’.

Views onto and off the island – Currently from both the city •

and the Victoria Park/Burswood side, the island reads as the

opposite land mass with little or no sense that it is, in fact an

island. The proposal is to create view corridors through, onto

and out of the island, so the island can be perceived in the

context of, yet separate from the adjacent land mass.

4. Giving Recognition to the Original Landform The site was originally a series of islands through the Matagarup

mud fl ats. Over time, the site has been fi lled to create its

current form. The proposal is to resurrect the semblance of

the original form by opening the existing water bodies on the

site to create water linkages across the island. Access across

these water linkages is via bridges, heightening the visitor’s

island experience, and retelling a story of history through subtle

means.

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5. Enhancing the Natural EnvironmentThe project presents many opportunities to enhance the natural

environment and to encourage and nurture biodiversity in creative

and innovative ways.

This can be done through:

Sensitive edge treatments to the island’s perimeter, using •

natural and artifi cial options;

Working with the existing topography of the site and •

enhancing features where appropriate;

Creating new habitats that support wildlife and promote •

biodiversity;

Using local plant species both in a natural setting and in •

‘ornamental’ gardens;

Artworks that draw inspiration from or assist natural systems, •

and utilise landforms and materials, ie ‘land-based’ artworks

and ephemeral art installations - a true integration of art and

environment.

Of particular environmental signifi cance will be the return of the

site to a semblance of the original physical form prior to the

landfi ll works. This will enable the rehabilitation and extension of

the existing wetlands in the southern section.

These measures will be instrumental in improving the island’s

‘natural’ environment by replicating natural hydrological and

ecological systems. Decked walkways are proposed to be

located through the wetland to nurture an appreciation of the

environment whilst protecting sensitive habitats.

NOTE: The majority of the current planting on the island, though

native, is not indigenous to the local area . As it is intended that

much of the island’s landscape be restored to a more natural

state, this includes the removal of most of the current planting .

This will be replaced with species of trees and bushes, grasses

and reeds, that would have existed in the area originally. It is

intended that even the more ‘formal’ spaces are planted with

local indigenous species.

As the implementation of the plan is to be staged, the removal

and replanting of vegetation will be gradual, ensuring that there

is adequate vegetation cover on the island at each stage of

construction.

6. Minimising Environmental ImpactMinimising the impact on environment is of prime concern, both

during construction phases, and also during the operations of

the sculpture park once it is established.

Of the highest priority during any of the proposed works will

be the protection of the river. All necessary measures will

undertaken to mitigate any anticipated adverse effects on water

quality. Use of materials of low environmental impact should

be carefully considered in the detailed design of the island’s

features and amenities.

The daily operations of the sculpture park should be based on

sound environmental principles:

Water- Collection of rainwater and the recycling of grey water •

can be creatively incorporated into the design of particular

features of the island. By the installation of water-effi cient

appliances, and by restricting the areas requiring irrigated

grass, water use can be minimised.

Energy- Opportunities to incorporate renewable energy •

sources should be thoroughly explored. Energy use can be

minimised through the use of energy effi cient appliances

and lighting.

Waste- Waste and pollution generated from the operations •

of the island should be mitigated through good quality

design, construction and ongoing management. Recycling

of waste materials on the island itself should be considered

wherever possible.

Please refer to page 34 of this report for more discussion of

technical issues relating to environmental sustainability and

minimising the impact of development.

heirisson island management plan 2008

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