Moorabool Shire Landscape Design Manual

Landscape Design manual

The primary objectives of the LDM are to:

• Clearly document Council’s requirements for the design and development of Landscape elements that is or will become Council’s Infrastructure.
• Standardise development submissions as much as possible and thus to expedite Council’s approval process.
• Ensure that minimum criteria are met regarding the design and construction of landscape infrastructure for projects being delivered by Council or through development.
• Enable improved inspection and enforcement of public realm landscape elements during the construction and handover process.

The LDM does not take the place of a design suite and or a design style guide but rather it guides material and construction quality of individual finishes, objects and elements. The manual is to be used by landscape design consultants during the preparation of landscape plans, as a reference tool by Council when assessing permit applications, and by landscape contractors, site representatives and council representatives in the field during the landscape construction and maintenance periods.

The LDM is a device for Council to ensure that the quality and workmanship of landscape works undertaken within the municipality are of a standard that is in accordance with accepted industry standards, and sound horticultural and conservation practices. The assessment of proposed works against this LDM should be undertaken with a degree of flexibility and acknowledgement that alternative, and equally appropriate approaches, can be considered.

All landscape works must be documented and endorsed by Council within the detailed landscape plans forming part of the approved planning permit. This may include the requirement for the following documents to be to be read in conjunction with the Landscape Plan:

• Moorabool Shire Infrastructure Design Manual (IDM).
• Moorabool Shire Open Space Framework

Internal service units interfacing with and/or receiving responsibility for elements built under the LDM have provided input to ensure that the standards set out in the manual are suitable, achievable and acceptable for Council across these departments.

Council is placing the LDM on exhibition for a period of 60 days (Ending Sunday 12 July 2020) to seek further feedback from developers, the general community and any remaining stakeholders prior to the LDM becoming an adopted document.