part 5 onslow

Transcription

part 5 onslow

PART 5
ONSLOW
CONTENTSOVERVIEW
DEMOGRAPHICS
ECONOMY
LAND SUPPLY AND TENURE
PROPERTY MARKET
URBAN FABRIC
TOWN PLANNING
HOUSING
MOVEMENT NETWORKS
AMENITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE
COMMERCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
ENVIRONMENT
TOPOGRAPHY
CLIMATE
THERMAL COMFORT
BUILDING MATERIALS
GROWTH PLAN
CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Pilbara Vernacular Handbook / Part 5-1
ONSLOW
BEADON POINT
WAR MEMORIAL
ET
RE
ST
FIRS
T
UE
PICNIC AREA
ONSLOW OCEAN VIEW
CARAVAN PARK
EN
AV
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FIR
SUNSET BEACH
ND
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POST OFFICE
SPORTS CLUB
IRD
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LAC
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cRA
SIMPSON STREET
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TOWN
CENTRE
BEADON BAY
OUR
MIL
E BE
SEA
ACH
VIEW
DRI
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NU
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AV
ONSLOW DISTRICT
HOSPITAL
SUNRISE BEACH
RO
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TO F
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BINDI BINDI
Mc
GR
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AM
AD
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EN
AV
ON
EY
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NU
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BEA
SALT HILL
ON
DON
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RIV
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ONS
LOW
ROA
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OAD
BEADON VILLAGE
CARAVAN PARK
BEADON
CREEK
ONSLOW
OVERVIEW
Onslow is located 1,386 kilometres north of
Perth between Exmouth and Karratha. The
original township was founded in 1883 at the
mouth of the Ashburton River and was used as a
port for exporting wool from the sheep stations
in the region. In the early settlement days,
pearls were discovered in the Exmouth Gulf
and Onslow became the home port to a fleet of
pearling luggers.
The port was repeatedly subjected to cyclone
damage. Surveys along the coast showed that
there was deep water at Beadon Point and in
1925 the town moved 20 kilometres east to its
present location. The Old Onslow townsite is
currently on the Heritage Council of Western
Australia’s Register of Heritage Places and some
of the old stone buildings are still standing.
The new location and deep-water approach
made Onslow a convenient port for servicing
submarines during World War II. As a result, it
became the southern-most town to be bombed
by the Japanese. Since the war, the world
market for wool has declined and the focus of
Onslow’s economy is now salt production, gas
exploration and tourism.
The coastal climate is hot and humid, with
summer temperatures consistently exceeding
35°C. Rainfall is low and erratic, primarily
because of the tropical cyclones that affect the
area between November and April. The land
around Onslow is low-lying and susceptible to
flooding during heavy storms and cyclones.
Onslow’s growth is largely dependent on the
proposed $30 billion Wheatstone project,
a natural gas development located twelve
kilometres from the town. The project has been
approved by the State government and final
confirmation from Chevron and its joint venture
partners is expected by the end of 2011.
Onslow’s population is expected to more than
triple with construction workers initially, then
continue to grow with gas field and support
service workers. A large proportion will be fly-in
fly-out workers and this will have a dramatic
impact on the local economy, placing demands
on the local services and facilities.
To cope with the influx of workers and
industrial activity, major and rapid upgrades are
needed for existing infrastructure as well as a
rationalisation and expansion of commercial,
public and residential amenities.
Onslow has the opportunity to learn from other
Pilbara towns which have experienced rapid
growth from mining projects. It needs to plan
its future with a sustainable and long-term
vision. Importantly, strategies are needed that
acknowledge and consider Onslow’s inherent
character to ensure that this is not forgotten in
the future growth.
Old Onslow
ONSLOW
Onslow’s population is approximately 800
people. Estimates fluctuate considerably,
however, due to the transient nature of the
indigenous and fly-in fly-out populations, as well
as seasonal holiday visitors.
Close to Onslow’s town centre is a wellestablished indigenous settlement called
Bindi Bindi. When the Pastoral Award was
introduced in 1968, the employment conditions
for indigenous people working on pastoral
leases changed. Many of them moved from their
traditional lands to government-established,
such as camps around Onslow. Today, the
indigenous community makes up approximately
37% of the population. The majority are from
the Thalanyji, Yindjibarndi and Banyjima tribes.
Indigenous people in the area are becoming
increasingly nomadic, with many moving back to
their traditional homeland areas.
Onslow’s current fly-in fly-out population is
estimated to be between 150-200. This is
highly variable, dependent on the ebb and
flow of resource based activity in the area.
There is currently no dedicated fly-in fly-out
accommodation in Onslow and many transient
workers stay in tourist accommodation, such
as Beadon Creek Caravan Park, and rooms in
private dwellings.
The proposed Wheatstone LNG project is
expected to bring 6,500 workers to Onslow at
the peak of its construction. These people will
need short stay and long term accommodation
which provides a major logistics challenge for
the project’s managers and the local shire.
There is a core of locals who have lived in
Onslow for many years and who choose to live
there because of the relaxed coastal lifestyle.
DEMOGRAPHICS
Second Avenue, Onslow’s main street
ONSLOW
ECONOMY
Onslow is unique in the Pilbara in that it is
well supported by small-scale operations
employing local people, rather than largerscale resource industries which often rely on
fly-in fly-out workers.
Much of the town is on low lying land and
is susceptible to flooding in heavy storms
and the cyclone season, including the town
centre and the main road into Onslow. This
has been identified as a deterrent to business
investment in Onslow.1
OIL & GAS INDUSTRIES
Onslow is a service centre for offshore oil and
gas exploration and development. In 1989, an
oil and gas production facility was developed
near Thevenard Island, 22 kilometres northwest of Onslow. It is anticipated that this
sector will continue to expand, increasing the
use of the harbour for commercial activities.
Chevron’s Wheatstone liquefied natural
gas (LNG) project is set to become one of
Australia’s largest resource projects with
an estimate revenue of $30 billion. Gas will
be processed at an onshore facility located
at Ashburton North, twelve kilometres
southwest of Onslow. The foundation project
will include two LNG trains with a combined
capacity of 8.9 million tonnes per year and a
domestic gas plant.
ONSLOW SALT
Onslow Salt is currently the largest
enterprise in the town. It employs 65 people
which is over 20% of the town’s working
population. Onslow Salt owns 39 houses for
its employees. The solar salt field on tidal
flats south of the town and has 3.5 kilometre
conveyor belt carrying harvested salt to a 1.3
kilometre jetty for shipment.
TOURISM
Tourism makes a small but significant
contribution to the Onslow economy. The
coastal waters and offshore islands are a big
attraction for fishing and boating.
The use of tourism facilities in Onslow is highly
seasonal, responding to weather conditions
and nature based activities. Tourism operators
are busiest from May to September when the
weather conditions are warm and pleasant.
Onslow is popular with retirees from Perth
(known as Grey Nomads) who travel north in
winter. During this time, there is a shortage of
accommodation.
FISHERIES AND PEARLING
Ashburton Fisheries and Fresh Fish Onslow
(AF) operate from the Beadon Creek Harbour.
AF supplies fresh fish to the Pilbara region,
including Karratha, Onslow and Tom Price, and is
one of the regions only fresh food providers. AF
employs four people.
There is still a small-scale pearling industry
which uses wild pearl oysters for blister and
culture pearl production.
PASTORAL
A number of pastoral stations operate
around the Onslow area, including Minderoo,
Peedamulla and Urala. These stations use
Onslow as a service centre.
SERVICE SECTOR
Government and community sectors employ
nearly 30% of Onslow’s working population.
Another 20% are in retail, wholesale and
hospitality services.2
1 Onslow Townsite Strategy Background Report. January, 2011
Fishing facilities at Beadon Creek Harbour
Onslow Salt
Commercial fishing at Beadon Creek Harbour
Oil and gas development, Barrow Island
Old Onslow
Onslow Salt Conveyor Belt
ONSLOW
LAND SUPPLY AND TENURE
Onslow contains a large amount of vacant land.
Small areas are located throughout the existing
urban area and larger areas are found on the
outskirts. These vacant areas are a mixture of
privately owned, State government owned and
Crown land.
In recent years, few residential lots have been
created in Onslow. A few lots are currently
under conditional approval. Land zoned for
urban development lies to the south and west
of the existing developed area, and covers
more than 90 hectares. Additionally, a large
area of undeveloped land is located along the
foreshore, most of which is owned by the State
government.
The worker accommodation requirements for
the Wheatstone LNG project is predicted to
boost the number of houses in Onslow from 270
to 770 However, there are several constraints
which inhibit the development of land in and
around Onslow:
Flooding, airport, noise and buffer impact.
The proposed strategic industrial area
will only accommodate one use, so additional
industrial land will be required if other operations
are to seriously consider Onslow as a base.
The majority of identified future development
areas are located on un-allocated Crown land
which is subject to native title. Land assembly
processes may be lengthy and land may not be
available in time to meet demand of imminent
LNG projects.
Possible rapid increases in industrial
development and demands for worker housing in
Onslow will create an urgent need for water and
wastewater infrastructure upgrades.
Much of Onslow’s infrastructure is operating
at capacity, particular the water supply, which
is delaying the construction of new houses. If
industrial expansion goes ahead as anticipated,
Onslow will experience a rapid increase in the
demand for housing. If it does not, demand is
likely to remain low as the natural population
growth is expected to be negligible.
PROPERTY MARKET
There is a limited number of houses for sale and
rent in Onslow which has inflated the price of
housing.2 Most of the available properties are
older and in poor condition. The land content is
often more valuable than the house.
The majority of properties are owned and about
one third are rented. Onslow Salt also owns 39
houses, mainly in the subdivision called Salt Hill.
This makes up a high proportion of the town’s
housing stock.
Onslow house valued at $640,000 (August, 2011) Source: Realestate.com.au
Access to builders and capacity to construct.
Land for residential expansion is available, but
is subject to land assembly processes and further
planning.
Light and disturbance impacts on turtle
nesting activities.1
1 The Onslow Regional HotSpots Land Supply Update, 2008
2Onslow Townsite Strategy Background Report, 2010
A 1,012 square metre block in the town centre valued at $750,000
(August, 2011) Source: Realestate.com.au
Onslow house valued at $770,000 (August, 2011) Source: Realestate.
com.au
ONSLOW
URBAN FABRIC
House with wide eaves
Second Avenue at the corner of Cameron Avenue
KEY
KEY
Town centre
TOWN CENTRE
The oldest area of Onslow is characterised
by a grid-like street layout with large lots of
approximately 800 square metres oriented
northeast and southwest. Streets generally run
northwest by southeast, following the shoreline
of Sunrise Beach. Second Avenue forms the
spine of Onslow’s town centre and is flanked
by commercial and civic activities interspersed
with vacant blocks and old sheds or houses,
some of which are vacant.
Residential Zoning
‘Urban development’ area
Second Avenue
Onslow Town Garage
RESIDENTIAL
Education, recreation buildings and housing
are generally located to the west of the town
centre. Lots in this area are oriented northsouth. The majority of houses are detached
single storey. Many have climate responsive
elements such as awnings, timber shutters,
wrap- around verandahs and wide eaves, often
added after the original construction.
There are also houses throughout the
commercial land to the east of the town centre.
These are generally not as well maintained as
houses in the southern areas of town and the
land is prone to flooding in extreme weather.
The Bindi Bindi indigenous community is located
at the east end of town, off Second Avenue.
The community has 23 dwellings oriented
primarily north-south and northeast-southwest.
The majority of these are single storey and
detached.
Cyclone shutters on the Former Police Residence
Home in Salt Hill subdivision, constructed by Onslow Salt
ONSLOW
URBAN FABRIC
Tennis courts
KEY
Beadon Creek boat ramp
KEY
Recreation
RECREATION
The hot Pilbara climate is not conducive to
active recreation during the day in the summer
months. Active sport usually takes place in the
evenings, whilst walking and cycling tends to
occur in the early mornings and evenings.
Onslow does not have a aquatic centre. There
are well-tended tennis courts and a new
playground with water play.
The Onslow Multipurpose Recreation Centre
recently opened and provides indoor sports
court with spectator seating, gymnasium, day
care facility, kitchen and change room facilities.
The Ashburton Race Club is located
approximately twelve kilometres from the
Onslow townsite. As well as regular race
meetings, a rodeo is held each winter.
Zone of conservation
Football field
Onslow Multipurpose Recreation Centre
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE
Onslow’s coastline is popular for swimming,
boating, fishing and diving. There are public boat
ramps at Beadon Creek and Four Mile Creek.
Fishing and mud crabbing is possible at the
groyne or Four Mile Creek, Five Mile Pool, Three
Mile Pool and along the Ashburton River.
There are many creek systems and islands that
can be accessed by boat from Onslow. The
Mackerel Islands, a group of ten islands located
23 kilometres off the coast are a well known
fishing spot. Thevenard Island is the largest and
is a six kilometre long coral atoll.
Around 15% of Onslow households own a
motorised recreational vessel and good fishing
is one of the lifestyle qualities that are most
valued by residents.1
Onslow’s community garden, located next to the
Onslow Primary School, is a focal point in the
community and is lovingly cared for by locals.
1 Shire of Ashburton Strategic Plan, 2007-2011
Picnic area by the beach
Onslow community garden
ONSLOW
Onslow has three distinct residential areas
(refer map over page). Recreation and education
facilities have been developed in between.
The early settlement pattern was a traditional
grid structure oriented northwest to southeast
on the long axis and the original town centre
was three blocks deep. The next major housing
land release was south of the town and planned
with a curvilinear road layout. The most recent
housing subdivision is to the south and extents
from the original road grid. Unlike the rest of
town,it was set out in a series of curvilinear
cul-de-sacs.
LandCorp, in conjunction with the Shire of
Ashburton, is preparing a framework to deal
with the future demand for new housing
subdivision development created by the Chevron
Wheatstone LNG project.
It is anticipated that the permanent residential
population will increase by 2,600 people. The
Shire will need to fast-track land release with
limited staff resources. It is important that
we do not ignore sound planning strategies in
the rush to make land available. Subdivision
planning needs to consider cardinal lot
orientation to enable simple shading solutions,
focus on breeze movements and provide sea
breeze pathways at a subdivision scale.
The town will continue to have low density
detached housing contained within a walkable
distance from the town centre. An increased
variety of housing density in specific locations
such as adjacent to (or within), commercial
areas and near key services or amenities, will
provide a wider choice of housing for families,
single parent families, singles, shared housing
and over 55s developments.
TOWN PLANNING
INDIAN OCEAN
Two bedroom house located within the industrial area
BINDI BINDI
SALT HILL
Town Planning Scheme
KEY
Laneways feature in the first stage of the town’s development
Open Space
Conservation
Industry
Transient Workforce Housing
Residential
Mixed Business
Community
Tourism
Town Centre
ONSLOW
1920s
1950s-1980s
1990s-2000s
INDIAN OCEAN
1920s
ND
CO
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NU
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AV
KEY
SE
The growth of Onslow is clearly evident in its
houses. The earliest houses located in and
around the town centre reflect a post 1920s
aesthetic. Most houses are detached single
storey.
To the west of town, houses typically have the
characteristics of the post World War II through
to the 1980s.
South of the town centre, houses located on
Salt Hill are more contemporary and sparse.
Houses are often located within industrial and
commercial zones, including the town centre.
SITE PLANNING
Lots in the historic area of Onslow and on
Salt Hill to the south are oriented towards the
northeast and southwest. Lots in the west end
of town are oriented north-south, offering the
optimum opportunity for shade from eaves,
awnings and other shade structures.
Most existing lots are deep and can
accommodate rear parking and garages if
laneways provide access.
STRUCTURE, ROOF AND WALLS
We can readily identify when a house was
constructed by the materials used.
The first houses were transported from Old
Onslow and are timber framed on timber
stumps with sheet metal roof and wall cladding.
There are also a few examples of load bearing
masonry houses with perimeter verandahs. The
masonry material was re-used from Old Onslow
buildings.
WINDOWS AND EAVES
Climate responsive design is a significant part
of the local vernacular, particularly within the
historic areas of town. The original houses often
feature timber shutters, timber lattice, awnings,
wide wrap-around verandahs and deep eaves
which provide shade and air flow.
HOUSING
BINDI BINDI
1950s-1980s
SALT HILL
1990s-2000s
ONSLOW
HOUSING
The shutters on the windows of Onslow houses
are part of a dynamic pattern of use by the
residents which shows an attempt to actively
control the climate. The daily ritual of closing
the shutters completely during the hottest part
of the day and opening them in early morning,
late afternoon and evening also provides the
public realm with a visual cue to the climate
conditions. The shutters can be adjusted slightly
to block the sun but allow the breeze to flush out
the hot air.
The houses in the subdivision known as Salt
Hill are a consistent design differentiated only
by different roof and wall colours. Their hilltop
location enables the cooling sea breeze to
penetrate the outdoor living areas and purge
hot air from the interior. However, these houses
do not have the passive cooling elements
demonstrated in earlier homes, such as shutters
to address the heat and cyclone conditions. They
have externally fixed security screens which
meet BCA requirements, but do not contribute to
the Onslow vernacular.
These houses would appear to rely on air
conditioning for cooling.
FLOOR PLAN
There are a range of floor plan types that reflect
the era of each house. The Salt Hill subdivision
houses have the same floor plan.
A perimeter verandah is a distinctive feature of
many older houses.
GARAGING
Carports are generally separated from the
houses and many have been adapted to
accommodate large fishing boats and trailers.
WORKMANSHIP/FINISHES
Due to the diversity in housing over a wide time
span, the quality of workmanship and degree
of detailing and decoration varies noticeably.
Some houses are basic sheds, whilst others are
substantial masonry structures. The beautifully
detailed louvres, timber shutters and verandah
enclosures are a part of Onslow’s town
character.
CONDITION
Onslow’s housing stock tends to be aging and
in relatively poor condition. The average age of
Department of Housing properties is 39 years
old.1
RENOVATION
The original houses in Onslow are valued by the
community and in recent years some have been
sensitively renovated houses to preserve the
qualities that contribute to an existing Onslow
housing vernacular.
LANDSCAPING
The front yards of many houses are often
not formally landscaped or well maintained.
This does not necessarily detrimental to the
streetscape but enhances an informal coastal
holiday town feel.
ADDITIONS
There is a multitude of rear sheds that can be
accessed from the series of rear lanes in the
original part of Onslow. These would have
been added after the house was constructed.
Many appear to contain windows and used
as additional bedroom, games room or office
space.
1 Department of Planning survey, 2009
Awnings which can be opened and closed to control ventilation
Recycled materials are often used
Wide, shady verandah in an Onslow house
Typical high roof carports for large boats and caravan storage
A more recent house with verandah in Onslow
The deep eaves and awning over front entrance as well as wall
vents all help to shade and create air flow along with supplementary
mechanical air conditioning units
ONSLOW
MOVEMENT NETWORKS
Tennis Court seating with shade shelter
KEY
KEY
Major Roads
ROADS
Onslow is 80 kilometres from the North West
Coastal Highway along the Onslow Road.
Twitchen Road also provides an unsealed link
to the highway, although this is not accessible
all year. Onslow Road is prone to flooding in
the cyclone season, cutting the town off from
evacuation or emergency support access. A
new entry road into the town centre has been
discussed for many years and is a possibility in
the near future.
With maintenance, Onslow Road is considered
adequate for the short term. If industrial and
residential expansion occurs, large sections of
the road will need to be improved. Servicing
and maintaining Onslow Road will become more
critical as usage and conflict between local
and regional traffic increase, particularly with
the large volumes of additional traffic from the
proposed Wheatstone LNG project.
There is no public transport in Onslow, but there
are two local taxi services, licensed by the
Department of Transport.
Minor Roads
Formal Pedestrian
Paths
PEDESTRIAN/CYCLING
The path along the foreshore and through
town is popular for early morning and late
afternoon walking. The Pilbara’s high daytime
temperatures in the summer months generally
discourage walking and cycling midday. The Ian
Blair Memorial Boardwalk connects Beadon
Point lookout with Sunset Beach through areas
of natural vegetation.
ONSLOW AIRPORT
KEY
Airport
Second Avenue, the main street of Onslow
AIRPORT
Onslow is mainly served by Karratha airport,
located 335 kilometres northeast by road, which
provides the West Pilbara air services to Perth
and other destinations in Australia.
Onslow airport currently has two gravel
runways, 1,600 metres and 990 metres in
length, which would require upgrading to
accommodate larger passenger aircraft.
Ian Blair Memorial Boardwalk
ONSLOW
SOCIAL SERVICES & FACILITIES
There are few services based in Onslow. A
police station, courthouse, Ashburton Shire
Council administration building and occasional
day centre are located along Second Avenue.
Most of the buildings require renovation and
the Shire’s administration building requires an
urgent extension as transportable buildings are
currently being used.
CULTURAL SERVICES & FACILITIES
The Onslow library is co-located with the
Ashburton Shire Council administration building.
The Goods Shed Museum on Second Avenue
originally came from the Old Onslow town site
and serves as a combined visitor centre and
museum. The museum contains memorabilia and
relics of old Onslow. St. Nicholas Church was
also relocated when Onslow township moved in
the late 1920s and is currently under repair.
St. John Ambulance
St. Nicholas Church
HEALTH SERVICES & FACILITIES
Onslow District Hospital is located in Second
Avenue. The building requires renovation
and upgrading to meet current community
requirements. The hospital provides a variety of
services, including a general practitioner, dental,
emergency, and pharmacy. A planned scheduled
visit, usually monthly, is available and must be
booked in advance. Some local residents have
expressed frustration that these services are
often booked by tourists and they are unable to
obtain treatment.
EDUCATION SERVICES & FACILITIES
Onslow Primary School was purpose-built in
2005. The school is part of the Department of
Education’s Remote Teaching Service whereby
staff are appointed through a merit selection
process. It has around 120 students from Preprimary to Year 12. Approximately 65% of these
students are indigenous.
Pilbara TAFE has a regional campus in Onslow.
Onslow District Hospital
Pilbara TAFE, Onslow
ONSLOW
COMMERCIAL SERVICES
INDIAN OCEAN
The commercial and retail heart of Onslow is
Second Avenue. This area is subject to flooding
during the cyclone season. Consultation
with the business community indicates that
commercial land located on higher ground would
be more likely to be developed and maintained,
as it would not be regularly impacted by severe
weather events.1
There are several buildings in the town centre
which are not used for commercial purposes,
including several abandoned and dilapidated
houses.
There is no bank in Onslow. The nearest bank
is in Karratha, 300 kilometres away. Electronic
Funds Transfer is provided by ATMs in the
supermarket and hotel.
Residents also need to travel to Karratha for
specialty retail shopping.
Retail:
Postie’s General Store
Onslow General Store
The Hardware Shed
Onslow Town Garage & Tyre Shop
RC Buggies
Hospitality
The Ashburton Resort Motel
Onslow Sun Chalets and Motel
Beadon Bay Village Caravan Park
Onslow Mackerel Motel
Food and Beverage
Nikki’s Licensed Restaurant
Onslow Supermarket
Mainstreet Cafe
Other
Karijini Aboriginal Corporation
Era Contractors
Basefield Contracting & Hire Services
Onslow Blast & Protective Coating
Shell Onslow Service Station
New short stay self-contained units
Onslow Supermarket and Liquor Store
Onslow Hardware
Postie’s General Store
ONSLOW
WATER
Onslow’s water supply is provided by the Water
Corporation through the Onslow Town Supply
Scheme. Current infrastructure is considered
to be at capacity and unreliable. The Water
Corporation is investigating the feasibility of
extracting additional water from the Cane River
LANDFILL
Onslow has a landfill site located to the south of
the proposed urban extension area. This site is
nearing the end of its operational life and is in
the process of being relocated.
WASTE
Households receive one waste collection per
bore fields and the Birdrong aquifer.
Inadequate water supply is delaying applications
for connections to new houses.
WASTEWATER
Onslow has one wastewater treatment plant
located south of the town centre. It is expected
to reach capacity this year. Expanding the
plant is possible but odour from the plant could
constrain development west of the town. In the
longer term, the treatment plant might require
relocation.
The Bindi Bindi indigenous Community is
serviced by its own effluent treatment
pond. Negotiations are underway for the
decommissioning the facility to allow for the
expansion of the residential area.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is provided via a 3.6 megawatt gas
turbine power plant operated by Onslow Electric
Power. The existing power supply is considered
to be inadequate as the voltage is too low (200
volts) and the supply is operating 25% under
capacity. This forces the occasional shutdown of
Onslow salt stockpiling during ship loading.
During summer peak loads, the Onslow power
station requires support from temporary diesel
generation. An increase in power load by
Onslow Salt or new industrial expansion will
require a review of Onslow’s energy generation
strategy.1
1Onslow Regional HotSpots Land Supply Update, 2008
week for their single green bin.
COMMUNICATIONS
There is a communications tower in Onslow
for television and emergency services. There
is satellite internet access and mobile phone
coverage through Telstra.
Rubbish pick-up on Second Avenue
Telstra phone booth
Water tank
ONSLOW
The coastline and coastal land around Onslow
is rich in ecological diversity. Barrow Island is
located 50 kilometres offshore and is home to a
variety of unique animals, including the Barrow
Island Euro, Barrow Island Bandicoot, the Black
and White Wren and a number of wallabies,
marsupial mice and possums. Because of this
rich biodiversity, any resource projects on
Barrow Island are controversial and have been
vehemently opposed by conservationists.
Vegetation in Onslow generally consists of
low lying scrub and spinifex with some small
shrubs and trees. The Onslow area is also
home to several species of mangrove. They are
considered an integral part of natural coastal
and marine processes, acting as a buffer against
erosion and storm surge damage to coastal
areas.
Parts of Onslow are susceptible to Acid
Sulphate Soils (ASS). These are naturally
occurring soils, sediments or organic substrates
formed under waterlogged conditions that
contain iron sulphide minerals. When exposed
to air, the sulphides in the soil oxidise and
release sulphuric acid and iron into the soil and
groundwater, often in harmful quantities. This
has implications for using the area for any built
or landscaped development.1
Mosquitoes can be a problem in Onslow and the
council sprays to eradicate them when they are
ENVIRONMENT
KEY
Acid Sulphate Soils
Native flowers
Identified area of Acid Sulphate Soils
KEY
Storm surge area
Low lying scrub in typical Pilbara pindan soil
particularly invasive.
Endemic vegetation
Storm surge area
FOUR MILE BEACH
BEADON BAY
TOWN CENTRE
8
6
4
Boardwalk through the dunes
8
10
12
14
8
SALT HILL
6
4
Four Mile Beach
10
Onslow is characterised by its undulating land
forms which flatten out near the coast. The
original areas of the town are located on the low
level tidal flats and are subject to storm surge
and flooding during heavy storms and cyclones.
The northeast facing beach immediately in front
of the town centre has a small sea wall which, if
further development is to occur near it, will need
to be rectified. In areas susceptible to flooding,
any future development should consider raising
the ground or floor levels. A proposal is being
considered to realign Onslow’s main entry road
on higher ground to avoid flooding and avoid
cutting access to the town during large storm
events and cyclones.
Many of the lots in Onslow are oriented northsouth or northeast-southwest. When these lots
are located on ridge lines, such as Salt Hill, they
are exposed to the cooling sea breeze. Houses
located in the flood prone areas do not benefit
greatly from the westerly sea breeze. Any future
subdivisions need to consider the micro-climatic
wind behaviour and lot orientation to maximise
exposure to the westerly sea breeze.
There are locations north of the town with
panoramic views across the town towards the
salt operations and the ocean.
A boardwalk has been constructed over the
undulating dunal system providing a pedestrian
circuit around the perimeter of the town.
TOPOGRAPHY
10
ONSLOW
Beadon Bay
Topographic map (two metre contours, not comprehensive)
ONSLOW
CLIMATE
TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
Summers are hot and humid, with consistent
120
40
mean maximum temperature
mean minimum temperature
35
maximum temperatures exceeding 35°C from
December to March.
Winter is mild, with temperatures ranging from
100
30
temperature
60
20
15
40
10
20
5
0
0
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
12-25°C between May and October, which
attracts many tourists from colder southern
climates. Because of its coastal location,
Onslow tends to have higher humidity than the
inland settlements.
RAINFALL
Rainfall is low and variable (on average 276
millimetres per year) and evaporation is high.
Most rainfall occurs between January and June,
with September to November experiencing,
on average, less than two millimetres of rain.
Onslow has an average of 15 days of rain each
year.
Rainfall and Temperatures by Month (Bureau of Meteorology)
SUNLIGHT
Onslow enjoys predominantly clear skies year
round with low and erratic rainfall during the
first half of the year.
The sky in summer and autumn is cloudy for
approximately five days a month. In the winter
and spring, this drops off to about two cloudy
days a month. The high number of clear days
should be used to advantage in house designs
which incorporate natural lighting, solar energy
and outdoor living spaces.
30
clear
cloudy
25
20
days
mean monthly rainfall (mm)
80
25
15
10
5
0
Jan
Feb
March
April
Clear vs. Cloudy Days (Bureau of Meteorology)
May
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
Rare morning mist in Onslow
Rose of Wind direction versus Wind speed in km/h (01 Jan 1957 to 30 Sep 2010)
Custom times selected, refer to attached note for details
ONSLOW
ONSLOW
Site No: 005016 • Opened Jan 1886 • Still Open • Latitude: -21.6364° • Longitude: 115.1117° • Elevation 4m
An asterisk (*) indicates that calm is less than 0.5%.
Other important info about this analysis is available in the accompanying notes.
ONSLOW
NW
W
N
SW
9 am Dec 9am December
1496 Total Observations
S
CALM
NE
CLIMATE
km/h
>= 10 and < 20
>= 30 and < 40
>= 0 and < 10
>= 20 and < 30
E
CALM
>= 40
N
9 am Jun
June
1486 Total9am
Observations
S
CALM
NE
E
CALM
SW
SE
NORTH
Calm 5%
NW
W
km/h
>= 0 and < 10
>= 10 and < 20
>= 30 and < 40
>= 20 and < 30
>= 40
SE
WINDS
In summer, morning winds prevail from the
south, turning to a westerly sea breeze in the
afternoon. In winter, morning winds prevail from
NORTH
Calm 6%
%
30
the east, turning northerly in the afternoon.
%
20
%
10
CYCLONES
Onslow is susceptible to cyclone activity from
November to April, particularly in February and
March. The BCA classifies Onslow in Region D
Category 2 which is the highest rating for winds.
Since 1910, a cyclone impact causing wind gusts
in excess of 90 kilometres per hour at Onslow
has occurred once every two years on average.
Half of these are Category One impacts with
wind gusts less than 125 kilometres per hour.
Recent notable cyclones include Cyclone Vance
in 1999 which caused a four metre storm surge
in lower parts of town, Cyclone Olivia in 1996
and Cyclone Bobby in 1995 which killed seven
fisherman off the coast.
Storm surge is a major threat to Onslow.
Significant historical storm surge events have
flooded parts of the town, particularly during
the cyclones of 1934, 1958, 1961 and 1999.
EAST
10%
20%
EAST
30%
WEST
40%
WEST
ONSLOW
ONSLOW
NW
W
N
SW
3 pm Dec 3pm December
CALM
NE
SOUTH
S
km/h
NW
>= 10 and < 20
>= 30 and < 40
>= 0 and < 10
>= 20 and < 30
E
CALM
Cyclone damage on Second Avenue, 1934
W
>= 40
SW
SE
3 pm Jun
3pm
June
1430 Total
Observations
NORTH
N
CALM
NE
E
CALM
km/h
>= 0 and < 10
>= 10 and < 20
>= 30 and < 40
>= 20 and < 30
>= 40
SE
SOUTH
S
NORTH
Calm 5%
Calm *
70
%
Copyright © Commonwealth of Australia 2010 . Prepared on 14 Dec 2010
Prepared by National Climate Centre of the Bureau of Meteorology.
Contact us by phone on (03) 9669 4082, by fax on (03) 9669 4515, or by email on [email protected]
We have taken all due care but cannot provide any warranty nor accept any liability for this information.
%
60
%
50
TCZMONTH Page We
1 have taken all due care but cannot provide any warranty nor accept any liability for this information.
TCZMONTH Page 1
%
40
%
30
Cyclone Damage to Beadon Hotel, 1934
20
%
EAST
10
%
WEST
WEST
EAST
%
10
%
20
Rose of Wind direction versus Wind speed in km/h (01 Dec 1965 to 31 Aug 1998)
30
%
NEWMAN
Site No: 007151 • Opened Jan 1965 • Closed Aug 2003 • Latitude: -23.3683° • Longitude: 119.7314° • Elevation 544m
SOUTH
Summer Morning
Afternoon
Winter Morning
Afternoon
South
West
East
North
3 pm Jun
Calm 8%
SOUTH
ONSLOW
Site No: 005016 - Opened Jan 1886 - Still Open
Latitude: -21.6364o - Longitude: 115.1117o - Elevation 4m
NW
W
N
CALM
SW
CALM
NE
E
km/h
>= 0 and < 10
>= 10 and < 20
>= 30 and < 40
>= 20 and < 30
>= 40
Cyclone ties across the roof and shutters to protect windows
SEContact us by phone on (03) 9669 4082, by fax on (03) 9669 4515, or by email on [email protected]
S
TCZMONTH Page 1
TCZMONTH Page 1
ONSLOW
THERMAL COMFORT ANALYSIS
Onslow has a comfortable climate from May
through to October. Passive climate control is
adequate to keep interior spaces temperate.
This can be achieved with openings facing
east and north to take advantage of prevailing
breezes.
From November to April, daytime temperatures
exceed comfortable limits and air movement
is essential. West facing openings which take
advantage of the summer sea breezes can
provide some relief from the heat. However,
it is accepted that mechanical cooling will be
required during the hottest summer months. A
combination of passive and mechanical cooling
is preferable.
Nights are considered comfortable in spring
and autumn. From May to October, night time
temperatures are below the comfort limit by an
average of 4°C. However, from January through
to March temperatures are near to or exceed
the comfort limit. Night ventilation and purging
could be used to help maintain comfortable
temperatures.
Blocking afternoon winter wind from the north
can help prevent excess cooling at night. The
use of thermal storage can also be used in
this time to even out the large diurnal range
of temperatures. Refer to the appendix for
Understanding Climate for Energy Efficiency or
Sustainable Design, 2007.
50°
Indirect evaporative cooling
45°
High thermal mass with night ventilation
Direct evaporative cooling
40°
High thermal mass
Jan Mar
Feb
Dec Apr
Natural ventilation
35°
Nov
35
30°
60
30
25°
50
40
20
30
15
20°
mean relative humidity
25
Comfort zone
May
15°
Sept
June
Aug
July
10°
20
10
5°
Full passive solar heating
10
5
mean maximum temperature
mean minimum temperature
mean 9am relative humidity (%)
mean 3pm relative humidity (%)
Partial passive solar heating
0
0
Jan
Feb
March
April
May
Mean Monthly Temperatures - 9am and 3pm Relative Humidity
June
July
Aug
Sept
Oct
Nov
Dec
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
Building Bioclimatic Chart showing thermal comfort limits
50%
Relative Humidity
60%
70%
80%
90%
0°
100%
Temperature
70
40
temperature
Oct
ONSLOW
MATERIAL AND CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
Onslow‘s hot, humid climate inevitably
influences the selection of materials used for
housing the public realm.
Public buildings are often constructed with
heavy mass masonry, usually clay brick sourced
from Perth. If exposed to direct sun, masonry
can absorb large amounts of heat during the
day, which is then released into the building
at night. However, if the masonry walls are
shaded by verandahs, trees or screens, this
heat transfer is less problematic. The perimeter
verandah of the Beadon Bay Hotel shades its
masonry walls.
Clay brick and concrete block has a high
embodied energy which increases with the
energy used to transport it from its place of
manufacture to Onslow.
Locally sourced stone has been used
occasionally in the public realm for fencing and
outdoor eating areas. It is labour intensive, but
is an appropriate material for Onslow. Local
stone gives a building a sense of permanence
and local identity to the built environment.
Local stone could also be used as aggregate
in concrete or rammed earth walls and floors.
Aggregate in hand made clay blocks was
used almost exclusively in the buildings of Old
Onslow.
Timber is frequently used in the older houses
in Onslow. Many houses are timber framed
and timber is used for cladding, outdoor living
shelters, boardwalks and shading devices, such
as shutters and awnings. Timber has a low
thermal mass, allowing a building to cool faster.
Lightweight steel is used extensively throughout
the Pilbara region, including Onslow. Structural
steel has high embodied energy and its
production uses up to thirteen times more
energy than timber framing. Therefore, it is
preferably to use recycled steel base material,
or at least a percentage of recycled material.
Steel framing is popular in the Pilbara because
it is a faster construction method, uses less
material compared and is lighter to transport
than heavy mass materials. It is also termite and
moisture resistant.
Colorbond metal sheeting is commonplace
because it is light and compact, making it
cheaper to transport from Perth. It is also
suitable for Cyclone category D areas.
Colorbond sheeting is used for all types of
buildings in the Pilbara. Colorbond Ultrasteel
is made for coastal conditions and should be
used in Onslow which has the additional salt
drift across the town from the commercial salt
operations. Stainless steel fittings and fixtures
are also preferable in salt laden air, however,
this will add to construction costs.
Onslow is adjacent to the ocean and regular
cool sea breezes positively contribute to making
the town more livable. In the public realm,
dense materials need to be used sparingly,
especially when dark colours. Large expanses of
black asphalt, concrete and dark paving should
be avoided unless shaded. Whilst asphalt is
necessary for roadworks and carparks, we
should consider using red asphalt in place of
black asphalt to reduce the heat absorption.
Shaded thermal mass, Beadon Bay Hotel
Unique concrete in-situ building requiring maintenance and reuse
Steel frame and Colorbond cladding on short stay units
Timber shutters common on older houses
Local aggregate was used in the handmade clay blocks at Old Onslow
Clay blocks at Old Onslow
ONSLOW
FUTURE GROWTH
The future role and character of Onslow is
“largely dependent on the construction of
processing facilities for offshore hydrocarbons
at the proposed Ashburton North Strategic
Industrial Area. While a permanent workforce
in Onslow is encouraged, growth will be largely
dependent on the proportion of fly-in fly-out
workers during the construction and operations
phases. Onslow will continue to depend on
Karratha for higher order community and
commercial facilities.
Residential development in Onslow will
tend to follow similar forms to the existing
pattern. There is, however, likely to be a larger
proportion of townhouses and other forms of
medium-density living. Average densities are
likely to increase from R25 to R40 and maximum
building heights will increase from two storeys
to three storeys. To meet demand, permanent
dwelling stock is anticipated to increase from
around 270 to 770.“1
Assuming a medium-high development scenario,
750 new base jobs would be established,
reflecting an additional population of over 2,600
persons in Onslow (correlating to an estimated
1,200 additional dwellings).2
Infilling with commercial development
within the main street will require careful
resolution to address flood prevention. The
most probable development built form will
be two storeys. Three storeys is currently a
less financially viable option unless the option
of a setback fourth storey is allowed. Two
storey development along the main street will
clearly distinguish the town centre from the
surrounding single storey detached houses.
Whilst the focus for future growth is
undoubtedly likely to be on LNG projects, other
industries need to be nurtured. There is huge
tourism potential in the natural offerings of
Onslow and its surrounding coastline. Charter
fishing, water front accommodation, improved
facilities for caravans and camping, a variety
of accommodation choices, connections and
co-promotion with the Mackerel Islands, food
and beverage outlets and public facilities along
the beach, rebuilding of the old town jetty,
upgrading Beadon Bay harbour facilities and
fishing platforms can all contribute to the appeal
of Onslow as a tourist destination.
KEY
Residential expansion
1 Draft Pilbara Planning and Infrastructure Framework, 2011
2 Draft Onslow Townsite Strategy, 2010
Commercial expansion
Industrial expansion
ONSLOW
OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS
PUBLIC REALM
CLIMATE
CONSTRAINT
Low and erratic rainfall.
Cyclone prone (Region D Category 2) requires
appropriate design considerations.
The hot summer climate restricts outdoor
recreation during much of the day.
OPPORTUNITY
Encourage outdoor recreation opportunities at
night when temperatures are cooler.
Existing supply of shade trees provide an
attractive shady main street.
ECONOMY
CONSTRAINT
New industry may dominate and local small
operations may be bought out.
OPPORTUNITY
Onslow’s economy is unique in the Pilbara as it
is not mono-industry and is largely supported by
local, small-scale operations.
Tourism offers many untapped opportunities.
URBAN FABRIC
DEMOGRAPHICS
CONSTRAINT
Fluctuating population due to variability in fly-in
fly-out and indigenous populations.
OPPORTUNITY
Celebrate the culture of the large and diverse
indigenous population.
HERITAGE
OPPORTUNITY
Continue to conserve and promote historic Old
Onslow as a tourist destination.
GEOGRAPHY
CONSTRAINT
The town centre is prone to flooding in
the cyclone season, discouraging property
investment and cutting off the access road to
town.
Development is restricted by the presence of
acid sulphate soils.
OPPORTUNITY
Build a new town access road on higher ground.
TOURISM
CONSTRAINT
Isolated location.
Limited accommodation and amenities
constrains tourism growth.
OPPORTUNITY
Build on tourism potential with a warm climate,
attractive geographic features and extensive
water based recreation.
CONSTRAINT
Newer subdivision lacks footpaths.
Commercial buildings and houses are spread out
and discourage activation of the street.
Land development faces numerous constraints,
including flooding, airport location, limited
infrastructure, remote location and high
construction costs.
OPPORTUNITY
Well established community garden could be
used to support other community ventures.
Being a small town, proximity to amenities
encourages walkability.
Maintain and extend the popular coastal
boardwalk.
Large amounts of vacant land with ocean views
available for future redevelopment.
Wide streets provide the opportunity to enhance
pedestrian/cyclist routes with shade trees.
INFRASTRUCTURE
CONSTRAINT
Limited services and amenities.
Upgrades to infrastructure and movement
networks are needed if industry grows.
OPPORTUNITY
Improve town centre amenity to attract
commercial development
HOUSING and BUILT FORM
HOUSING
CONSTRAINT
No dedicated fly-in fly-out accommodation.
Many houses are dilapidated and in need of
repair.
Access to builders and construction capacity are
limited due to Onslow’s isolation.
OPPORTUNITY
Large lots create opportunities for infill
vegetation and the provision of natural
ventilation and subdivision.
Older houses have a unique character. Timber
shutters and timber buildings are worthwhile
renovating and referencing on new houses.
GEOGRAPHY & CLIMATE
OPPORTUNITY
Predominately clear, sunny days create the
opportunity for natural day lighting and solar
power generation.
CONSTRAINT
Most of the town is prone to flooding during
extreme weather events.
Proximity to the ocean makes materials
susceptible to corrosion.
Develop an Onslow housing typology to suit
climate and environmental constraints.
Low and erratic rainfall.
Cyclone conditions require appropriate design
considerations.
ONSLOW
The following values and principles provide
a framework for delivering Onslow specific
strategies that will influence a way of living
and building that is distinctive to the town and
improves the quality of life for residents and
visitors. These strategies should be read Pilbara
region strategies found earlier in this handbook.
DESIGN VALUES
Responding to CLIMATE

Incorporating the NATURAL
LANDSCAPE
Respect topography
Use vegetation, especially native vegetation
Ensure biodiversity
Building on the PILBARA
CHARACTER & IDENTITY
Enhancing LIVABILITY
Mobilising for CHANGE
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Control solar heat gain
Encourage natural ventilation and air movement
Minimise conditions which create heat islands
Work to local conditions

Consider community-based art, culture and creativity
Consider local character and design
Work with Onslow-friendly materials
Acknowledge informality
Consider street life: content, movement and conviviality
Identify opportunities for tourism

Ensure open space diversity
Incorporate access to open space
Develop outdoor meeting and living places
Design for water
Diversify the built environment
Focus on town centre vitality
Focus on town local economies
Create affordable housing
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: CONTROL SOLAR HEAT
GAIN
The way in which the town is planned can
help control the amount of heat absorbed from
the sun and thus the heat experienced by its
occupants.
To cope with Onslow’s hot, humid climate, urban
design strategies must acknowledge the sun’s
path and provide shade to buildings, streets and
public spaces in order to improve user comfort
and thus encourage more frequent and varied
use.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
ORIENTATION
For future developments, ensure cardinal lot
orientation. Orienting narrow lots north-south
will allow neighbouring buildings to shade east
and west walls. Wider lots oriented east-west
will reduce the surface area of difficult to shade
east and west walls
PEDESTRIAN COMFORT
Use buildings to provide shade for pedestrians
by designing attached canopies or awnings over
footpaths and between buildings particularly
along Second Avenue where most shops and
offices are located.
A combination of shade sails and established trees reduce heat gain
in Onslow’s community garden
At Onslow primary school, a verandah provides solar protection for
the building and students moving between classes
Many residential streets lack shading on the footpaths that could
encourage their use
Footpaths that lead to the school and town centre need to be shaded
with trees suitable for the hot dry conditions
Shade trees on Second Avenue provide an inviting and comfortable
environment for pedestrians
Consider using trees to provide shade to playgrounds as the capital
and maintenance costs of this shade structure make it unsustainable
for every playground. Shade trees must be planted for long term shade
Provide shade in public areas, especially along
the beach, by using a combination of trees and
built structures, such as shade sails and pergolas
so that these places are comfortable to use.
Explore how shaded outdoor spaces can be
integrated into the urban fabric to encourage
walking and easier access between urban
spaces, thus enlivening these spaces.
Provide shade to pedestrian and cycle
networks with consideration of when people are
most likely to use a route or service in order to
optimise its effectiveness, for example locate
trees on the same side of the road as footpaths.
Locate seating and open spaces, such as
playgrounds, under trees and shade structures
to provide comfortable places for people to meet
and rest.
ONSLOW
GAIN
Controlling the amount of heat a house absorbs
is imperative for maintaining a comfortable living
environment and reducing energy consumption.
Because Onslow experiences a comfortable
climate for most of the year, houses can be
designed to passively moderate temperatures,
only resorting to mechanical cooling as a
supplementary strategy in the hot summer
months.
In order to allow for a combination of passive
and mechanical cooling, buildings should be
designed to minimise the absorption of heat
and oriented for the maximum shading of roofs,
walls, windows and doors from direct sunlight.
Orientation is a critical consideration in this,
with the majority of Onslow’s houses oriented
either north-south or north-east to south-west.
The majority of Onslow’s houses already exhibit
climate responsive elements, including shutters,
awnings and extended eaves.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Housing and Built Form
ORIENTATION
For future developments in Onslow, minimise
the east and west orientations of the building.
Ensure that the long walls of a house can be
oriented towards the north and south as this
provides the best opportunity for shading with
eaves.
Lots in the west end of Onslow are oriented
east-west and particular attention should be
given to providing supplementary shading to
the east and west facades. For lots oriented
northeast to southwest, consider providing
supplementary shading to the north. Consider
using vegetation or shade structures.
SHADING
The shading of houses and outdoor spaces is
critical. Encourage new houses to incorporate
shading strategies already present in Onslow
homes, such as the use of wide eaves, shutters,
verandahs and awnings over openings.
Use screens, trees and other vegetation
around the house’s perimeter to provide shade
Retain housing lot sizes and prevent infill
development within Onslow’s single R12.5
housing lots in order to maximise the opportunity
to do this.
Vertical screens can be used for both sun protection and privacy
Supplementary shading can be retrofitted onto existing buildings to
improve thermal comfort in a very simple way
Thoughtful design can be used to control light and airflow - Norfolk
Farm, Vasse
Verandah used to shade this public building in Onslow
House built in the 1990s with a verandah along the front facade.
A wider verandah would provide an opportunity to be used as an
outdoor room
ONSLOW
GAIN
Material selection is fundamental in achieving
thermal comfort. For example, some buildings in
Onslow use thermal mass externally. As this is
difficult to shade, these materials often absorb
heat during the day and release it into the house
at night, making comfortable temperatures
difficult to achieve. Strategies to overcome this
have been outlined here.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
MATERIALS
High mass building materials, such as brick
and stone, can be effective in stabilising internal
room temperatures in Onslow. However, these
need to be designed with effective shading, such
as a surrounding cover of a verandah, patio, wide
eaves or a canopy of trees. Without appropriate
shade, high mass materials will absorb heat
all day and re-emit it into the house at night,
making the house uncomfortable for sleeping. If
this type of shade is not possible, well insulated
lightweight/framed construction is preferable as
this will cool down faster at night.
Consider a mix of building materials which
respond to different climate conditions. For
example, use light frame construction which
releases heat more quickly for the walls on the
east and west and masonry walls to the north
and south which can be more easily shaded with
large overhangs or verandahs.
OPENINGS
Consider adjusting the size and orientation of
windows to suit Onslow’s high number of days
of sunshine. The Mahoney Tables1 used in this
study recommend that openings make up 10-20%
of the wall area. Openings on the east and west
should be minimised and shaded to exclude low
morning and evening sun.
1 Refer Appendix: Understanding Climate For Energy Efficient Or
Sustainable Design, 2007
Eaves provide sun protection to windows for this Onslow house
Lattice is used on this Onslow house to provide solar protection, while
enabling breeze penetration
Onslow house with a shaded verandah
The Hedland TAFE building uses self-shading brick to minimise heat
gain
This Onslow house does not have eaves to protect the walls and
openings from solar heat gain. As a result, residents will rely on the
mechanical air conditioning for a significant portion of the year
Thermal mass that is shaded from the sun is an effective method
for cooling as it slowly releases its coolth into the space. This is
demonstrated at the Hedland TAFE building
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: ENCOURAGE NATURAL
VENTILATION AND AIR MOVEMENT
The effect of humidity on human comfort is
most noticeable when air temperatures are high
and air movement is low. Onslow experiences
humidity throughout the year, particularly
in summer. Strategies to encourage natural
ventilation and air movement can greatly
enhance the comfort of residents.
The public realm should be designed for
openness and permeability to take advantage of
the cooling sea breezes from the west and east,
encouraging air movement into public spaces,
between and through buildings.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
Consider ways of enhancing breezeways
between buildings in the town centre, particularly
on Second Avenue. Continue to allow sufficient
air flow between buildings and trees along built
up streets.
Explore how the spaces between buildings
can be used to support a range of activities,
such as cafes, retail, etc. Encouraging air flow
between buildings will make these spaces more
comfortable, and thus more likely to be used.
Explore ways in which shaded outdoor spaces
can be oriented to capture ocean views and sea
breezes from the east and west.
This fencing blocks breeze flow into the rear yard and house - Onslow
Locate parks and public open spaces on higher ground, like this
playground in Port Hedland
Consider locating new development on higher ground to encourage
air flow. Salt HIll may not be an example of good climate responsive
housing, but, as the subdivision is located on the hill, it captures the
sea breezes that original Onslow does not
Ensure new developments are staggered
and have appropriate setbacks to maximise the
opportunities for passive cooling. Consider using
the space between houses as shaded outdoor
living spaces that encourage air movement.
Consider locating new developments on
higher ground to enable the cooling sea breeze
from the west and east to flow through the
subdivision.
Use the beach front for public open space to
take advantage of cooling sea breezes
FENCES
Encourage designing fences with a level
of breeze permeability to enhance natural
ventilation at an individual and town scale.
Permeable fencing assists air flow around this Onslow house
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: ENCOURAGE NATURAL
VENTILATION AND AIR MOVEMENT
Passive ventilation and ceiling fans can be used
for the majority of the year in Onslow to achieve
comfortable temperatures - with supplementary
mechanical cooling necessary only in the hottest
summer months.
Because of this, houses need to balance the
openness and permeability required for passive
cooling, with the need to seal off the building
to enable air conditioning to best perform in
summer.
Houses in Onslow should take advantage of their
coastal location and use the cooling sea breezes
from the west and northeast to purge hot air
from internal spaces.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Consider orienting openings towards the west
and east to take advantage of sea-breezes.
Explore the use of wind capturing devices,
such as wing walls, to direct breezes into the
house.
Many of the original Onslow houses have
timber shutters or metal louvres that keep direct
sun out, but can be adjusted to allow breezes in.
Future buildings in Onslow should consider using
these to passively manage the temperature and
contribute to the existing character of the town.
Permeable screen providing privacy to a front door in Onslow
Shade cloth and other open weave materials provide privacy and sun
protection, whilst allowing air flow
Consider the use of shaded outdoor living
spaces, such as a courtyard or terrace, that is
cooled by sea breezes from the west or east
and/or incorporates ceiling fans. Design for
permeability in these spaces, exploring the
use of open weave materials to encourage air
movement.
As passive ventilation will not be sufficient
in the hottest months of summer, ensure
mechanical cooling systems are integrated
into the design. Consider designing buildings
with a sealed inner zone to assist in efficient
mechanical air conditioning in summer and an
openable outer zone for passive ventilation for
the rest of the year.
Retrofitted timber shutters provide shade and protection from
cyclones
Reinforce the established seaside town
vernacular of a hybrid building elevation
comprising screens louvres , shutters and wide
eaves.
Shutters are used on the original Onslow houses. New houses are
encouraged to incorporate shutter elements into their design
Cyclone shutters can also be used to provide shade to openings and
encourage air flow
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: MINIMISE CONDITIONS
WHICH CREATE HEAT ISLANDS
Sensitive landscaping and shading can be used
to minimise the heat island effect in urban
environments, improving the comfort and
usability of both outdoor and indoor spaces.
When designing for Onslow, a combination of
elements can be used to create a cool microclimate, including extensive tree and shrub
planting around the perimeter of the building,
wide eaves and awnings and minimal hardscape
to outside areas.
Various buildings in Onslow are surrounded by
hardstand carpark. These areas absorb heat and
create heat islands, warming the cool sea breeze
as it is drawn into the town centre.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
Consider minimising building setbacks in
built-up streets, particularly to the east and
west. This will allow buildings to provide shade
to adjacent buildings, carpark hardstand areas
and pedestrian walkways. This is particularly
effective on lots with cardinal orientations.
Minimising hardscape is a simple strategy
to reduce urban heat gain. Instead, use gravel,
soft landscaping and vegetation corridors. These
areas can be protected with shade structures,
such as trellis, pergolas or awnings.
Extensive tree planting in the town centre will
help reduce heat islands around carparks, road
reserves and wide roads.
Shade trees on Second Avenue cool hardscape and enhance the
livability of the space
Exmouth town centre carpark provides shade to pedestrians and
vehicles
Consider breaking down carparks in future
developments into groups of smaller spaces
separated by soft landscaping and extensive tree
planting.
Provide parking via back lanes to reduce the
amount of cross-overs in the town’s main street.
Protect and add to Onslow’s established
street trees as this is one of the most economical
and effective methods of cooling of the town.
Hedland TAFE shades the masonry wall and windows with a
verandah, creating a transition zone between inside and outside
Ensure that lots can be designed, oriented and
sufficiently spaces part to allow for vegetation
to be planted around the perimeter for shading.
In existing areas with insufficient spacing,
maximise planting to the public realm to help
develop a cool micro-environment.
Permeable landscaping is used in front of the Beadon Hotel to reduce
heat gain, minimise stormwater run-off and the need for reticulation.
This principle can be applied to housing in Onslow
Shaded footpaths and public spaces between shop fronts and the
street provide shade and a cool micro-climate for pedestrians - Port
Hedland West End
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: MINIMISE CONDITIONS
WHICH CREATE HEAT ISLANDS
The outdoor temperature around a house has a
significant impact on the temperatures within a
house. Landscaping and shading can be used to
reduce the heat island effect, enhancing thermal
comfort and reducing energy use.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Encourage the continued use of trees,
vegetation and softscaping/gravel around house
perimeters to reduce heat gain and encourage
evaporative moisture exchange between the
ground and the air.
Explore ways in which mulch, ground covers,
and light coloured gravel/paving can be used in
place of concrete/black asphalt to minimise the
absorption of heat. Shade paved areas with wide
canopy trees and built structures such as arbors,
trellises and pergolas.
Extend shaded outdoor space from the
building entrance, providing a cooling path for
air entering the building, as well as protection
from the sun and rain. Consider how this may
be integrated with other features, such as boat
storage.
Explore the use of water features integrated
with shade and vegetation to provide
evaporative cooling. Ensure these are designed
with WSUD considerations. Water features
which recycle water are water efficient.
A Dampier example of permeable screening, minimising hardscaping
and maximising the use of vegetation
Shade sails being used in lieu of a carport in Newman to shade
hardscape
Newman Police Station has an extended covered entry transition to
assist in providing a cooling entry path into the building
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: WORK TO LOCAL
CONDITIONS
Onslow faces unique constraints imposed by
its remote location and extreme climate and
environmental conditions. Acknowledging these
challenges is imperative to the success of it’s
open spaces and urban environment.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
Consider locating any expansion of the
town outside the coastal hazard zone in order
to encourage use and property investment.
Consider relocating the existing commercial
centre outside of this zone.
Consider ways to raise ground level in existing
town centre, such as ramps from footpaths and
elevated walkways to connect buildings.
Consider upgrading the existing sea wall
or design POS to act as a detention basin to
minimise the impact of storm surge on the town.
Onslow foreshore sea wall requires a review on how it can be more
effective in storm surge mitigation
Onslow foreshore should consider the option of adding stepped
retaining walls to address flooding issues - Exmouth
This house has a raised ground floor with a retaining wall to address
the flooding risk from storm surge in Onslow
This visitor accommodation is raised to address the risk of flooding
and enhance views to the water - Exmouth
Use vegetation buffers to reduce wind borne
sand and salt.
Use native, drought resistant species and
consider water reuse opportunities to ensure
landscaping can tolerate dry and hot conditions.
Explore strategies to protect vegetation
from damage during cyclones such as using
wind screens, ensuring adequate drainage and
planting trees in groves.
Explore the presence of acid sulphate soils
and strategies to best use utilise the land
affected.
Onslow has a limited and unreliable water
supply, so any development will need to include
water conservation and recycling measures.
This limestone wall has multiple drainage gaps between for the passive
diversion of stormwater - Port Hedland
Tree protection from strong sea breezes - Bunbury
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: WORK TO LOCAL
CONDITIONS
Designing houses with consideration to the
environmental and geographic challenges faced
in Onslow will help mitigate the impact these
have on residents and assist in developing a
distinctive town vernacular.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Consider materials which are corrosion
resistant to cope with Onslow’s proximity to the
ocean and salt drift from the commercial salt
operations. Colorbond Ultrasteel metal sheeting,
enamel coatings and clay bricks should all be
considered. Steel and metal fixtures and fittings
should be hot dipped galvanised as a minimum or
stainless steel.
Acknowledge the cyclone season conditions
and incorporate protective strategies into the
building design, such as cyclone shutters and
places for outdoor equipment and boats to be
secured.
Currently, there is a high risk of contracting
encephalitis in Onslow. Ensure all openings
and outdoor living areas have insect screens to
protect residents from mosquitoes and flies.
In areas susceptible to flooding, consider
raising floor levels and entrances sufficiently
above average flood levels, using ramps to
connect the ground to entrances. Consider
materials which can cope with water inundation,
such as vinyl or ceramic tiles.
Timber shutters are used in Onslow for cyclone protection
Explore strategies to overcome Onslow’s high
energy costs, such as capitalising on Onslow’s
high number of sunshine hours with photovoltaic
panels and solar hot water systems.
Onslow does not experience the extreme
heat that towns further north experience.
The opportunity to passively cool is therefore
much simpler with mechanical cooling only
required during a few extremely hot periods over
November-February.
Insect screens protect an outdoor living space in Port Hedland
Photovoltaic panels are a viable option in Onslow
ONSLOW
LANDSCAPE
PRINCIPLE: RESPECT TOPOGRAPHY
Topography and landscape help frame the town;
the undulating dunes and tidal flats play and
important part in defining Onslow’s identity. As
housing subdivisions and possibly commercial
areas are planned to be developed on Onslow’s
hilly terrain, new development needs to work
with the land’s natural contours in order to retain
the town’s character. This will also help retain
natural drainage and ecology in the area.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
NATURAL DRAINAGE
Work with natural contours to assist
with drainage and the locating of future
developments. Consider the use of swales,
permeable paving and wide drains along road
verges to assist in drainage.
WIND ACTION
Ensure all new development is located on high
ground to minimise the impact of storm surge
and maximise sea breezes from the west and
east for passive ventilation and cooling.
In subdivision design, review the effect the
topographic features have on the sea breeze to
develop lots that are breeze permeable.
MAXIMISE VIEWS
Explore how surrounding hills can be visually
integrated and made accessible through the
use of informal tracks or lookouts, for example
Beadon Point communication tower hill.
Maintain and maximise views of the town and
to the water in future developments.
There is the opportunity to capture town and ocean views when
building on higher ground
Evidence of stormwater run off from the dirt collected on the lowest
area of the concrete access drive
Consider locating new development on higher ground to encourage air
flow, as with these houses in Dampier
ONSLOW
LANDSCAPE
PRINCIPLE: RESPECT TOPOGRAPHY
Future housing development is planned in the
undulating terrain surrounding the existing
township. This will affect access to ocean views
and the amount of cooling sea breezes individual
houses are able to capture.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
NATURAL DRAINAGE
Buildings located on higher ground outside
the coastal hazard zone will have less chance
of experiencing flooding during extreme
weather events. This could encourage property
investment and maintenance.
WIND ACTION
For houses situated on the leeward side of
hilly terrain with limited access to sea breezes,
focus on providing shading to the house and
outside areas. Consider using shaded mass as a
strategy to provide coolth.
Houses located on high ground with openings
to the east and west have the opportunity
to maximise natural cooling by directing the
sea breeze through the house. For maximum
effectiveness, ensure that morning and
afternoon sun is prevented from entering the
house and garden on these faces to minimise
heat gain, for example, by using louvres and
awnings.
MAXIMISE VIEWS
Take advantage of Onslow’s undulating
terrain to maximise connections and views to
beach areas and surrounding open space. If well
designed, houses located on high ground can
enjoy a sea view.
Roof terraces can be pleasant in the evening when the space is
exposed to cool breezes - Perth
This roof top terrace in Onslow can be used to enjoy the ocean view
ONSLOW
LANDSCAPE
PRINCIPLE: USE VEGETATION,
ESPECIALLY NATIVE VEGETATION
Vegetation can be used in the public realm to
provide shade and help moderate the extremes
of Onslow’s temperature. It’s integration into the
built environment will also enhance connections
to the natural landscape, strengthening Onslow’s
sense of place.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
PLANT FOR SITE CONDITIONS
Ensure the longevity of vegetation by planning
sufficient area to ensure they achieve maturity
and taking measures to protect against uplifting
during cyclones, such as wind screens.
CREATE BUFFER ZONES
Explore how vegetation can be used as a
buffer against the spread of sand and the noise
and wind blown salt from the salt plains for areas
such as the primary school. Consider the use of
salt-resistant species.
PRESERVE EXISTING VEGETATION
Develop strategies for retaining existing trees,
particularly on main streets like Second Avenue.
An arborist’s study could be required to plan for
the future of these trees
Consider measures to protect and enhance
mangrove communities as they buffer against
erosion and storm surge damage and have key
biodiversity value.
Encourage the use of native plants to
reference the local vernacular and provide colour
and interest throughout the year.
Monitor the condition of existing trees to ensure longevity
INFILL PLANTING
Consider planting infill verge trees adjacent
to footpaths for all streets, concentrating on
Second Avenue, Onslow Road, Mt. Stuart
Road and the foreshore, to cool hardscape and
encourage walking and cycling.
St. Nicholas Church looks like it is temporary located on the site.
Planting around the building’s perimeter will help integrate the church
into the surroundings and improve the streetscape
Consider the use of infill trees to footpaths to enhance Onslow’s
strongly established trees
ONSLOW
LANDSCAPE
PRINCIPLE: USE VEGETATION,
ESPECIALLY NATIVE VEGETATION
Vegetation plays many important roles in
Onslow, influencing solar radiation gains,
humidity levels, wind speed and direction. Most
importantly, trees provide shade. Individual
home owners can contribute to maximising the
beneficial effects of vegetation at a town scale
through preserving and enhancing as much
vegetation as possible on their lots.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
PLANT FOR PROTECTION FROM THE SUN
As lots in the west and south ends of town
are oriented north-south, large shrubs or trees
can be used on the east and west of each lot to
help block morning and afternoon sun. For lots
oriented north-east to south-west, consider
using vegetation for shading on the northern side
of the lot.
PLANT FOR SITE CONDITIONS
Encourage the use of local, drought resistant
species to cope with Onslow’s low, sporadic
rainfall and cyclone conditions. Consider species
that complement existing vegetation.
Consider strategies to enhance the longevity
of vegetation, such as using wind screens,
planting in groves and ensuring plants have
sufficient space to mature.
CREATE BUFFER ZONES
Use vegetation buffers to protect openings
from strong winds, particularly afternoon winter
winds from the north as night time temperatures
are below the comfort threshold.
PRESERVE EXISTING VEGETATION
Vegetation can be used to conceal fencing,
improve the look of buildings and enhance the
informal, coastal character of the town.
Encourage the retention of existing established trees during the redevelopment of the hospital
Explore the use of roof gardens and their
ability to create vantage points to view the ocean.
The primary school gardens require maintenance. Consider using
native ground covers to suppress weed establishment and help formal
gardens visually integrate with the indigenous vegetation
This tourist accommodation would be more appealing if some asphalt
was removed and trees and shrubs planted between the car park and
outdoor seating areas
ONSLOW
LANDSCAPE
PRINCIPLE: ENSURE BIODIVERSITY
Onslow is home to a diverse range of local flora
and fauna. Development in the public realm
should strengthen and protect this quality,
ensuring that the environmental value of
Onslow’s unique landscape is highly prized in the
community.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
PROTECT FLORA AND FAUNA
Ensure areas with high biodiversity value are
protected from future development.
Encourage beach access while minimising
adverse impacts on the environment by defining
public access points and walkways.
Give preference to local vegetation that
encourages habitat opportunities for local fauna
and ensuring clear access and exit corridors are
possible.
Ensure future development maintains
the compact nature of Onslow, with specific
consideration made to conserve land with high
biodiversity value.
INTEGRATE BIODIVERSITY
Explore strategies to integrate the unique
biodiversity of Onslow into public open space,
for example, by developing a raised boardwalk
through the mangroves.
Termite mounds mark the entry into Onslow
Shade trees are well-established on Second Avenue
Onslow’s boardwalk gives residents the opportunity to enjoy native
vegetation and Onslow’s rich biodiversity. Consider developing a
similar boardwalk along the mangroves of Beadon Creek
Local Wattle tree (Acacia species)
ONSLOW
LANDSCAPE
PRINCIPLE: ENSURE BIODIVERSITY
In order to conserve the unique biodiversity of
Onslow, strategies to protect and encourage
native flora and fauna must be considered.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
PROTECT FLORA AND FAUNA
Encourage house owners to remove weeds
promptly and in a way that prevents the spread
of invasive species into the endemic landscape.
Because Onslow has endemic landscape near
the town, ensure domestic pets are controlled to
avoid harming native fauna.
CHOOSE LOCAL
Individual house owners can contribute
to improving the biodiversity of their town by
planting local native shrubs and trees in their
gardens and avoiding the introduction of exotic
plant species.
Endemic landscape in close proximity to the town
Large shade trees
ONSLOW
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
PRINCIPLE: CONSIDER COMMUNITYBASED ART, CULTURE AND
CREATIVITY
SHARE RESOURCES
Locate after-school care adjacent to Onslow
Library in the Shire building to promote access to
this facility by school children.
Art and culture play an import role in preserving
and developing Onslow’s identity. The Anzac
Memorial, for instance, is a popular meeting
space for residents. Local arts and crafts have
also been incorporated in the design of the
community garden.
Explore the use of unoccupied buildings for art
initiatives or exhibition spaces. Consider using
these to run special studios for visiting artists.
RESPECT SACRED SITES
Onslow is home to a large and diverse
indigenous population. Identify areas of
indigenous heritage and explore ways in
which their significance can be protected and
celebrated by the community.
Work with the indigenous community to
seek ways in which inspiration from the area’s
indigenous heritage can be incorporated into
public spaces to develop Onslow’s sense of
place.
ENCOURAGE LOCAL ART
Explore ways in which art can be incorporated
into nature corridors and pedestrian pathways to
boost the quality of these links.
Continue to maintain existing public art in the
town and improve the amenity provided in the
area, for example, Anzac Memorial.
Anzac Memorial is a popular area for visitors and residents
An informal notice board is used to communicate news and events to
the Onslow community
Local art has been incorporated into Onslow’s Community Garden
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: CONSIDER LOCAL
CHARACTER AND DESIGN
Development in Onslow should reflect and
enhance the desires of the local community,
acknowledging the town’s geography and
existing built character. There is a tradition of
simple building forms which provide utilitarian
response to the need for accommodation. This
simple, unadorned form is celebrated elsewhere
such as the small fishing villages of the Greek
Islands.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
There is an opportunity to maintain and
promote Onslow’s unique heritage buildings,
such as St. Nicholas Church, Beadon Bay Hotel
and Former Post Office through tourism.
Explore ways in which future developments
can help to maintain the small, closely-knit
character of the town, minimising sprawl through
ensuring amenities remain walkable and in scale
with the existing town.
Ensure future development in the town centre
is not greater than four storeys to ensure the
main street feel is maintained.
Seek ways in which local materials such as
stone can be integrated into public spaces, for
example, through paving, to add to Onslow’s
sense of place.
Focus on maintaining openness and
permeability in the urban landscape through the
use of permeable fencing, vegetation and the
capturing of ocean views from the public realm.
Consider ways in which the colourful
industrial, shed aesthetic can be retained while
activating the street frontages of commercial
buildings.
With permeable fencing, natural vegetation and ocean views, Onslow
retains a strong sense of openness in it’s urban landscape
Explore ways in which the environmental
knowledge of the indigenous community could be
incorporated into public spaces.
Explore ways to maintain some of the industrial, fishing village
aesthetic of commercial buildings in Onslow
Maintain timber buildings, such as St Nicholas Church, as clear
reminders of the past (the church was re-located)
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: CONSIDER LOCAL
CHARACTER AND DESIGN
The majority of housing in Onslow is single story
and detached. Climate responsive design is an
intrinsic part of the local vernacular, particularly
within the historic areas of town. These
buildings generally feature timber louvres, wide
eaves and wrap around verandahs, features
lacking in the newer subdivisions.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Look to the early houses of Onslow for
effective methods of protecting the house
from sun and wind, such as timber shutters
and awnings. Encourage new developments
to incorporate verandahs as these are a
prominent feature in Onslow housing and provide
environmental protection as well as spaces for
socialising.
Encourage the continued use of permeable
fencing to maintain an informal and inviting
streetscape.
Due to the high transport cost of building
materials, encourage the protection and
refurbishment of existing houses over building
new ones, especially those with strong
environmentally-responsive features.
Low, permeable fencing contributes to Onslow’s informal, small town
feel
Large carports for boats and trailers are evident in many other coastal
Pilbara towns
Ensure new developments acknowledge the
unique requirements of the local population
through considerations such as the storage of
boats and the provision of parking for large
vehicles. Seek ways to achieve this whilst
activating the streetscape.
Consider using elements such as shutters
in place of security screens to provide cyclone
protection and continuation of the local
vernacular.
Building materials are often re-used for Onslow’s housing, sheds and industrial buildings
This heritage listed house combines retrofitted air conditioners with
shutters which have been adapted to enable continued operability
Shutters blocking the afternoon sun
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: WORK WITH ONSLOWFRIENDLY MATERIALS
Onslow’s isolation and extreme climate must
be considered when selecting materials for use
in the public realm. The salt laden coastal air is
corrosive and leaves a layer of white salt powder
on surfaces. Cleaning and maintenance is easy
but needs to be carried out to maintain an
attractive appearance.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY
Ensure all materials used in the public realm
are suitable to and offer longevity in the harsh
climatic conditions of Onslow. Materials will
need to be able to withstand the effects of
extreme heat, salt, heavy rain and flooding.
EASY ACCESS
Explore the use of indigenous materials in
public spaces (such as gravel, sand and rock) to
minimise environmental impact and celebrate
local identity.
Shade sails have high ongoing maintenance costs, short life spans and are easily vandalised. Consider planting trees for long-term playground
shade. Ensure the trees are placed to maximise their shade potential
Shelters in Onslow are engineered for cyclones, but are not attractive
Self-shading Colorbond
Newman’s shelters have also been designed to withstand strong
winds, while being aesthetically pleasing
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: WORK WITH ONSLOWFRIENDLY MATERIALS
Historically, Onslow’s isolation resulted in the
use of local materials which were durable and
well-suited to the climate. This can be seen the
buildings of Old Onslow where local stones and
shells were used as aggregate. Today, building
materials are typically transported long distances
and fail to reference the town’s early character.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY
Due to Onslow’s isolation and harsh climate,
consider the use of materials that are highly
durable. Corrosion resistance is important
because of Onslow’s proximity to the ocean.
EASY ACCESS
Explore ways in which local, indigenous
materials, such as rock and stone, can be
integrated into projects to reduce the economic
and environmental cost of transportation. For
example, consider using local sand aggregates
and earth for rammed earth and concrete
construction.
EASY CONSTRUCTION
Transport costs play a large part in the
inflated cost of building in Onslow. Many
materials need to be imported from Perth or
further. Designing houses to standardised sizing
of building elements will help minimise wastage
and save on transport costs of excess materials.
Local aggregate was used for the masonry walls of Old Onslow
Local materials, such as shells can be used
Framed buildings can be relocated - the historic Onslow Goods Shed
is now a museum
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: ACKNOWLEDGE
INFORMALITY
Onslow maintains an informal, sea-side
lifestyle as a recreation hub for fishing, boating
and swimming. Future development should
acknowledge this quality as an intrinsic part of
life in Onslow and continue to respond to this
informal relationship between the natural and
built environments.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
OUTDOOR LIVING
Continue to ensure Onslow residents can live
a life not possible in other places, ensuring a
range of activities can occur outdoors close to
the water.
CONNECT WITH THE WATER
Ensure new developments protect and
maximise ocean views as these are intrinsic to
the character of the town.
Allow gravel roads to remain and encourage
their use in future development.
When planting to improve biodiversity, plant
random layouts of tubestock.
Retain areas which are used by local
indigenous people and ensure they are protected.
Celebrate local innovation and creativity.
Ensure future development acknowledge’s Onslow’s outdoor lifestyle
Informal unmaintained seaside vegetation
Preserve and celebrate informal tracks around town
Continue to provide safe access to the water
Retain memorials within the town that were erected informally
If the caravan park is to be relocated, an alternative will need to offer
equivalent amenity including access to water
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: ACKNOWLEDGE
INFORMALITY
Future housing development should support
Onslow’s informal lifestyle, ensuring strong
connections are maintained with the outdoors.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
OUTDOOR LIVING
Continue to design houses with strongly
integrated outdoor spaces, such as verandahs, to
take advantage of climate and lifestyle. Consider
creating areas for outdoor living which protect
the users from the sun and rain. Consider that
these spaces can be used in the evening when
the heat of the day builds up in the house and
residents move outside into the cooler night air.
CONNECT WITH THE LAND
Keep unsealed lanes to houses undeveloped
that contribute to the laid back lifestyle and
character of the town.
Well designed outdoor spaces can be enjoyed during the evening. as
well as providing shade during the day
This unsealed laneway is used to access houses in the older area of
Onslow
Outdoor eating area - Dampier
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: CONSIDER STREET
LIFE: CONTENT, MOVEMENT AND
CONVIVIALITY
In order to activate the town centre and enhance
the sense of belonging and identity of the town,
future development should explore the variety
of roles streets can play. Strategies that ensure
the public realm is conducive to pedestrians
and provide opportunities for a wide variety of
experiences and informal interaction can help
achieve this.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
Improve pedestrian and cyclist access to the
foreshore by drawing them through the town
safely. Utilise existing space on Second Avenue
next to the footpath to provide designated
shaded cyclist paths and reinforce it’s presence
as the main street.
Encourage connections between First Avenue
(the foreshore) and Second Ave (the town centre)
through developing green pathways with shading
to facilitate pedestrian and cyclist use.
Develop a system of compact, walkable
precincts to minimise car dependence. Ensure
future development maintains walkable
distances to amenities.
Consider locating exercise equipment under existing trees for shade
and to minimise it’s visual dominance - South Hedland
The cafe is currently not operating. To be successful, it needs to be
more open to the street and utilise the wide verge area for seating
Public festival for ‘The Blessing of the Fleet’ in Geraldton
Drinking fountains should be sited in an attractive setting with seating
and shading provided/upgraded to provide universal access
Onslow has a extensive footpath network.
Capitalise on this by identifying gaps between
key destinations. Consider formalising a
path circuit around town, installing exercise
equipment at selected open space areas to
promote a town circuit.
Consider making Third Avenue a pedestrian
only zone and using it for community events such
as markets and festivals.
Explore options for introducing shaded
footpaths into existing developments. Ensure
they are included in future development .
Encourage ways to use the town centre at
night when it is cooler, such as additional street
lighting and extended trading hours. Consider
organising a small night market or movies in the
town centre carpark.
Consider using a carpark or other open area in town as an outdoor movie theatre to take advantage of Onslow’s comfortable climate - The Port
Hedland and Kununurra Picture Gardens
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: IDENTIFY OPPORTUNITIES
FOR TOURISM
With it’s tropical climate and position on the
coast, Onslow has considerable potential
for attracting tourists both as a destination
and a stop for those passing through. This is
limited, however, by the lack of quality tourist
accommodation and amenity. Currently, tourism
in Onslow fluctuates significantly throughout the
year.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
Explore opportunities to capitalise on
Onslow’s status as the fishing soul of the
Pilbara through encouraging the development of
infrastructure such as charter fishing services.
Encourage developers to invest in short
stay accommodation such as resorts, serviced
apartments and family chalets through
capitalising on Onslow’s geographic and
recreational amenities. Consider integrating
these with tourism on the Mackerel Islands.
Consider developing a residential-tourist
marina to encourage a diversity in housing
typologies while improving tourist amenity.
Focus on developing tourist opportunities
that capitalise on the ocean front location and
provide enhanced amenities for residents, such
as developing a jetty and/or fishing platform in
close proximity to tourist accommodation like
the existing caravan park. Improve amenities
at Sunset, Sunrise and Four Mile Beach to
enhance Onslow’s status as an important tourist
destination.
Consider opportunities to expand and improve
the existing caravan park, such as linking with
backpacker accommodation.
Provide access to lookouts during the morning and evening to view
sunrise and sunset
Promote the unique housing and buildings in
Onslow and Old Onslow.
Encourage visual access to industrial uses on land and in the ocean to
celebrate Onslow’s sense of place
Onslow has an excellent record of the European history that needs be
promoted to a wider community to encourage visitors
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: ENSURE OPEN SPACE
DIVERSITY
Onslow has an abundance of open space and
the opportunity to develop these for a variety
of different, yet compatible, functions. Existing
public amenity is minimal and what exists
requires upgrading. The success of the wellestablished community garden illustrates the
potential for these to succeed.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
Continue to provide fish cleaning facilities at
popular fishing spots, such as those provided at
Beadon Creek.
Upgrading beach amenities, such as
constructing fishing platforms, will further
encourage strong relationship with the water for
recreation and social purposes.
Consider converting underutilised open
spaces in key areas along the water into high
amenity places that have multiple users.
Consider reinstating the old jetty with
consideration of it’s recreation and tourist
potential.
Provide fish cleaning facilities in popular fishing areas
Onslow’s community garden is highly maintained and an example for
other towns to emulate
Consider revitalising the old jetty for use by locals and visitors
Consider planting shade trees, shelters, low shrubs and seating along
the waterfront
Consider upgrading amenities on Four Mile Beach to enhance the use
of the water for recreation and social purposes
This skate park in Exmouth provides shade to different areas of use at
different times of the day
With a high population of children, consider
options for informal play and the inclusion of
meeting points for parents and children in public
spaces.
Incorporate shading to existing boardwalk.
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: INCORPORATE ACCESS
TO OPEN SPACE
Onslow residents have a strong connection
with the water, undertaking boating, fishing,
swimming and diving at various areas including
Sunrise and Sunset Beaches, Four Mile Creek,
Thervernard and Direction Islands and the
Ashburton River.
There are many opportunities in Onslow to
enhance the linkages between the beach, the
town centre and residential areas. Because
of the hot climate, enhancement needs to
focus on providing shaded circulation routes
for pedestrians and cyclists as well as shaded
seating, drinking fountains, bike stands and night
lighting at key destination points.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
CREATE ACCESS
As the population grows, maintain the quality
that all amenities are within walking distance of
each other and the water
Maintain and enhance public access to the
water through improving amenities such as
jetties, ramps and beach facilities.
Consider the safe access for children to
public open spaces to acknowledge and maintain
Onslow’s high level of childhood freedom.
Continue retrofitting streets that are without
footpaths to help elderly and children move
safely through the town on foot and bicycle.
USER COMFORT
Explore a combination of shade shelters and
trees along the waterfront to encourage use.
Encourage the use of boardwalk at night
when temperatures are cooler through providing
solar lighting and incorporating Crime Prevention
Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
principles.
Install shaded seating at close intervals along
the foreshore to assist the elderly and mobility
impaired in accessing open space.
Consider enhancing the boardwalk with night time lighting and repairs
to the shelter
Installing footpaths with shade trees will enhance the livability of the
Salt Hill subdivision
Consider enhancing the footpath around the primary school by
planting more trees
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: DEVELOP OUTDOOR
MEETING AND LIVING PLACES
The Onslow climate is encourages people to
socialise and connect outdoors. We can see
this in the friendly interaction made possible by
open front verandahs. This can extend to greater
interaction in public open spaces if facilities are
in place to encourage their use. For instance,
Onslow has a very successful community garden
which is a popular outdoor meeting place.
As the ocean offers the coolest place to be in
extreme heat, areas along the foreshore need to
be developed and carefully designed to offer this
amenity.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
Populate the town centre with gardens,
boardwalks, shade, fountains and seating to
encourage use and draw people into town.
Ensure outdoor meeting places are in scale
with Onslow’s size to ensure that they are
welcoming and well-suited to the community.
Capitalise on the school and community
gardens as existing community hubs by
developing shaded meeting spaces adjacent.
Enhance beach amenities to support activities
important to residents, such as fishing, boating
and swimming.
Onslow’s newly completed water play area needs to use landscaping
to help create a more intimate and welcoming space
Water play area in Geraldton is a popular destination. It is located on
the water’s edge and has a cafe adjacent
Shaded eating areas and a pizza oven are provided in the community
gardens and are well utilised by residents
Use large overhangs and orientation to maximise shading
Use Beadon Creek for organised events to enhance Onslow’s strong
connection with the water and boating - Geraldton
This shade structure in Anzac Park takes advantage of cooling sea
breezes, offering a comfortable place for visitors and residents to rest
and socialise
Consider strategies to make Onslow’s nearly
complete water play area more welcoming,
such as improving the surrounding landscape
with a buffer between the park and informal
verge parking and offering informal seating
around the perimeter for parents to sit while
supervising children. Look to other towns, such
as Geraldton’s water play facility, for inspiration.
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: DESIGN FOR WATER
Precipitation in Onslow is erratic: low for much
of the year and heavy during cyclone season. The
town must acknowledge this through ensuring
water is used responsibly and effectively,
exploring methods of storing, reusing and
draining water in the public realm.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
Capitalise on Onslow’s proximity to the ocean
by focusing future development along the water.
Explore ways in which landscape design in
the public realms could be designed to tolerate
dry and hot conditions as well as cyclone rain
conditions.
Explore strategies of retaining heavy rainfall
in sub-surfaced retention systems or subsoil
aquifers for irrigation.
Consider redirecting rainfall into nearby open
spaces and trees.
Explore the use of water features to enhance
public spaces, perhaps through the use of sea
water or recycled water. Ensure the water
feature is shaded to reduce evaporation.
Group plants in similar watering zones to
reduce water usage.
If the existing main street continues to function as the main commercial strip, future redevelopment will need to be raised for storm
surge flooding. Exmouth’s flood mitigation solution is to use wide, raised outdoor covered areas with ramping
Ensure water does not stagnate and create a
mosquito hazard by providing adequate drainage
in the public realm and ensuring water features
are aerated.
Use local plants that are adapted to the
environment to ensure their reliance on
reticulation is unnecessary for establishment.
The additional asphalt area on Second Avenue acts as a shallow drain
during heavy rain. Retention strategies also need to be considered
Sub-surface drainage is installed along Second Avenue. More
permeable strategies may need to be provided when addressing storm
surge flooding of the town centre
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: DESIGN FOR WATER
Water supply in Onslow is considered to be
unreliable and at capacity. Houses can play
an important role in curbing this consumption
by ensuring a sustainable approach is taken
towards water use.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Ensure landscaping responds to Onslow’s hot
and dry conditions by planting water wise plants.
Provide adequate drainage for heavy rains
during cyclones to avoid erosion.
Use local plants in the garden to negate the
reliance on reticulation.
Encourage the use of mulch to keep soils
moist and limit evaporative water loss in
gardens.
Explore ways in which household water can
be used for irrigation or other grey water uses,
such as flushing toilets.
Consider methods of stormwater capture
for irrigation, such as siphoning some of the
stormwater into gardens and directing the
overflow into gardens.
Onslow’s lots are large and have potential
to be used for a variety of different activities.
Consider how ground covers can be used instead
of lawn for areas not used for passive recreation.
If reticulation is required, consider using
subsurface irrigation to minimise potential water
wastage through evaporation. Consider linking
this to a grey water system.
Overflow outlets for heavy storm events - Port Hedland
Use a grey water recycling system to water
the garden. Simple systems can connect direct
to the reticulation via a filter and don’t require
storage tanks.
The newest short stay accommodation in Onslow’s town centre is
raised to mitigate the risk of flooding
In Exmouth, vegetation and landscaping have been used to improve
the building’s interface with the footpath and public realm
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: DIVERSIFY THE BUILT
ENVIRONMENT
To help retain a variety of residents, Onslow
needs to identify practical strategies that offer
an alternative longer term lifestyle for residents.
Upgraded education and health facilities will
make permanency more desirable, whilst diverse
recreation, commercial and community services
will encourage staffing of these facilities. To
make them viable, community and public services
within such a small town need to work together
to enable co-location of multiple agencies.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
Consider rezoning underutilised land slated for
“Community Purposes” for residential or mixed
use purposes to introduce higher densities into
the town centre.
Consider strategies to diversify the existing
R12 zoning to accommodate alternative
household types.
Explore methods of integrating transient
workforce accommodation into different areas
of the town and limiting its proportion in future
developments in order to enhance the diversity
of the town. Consider developing these as mixeduse buildings to encourage integration into the
town.
Explore the co-location of social and
community services such as medical facilities to
enhance livability and provide more possibilities
for residents to stay longer.
Develop a range of visitor accommodation.
There are large areas of vacant land available in the town centre, such as this underdeveloped lot for sale. Encourage mix-use higher density
development in this area to diversify the built environment
Upgrade existing tourist accommodation to ensure a range of options
are available to visitors
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: DIVERSIFY THE BUILT
ENVIRONMENT
Currently, single residential housing dominates
in Onslow. Encouraging diversity in the built
environment will help provide more appropriate
accommodation and infrastructure solutions for
Onslow’s residents. Smaller houses with larger
that usual covered outdoor living areas need to
be considered, along with grouped and multiple
housing options.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Provide smaller housing options for people
whose lifestyle or working hours do not require
large entertaining or outdoor living areas. Small,
well designed houses, can also reduce the
higher than average operating and building cost
experienced in Onslow.
Explore ways in which the housing values
of Onslow’s indigenous community can be
accommodated in new developments. Consider
strategies to enhance and integrate existing
housing communities, such as Bindi Bindi, into
future development.
Provide aged housing that is appropriate to its
occupants needs and the Onslow conditions with
passive cooling and rooms that can be isolated to
facilitate the efficient use of mechanical cooling
during very hot periods.
A wrap around verandah extends the living space of a small house and provides a flexible outdoor living option
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: FOCUS ON TOWN
CENTRE VITALITY
Strategies need to consider methods of
increasing the viability of commercial
development, while exploring alternative ways
to enhance the vibrancy and activity of the town
centre.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
Consider mixed-use development in the
town centre to encourage residents to activate
the public realm outside of business hours.
Diversifying the local economy, including
the addition of new retail and commercial
businesses, will increase the mix of people on
the town centre streets.
Encourage the co-location of services to
improve the viability of commercial opportunities
and strengthen the town centre.
Explore ways in which the existing
commercial buildings could better address road
frontages and engage with the street edge,
integrating awnings and spaces to stop and
connect.
Revitalise the town centre through providing
quality public open spaces or reusing existing
spaces (such as a car park) to host a variety of
events, for example, night markets.
Explore opportunities to articulate the town
centre through encouraging movement paths
to this area and increasing the intensity of built
form. Consider retrofitting high quality paving on
Second Avenue to elevated prominence as the
towns main street.
Awnings over footpaths make streets more pedestrian friendly
Negotiate with the owners of undeveloped
land along Second Avenue to encourage
development opportunities as they arise.
Consider integrating lighting with trees
and other vegetation to add interest to the
streetscape and encourage use at night when
temperatures are cooler.
This underdeveloped commercial lot is located on Second Avenue
Consider enhancing Second Avenue through lighting trees and closing
one side of the road for events
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: FOCUS ON LOCAL
ECONOMIES
Onslow is unique in the Pilbara as it is currently
supported by small-scale operations employing
local people, as opposed to larger-scale resource
industries with a fly-in fly-out employment base.
As this is set to change with the development
of the Chevron Wheatstone project, tourism in
particular, has the potential to bring economic
prosperity outside of the dominance of gas
projects and provide a variety of employment
opportunities for locals.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Public Realm
Encourage opportunities for a regular local
produce and fish market in a public open space.
The community garden could be a suitable site
for locally grown produce to be sold or bartered.
Promote mooring opportunities for visiting
boats. Consider the supporting services and
facilities required to make Onslow an attractive
boating destination.
Provide small business development support
and incentives for tourism operators. Approach
successful operators in other remote towns, such
as Broome and Northern Queensland. Identify
Onslow’s unique attractions such as charter
fishing in the Mackerel Islands and beachfront
location for food and beverage outlets and
upgrading beach amenities to capitalise on the
enticing natural environment.
Explore opportunities to provide more tourist
accommodation, possibly through co-locating
with fly-in fly-out accommodation. Consider
all tourist market groups: luxury retreats,
backpackers, Grey Nomad caravans, family self
serviced chalets and budget hotels.
Ensure land is available for local industry and
that there are incentives to retain them long
term.
Onslow Salt
Local markets selling local fish including “barra” microfisheries Kununurra
Land needs to be available for the expansion of local industry
Mackerel Islands Charters offers fishing, diving and sightseeing trips
through the islands around Onslow
Local fishing and mooring opportunities for visiting boats need to be
available in the future
Celebrate and strengthen the culture of
the numerous indigenous tribes that live in the
Onslow area. Increased education, training and
employment opportunities for the indigenous
residents of Onslow will enhance the already
established community.
ONSLOW
PRINCIPLE: CREATE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING
As well as high cost of purchasing and renting
houses in Onslow, the cost of living is higher
than in Australian capital cities. This is
particularly so because of high transport costs.
Strategies and innovative thinking are required
to source products and materials in more cost
effective ways.
Generally, houses in Onslow rely on mechanical
cooling because of the heat is so uncomfortable
in summer. Designing houses with passive
cooling solutions that reduces the reliance on
mechanical cooling will greatly reduce household
energy costs.
DESIGN STRATEGIES
Encourage the renovation of existing houses,
particularly those with strong climate responsive
design elements.
Consider the design of smaller, climatically
responsive houses to reduce the higher than
average building and running costs in Onslow.
Offer a variety of housing options in new
developments, such as shared housing, smaller
dwelling and smaller lots to meet the needs of a
more diverse population and cater for those who
may not need a whole family home.
Explore cost saving options for the mass
ordering of products which require transport
and shipping, both from Perth and international
locations.
Establish a recycling consciousness and make
the trading of recyclable materials and products
easier by setting up a network of locations both
community based and commercial.
Explore new or different construction
methods, supporting local industries and
employing local trades.
Group housing development in Port Hedland. Onslow will also need to offer higher density options which offer climate responsive design
Many houses in Onslow could be successfully renovated through
improving and protecting exterior materials
An older house example that is in good condition