Species of flora that Council hope to see restored at the Umina Beach site. (L-R): Banksia integrifolia, Banksia serrata, Macrozamia, Monotoca, and Brachyloma daphnoides.

3 September 2025

 

CENTRAL Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Luke Nicholls said one of the conditions of consent to commence work on the site located at 18 MacLeay Avenue, Woy Woy is for Pacific Link Housing to salvage the soil and biomass from the site and translocate it to a suitable location along with compensatory plantings.

 

"Pacific Link Housing had the option to choose any site that is suitable for UCSW. They chose to work with Council as part of their condition of consent to translocate the soil from 18 MacLeay Avenue, Woy Woy to 65 Sydney Avenue, Umina Beach to help offset the removal of trees and a patch of the endangered UCSW to make way for affordable housing," Mr Nicholls said.

 

"The site offered by Council currently has poor natural regeneration due to historical disturbance. In addition, banksias in the surrounding woodland are coming to the end of their lifespan and failing, resulting in further reduction in the extent of the UCSW. By relocating the soil and biomass to this location it will support regeneration, protect soil and restore a resilient native ecosystem giving the endangered UCSW the best chance to thrive.

 

"Translocation is not appropriate for all species or all locations – these sites have been carefully assessed to ensure they are suitable, and the ongoing maintenance will be critical for the success of this technique."

 

Key works include:

 

site preparation of 65 Sydney Avenue, Umina Beach completed in July 2025 (weed removal, fencing, access way construction)

 

soil and biomass translocation commenced Tuesday 26 August and are expected to be complete by Thursday 28 August 2025

 

*compensatory plantings and ongoing maintenance for up to five years.

 

CEO of Pacific Link Housing, Ian Lynch said "As a locally based not for profit Community Housing Provider, Pacific Link Housing understands the desperate need for more affordable housing on the Coast. Working with Council to strengthen and rejuvenate the endangered Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland (UCSW) has ensured that the provision of affordable housing and environmental sustainability can work hand in hand."

 

Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said it’s important to balance vital housing development with the protection of the Coast’s unique natural environment.

 

"Council is pleased to see Pacific Link Housing choosing to support the site at 65 Sydney Avenue, Umina Beach. It’s important to see development in our region, especially housing, and it's also important to protect our natural environment. It is what makes the Coast a great place to live, work and play," Mayor McKinna said.

 

"Restoring the UCSW at Umina Oval not only protects biodiversity but also enhances the natural space for everyone."

 

This project is managed and funded by Pacific Link Housing. Council encourages the community to support the restoration efforts and enjoy the area from outside the fenced zone.

 

To view imagery and stay informed on future project updates, search ‘Relocating Umina Beach Coastal Sandplain Woodland’.

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