Ecological restoration works are starting at 65 Sydney Avenue, Umina Beach, which is located south of Umina Oval, to help strengthen the endangered Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland (UCSW) as part of Pacific Link Housing’s condition of consent for a new affordable housing development in Woy Woy. 

The works were identified as part of one of the conditions of consent and involve salvaging the soil and biomass from what will be removed from the development site and translocate it to a suitable location along with compensatory plantings before Pacific Link Housing can commence construction on the development site located at 18 MacLeay Avenue Woy Woy to build affordable housing.  

Pacific Link Housing had the option to chose any site that is suitable for UCSW. They chose to work with Council. 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 life 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 commenced in July 2025 (weed removal, fencing, access way construction)
• Soil and biomass translocation 26-28 August 2025
• Compensatory plantings and ongoing maintenance for up to five years

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—baby plants are growing!

Imagery of flora that are hoping to be restored at the Umina Beach site: 

Image

Banksia integrifolia, Banksia serrata, Macrozamia, Monotoca, Brachyloma daphnoides