$600,000 to green and cool the Peninsula

Central Coast Council has secured $600,000 as part of the NSW Government Greening Our City grant to deliver street tree planting and understorey vegetation across Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina.

This project will run across two and half years and aims to help cool local streets, improve liveability and strengthen ecological connections across these coastal suburbs. It will also deliver:

• 360 new street trees across Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina
• 1,500 square metres of understorey biodiversity planting at up to two locations

The project builds on Council’s commitment to mitigate urban heat and climate impacts, with these suburbs identified as key priority areas due to their lower canopy cover and higher exposure to heat.

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“This is fantastic for our community and will make a real difference in shaping the liveability of our community into the future.

“This is the kind of investment that makes the Peninsula a better place to live, not just for the residents of today but for the families who will call this community home for generations to come.”

Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the funding is a very welcomed investment that will bring real, lasting benefits for Peninsula communities.

“The NSW Government’s Greening Our City grant is a fantastic and very welcome outcome for the Peninsula,” Mayor Mckinna said.

“Securing $600,000 to deliver street tree planting and other vegetation is great news for our community.”

“More trees mean cooler streets and more shade for people walking, riding or just enjoying being outdoors. This is the kind of project that lifts the whole area.”

“It’s also about making our neighbourhoods more liveable now, while also creating greener, healthier places for future generations. This funding gives us a real boost toward that vision”

The tree planting will focus on streets and key routes where increased canopy can make the greatest impact including areas with lower existing tree cover and high-use corridors connecting schools, shops, parks, beaches and public transport.

Carefully selected climate-ready species will be used to ensure long-term success, creating a greener public realm and improving amenity as trees mature.

Understorey planting at priority sites will further support biodiversity by stabilising soil, improving habitat connections and protecting native vegetation communities. 

Community and stakeholder engagement will play a central role in shaping the project. Council will work closely with local residents, businesses and community groups, as well as Aboriginal representatives, to embed Connecting and Designing for Country principles into project delivery.

This project is proudly funded by the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, through the Greening Our City grant program.

ENDS