The community will have until April 14 to submit feedback on plans to rehabilitate the Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland with Council planning to consolidate and close some informal track networks in the area.
The Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland (UCSW) is a unique group of plants and animals that co-exist together on the coastal sands of the Umina-Woy Woy Peninsula and is listed as an endangered ecological community (EEC).
Council said a number of informal access tracks have been developed throughout the area at Hillview St Reserve and Umina Oval which are impacting this vulnerable ecological community.
To help protect, rehabilitate, and manage this area – while still providing the community with access routes – Council said the track network will be consolidated, and some tracks closed.
Council Administrator, Rik Hart, said the remnant vegetation on the coastal sands of the Umina-Woy Woy Peninsula is unique and worthy of protection.
“We need to strike a balance between access routes for the community and ensuring this ecological community is looked after,” Hart said.
“In addition to the works that Council undertakes, local environmental volunteers also dedicate their time to help maintain and preserve the woodland to ensure the unique flora and fauna is around for future generations.
“I invite locals and other interested residents to participate in the consultation and share your thoughts on the management of these areas and the plans to consolidate informal tracks.”
Council is seeking feedback from the community on the proposed plan for consolidating the network of informal tracks and any other management actions or issues they consider to be impacting the UCSW.
For more information about the plans and to submit feedback, visit yourvoiceourcoast.com
Council undertakes works including access control, rubbish removal, weed control and bush regeneration, community awareness and education, which are funded through The Protection of the Environment Trust Management Committee.
Maisy Rae
My property is close to the Woodland and it is a delight to look out the window, I have always been aware of the importance it is to the environment. A few years ago there was trouble with young teenagers riding trailbikes. Local Police no help finally got in touch with local member for Gosford Liesl Tesch it was not long before the trailbikes went and I actually got a letter from Central Police informing me. Hillview St access should be seriously looked at. Thank you for bringing to the public the importance of this Woodland and the care it deserves.