Call for more action to save woodland

Peninsula Residents’ Association has welcomed an announcement from Central Coast Council that it will strengthen the endangered Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland (UCSW), but says a more comprehensive plan is needed if the entire area is to be protected and restored.

Council said ecological restoration had commenced at the Peninsula Recreation Precinct as part of the conditions of consent for a new Pacific Link Housing affordable housing development in Woy Woy.

Council’s Director Environment and Planning Luke Nicholls said one of the conditions of consent for the development at 18 MacLeay Ave was 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,” Nicholls said.

“They chose to work with Council … to translocate the soil (to) Umina Beach to help offset the removal of trees and a patch of the endangered UCSW to make way for affordable housing.

“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.

“Relocating the soil and biomass to this location 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.”

Compensatory plantings and ongoing maintenance will be performed for up to five years.

Pacific Link Housing CEO Ian Lynch said working with Council to strengthen and rejuvenate the UCSW had ensured that the provision of affordable housing and environmental sustainability could work hand in hand.

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

The PRA says any action to protect and expand UCSW bushland was to be encouraged, but said more action was needed to ensure the area’s restoration.

“This work involves ‘translocating’ 200sqm of top soil,” association Vice-President Julian Bowker said.

“However, a concerted effort is needed by all stakeholders, which includes residents, if Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland is to be effectively protected and restored.

“This rare bushland really is endangered, with increasing pressures affecting its survival.”

Bowker said it was understood the Environment Protection Authority was investigating two alleged breaches of planning conditions relating to activities in UCSW bushland, with two current development applications having, or likely to have, an impact on UCSW bushland.

“A publicly-available, transparent and co-ordinated plan is needed with specific actions, targets and priorities for the whole of UCSW on the Peninsula to ensure restoration efforts are as effective as possible and receive community support,” he said.

“Council or the State’s Threatened Species Unit could take a lead in this.

“We would like the Council to work collaboratively with the community on this.

“The highest priority should be preserving and building on existing UCSW bushland, not relocating it.”

Bowker said the association was also concerned about reports of the common use of “woody herbicides” on the Peninsula which inhibit the growth of canopy trees and most species found in Umina Coastal Sandplain Woodland, as well as being toxic to aquatic life in creeks.

“The association calls for the cessation of Council’s use and approval of long-lasting woody herbicides in vegetation plans on the Peninsula,” he said.