Residents urge Council to secure Greening grants
The Peninsula Residents' Association has urged Central Coast Council to secure grants under the NSW Government's Greening Our City program, designed to increase urban tree canopy and green cover.
"The Peninsula faces significant green canopy deficits that have a huge impact on everything from walkability and public health to biodiversity and climate adaptation," said association spokesman Mr Peter Gillis.
"This funding opens the door for meaningful change."
The association has urged the Council to seize this opportunity to submit ambitious proposals that prioritise shaded pedestrian corridors, tree planting in heat-vulnerable suburbs, and integration with active transport networks.
"Areas such as Woy Woy, Umina, Ettalong Beach and Booker Bay stand to benefit immensely from targeted greening initiatives that reflect local needs and geography.
"Greening is not just about aesthetics. It's about liveability, equity and resilience.
"We can build on Council's recently announced tree planting pilot and scale-up efforts to deliver cooler streets, healthier communities and stronger habitat corridors."
The Association welcomed the NSW Government's decision to expand the Greening Our City grants program to include regional councils like the Central Coast.
"This long-overdue move recognises the vital role that regional communities play in advancing climate resilience, urban cooling, and equitable access to green infrastructure.
"Extending these grants beyond metropolitan boundaries is a win for communities like ours."
According to the association, the Peninsula faced unique challenges due to its geography, ageing infrastructure and limited canopy coverage.
Many suburbs experienced extreme heat during summer, with few shaded routes for walking or cycling.
The average tree canopy cover across the Peninsula is estimated at below 10 per cent, significantly lower than the NSW Government's target of 40 per cent for urban areas.
Heat mapping shows surface temperatures in unshaded areas are 10-15 degrees hotter than nearby green corridors during summer peaks.
Strategic greening could reduce urban heat island effects, improve walkability and active transport uptake, support biodiversity and pollinator corridors, enhance public health and wellbeing and create more inclusive, age-friendly environments.
"With climate pressures mounting, investing in green infrastructure is not just timely. It's essential," said Mr Gillis.
"The expansion of this program gives the Central Coast a chance to lead by example and deliver transformative outcomes for its communities.
"We look forward to working with Council and the community to ensure this funding delivers lasting benefits for all generations."
SOURCE:
Media release, 8 Aug 2025
Peter Gillis, Peninsula Residents' Association