Central Coast communities to benefit from $600,000 greening boost

The New South Wales Government is investing $600,000 to help make the Central Coast Peninsula greener, cooler and more climate resilient, with hundreds of new trees and native plantings planned across Ettalong, Umina and Woy Woy.

The funding will support Central Coast Council in planting 360 trees and establishing 1,500 square metres of biodiverse understorey vegetation across streets, parks and public spaces to improve liveability and help combat urban heat.

The project forms part of the NSW Government's Greening our City program, which aims to increase urban tree canopy coverage, reduce heat in built-up areas and improve biodiversity in growing communities.

Under round five of the program, more than $3 million will be shared across eight projects spanning the Central Coast, Hunter and Illawarra-Shoalhaven regions. The funding will deliver more than 12,000 trees and 14,500 square metres of understorey planting.

This is the first time the initiative has expanded beyond Greater Sydney, targeting fast-growing regional communities where additional green space can have the greatest impact.

Nearly 90 per cent of plantings funded in the current round will be delivered in areas with less than 20 per cent canopy cover, helping cool neighbourhoods, improve air quality and create healthier public spaces.

Since launching in 2019, the Greening our City program has allocated $46.8 million to 164 projects across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Hunter and Illawarra-Shoalhaven regions to strengthen climate resilience and reconnect communities with nature.

The program is funded through the NSW Climate Change Fund and administered by the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, with applications independently assessed and overseen by a probity advisor.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the investment would help create more attractive and liveable communities.

"Greening our City is delivering high-quality public spaces where people can relax, play and enjoy cooler neighbourhoods," Mr Scully said.

"This funding will help make the Central Coast a greener and more enjoyable place to live, work and visit."

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said the additional tree planting would provide long-term environmental and lifestyle benefits for Peninsula residents.

"More trees mean more shade, cooler streets and healthier communities," Mr Harris said.

"This program is helping ensure our growing region becomes more sustainable and resilient for future generations."

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch welcomed the funding, saying it would make a meaningful difference to the Peninsula community.

"I've strongly advocated for greater investment in greening projects across the Gosford electorate, and this funding is a significant win for our community," Ms Tesch said.

"This investment will help shape a more liveable and sustainable Peninsula for current residents and future generations alike."