Works protect environmental and cultural values at Wenonah Headland
The NSW Government has completed restoration and safety works at Wenonah Headland, helping protect one of the Mid North Coast's culturally significant coastal landscapes while improving public access and environmental outcomes.
Along this remote stretch of coastline south of Coffs Harbour, where coastal forests meet exposed dunes and waterways, Wenonah Headland and its adjoining beaches are home to sensitive ecosystems and hold deep cultural significance for the Gumbaynggir people.
The completed works address longstanding impacts from illegal camping, environmental damage and safety risks, and have been delivered in partnership with the Gumbaynggir Wenonah Head Aboriginal Corporation, with cultural heritage officers engaged on site.
The works were focused on improving safety and protecting the area, and included:
- upgraded walking tracks to improve visitor access and reduce erosion
- the removal of illegal camping areas
- new signage to encourage responsible use and protect the environment; and
- new picnic facilities for day visitors.
Since the project was completed, reports of unauthorised activity have fallen. Visitors have followed the signs and respected the site, and sensitive areas have been protected.
The project will now move into a revegetation stage, also to be delivered in partnership with the Gumbaynggir Wenonah Head Aboriginal Corporation. This work will restore areas affected by past use and degradation and will include:
- stabilising sand banks
- improving access tracks
- rehabilitating former illegal camping grounds and
- planting hundreds of endemic plants.
Work will start soon and be completed by the end of the year. The total NSW Government investment in the works at Wenonah Headland $80,740.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:
"Wenonah Headland is a special place that holds deep cultural significance, and it deserves to be protected and cared for in a way that reflects those values.
"We're getting on with the job of looking after public land across NSW, making it safer, more accessible and protecting it for generations to come.
"These works are making the area safer, improving access for visitors and helping restore parts of the coastline damaged by illegal activity.
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
"Wenonah Headland is a cherished landscape on the Mid North Coast, and this project shows what can be achieved when government and Traditional Owners work together in genuine partnership."
"By upgrading visitor facilities and moving into the revegetation phase hand-in-hand with the Gumbaynggir Wenonah Head Aboriginal Corporation, we are preserving this culturally rich headland and ensuring it remains a safe, beautiful space for our local community and visitors to enjoy."
Gumbaynggir Wenonah Head Aboriginal Corporation said:
"Wenonah Headland is not empty land – it is living Country that has been held by Gumbaynggirr People since time immemorial. Wajaarr Birriimba: Country is Alive. For too long, this place carried the weight of neglect and misuse. These works are a step forward to restoring its dignity, but true healing only comes with Gumbaynggirr People lead the care of our own Country. That is why we are moving forward with the revegetation phase – not as visitors to this process, but as its custodians.
"We thank those who have supported this work, and we call for it to continue. Real partnership and Gumbaynggirr authority over Gumbaynggirr Country, respected in full."