The Pines Regeneration Project

30 Mar 2026

5 minutes

What's happening on site this week
(31 August 2026):

The River access is now open
The amenities block and camp kitchen upgrade is complete.
Construction of the eco-tents is now complete.
Paths and landscaping works is now complete.
Management and restoration of the Coastal Cypress Pine Forest continue as part of Reflections' long-term commitment to protecting this important ecological community. These activities have been ongoing for several years and include revegetation, weed management and restoration works guided by an updated Vegetation Management Plan. Additional planting and restoration works will continue in accordance with that plan.

Designed to protect

For the past 18 months, Reflections has been working closely with ecologists, landscape architects, and arborists, guided by the Vegetation Management Plan for the holiday park, to develop a design for the southern precinct that expands the Coastal Cypress Pine forest while providing a new accommodation offering.

The existing native Coastal Cypress Pine Forest will be regenerated with new planting and natural regrowth, while plans include a dedicated regeneration zone at the southern end of the precinct to expand the existing forest.

Since 2021, the local Reflections Brunswick Heads team has been working proactively on protecting and preserving the existing Coastal Cypress Pine community while working towards the future regeneration.

The Reflections team has collected thousands of seeds from the area and has worked with a local nursery to propagate seedlings for planting in the regeneration zone and throughout the precinct to significantly bolster the number of Coastal Cypress Pines in this area.

The regeneration zone will be fenced to protect the seedlings as they get established and to prevent damage in the future. Over time, these actions are expected to increase the health, extent and resilience of the forest, providing better habitat for wildlife and preserving the natural character of the area.

Closer to nature

Reflections is creating a new small-scale 10-tent precinct in the currently unused southern precinct of the Reflections Brunswick Heads holiday park.

This small-scale project is part of our mission to help people connect with nature - while protecting and regenerating the environment we care for. The precinct's design considers the fragile environment and the endangered Coastal Cypress Pines community.

What’s included?

Ten low-impact eco tents set on timber platforms with eco anchors (no tent pegs, no concrete footings to minimise the impact on tree root systems)
A new, clear and safe pedestrian access to Simpsons Creek, including repairs to the damaged steps and beach entry. Permits and approvals are being secured before any work in or near Simpsons Creek begins.
Refurbishment of the existing amenities near the exit to The Terrace
Dedicated regeneration zone to protect the endangered Coastal Cypress Pine Forest
No vehicle access into the southern precinct. Dedicated parking for guests will be provided adjacent to the amenities building.

Local benefits

This project balances a low-impact accommodation style with improved guest facilities, access to nature, and support for local businesses.

Reflections is proud to reinvest profits back into the holiday parks and Crown land reserves we care for. This includes projects such as replacing the picnic tables across the reserves, supporting many local community and sporting groups, along with repairs at Massy Greene Foreshore, painting the Housie Shed and replacing the children’s playground in Terrace Park

Reflections attract visitors to Brunswick Heads who spend money in local businesses such as coffee shops, boutiques and the local hotel. Visitors to the region also participate in local tourism experiences, which support these businesses throughout the year.

Timeline

The builder will commence site establishment, including fencing, signage, and disconnection of existing services, from Wednesday, 4 March, with the works officially starting on Monday, 9 March. We will also work closely with the contractor to minimise the construction timeframe.

Construction work will be carried out on weekdays between 7am and 6pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. It is possible that the delivery of equipment or materials may be required outside of the set working hours. Every effort will be made to minimise noise.

Foreshore access

Reflections will implement a more defined walking trail with a perimeter fence at a cost of approximately $60,000. This will run from the tennis court end of the precinct, connecting to the riverbank boundary and continuing through the precinct. This will provide residents with access through the precinct and will ensure safe access to continue during the construction period.

River access

There will be secure, temporary access to the river through the precinct during the construction period. This will provide access for the majority of the work period. We will need to close the river access when the work to upgrade the track down to the river is taking place. Residents will be notified ahead of this closure period.

To help visualise what the changes will look like, the plan below shows the fencing layout and public access points to the creek.

In the plan you can see the location of the 1.2‑metre-high euci fence, along with clearly defined public pathways that maintain access to the creek from both Tweed Street and Nana Street.

Image shows the path up to the pines before.

[1/0] Image shows the path up to the pines before.

Reflections team members

Reflections is the Crown land manager for three holiday parks in Brunswick Heads and significant areas of Crown land, which are community reserve spaces such as Banner Park and Torakina Park. We employ local people who are a part of the Brunswick Heads community. Many have children at local schools, participate in local community activities, and care deeply for the land they work and play on. Community feedback is often directed at our local team, who are incredibly busy operating the holiday parks and looking after the Crown reserves for the enjoyment of guests and visitors.

If you have feedback for Reflections, please complete the feedback form below, and we’ll respond directly to you.

Downloadable information:

Frequently asked questions

Please check the Frequently Asked Questions for a summary of key topics.

What does the plan for the southern precinct at Reflections Brunswick Heads include?

The design of the precinct considers the fragile environment and the endangered Coastal Cypress Pines community.

Reflections has engaged ecologists, landscape architects and planning consultants to assist with the design of the precinct which has taken over 18 months.

The primary intent was to develop a design that achieved an expanded area of Coastal Cypress Pine Forest in the precinct and to provide sustainable ongoing management of the endangered ecological community, while providing guests with the experience of being in this environment.

The design includes:

Ten camping tents installed in locations chosen as they are already cleared areas having been used in previous years as camp sites.
Each tent will be fixed to a timber deck, secured by eco-anchors. These anchors have been selected as they minimise disturbance to the ground and do not require concrete footings.
There will be no vehicle access to the precinct. Dedicated carparking will be available alongside the amenities building constructed using an open grid permeable paving system made from recycled high-density plastic plus bollards and wheel stops.
An upgraded path for safe and clear access to Simpsons Creek.
Renovation of the existing amenities block located near the exit to Park Street. The renovation includes an extension of the roof for additional shade over a new BBQ area along with more landscaping.

The work is consistent with the Plan of Management approved for the Park under the Crown Lands Management Act 2016 and the Vegetation Management Plan which aims to provide for the longevity of the endangered Costal Cypress Pine community.

How long will the project take to complete?

The works are expected to take two to three months to complete.

Construction works will be carried out on weekdays between 7am and 6pm and on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm. It is possible that the delivery of equipment or materials may be required outside the set working hours. Every effort will be made to minimise noise.

What steps are in place to minimise any negative impacts to the natural environment while construction is underway?

A range of operational conditions will be in place during construction to protect the natural environment both in the holiday park and Simpsons Creek. A Construction Environmental Management Plan has been developed and will guide work, ensuring activities are carried out to the required specifications and in line with environmental legislation. Preparation of the plan included a Review of Environmental Factors which considered all potential environment effects of the proposed works.

All aspects of the project - including landscaping and plantings - are guided by the Vegetation Management Plan which ensures the protection and nurturing of the endangered Coastal Cypress Pine Forest. The vegetation type requires minimal foot traffic to enable regeneration and fencing at the boundary of The Terrace will prevent the accidental trampling of new growth within the areas dedicated Coastal Cypress Pines regeneration zone.

Does Reflections have planning approval for the project?

Byron Shire Council has provided approval for the installation of the ten camping tents under the existing Section 68 of the Local Government Act 1993.

A development application is not required for other works including the parking spaces which are permitted as exempt development under State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 (TISEPP) Schedule 2.

How will Simpsons Creek be protected during construction?

Simpsons Creek is identified as a key fish habitat under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. It is also mapped as a Habitat Protection Zone within Cape Byron Marine Park. As such, Reflections is required to have a permit under the Marine Estate Management (Management Rules) Regulation 1999 and must notify the NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries). The outcome of the application is currently pending.

What are the community benefits?

The southern end of the precinct will be a dedicated regeneration zone for the Coastal Cypress Pines forest. The intent is to expand the area of Coastal Cypress Pine Forest and provide sustainable ongoing management of the endangered ecological community.

The measures that Reflections is implementing to protect the Coastal Cypress Pines include:

Planting seedlings in a dedicated regeneration zone along with planting throughout the precinct
Fencing in sections to protect the regeneration area
Weed control
Encouragement of natural regeneration in other areas of the precinct

Clear and safe access to Simpsons Creek

The project provides the community with safe and clear access to Simpsons Creek. If the work is not done, public access will continue to deteriorate, potentially becoming unsafe and inaccessible.

Fixed camping sites

Reflections has approval, under its licence to operate, to have 27 camping sites, in the southern precinct section of the Brunswick Heads holiday park.

Reflections has opted to install 10 camping tents in fixed locations to protect the fragile environment so that we can achieve the desired Coastal Cypress Pine regeneration outcomes in this precinct. This includes the creation of a specific regeneration zone for the Coastal Cypress Pine and the opportunity for a more nature-based experience with the type of accommodation selected.

Regional tourism

The new type of accommodation is expected to deliver additional economic benefit to the local economy through the additional capacity for overnight stays in Brunswick Heads.

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