Newsletter – February 2026

Courtesy Northern Beaches Advocate

This summer has been hot, sometimes wet and wild, and interwoven by several sad and difficult events. Along the coast there have been many shark incidents, some involving tragic loss of life, and in Palm Beach a number of very demanding rescues during the first few weeks of the year.

People who have downloaded the SharkSmart app will be aware of many sharks near Palm Beach during the holidays and the beaches have been closed at times. The State Government has announced a comprehensive Shark Management Programme, investing an extra $4.2m. to enhance beach safety. Drone surveillance has been expanded to more than 50 primary beaches (and 30 others) operating 7 days a week during school holidays and weekends, particularly in high risk areas. 26 new rescue jet skis have been added to the fleet (total now 56) and Surf Life Saving NSW and Surfing NSW have received additional funding for patrolling, surveillance and training. (The SharkSmart app gives information of shark activity near Palm Beach and can be downloaded free from the App Store).

There may be many reasons for the increased presence of sharks in our waters. The waters are warmer and in those conditions sharks tend to spend more time in shallower coastal waters, estuaries and rivers. Recent heavy rains have also flushed nutrient-rich water from farms and water treatment plants into the river system, attracting more fish and hence their predators. Murky water should be avoided by swimmers and surfers as in such water bull sharks rely on feeling vibrations rather than sight to locate food and movement in the water will attract them. There are calls for shark danger warnings to be issued with state agencies using their current monitoring systems to issue low, medium and high alerts in local areas to inform beachgoers in real time when conditions increase the risk of shark attacks.

Within a few hours there were three different but serious incidents in Palm Beach all on or near Barrenjoey Headland. At 1 pm on Tuesday 3 February two hikers called Emergency Services when they found a man who had collapsed and was unconscious near the Lighthouse. He had obviously broken his leg. Many police units responded, also several RFS brigades with four NSW ambulance crews.

Courtesy Northern Beaches Advocate

The seriousness of the man’s condition required the services of the NSW Ambulance Rescue helicopter and a specialist trauma doctor. After receiving medical attention he was winched up to the helicopter with a critical care paramedic, landing in Governor Phillip Park and subsequently being flown to Royal North Shore Hospital.

At around 2 pm on the same day NSW Ambulance and Police came to the assistance of a man who had collapsed after rowing ashore from a boat moored in Sandy Beach Cove. Since he was in medical distress he was conveyed by intensive care ambulance to Careel Bay playing field and onto the CareFlight Rescue helicopter which carried him to Royal North Shore Hospital.

The third accident on 3 February was at 7.30pm when firefighters from Avalon Station responded after a 25 year old woman was reported to have fallen 8m off the steep pathway on Barrenjoey Headland down a rockface. The NSW Ambulance Rescue Helicopter winched a medical team directly down to her to assess her condition.

Courtesy Northern Beaches Advocate

In the dark, the specialist rescue firefighters used a Stokes litter to pull her up to the pathway and to the helicopter which then flew her to Royal North Shore Hospital.

More detailed accounts can be found on the Northern Beaches Advocate site https://www.northernbeachesadvocate.com.au
These accidents highlight the exceptional skill of our Emergency Rescue Teams and we are immensely grateful to them. It also points to the undoubted dangers of Barrenjoey Headland particularly at night. We are also concerned that so much reliance is placed on the North Palm Beach Surf Club all-terrain vehicle (ATV) when access to it is not guaranteed. We have taken these matters up with Jacqui Scruby and are writing to National Parks also (our letter is on our website)

Emergencyplus

Emergency Plus

Save the App that could save you life

The Emergency+ App is an Australian government-supported App which provides precise location data to Triple Zero callers. It will ensure the correct emergency service is reached and can also be used for non-emergency assistance. Download it free from the AppStore to pinpoint your accurate location easily.

CONTENTS

PROFESSOR THE HONOURABLE DAME MARIE BASHIR AD CVO

Dame Marie Bashir

Dame Marie Bashir, a long-standing member of the Association, died on 20 January 2026 at the age of 95 and we express our sadness and condolences to her family. She was the 37th Governor of NSW and the first woman to be appointed to the role to which she brought immense dignity as well as compassion. As a distinguished psychiatrist she advocated for mental health services and education throughout her career and was regarded with great affection not only for her lifetime of service but the unassuming way she did it. Her aim was to bring our various communities together which she did in a remarkable way. A State Funeral was held for her on 4 February.

NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL

Northern Beaches Hospital

Northern Beaches Hospital is to become the State’s first high volume Centre for Elective Surgery. The aim is to shorten elective surgery waitlists in NSW by performing many of these surgeries at Northern Beaches Hospital. Since the majority of them are likely to be day surgeries it is not thought that they will take up much of the bed capacity. However, this remains to be seen. An extra 5,000 public elective surgeries are envisaged with patients being directly referred by their treating specialists from the State waitlist. More details will be supplied before the centre opens.

At the press conference where this announcement was made by the Premier, Chris Minns, and the Health Minister, Ryan Park, they were asked directly whether this meant that Northern Beaches residents would wait longer for treatment. They both confirmed that local residents would have priority. Investment capital of $5m will be needed to establish the centre and it is estimated that it will cost $10m p.a. to run. There is still very little information on how private services will operate and The Northern Beaches Clinicians Alliance (NBCA) through its spokesperson, Dr David Dickison, has expressed disquiet that no detailed Clinical Services Plan, work force modelling or transition framework has been released. David Swan, previously Chief Executive of St Vincent’s Hospital, has been asked to work out how private services could operate at Northern Beaches Hospital but it is not clear when this will emerge.

The two local State MPs, Jacqui Scruby and Michael Regan were both present at the press conference. Broadly speaking, they seem on board with the Elective Surgery Centre though both emphasised they had been given assurances that Northern Beaches residents would retain priority access to surgical services. The community has some concern that these commitments will be honoured. Jacqui Scruby has clearly stated that her priority is that the 494-bed Northern Beaches Hospital delivers better healthcare to local residents through both public and private services. She is aware that local residents are extremely concerned that the future of private services has not been clarified and she has made a statement in Parliament seeking action.

We continue to press the Health Minister for the future of private services to be confirmed with an operator appointed to run a co-located private hospital. Currently 20,000 private surgeries are conducted there during the year since more than 70% of Northern Beaches residents have private health insurance and this is a vital matter for us. Very fine surgeons are performing surgeries at NB Hospital and they still do not know their future with the government takeover scheduled for 29 April 2026. Although the hospital is nominally a Level 5 hospital it does not function fully as Level 5 and does not have a Stroke Unit which includes thrombolysis. We feel strongly that since it is the only public hospital on the Northern Beaches, serving more than 270,000 residents, it should operate fully as Level 5 and consideration should be given to upgrading it to Level 6. This is an opportunity to get more comprehensive medical services for local residents and we are making another appeal to the Health Minister.

GOVERNOR PHILLIP PARK AND BARRENJOEY HEADLAND

Governor Phillip Park

The draft Plan of Management(POM) for Governor Phillip Park is a technical document of some 70 pages and is with the State Government for approval. It is likely to be exhibited for comment during the middle of 2026. There are several changes to the current one. For example, the existing POM requires parking areas to have a porous or permeable surface but this requirement has been taken out of the new draft to enable the present surface to be removed and the roads fully sealed. It will also allow a limited off leash dog exercise area at North Palm Beach so the approved trial can begin. In line with the current POM the Association remains a key stakeholder.

As a separate document, Council staff have prepared a master plan which sets out the day to day Park operation. A new group will soon be formed to be known as the Governor Phillip Park Community Working Group to consider the needs of the Park consisting of key stakeholders such as this Association, North Palm Beach Surf Club, Palm Beach Golf Club etc. It will have 10 members and be chaired either by a Councillor or a Council Senior Staff Member. Invitations are now going out to stakeholders. When the improvements have been agreed some can be put in place immediately but others may require the new POM to be confirmed. Construction of another permanent toilet block, which the Association feels is absolutely necessary, will be permissible in the new POM but will need special funding. Total funding for improvements is $2.1m.

NB Council will shortly be announcing that they will open the tender process to source an experienced operator for the kiosk/café and restaurant in the Park (now the site of Dunes Restaurant). This is a formal process required by the Crown Land Management Act 2016 and Section 47 of the Local Government Act 1993. We understand that the Merci group (the current operators) will be one of the applicants.

Shark Bite kits have been installed by the Council on the Emergency Response Beacon above North Palm Beach but it needs additional signage. We have suggested that additional kits are installed in other suitable locations.

Three years ago, when the Association organised a public meeting to demonstrate against the proposal to make the heritage buildings near Barrenjoey Lighthouse available for short term holiday accommodation, the Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, supported the establishment of a Community Reference Group to investigate alternative uses for the buildings. In the letter we have written to the National Parks and Wildlife Service we have asked for the Terms of Reference of this Community Reference Group to be drafted and the group set up, a report be made and published on the current state of the heritage buildings and the co-ordination of the rescue services which respond to serious accidents on Barrenjoey Headland such as Accident & Emergency, Rural Fire Service and North Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club (letter is available on our website).

RABBITS AND OTHER INVASIVE ANIMALS

Wild rabbit in Governor Phillip Park

The number of wild rabbits in Governor Phillip Park has increased substantially in the last few months and we have reported this to the Council. They are actively managing wild rabbits throughout the LGA and are releasing the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease virus (RHDV1 K5) or calicivirus at the following sites on 2 March in an effort to control them: Governor Phillip Park, McKay Reserve, Annie Wyatt Reserve and Careel Bay Playing Fields.

Pet owners of rabbits should ensure their pets are vaccinated against RHDV as the virus can be spread by insects as well as by direct contact.

If you wish to talk to the Council about any pests please ring 1300 434 434 or email invasivespecies@northernbeaches.gov.au
You can also report sightings using FeralScan Pest Mapping available from the AppStore to map activity in your area.

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS PLAN IN PALM BEACH

Pittwater

NB Council has chosen a contractor to implement the Safer Neighbourhoods Plan which includes 48 separate features including reducing the speed limit and work will start in March. The total cost will be $1m. to be borne by the State Government.

PALM BEACH AND WHALE BEACH

This is an example of what might be available. We will be updating when plans are finalised.

Council has received a request for the installation of a beach wheelchair at Palm Beach. The wheelchair, known as a SandCruiser Chair, would be housed in a locked stainless steel cabinet.

This is an example of what might be available. We will be updating when plans are finalised.

It is disappointing to see that the paint is peeling on the newly renovated Whale Beach pool.

3 mature Norfolk Island Pines have died simultaneously in Whale Beach which is concerning and baffling.

The summer season has been quieter than usual with fewer visitors than we normally see which has put less strain on the car parking capacity.

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Development at 11 Ocean Road Palm Beach

The two major developments one on either side of Barrenjoey House are already causing pedestrians great difficulty navigating this area either to catch a bus, cross the road or make their way to Barrenjoey House.

At present only one development has started work but the temporary bus stop is sometimes very difficult to access because of the commercial vehicles associated with the build on the General Store site (1112-1116 Barrenjoey Road) and the pedestrian crossing is often blocked. Councillor Dillon is arranging a meeting with the Compliance Officers to try to improve safety in the area.

In addition, there is also no cover for those waiting at the bus stop, come rain or hot sun!

We have also raised with the Council on many occasions the poor state of the bus stop near the car park at Careel Bay. Its location is not obvious to newcomers, it is wet and muddy when it rains, and there is no cover there either. It is not a good start when we are trying to persuade people to leave their car at Careel Bay rather than try to find a parking place in the middle of Palm Beach, on a sunny Saturday or Sunday and at holiday times particularly.

A modification to the development of the fish and chip shop site (1102 Barrenjoey Road) reduces the number of apartments in the block from five to four. On Level 1 two apartments will become one.

The owner of the site at 27 Florida Road has requested that the Council become the principal certifier. The site was excavated and then seemingly abandoned for a considerable time but work is due to start shortly.

The amount of excavation which some developments require has always been a matter of concern to us because of the fragile nature of some sites, the effect on steep slopes and potential danger to neighbouring properties as well as possible changes to water courses. We are pleased to note that the Council appear to be making more formal Requests for Information associated with new development applications and paying considerable attention to the amount of excavation required. There is still a widespread feeling, however, amongst Palm Beach and Whale Beach residents that the increasing number of very large houses is changing the face of our suburbs and lessening the appeal of the area which has attracted so many.

Developments are often now approved by the Land and Environment Court. We feel that the detailed judgement and amended plans should go on the Council website. However, it is part of the legal process that both parties need to agree to the publication of these documents as they are not Court documents which are generally made available. Modifications to development applications are normally not notified to nearby residents even though they might have a considerable effect on neighbouring houses. It is our opinion that they should be treated in the same way as the original development application and neighbours notified.

E-BIKES

E-bike

There are many accidents involving E-bikes every month with injuries to both pedestrians and young bike riders. Police are cracking down on illegal and modified e-bikes and will be moving from merely educating riders to the direct seizure and destruction of e-bikes which do not comply. The NSW Government is introducing legislation that will allow police to seize and destroy illegal bikes, particularly ‘fat bikes’ and throttle-only, high-powered vehicles that are, practically speaking, motor bikes. Police are now equipped with portable ‘dyno’ (dynamometer) testing units which can instantly test whether the power cuts off at the legal limit of 25kph. They have also suggested that parents consider attaching tracking devices to their children’s e-bikes as there are growing concerns about large and dangerous ‘ride-outs’ with up to one hundred young riders involved. Gangs of riders are using TikTok to organise these rides which have included rides across the Harbour Bridge and also onto Long Reef Golf Course. There are increasing calls for bikes to be registered, show identifiable number plates and be covered by insurance.

COUNCIL

Wilga/Wilson development at Ingleside

At its meeting on 17 February, Council unanimously passed a motion not to support the progress of the proposal to rezone the land to support medium density residential development to Gateway Determination on the following grounds: bush fire risk with only one escape route (Powderworks Road); lack of infrastructure such as roads, water, sewerage, electricity, public transport etc. and the cost associated with providing them.

Sale of Council property

At the same meeting a motion was passed to sell Unit 9, Vuko Place, Warriewood. This is a warehouse with office space and is not now needed by Council staff. When the recent rate increase was approved, IPart required the Council to rationalise its property portfolio and establish a reserve, holding the funds raised to assist with future pressure on rates. This sale is part of that process.

PARKING ON THE STREET

Parking on the street has proved a nuisance to many residents and sometimes vehicles or trailers are abandoned for months at a time. The Unattended Property Act is currently being revised by the State Government. At present it is almost unenforceable. Registered vehicles have 28 days to remain but if the owner proves he has ‘attended’ or moved his vehicle (sometimes just down the road) he can have another 28 days before more action is taken. If it is unregistered the time limit is shorter – 15 days.

AVALON PLACE PLAN

The design consultant is working on a plan for the shared space near Woolworths in Avalon including the drainage problems which became apparent and also Dunbar Park. Work will begin on this when the water main replacement is completed.

McDONALDS REFUSED BY NORTHERN BEACHES COUNCIL

37 Rosebery Street, Balgowlah

Northern Beaches has rejected $4m. plans by McDonald’s for a drive-through restaurant at 37 Rosebery Street, Balgowlah citing potential crime, anti-social behaviour and traffic as factors in their decision. It was first rejected unanimously by the Local Planning Panel following intense community opposition and police concerns regarding traffic congestion, noise and anti-social behaviour near a residential area and a local school. It is certainly a busy corner so traffic would be an important consideration. McDonalds have lodged an appeal with the Land & Environment Court. An S34 Conciliation Conference is set for 9.30 am on 28 May.

FAMILY HISTORY WORKSHOP

If you have ever thought about investigating your family’s history but don’t know how to navigate the various on-line data bases, why not join a Northern Beaches Library Local History team for an introductory workshop?

Mona Vale Library has a workshop on Tuesday 10 March 2-3pm. Contact: Northern Beaches Council Library Service on 02 8495 5028 or libraryprograms@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

You can also book a Family History Friday session on 02 8495 5024 which gives you one-on-one assistance with research.

ILLEGAL TOBACCO AND PLANNING LOOPHOLES

In an attempt to curb the use of tobacco products, the Federal Government increased the tax on them which had the unintended consequence of driving smokers to cheaper illegal tobacco products often distributed by organised crime. It is estimated that these illicit cigarettes account for at least half of Australia’s tobacco trade or up to $11.8bn. in lost excise and there have been gang-related fire bombings of tobacco outlets around the country.

In spite of police raids resulting in confiscation of goods and closure of shops, planning regulations allow tobacco shops to be established easily by taking over an existing business and applying for a ‘change of use’. Northern Beaches Council, along with Mosman and some others, have written to the State Government making this point and the President of Local Government NSW has recommended that tobacconists should be required to submit detailed development applications much as bottle shops have to do. Four tobacco shops have been closed on the Northern Beaches.

PITTWATER POSIDONIA SHOOTS TRANSPLANTED IN SYDNEY HARBOUR

Posidonia

Posidonia australis is a vital, endangered species of seagrass that occurs in 17 estuaries along the east coast of NSW. It provides critical eco systems for storing carbon (over 30 times more carbon than forests), and nursery habitats for fish, crustaceans and certain endangered species, also stabilising seabed sediment to prevent erosion. It is slow growing and vulnerable to damage from boat moorings, dredging and pollution.

Project Restore was started by the Sydney Institute of Marine Science as a way of regenerating the Harbour’s degraded marine eco system by rehabilitating endangered Posidonia australis and kelp forests and installing Living Seawalls to boost biodiversity and climate resilience. Sydney Harbour is one of six locations in NSW which have suffered severe declines in its fields of Posidonia and other species of seagrass.

Pittwater has 3,461 moorings and Sydney Harbour more than 6,000 located in shallow bays. Since traditional moorings, consisting of a chain attached to a concrete block leading to a floating buoy, were seen to damage the Posidonia as the chains scraped the seabed, 10 Environmentally Friendly Moorings were installed, in collaboration with Balmoral Boatshed, replacing the traditional ones. In addition, residents, calling themselves The Storm Squad, were asked to collect Posidonia shoots washed up on local beaches particularly after storms. The shoots need to have rhizomes attached and preferably some green leaves. One of the collection points is Station Beach.

This month Project Restore reached a milestone. A team of scuba divers planted 800 endangered Posidonia shoots beneath the Environmentally Friendly Moorings at Balmoral. Earlier experiments at Cobblers Beach in Mosman showed an 80% success rate. The State Government funded the new moorings. They cost $5,000 each for the basic unit plus $7,000 for the helix screw anchor that replaces the concrete block.

EROSION ON OCEAN ROAD

Transport for NSW are finalising the design of the head wall which has collapsed causing the severe erosion on Ocean Road. When TfNSW have carried out their work Council will rehabilitate the dunes and replant to ensure that they remain stabilised.

COASTAL WALKWAY

The Coastal Walkway being constructed between Newport and Avalon has been delayed by a geotechnical issue which has required a redesign. It is anticipated that it will be completed by mid-year.

OFF-LEASH DOG TRIAL AT MONA VALE BEACH (SOUTH)

The trial allowing dogs off leash on Mona Vale Beach (South) from 5.30-10am and 5-9pm each day during daylight saving time and 6-10am and 4-7pm during standard time is proceeding. It is well patronised with most people seemingly careful to observe the rules and dog waste bags available in Robert Dunn Reserve and near the steps to the beach. It is also providing an opportunity for dog owners to fraternise in the Reserve as well as the secluded area of the beach which has been chosen for the trial.

DINGHY RACKS AT CAREEL BAY

Erosion is extensive at Careel Bay and has severely affected the dinghy racks there. New racks are being designed and the area will then be planted to stabilise the bank.
Courtesy Merinda Rose

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY

Clean Up Australia Day is 1 March. Last year 9,200 volunteers cleaned up 98 sites across the Northern Beaches. Clean Up is a volunteer-based event organised by an independent organisation (not the Council). You can volunteer or host a clean up if you know an area which particularly needs it. Register on: register.cleanup.org.au/join-a-clean-up

THE CORNER, 1 BEACH ROAD, PALM BEACH

The Corner, with chef Sam Kane and The Boathouse Group, has been awarded one hat in the current Good Food Guide. Sam Kane was previously Head Chef at Bert’s in Newport. However, we have now heard that The Corner is closing after five months as they say that bookings were not strong enough to sustain the venue outside peak summer trade. Perhaps they may rethink. There is a real gap in the market here for fish and chips and other family food. Why not try that? There would be all year round demand although obviously less in the winter.

MANLY WRITERS’ FESTIVAL

Manly Writers’ Festival 2026 will take place 19-22 March. Further information including Program and Tickets can be found on: http://manlywritersfestival.org.au

MEMBERS NEWS

PBWBA member Maurice Renshaw was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia on Australia Day this year for services to the pharmaceutical industry.

Max Petrie, long term member of the Association died on 9 February aged 88 after a fall. For many years Maxd and his wife Janet hosted charity event ‘The Biggest Morning Tea’ at their home in Pacific Road with proceeds going to the Cancer Council.

DID YOU KNOW?

This is the ‘average’ Australian (according to the 2021 Census)

• Median Age 38 (1.5%)
• Female (50.7%)
• Country of Birth – Australia (66.1%)
• Language spoken at home – English (72%)
• Highest year of school completed – Year 12 or equivalent (46.4%)
• 3.2% of Australia’s total population is Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (in 2021 the population was 25 million but as of June 2024 it was estimated to be 27 million)
• Tasmania has the highest Australian born population (79%) and Victoria the lowest (65%) 73% of the population live in major cities
• 3 bedroom houses are the most common form of housing (occupied by 37% of the population)

AVALON BEACH LIBRARY

Tickets are $10 and are available from Avalon Library

OTHER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

• Next Coffee Morning – Tuesday 31 March, 10.30 am at the Pacific Club
• Next Committee Meeting – Monday 9 March, 7 pm at the Pacific Club
• Annual General Meeting – Tuesday 28 April, 7 pm at Club Palm Beach
• Christmas Coffee Morning – Tuesday 24 November, 10.30 am at the Pacific Club
• Christmas Cocktail Party – Sunday 29 November, 6-8.30pm at Dunes, Governor Phillip Park

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns and thoughts.
Email: info@pbwba.org.au or the
President,
Frank Bush
0412 105 509

Council workmen in Governor Phillip Park