Whale Beach
The uncertain and stormy weather has continued into March perhaps reflecting the turbulence of the global scene. Areas in Palm Beach and Whale Beach such as Barrenjoey Road at Careel Bay have flooded as they regularly do and we are particularly concerned about Norma Road where the situation is serious and residents have made many representations to the Council over the last nine years to no avail. Details follow in the main newsletter. The Council have issued the draft of the Middle Harbour Flood Study 2026 covering Davidson, Belrose, Frenchs Forest, Forestville and Killarney Heights where they have identified 1,466 proprties as flood-prone, a substantial increase on the 865 properties previously identified. Updated technology has led to the identification of many elevated houses or properties on steep blocks as at risk due to overland flow paths. Other flood studies are also being undertaken by Northern Beaches Council and risk areas identified are shown on NB Council’s Flood Hazard Map (https://northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/environment/natural-hazards/flooding).
An Avalon to Palm Beach Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan was done in 2017 and is available on the SES NSW Flood Data Portal: https://flooddata.ses.nsw.gov.au/ You can check the status of your property in the Northern Beaches Floodplain Risk Management Process and know your risk on: https://northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/services/emergency-preparedness/know-your-risk
CONTENTS
CLIMATE CHANGE AND NATURAL HAZARDS
Whale Beach from Norma Road
The Minns Government is in many ways streamlining the planning process to provide more homes while saying it seeks to ensure that new homes can withstand the extreme weather and disasters caused by climate change. However, the Climate Change and Natural Hazards SEPP supports more buildings being built in hazardous areas and in places where there is considerable impact on the natural environment. Details can be found on: https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/draftplans/under-consideration/climate-change-and-natural-hazards-sepp
Major Australian insurers have been restricting or pausing the sale of new home insurance policies in specific high-risk, flood-prone and bushfire prone areas in an attempt to manage their exposure to risk with the increase in natural disasters and extreme weather events. Local Councils have a responsibility to understand and manage the flood risk in their area and keep the community informed. They must also give due consideration to potential flooding when developments are considered in flood-prone land and are responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of flood mitigation works.
An Emergency Services Levy is charged on insurance policies and local council rates and it funds approxiately 85% of the operating budgets of the critical emergency services including Fire and Rescue NSW, the Rural Fire Service and the State Emergency Services. The Premier has undertaken to make changes to this levy to spread the load more evenly.
COUNCIL
Northern Beaches Council has been identified as the Council which received more complaints than any other Council in NSW in the 2024-25 financial year. This is the finding of the Office of Local Government. NB Council received 153 complaints, mostly related to the special rate increase and the Council’s general financial management. No. 2 on the complaints list was Clarence Valley Council which received 114 complaints.
To put things in perspective:
- Northern Beaches Council area had approximately 270,772 residents in 2024
- Clarence Valley Council area had approximately 56,037 residents in 2024
PLANNING – DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
1164 Barrenjoey Road DA2024/1619
This development application seeks to replace a one-storey house with a five-storey 4-bedroom house with a pool and include works within the road reserve.
It was considered by the Council’s Development Determination Panel and formally refused on 30 April 2025 on the grounds of excessive bulk and scale with excessive excavation and inconsistency with its C4 Environmental Living zoning, desired future character of Palm Beach, including nearby heritage properties, and its scenic location. It was also thought likely to disturb relics of Aboriginal significance. There were 36 different breaches of the Pittwater LEP and DCP.
The developer then took the case to the Land & Environment Court and a Conciliation Conference was held nearby on Tuesday, 10 March, 2026, presided over by Commissioner Walsh. The Association’s President took part to support residents who would be substantially affected and to uphold the principle that the application is clearly outside the planning controls and not in the public interest. The Council had instructed a barrister to put the Council’s case. The location of the development will make any development difficult as access is onto Barrenjoey Road close to Herminie’s Landing and the application shows 4 car spaces which would not allow forward movement onto Barrenjoey Road, essential for safety.
We await the Court’s determination.
16 Beauty Drive DA2025/1715
Courtesy Dr. Paul Sanders
This is a large development where the Council made a formal Request for Information in which they expressed certain concerns such astheamount of excavation, setback and privacy. Some of these have since been addressed but how the development construction of the residence will be handled is a major concern. The site is located at the end of a narrow private right of way off Beauty Drive which is the only access or egress for all the development traffic and the neighbours in the adjoining houses. The estimated duration of the build is 22 months. During working hours Beauty Drive is already full of cars and it is not clear how it will accommodate additional trade vehicles without completely blocking the road. A very detailed traffic and construction management plan will need to be compiled and regular checks made to ensure compliance.
1102 Barrenjoey Road Mod2026/0019 Fish and Chip Shop site
Another Modification has been lodged for the Fish and Chip Shop site development. The Council has again asked for further information. The main issues are the bulk and scale of the development. Overall they say the modifications described are inconsistent with the design intent of the approved development (it was approved by the Land & Environment Court) and with the established character of the locality. The bulk and scale impacts the heritage property Barrenjoey House and the developers have been asked to address these concerns. Heritage raised two concerns – the proposed alteration of the level of the two dormers and the use of glass balustrades. The resulting prominence and visual clutter of the roof scape of the building is contrary to and disruptive of the present simplicity of the proposed building in its overall setting.
826 Barrenjoey Road DA2025/1888
This DA proposes to subdivide one lot into two and construct a new driveway and retaining walls. Council has issued an 11 page request for further information raising many issues.
BEYOND THE BEACH, 100 YEARS OF THE PALM BEACH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
A poster from the archives
Palm Beach
Beyond the Beach celebrates one hundred years of The Palm Beach Surf and Lifesaving Club. It follows the Club from its formation in 1921 after two people, including the World War 1 veteran Lieutenan Colonel Douglas Marks, died at Black Rock and the Palm Beach community banded together to form The Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club. None of the founding members is still alive so we need a record of their stories and how the Club developed. Sir Adrian Curlewis, the ‘Father of Australian Surf Life Saving’ was one of the founders as were members of prominent families such as the Horderns and the Peters. We hear how the decision to purchase a large Palm Beach house as a Clubhouse was made following a disagreement with the Council and how during the Second World War nearly every active Palm Beach member was in uniform and 14 were killed. This summer season has made us more conscious than ever of how essential our Surf Life Savers are and how much they serve the community as they patrol our beaches. This is a record of one of the most historic Surf Life Saving Clubs in NSW and how it has retained its place at the centre of Palm Beach life for more than a century.
A shot from the Rose Series
You can order copies of the book from Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club and they will be for sale at our Coffee Morning on 31 March at 10.30am at the Pacific Club.
FLOODING IN NORMA ROAD
The beginning of the flood which occurred during the first week in March
The residents of Norma Road tell us that 2026 has not been a particularly bad year for them but one of the storms early in March resulted in two householders having to call in the SES and several others having to lodge insurance claims. It is nine years since they informed the Council that Norma Road was prone to flood and there has been no attempt by the Council to improve the situation. Water cascades from Bynya Road into Norma Road and since there is no stormwater drain in Norma Road the water builds up as it comes down the hill and torrents wash into houses which are below the road. At times the speed and volume of the water is sufficient to carry rocks and vegetation, also sometimes the Council garbage bins, along the road creating danger for both pedestrians and vehicles. The residents are forming a group to put pressure on the Council and we are supporting them in any way we can. We have made a submission to the CEO of Northern Beaches Council and this is on our website.
Stop Press
The Council has agreed to clean out a channel on part of the road within the next fortnight but as yet we have no agreement for major capital work.
In addition, we hear from our local member, Jacqui Scruby, that following the recent storms the disaster declaration for the Northern Beaches has been successful which means that some additional recovery assistance is available. We will continue to press for meaningful work to be done in Norma Road.
PALM BEACH POOL
The approximate timing for work to begin is May 2026.
NARRABEEN MAN AND THE INDIGO DEVELOPMENT
The proposed Indigo seniors’ housing development
The proposed Indigo seniors’ housing development by Moran to be built at 156 Ocean Street, Narrabeen on the site of the Wesley Taylor Village has generated significant community opposition. The community group, Better Planning Northern Beaches, opposes the development of 149 independent living appartments rising to 5 to 6 storeys and estimated to cost between $150m and $220m. Objections have centred on its bulk and scale and its proximity to the site where the Narrabeen Man skeleton was discovered in 2005. The skeletal remains are of a young Aboriginal man and thought to be 4,000 years old. He died after being speared, possibly as a ritual killing. The remains were discovered near the corner of Ocean Street and Octavia Street, Narrabeen. The proposed development would require extensive excavation (approximate 11.5m.) as the basement is designed to have 3 storeys and opponents argue that it will possibly destroy unrecorded Aboriginal remains which may be nearby. Northern Beaches Council have opposed the development and there has been a protest rally and a petition. The developer has allowed the empty buildings formerly part of the Wesley Taylor Village to provide a temporary Women’s Shelter.
AVALON
Sydney Water recommenced their work in 16 Old Barrenjoey Road March after the break during the Christmas holiday period and anticipate they will not complete replacing the watermain until September 2026. Allowing for possible delays (weather related!) and the length of time upgrades to Avalon Shared Space and Dunbar Park will take, we do not anticipate that work on the centre of Avalon will start until autumn 2027 so we will have to live with the shabby Shared Space for another year. Nangle Landscape Architects are developing the concept design in the first half of this year, consulting with Avalon Preservation Association. Sydney Water are currently doing routine quality checks on the new watermain between The Crescent and Avalon Parade. This work will be done at night but may involve some potholing and excavation.
SYDNEY CINEMATHEQUE AT THE ART GALLERY OF NSW
The Art Gallery of NSW
The Art Gallery of NSW has upgraded its film program and rebranded it as Sydney Cinematheque. It will show what were some of the most daring screen experiences in Australia when they were made and include films shot in Sydney which give us a unique record of the city. A few examples are: from the 1970s /early 1980s we have the blokey surfie culture (Puberty Blues), the gay scene in the mid 1990s (The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert), Stripclub Kings Cross and Bondi in 1999 (Two Hands) and the Italian/Australian culture of the inner west in the year 2000 (Looking for Alibrandi) or a year later (Lantana). You can also experience the Indigenous culture of Blacktown, or our special backyard in Palm Beach.
The clash between heritage and development culminating in the death of Juanita Nielsen in the 1980s is portrayed in The Killing of Angel Street, Heatwave, and Rocking the Foundations.
Gillian Armstrong with our own David Elfick made Starstruck which has opened Cinematheque. The scriptwriter, Stepen MacLean, grew up in an apartment above a pub in Melbourne and the screenplay was originally set in Melbourne. However, David Elfick, as producer, switched it to Sydney and it became a hit with young teenagers who saw it many times. It portrayed life around The Rocks and the Opera House in the early 1980s and is part of the Harbour City Cinema which includes a number of Sydney films, documentaries and shorts.
Sessions take place on Wednesdays and weekends in the 339-seat theatre in the Art Gallery.
Enquiries to: ticketing@ag.nsw.gov.au or telephone 02 9225 1700
The program is on the website: https://artgallery.nsw.gov.au
E-BIKES
A typical E-bike around the area
The NSW Government will ban children under 12 from riding e-bikes by the end of 2026 with a transport review investigating whether to raise the age limit to 16. It will also adopt a European standard limiting e-bikes to 250 watts from 2029. There are an estimated 760,000 e-bikes in NSW.
The State MP for Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby, introduced a Private Member’s Bill to the NSW Parliament on 19 March to tackle e-bike safety through licensing and registration, education and accountability. The Road Legislation Amendment (E-Bike Regulation) Bill 2025 redefines e-Bikes as legally different from pushbikes, and expands the Minister’s power to allow licensing and registration, limit speeds on footpaths and collect the data needed to inform future policy.
She has also officially asked the government to:
1. Specifically consult with parents and kids in the Northern Beaches
2. Consider the benefits of licencing and registration in improving safety when considering age restrictions
and is seeking feedback for the Minister to form part of the review by the expert panel. To take part in the survey please follow this link:
https://www.jacquiscruby.com.au/ebikes_survey2?
E-bike training at schools is proving that education and registration works, delivering improved safety and accountability for young riders and a blueprint for reform, Jacqui says. St. Luke’s Grammar School in Dee Why is leading the way. It recently introduced an e-bike program for senior students run by E-Bike Safety Australia (EBSA) in response to community concerns. The program equips young riders with the knowledge and tools to ride responsibly and provide accountability through a Student ID system.
The program is making a positive impact according to the school.
GOVERNOR PHILLIP PARK
Governor Phillip Park
The row of trees in Governor Phillip Park along the edge of Stations Beach are free again! The timber cages which have encircled the Park’s trees have at last been removed after our persistent requests over some years. They can now provide cover for visitors and grow as nature intended with their trunks open to the elements. It has made a real improvement to the amenity and appearance of this section of the Park.
Indian Hawthorn or Raphiolepsis
WILDLIFE AROUND PITTWATER
Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) pictured in a fig tree overlooking Pittwater
The Powerful Owl is one of Australia’s top predators. It can take sizeable prey such as ring-tailed possums and sugar gliders. It has large yellow eyes and a comparatively small head. It forages mainly in tree canopies and looks for large tree hollows to lay eggs, commonly two, breeding between April and September. Incubation takes about 38 days. The male is attentive, guarding the female at a close distance during this time.
DID YOU KNOW? About Palm Beach
Basset-Darley Estate
Palm Beach, Barrenjoey and most of Whale Beach (400 acres) was granted to ship’s surgeon, James Napper, in 1816. In January 1900 all the land was put up for auction, resulting in two parcels of it (around 40 acres) being sold. Prices varied from £9 10s up to £12 per acre! At a second auction in June that year the remaining land was divided into 18 large blocks and listed as ‘good grazing land’. Unsurprisingly, none of it sold. John Thompson Ralston, a solicitor for the vendor, established the Barrenjoey Land Company in 1911 and bought all remaining blocks for £500. He then set out to market them professionally. His first auction was held in January 1912, this time in smaller residential blocks, offering fishing, sailing, golf* and rowing. All lots sold. Most houses at that time had sandstone foundations or were built entirely in sandstone, usually quarried on site from sandstone resources nearby. Other building materials, such as timber, were shipped to Palm Beach Wharf which had been built by the Barrenjoey Land Company. Materials arrived from Newport, Bayview or from Eaton’s timber yard at Berry’s Bay, south of present day Waverton.
The southern end of the Ocean Beach was marked Cabbage Tree Boat Harbour on an 1832 map of the area, named of course after the local Cabbage Tree Palm livistona australis.
Golf was obviously important to the residents of Palm Beach. The Golf Club here is one of the oldest in the Sydney metropolitan area being founded in 1924
PARKING METERS
New parking meters
You may have noticed a change to the parking metres in Palm Beach recently. Your Northern Beaches Parking sticker (attached to a windscreen) still applies as usual where permitted. This sticker system will convert to a digital system linked to vehicle registration in the future as the current meters have reached the end of their life. A mix of payment methods will be available across beach and reserve carparks. These will include pay-by-plate meters using credit cards, as well as digital options such as apps or vitual meters to better suit the diverse needs of the community.
You can pay for parking using your smartphone with the app EasyPark (the newest parking app available in the Northern Beaches). There is no additional service fee for using a parking app. Download the free EasyPark app from your app store (Apple or Google) or from https://easypark.com.au
Benefits of the App:
- Receive a notification on your phone when your parking is about to expire to help avoid a fine
- Use a ticketless, environmentally-friendly way to park for your parking, with your number plate acting as your ticket instead of a paper ticket
- Extend parking if the time restriction allows
- Pay using credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
- Keep track of your parking history and receipts
Virtual parking meters will be available in selected Northern Beaches carparks.
For further information click here: DIGITAL PARKING meters
NATIVE RAT REWILDING
Australia’s native rat, Rattus fuscipes
Black rats have successfully invaded Australia although originating in the Indian subcontinent and South East Asia.
However, the reintroduction of native bush rats or ‘Bogul’* at North Head has reduced the black rat population from 112 in 2019 to 9 by May 2021. The project, led by Sydney University, is spreading across the Northern Beaches and North Shore where 100 bush rats are planned for release by May 2026. Native bush rats are highly territorial and once established they are likely to physically drive out invasive black rats. Native rats play a crucial role in pollinating native plants, such as Banksias, dispersing seeds across their adopted area.
*Bogul may have a Welsh or Scottish connection meaning ‘threat’ or ‘terror’
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Next Coffee Meetings
- Tuesday 31 March, 10.30 am at the Pacific Cub “Beyond the Beach” Next Committee Meeting
- Monday 13 April, 7 pm at the Pacific Club The Coffee Meeting scheduled for Monday 27 April has been cancelled as that day has been gazetted a Public Holiday so there will be no Coffee Meeting in April
Christmas Coffee Meeting – Tuesday 24 November, 10.30 am at the Pacific Club
Christmas Cocktail Party – Sunday 29 November, 6-8.30 pm at Dunes, Governor Phillip Park
We wish you all a safe and Happy Easter. We’re hoping for lovely Autumn weather with sunshine and blue skies and happy, relaxing times with friends and family and a chance to enjoy beautiful Palm Beach and Whale Beach.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, concerns and thoughts.
Email: info@pbwba.org.au or the
President, Frank Bush, on 0412 105 509
