NEWSLETTER – MAY/JUNE 2026

Palm Beach Wharf (photo courtesy Susi Hanke)

Even though it’s Winter and things seem to have quietened down in Palm Beach and Whale Beach we continue to be busy researching, attending meetings, reviewing development applications, representing and advocating for the interests and concerns of residents, ratepayers and small businesses of Palm Beach and Whale Beach; promoting, protecting and enhancing the local amenity, heritage, natural and built environment and community wellbeing; liaising with and making representations and submissions to all levels of government and relevant authorities on matters affecting the community; fostering communication, cooperation and social activities amongst members.

We hope you might be able to find the time to attend one of our monthly Coffee Meetings, especially if you haven’t been before. We value and welcome your thoughts and suggestions.

CONTENTS

DAN MURPHY LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION – UPDATE

The NSW Office of Liquor Gaming NSW has approved the Dan Murphy application for a packaged liquor outlet at Careel Bay shops (where Oliver’s Pies is located) subject to an NCAT review.

Link: APP-0015360276 : New licence – packaged liquor – bottle shop

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) conducts ‘de novo’ merit reviews of licensing decisions made by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) or Liquor & Gaming NSW. These reviews allow stakeholders to have complex liquor applications and appeals heard afresh by the tribunal; in other words NCAT looks at the decision as if it were making the decision for the first time based on the law, facts and evidence available at the time of the review.

The applicant can be any third party (such as local councils, police, or community groups) who previously lodged a submission and are unhappy with the ILGA’s approval.

Accordingly PBWBA and the Careel Bay Residents Group have each filed a separate request to appeal and, if the request is accepted, we will represent ourselves.

We will prepare a detailed, comprehensive submission stating, among other things, that we believe the decision, for many reasons, is not the correct or preferable decision and fails to satisfy the requirements of the Liquor Act 2007 (NSW).

We will seeks orders that:

1. The decision be set aside; and
2. The licence application be refused.

View the DA for the complex which was approved by the L & E Court here: DA 1-3- Careel Head Rd Avalon Beach. You will note that more than 100 objections were lodged including one from the Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby, Northern Sydney Local Health District and The Avalon Preservation Association (Boaden).

Once we have prepared our objection you will be able to view it on our website and we can discuss it at our next Coffee Meeting.

NEW DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN (DCP)

Northern Beaches Council has endorsed public exhibition of a new clearer set of draft planning rules, to support consistent decision making and better community outcomes in the development of land and housing across the Northern Beaches area.

The proposed Development Control Plan (DCP) has been more than 5 years in the making, informed by a series of technical studies and several rounds of community consultation.

The draft DCP will consolidate the existing controls contained in Manly, Pittwater, and Warringah DCPs.
Mayor Heins has stated that together the LEP and DCP seek to

• Protect the environment, views and local heritage
• Respect and preserve local character
• Put housing in the right places to meet different needs
• Reduce urban heat and support resilient and sustainable development
• Protect jobs and employment areas
• Avoid development in hazardous and rural areas
• Create liveable communities with more trees, facilities and sustainable transport

For most of the former Pittwater, changes will be small and there does not appear to be any significant increase in the scale or density of development.

The draft Local Environment Plan (LEP) is currently with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for agreement to progress to Community consultation. As the LEP and DCP are interdependent, Council plans to exhibit the two plans at the same time, hopefully sometime in July.

Link: A proposal for clearer and more consistent planning rules for the Northern Beaches

THE MEMBER FOR PITTWATER – JACQUI SCRUBY

Jacqui Scruby, MP joined us at our May Committee Meeting.

She updated us on local matters and we discussed many of our concerns and queries including –

• Northern Beaches Hospital – please contact her office with feedback of your first hand experiences both positive and negative.
• Mona Vale 24/7 Urgent Care Centre and other onsite services such as Breastscreen. We believe this precinct is underutilised. There isn’t even signage on Pittwater Rd to indicate it’s location or services available!
• Ambulance services – Narrabeen station will be upgraded and retained. It has intensive care ambulances. Avalon is maintained as a full service station with “regular’ ambulances, not intensive care.
• Lack of response from NPWS to our letter regarding the state of the buildings in the Lighthouse precinct on Barrenjoey Headland and no formation of a Community Consultation Group as promised. We also expressed our concern with the lack of coordination between emergency services, Surf Clubs and other authorities when there is a serious incident/accident on the Headland.

The Lighthouse precinct

Cottage – Dilapidated interior 2023

• Norma Rd overland flow
• Antisocial behaviour of youth locally
• E Bikes

Ms Scruby advises anyone with issues or concerns regarding youth behaviour or E-bikes to report your own experiences to the Police and to her office so incidents can be logged and data collected.

PITTWATER COMMUNITY FORUM REPORT

Along with around 100 people we attended the first Pittwater Community Forum, held by Jacqui Scruby at the Newport Community Centre on June 10th.

Jacqui gave an update on a number of important local issues, including:

• Mona Vale Rd (contractor expected to be selected early next year)
• Wakehurst Parkway (western end work has commenced; flooding issues are still being considered)
• Empty Shopfronts (a complex issue)
• Community Improvement Program has been introduced by the NSW Government (local business areas can apply for funds for business activation or area improvements; these supplement the Uptown Grant programme)
• E-bikes (another complex issue; she has introduced a private member’s bill to encourage education, licensing, registration and insurance)
• DA Process (admitted that the NSW Government is making it difficult for residents; she tried to introduce amendments to the Act but got very little Parliamentary support)
• Dan Murphy Careel Bay (the development has been approved by the Land & Environment Court and the Liquor License has been approved by Liquor and Gaming NSW; she was aware of one appeal to NCAT and was advised that the PBWBA has also lodged an appeal

The updates included strong and valuable input from the residents in attendance.

The next Pittwater Community Forum will be held on Wednesday 2 September 6pm at Avalon Beach Surf Club. RSVP Pittwater Community Forum

SIGNIFICANT TREES

We met recently with NBC Manager Parks & Open Space Jeremy Smith and Cr Miranda Korzy to discuss the health, maintenance and history of several significant trees in Palm Beach. We were really pleased to hear that the Northern Beaches LGA has the fastest growing area of tree canopy in Australia (excluding National Parks). Peter and Ros Verrills joined us and provided invaluable local knowledge and history for which we are so appreciative.

A register of Significant Trees will be developed by Council hopefully by the end of the year. A tree can be nominated for several reasons including scientific, social, historic, aesthetic and habitat.

The Poinciana in Iluka Road was planted in 1954 from a seedling obtained from the Botanical Gardens in Sydney. Although not native it is considered a fine example of this specimen and will be nominated for listing on the Council’s Significant Tree Register. In the past Council arborists were able to prevent severe damage occurring to the tree from an insect infestation.

The Poinciana in Iluka Rd in full bloom in Summer

Iluka Park street tree

BEFORE – The magnificent tree in Iluka Park

AFTER – Authorities had to lop the tree branches to make it safe after storm damage. Electrical contractors also had to lop/prune branches as they were interfering with overhead wires.

The tree has had all its branches removed and is now in its final flush of growth. As it is stable and still provides habitat it will remain in place for the time being. We have requested Council to erect a sign explaining what has happened and that another tree will be planted in the vicinity in the near future.

The Pandanus trees on Snapperman Beachfront

The Pandanus trees on Snapperman Beachfront are unique specimens which will be nominated for the Significant Tree Register. The “clump” is actually a male and a female Pandanus and these are believed to be the most southerly dual (M&F) clump in existence. It is believed they were planted in 1948. The sign explaining the history of the trees has disappeared but will be replaced by Council. We have been assured the trees will regenerate after the damage they have suffered.

The Norfolk Pine near the boat ramp on Sand Point Beach

The Norfolk Pine near the boat ramp on Sand Point beach is monitored every three months by Council and is considered a significant specimen. Although part of the roots are exposed by erosion we are assured that the tree is in great health, is very stable and will outlast the houses behind it.

In Governor Phillip Park we discussed the area of coastal heath vegetation known as “the spine” of the tombolo (between the ocean and Pittwater). Council view it as “sacred” and it must be left alone, natural, wild and including the dead banksias which have their purpose re habitat, erosion protection and soil development.

GOVERNOR PHILLIP PARK (GPP) COMMUNITY WORKING GROUP

The draft Plan of Management (PoM) for Gov Phillip Park is currently being reviewed by The Dept of Crown Lands and should be ready for Community consultation hopefully in July. The formation of the GPP Community working group will be finalised shortly with their first meeting to be held in July. This group will include one representative each from PBWBA, the North Palm Beach Surf Club, the Golf Club, The Joey, The Dunes, Pittwater Natural Heritage Assoc and 3 members of the Community. The Working Group’s role includes advising Council on proposed improvements to Governor Phillip Park.

OSPREY NEST STRUCTURE – HITCHCOCK PARK, CAREEL BAY

Photo courtesy of Les Irwig via Council website

You might remember that a 23-metre-high osprey nesting pole was installed in Hitchcock Park in late 2025 to entice ospreys to nest and raise their young high above the treetops and away from human disturbance. The eastern osprey, which is protected, prefers to nest somewhere with commanding views of their fishing grounds. This behaviour has caused some osprey pairs to establish nests on top of cranes used in developments in Palm Beach and Whale Beach and these ospreys can’t be moved.

To encourage nesting Council recently added some branches on top of the pole to provide a basic nest structure and within a week an osprey pair moved in!

The larger female incubates two to three white eggs with brown blotches for about 40 days. Young ospreys stay with their mother until they leave the nest at around 9 weeks.

To help monitor success of the project, Community members are encouraged to share observations of any birds at the nest by emailing biodiversity@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS’ PROGRAMME

This programme commenced in May and is ongoing with a completion date to be confirmed. The aim is to help make our local residential streets safer, calmer and quieter. Flat topped speed humps, roundabouts and lowered speed limit signs will be installed making it safer for pedestrians, bike riders and drivers. You may have already noticed newly installed flat top speed humps in Bynya Rd and in Pacific Road and shrub clearing in preparation for a mountable roundabout at the junction of Surf Rd and Bynya Rd.

Flat top speed hump

Pacific Road

Bynya Road

PACIFIC ROAD, PALM BEACH – STREET LIGHTS

Council has undertaken a street lighting review in Pacific Road. A street light assessment report has been received and an upgrade proposal undertaken by an independent lighting consultant. Council are seeking feedback on a proposal for additional streetlights at the intersection of Pacific Road with Bynya Road (on pole PB02164 and PB67240), and opposite No. 27 Pacific Road (on pole PB67254). A new streetlight between No. 78 & 80 will also be installed as part of the private development process.

Link: https://northernbeaches-transport-network.app.oneblink.io/forms/14194. You will then be directed to an on-line form. Please respond by selecting I Support or I Do Not Support by 17 June 2026.

The matter may then be raised for consideration at the Northern Beaches Council Local Transport Forum.

DEVELOPMENT – “GET THE SIGHT RIGHT” – POLLUTION PREVENTION BLITZ

Council staff recently inspected 97 building sites across the Northern Beaches as part of the ‘Get the Site Right’ campaign, including a Blitz Day on 19 March 2026.

The campaign focuses on preventing pollution incidents from building sites by promoting best-practice erosion, sediment and waste controls. “Get the Site Right” is a joint effort involving NSW councils, Coastal Catchment Groups, WaterNSW, the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

Council will continue to monitor building sites across the Northern Beaches, with the next “Get the Site Right” campaign planned for August 2026.

This is welcome news as we often notice runoff from developments polluting Pittwater directly and entering drains which ultimately flow into the ocean.

PALM BEACH POOL

Palm Beach Pool Works

Pedestrian access to the rockpool at the southern end of Palm Beach is being upgraded.This will involve replacing the bitumen pathway with concrete, improving drainage and installing a stainless-steel handrail along the seawall. Work has commenced and will take 2-3 weeks to complete, weather permitting.

There has been some concern and questions about fishing and collecting marine creatures such as sea urchins in the ocean beside the pool. We have sought clarification from the A/Manager, Marine Planning, Fisheries & Forestry Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and understand the following .

“The Palm Beach rock pool area is not within the Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve. The aquatic reserve extends from the northern end of Palm Beach around Barrenjoey Head to the northern end of Station Beach, and out to 100 metres offshore. The reserve rules prohibiting the collection of sea urchins therefore do not apply to the Palm Beach pool area.

Within Barrenjoey Head Aquatic Reserve, the collection of sea urchins and most other marine invertebrates is prohibited. Outside the aquatic reserve, sea urchins may be taken provided fishers comply with NSW recreational fishing rules, including relevant bag limits, licensing requirements and any other applicable fishing closures or restrictions.

In relation to signage, NSW Dept of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is responsible for signage relating to fisheries rules and aquatic reserve boundaries. Northern Beaches Council manages Palm Beach rock pool and associated public-area signage for the pool and surrounds. As the location you have identified is outside the aquatic reserve, DPIRD would not normally install aquatic reserve warning signage at that location.

If you observe suspected illegal fishing activity, such as collecting from within the aquatic reserve or fishers exceeding bag limits, please report it to Fishers Watch on 1800 043 536 or via Report Illegal Activity. Useful information includes the date, time, exact location, number of people involved and any photos or vehicle/vessel details, where it is safe and appropriate to obtain them”.

DIGITAL PARKING PERMITS

The new Digital Beach Parking Permit system will roll out in July/August. The new digital system will replace physical parking permits (which are currently included in the annual rates’ notice). Digital permits will be linked to specific vehicle registrations, simplifying the application and renewal process. Rate payers and existing permit holders will receive instructions on how and when to apply for a new permit in advance of the expiry of their current permits. Council will provide a lot of further information as the roll out gets closer.

AVALON SHARED SPACES PLAN

The Sydney Water mains pipe works will continue until at least September – weather permitting. After completion Council will continue work on the shared spaces plan. In December 2025 Nangle Pty Ltd won the tender for design services for streetscape upgrades, including the seating, other infrastructure and plantings in the shared space. Nangle, as the landscape architect, will lead a team of experts including civil, hydraulic and stormwater engineers.

The design will be in keeping with the character of Avalon Beach and it will be put out for Community consultation when ready.

AVALON LIBRARY

– insights and news about your library service.

Why wouldn’t you join a library when it is free? The Northern Beaches Council runs an excellent library service and funds a unique experiment at Avalon.

The Avalon Community Library is mainly staffed by volunteers, over 60 of them, and offers a personal library service 7 days a week. Unlike most community libraries, Avalon Community Library connects you to the whole of the Northern Beaches Library Service. By joining Avalon Library you can borrow from any library in the Northern Beaches Local Government Area. You can drop in to Mona Vale Library for something to read on the bus and return the book at Avalon when you are finished, or if you see something in the library catalogue that you want to read but it is held in Manly you can request that the book sent to Avalon Community Library for you to collect. A courier delivers your requests to the library three times a week.

Avalon Library children’s area

Change is underway. Avalon Community Library has an ongoing programme of evaluating and improving the use of the space. The popular children’s area has new furniture and a new layout. The colourful new furniture has been well received by the young borrowers who love to rearrange it. Visit this space and see the difference.

There is something new in the digital world. For those of you who use BorrowBox you may have noticed a new icon, ePress, at the bottom of the home page. It gives you access to a large collection of Australian and international newspapers. You can read the Sydney Morning Herald for free, and dip into The Hindustan Times or The Independent from the UK. If you want to know more about BorrowBox drop in to the Avalon Community Library.They are happy to explain how it works and help you set it up on your device.

The author talks hosted by the Avalon Community Library continue to be a success. They take place in the Avalon Recreation Centre at 5:45pm. You must book, refreshments are included and the cost is $10. Next talk is Amanda Hampson on 17th June.

THE LOCAL SURF CLUBS – A BIG THANK YOU!

Patrol Season 2025/2026 Wrap-Up (extracts from Surf Club presidents’ reports).

A sincere thank you from PBWBA to all the Surf Club members who contributed to the 2025/2026 season. Their dedication – often giving up weekends, early mornings, and personal time – ensures that North Palm Beach, Palm Beach and Whale Beach remain safe places for our Community and visitors alike.

PALM BEACH SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB – Mark Highfield

The season was also definitely the “Year of the Shark”. Some tragic incidents at Dee Why, in the Harbour and at North Steyne Beach highlighted the need for vigilance by our patrollers. Unfortunately it was a perfect storm – migratory sharks, their senses heightened by big bait balls of fish that had come close into shore following large rainfall in late December, made their presence felt along the coast. It’s fair to say that beach goer numbers were down on last year as apprehension caused many to stay at home.

On the competition front we enjoyed some success – our U/23 Girls rowing crew the Pina Coladas were selected to represent Australia, our Surf Boat relay team won the Gold medal at the Australian Championships, and Fiona Rae (one of our Masters competitors) was singularly successful by winning Gold in the single ski at the Branch, State and Australian Championships in her age category.

One notable milestone that was achieved this year is that 2025 was the 40th Anniversary of women being allowed to join the Club. Palm Beach is blessed to have so many talented women who are willing to spend time patrolling and competing. Along with the boys they ensure that our beaches are kept safe. They all look forward to opening the season again in September.”

NORTH PALM BEACH SLSC – Jon Erickson

North Palm Beach

North Palm Beach – Near Barrenjoey Headland

“The 2025/2026 patrolling season at North Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club has once again highlighted the strength, resilience, and community spirit that define our club.

Operating across one of Sydney’s most dynamic and exposed stretches of coastline -from Station Beach through to Black Rock – our patrol teams faced a season of mixed conditions, including powerful swells and unpredictable rips. With Sharks on everyone’s minds, attendance across the season was down on previous years’ heavy beach attendance during peak periods. Despite these challenges, our members consistently delivered a safe and welcoming environment for all beachgoers.

With a small patrol base, the commitment shown by our active members and reserves has been exceptional. Week in and week out, our patrols stepped up to ensure full coverage, often going above and beyond to fill gaps and maintain operational readiness.
This season reinforced what makes North Palm Beach unique – while we may be smaller than some neighboring clubs, our cohesion, reliability, and pride in what we do set us apart.

Throughout the season, our patrol teams responded to a wide range of incidents, including Search and Rescues with Emergency Service teams, rescues at Barrenjoey headland, first aid treatments, and preventative actions. With a Jet ski now permanently stationed at the Club, this has assisted in faster response times

The use of patrol support assets, including the ATV and coordinated surveillance of high-risk areas, ensured that we could respond quickly and effectively across our extended patrol zone.

Nth Palm Beach is relatively remote. The rocks can be treacherous at the foot of the headland.”

WHALE BEACH – Brett Babicci

From the bottom of my heart: thank you for your contribution to Whale Beach SLSC this season. You kept our beach safe, our club running and our community strong.

Again for another season, no lives were lost at Whale Beach; and that never happens by accident. It happens because people show up. Week after week. Patrol after patrol. It happens because our members choose service over convenience and community over “someone else will do it.”

We didn’t get to run The Big Swim this year, but the decision was made for the right reasons and with safety at the centre.
The Big Swim Planning Committee made the difficult call to cancel the 2026 event due to increased shark activity and water pollution levels, based on expert advice and monitoring of conditions. The cancellation was only the second time in 52 years the event has been called off which shows how serious the circumstances were. Local reporting also noted the cancellation followed a spate of shark incidents and concerns about conditions after heavy rain.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to Whale Beach SLSC this season, in any way, big or small. A surf club is built on participation, Every hour given, every job done, all adds up. The strength of Whale Beach SLSC has always been we are a small club with a big heart”.

MAY COFFEE MEETING REPORT

Why do Arts & Culture matter?

Did you know that, according to the last Census, there are 3000 plus local businesses and 11 832 people employed in the arts and creative industries in our LGA? It is estimated that $915 million gross value is added to the economy.

Josephine Bennett, Council’s Manager – Arts & Culture was the guest speaker at the May Coffee Meeting and provided an interesting, thoughtful overview of our creative Communities and Council’s role. The Northern Beaches has been a place for cultural practices for tens of thousands of years and creatives of all forms have long been attached to this region due to its unique and varying natural landscapes, beach culture and like minded Community values. The Manly Art Gallery & Museum (MAG&M), the Glen Street Theatre, Creative Spaces in Avalon, Mona Vale and Curl Curl, Public Art, the Coastal Walk Public Art are well worth visiting and exploring. Council’s interactive “Culture Map Live” is a useful resource providing information about creative opportunities such as dance, pottery classes, music tuition and galleries in our local area.

If you’d like to find out what’s on at these various locations or to subscribe to newsletters please click the following links –

• Culture Map
• Live Things to Do – Arts & Culture
  

“NIGHT SKY” MANLY ART GALLERY

In celebration of Palm Beach headland’s recognition as a Night Sky Place an exhibition of works from Manly Art Gallery’s Collection for Environmental Art & Design (CEAD) will be held from 12 June to 2 August 2026. The exhibition invites you to look up and experience the night sky in all its mystery, infinity and solitude through art.

Open 10am to 5pm Tuesday – Sunday. Entry is free. Ph: 8495 5036

Wendy Sharpe, “Autumn Night, Manly”, 2019, oil on canvas. MAG&M Collection

“PASTANCE”

Celebrate midwinter with Pastance, in a journey across the centuries, presenting music from medieval and Renaissance Europe alongside traditional folk arrangements.

Sydney based ensemble Pastance bring together a diversity of musical ingredients; harp, lute, recorders, fiddles, gittern/guitar, shawm, gemshorn, percussion and vocals are used in unique arrangements to create a remarkable sound.

They explore a vast variety of music ranging from Celtic/folk, the medieval period, through the Renaissance and Baroque to original compositions by Alex Cronin.

Pastance at Manly Art Gallery & Museum
Sunday 21st June 4pm – 6pm

Currently there is a waitlist for tickets.

NEXT COFFEE MEETING

“PATHWAYS TO PARADISE” ROBERT MACKINNON
10:30am Monday 29th June

Strange names, creative solutions and curious connections.

Have you ever wondered why there’s a Lane Cove Road that runs off Mona Vale Road at Ingleside? Or a Pittwater Road that passes through Gladesville and Boronia Park? Travelling overland from Sydney to Palm Beach and Whale Beach has never been easy. Discover some of the creative and laugh out loud bizarre transport solutions that have been deployed over the years and of the curious connection between Banjo Patterson, Henry Lawson and D.H. Lawrence when it comes to travelling to Sydney’s Northern Peninsula.

Join us at our next Coffee Morning from 10:30am Monday 29th June at The Pacific Club to hear PBWBA Secretary Robert Mackinnon outline the fascinating history of travelling overland to the tip of Sydney’s Northern Peninsula over the past 238 years.

F G Geddes 1917 4cyl Model R Hupmobile Tourer passing Observation Point
(courtesy Geddes family collection)

Robert’s talks are always so interesting and enjoyable and he welcomes, encourages and values your input of local knowledge, memorabilia and memories.

CHEMICAL CLEAN OUT

– Sat 27 & Sun 28 Jun, 9am – 3.30pm

This NSW Government program is a free service.

Location: Mona Vale beach car park Surfview Road Mona Vale

Safely dispose of potentially hazardous household chemicals, rather than in your household bin.

Find out what you can take to the Chemical CleanOut event and how to store and transport your unwanted chemicals safely.
Link: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/household-chemical-cleanout

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING

Monday July 13th at The Pacific Club – 6pm (please note earlier start during Winter).
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

Whale Beach