Newsletter – July 2026

CONTENTS

APPEAL TO NSW CIVIL & ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL (NCAT) re Dan Murphy packaged liquor licence.

Photos courtesy Careel Bay Residents Assoc (CRBA)

There is significant community disquiet about the recent approval by the Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) for a packaged liquor licence at the proposed Dan Murphy store which is in part of the retail development approved by the Land & Environment Court at 1 3 Careel Head Road, Careel Bay (the site of Oliver’s Pies & Cranzgots Pizza). The approved building includes a proposed childcare centre on one floor. The L & E Court approval did not extend to approval of a liquor store, just the building.

When notice of the intention to apply for a packaged liquor licence for the premises was posted, PBWBA committee decided that the health, safety and well-being of the residents of Palm Beach and Whale Beach and adjoining communities and the welfare of small businesses in those areas (which serve the residents of Palm Beach and Whale Beach) would be best served by objecting to the grant of the licence.

Our credentials for doing this are in the long and genuine interest we have in the area and its Communities. We are a voice for the Community. We believe that it is critically important for that voice to be heard, especially in highly sensitive areas such as the supply/availability of alcohol. The Liquor Act, S. 3.1(a) emphasizes the importance of licensing decisions taking into account the “expectations, needs and aspirations” of the community.

PBWBA opposed the granting of the licence, as did North Sydney Local Health District, on the grounds that installing a high-volume discount liquor outlet — in an area already well served by liquor outlets, beneath a childcare facility, and near four schools, three other education facilities and sports playing fields — was not in the public interest and would carry a negative social impact. The Licence was nevertheless approved.

PBWBA and the Careel Bay Residents Association (CBRA) have now applied to appeal this decision at the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), the only body able to overturn a liquor licence grant. Standing to appeal is tightly restricted to “relevant persons”: those who live within 100m of the site and who also made a submission to ILGA at the time of the original licence application.

The Appeal is a very complex process and at this stage we are proceeding to try to have the Community’s voice heard and be acknowledged as “relevant” persons. We (PBWBA & CBRA) are self-representing but the other parties have legal representation including the Crown Solicitor.

We will keep you informed.

Further detailed background info – click here: Pittwater Online News – Dan Murphy application

DRAFT LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN (LEP) and DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN (DCP)

We strongly encourage everyone to submit your comments about Council’s Draft Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) currently on exhibition. click here: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/LEP-DCP

• Are you happy to see that Pittwater’s locality character statements will be retained?
• What do you think of the 1 metre cumulative excavation limit?
• Escarpments, cliffs, caves, rock outcrops and tree hollows will be protected – are there other topographical features you would like to see added to this list?
• Is there a dedicated Scenic Foreshore Protection Overlay for Pittwater, particularly covering Clareville and Palm Beach?

Do you have thoughts about excavations?

Should it be trees amongst the houses or houses amongst the trees?

Council has placed its draft Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) on public exhibition, and invites your feedback.

Why a new LEP and DCP? Council must regularly review its planning controls to align with relevant state and local planning strategies. The new LEP and DCP will apply to all land across the Northern Beaches, replacing multiple building and development rules with one clear set. This makes it easier to understand what applies and where.

What is proposed? The new LEP and DCP aim to deliver the following intended outcomes:

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

Many of the changes are minor. However, a small number of properties will have new requirements and may be rezoned, better aligning with community expectations and Council’s long term planning goals.

The new rules aim to protect areas of environmental and heritage significance and improve the quality of new development on the Northern Beaches. Local Character Statements included in the draft DCP describe the existing and desired future character of local neighbourhoods and must be considered in the assessment of all new development proposals. The proposed changes are based on several years of work by Council and reflect community feedback received to previous exhibitions of material that informed the LEP and DCP.

How can I find out more? Visit Council’s website to view draft LEP Planning Proposal and draft DCP: https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/LEP-DCP

From here you can also:

• Use the interactive map to look up your property and find out what zoning and permissible uses are proposed
• Read a snapshot (summary document) and fact sheets about key changes
• Watch explanatory videos and read answers to frequently asked questions
• Register for an online webinar, or find an in-person pop-up session near you
• Make a submission using the online form, by email, or in writing. click here: Interactive Map – my property

Palm Beach pool aerial photo Susi Hanke

Will there be more density? Cranes & traffic management plans? Do you have concerns?

Submissions close on 30 August 2026.
council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Hotline: 8495 5034

DIGITAL PARKING PERMITS

The transition of all Northern Beaches Beach Parking Permits to a new digital system has commenced. Information was included with all rate notices.

The new system links permits to car registration, eliminating lost or damaged stickers and reducing opportunities for misuse. Importantly, there are no changes to the permit eligibility.

Council has put in place a range of methods to assist residents through the transition process. This includes a webpage with information on eligibility, FAQs, user instructions, and a how-to video. FAQs Digital Parking Permits

Please see the below link to the Beach Parking Permits webpage for more detailed information.
https://www.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/services/parking/beach-parking-permits

Council’s customer service staff are also able to assist over the phone, via 1300 434 434, or in-person at Mona Vale Customer Service Centre, Park St Mona Vale.

THE MEMBER FOR PITTWATER – JACQUI SCRUBY

The Pittwater Electorate Office has moved to a new, more accessible location in Mona Vale village. The new site now offers wheelchair access and better parking for constituents, meets health and safety requirements, and will allow Jacqui and her electorate office team to deliver services more effectively to the Pittwater community.

The new Pittwater Electorate office address is the old TAB site – 3/13 Waratah St, Mona Vale (Enter via Bungan St).
Office hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Ph: 9999 359 or pittwater@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Join Jacqui Scruby MP for a Community Forum at the Avalon Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Wednesday 2 September at 6:00pm at Avalon Beach Surf Club.

This is an opportunity to hear directly from her about the State issues affecting Pittwater, including local infrastructure, transport, planning, health, community safety and the environment.

There will also be time for questions from the community, so residents can raise the issues that matter most to them and hear how Jacqui is advocating for Pittwater in NSW Parliament. Click here for RSVP and details.

MONA VALE HOSPITAL PRECINCT 2026

There has been a great deal of publicity and news recently about the Northern Beaches Hospital at French’s Forest but little about the services available in the former Mona Vale Hospital precinct.

Mona Vale Urgent Care Centre open 24/7

Mona Vale Hospital has been re-purposed and now provides the following services:

• A 24/7 Urgent Care Centre (UCC)
• 56-bed inpatient rehabilitation and assessment
• 10-bed inpatient and outpatient palliative care
• 10-bed inpatient geriatric evaluation and management (GEM)
• Radiology, pathology and pharmacy
• Dental Clinic
• Community health
• Other see below

The hospital is integrated with Northern Beaches Hospital and various Community Health Centres.

The Urgent Care Centre (UCC) has been open since 2018 and replaced the Emergency Department of the old Mona Vale Hospital. It is a public outpatient clinic for minor illnesses and injuries and is open 24/7. It is walk-in with no appointment required, and it is a free service for Medicare eligible patients. It is staffed by experienced doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals who treat 70 patients per day on average. There are limited radiology and pathology services but no on site specialist services. Patients that are acutely unwell and/or requiring further specialist care (about one in ten presentations) will be referred to the Emergency Department at Northern Beaches Hospital or Royal North Shore Hospital. There is an on-site ambulance station with intensive care paramedics.

For more details, check the following link: Mona Vale Hospital Services

Rehabilitation Services include orthopaedic, neurology and stroke, amputee and cardiac. The beach side setting and views of the golf course provide a pleasant environment.

Other services provided by MVH:

• Pediatric occupational therapy, Pediatric speech pathology, Pediatric physiotherapy, Early childhood services
• Community adult, youth and child mental health
• Adult musculoskeletal physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy,
• Podiatry clinic, Diabetes clinic, Dietetics
• Community drug and alcohol service, Community nursing service, Carer support services, Chronic disease community rehabilitation services, Community aged care/rehabilitation service, Continence service
• Outreach maternity antenatal clinic

WHALE BEACH

The coffee counter at The Deck Cafe

On a clear Winter’s day Whale Beach remains a beautiful and peaceful place for a walk along the beach, relax in the sun or a swim in the ocean or the rockpool.

Coffee and nibbles are available from The Deck Cafe at the Surf Club Thursdays to Sundays 8.30am until 2pm.

The public gas BBQ on the beach edge opposite the Surf Club comes in handy for cooking a picnic lunch while the kids play in the adjacent playground.

As an added bonus parking is plentiful!

Mobys on Whale Beach Rd serves Italian inspired food and is open for lunch and dinner (winter trading hours at present) with a coffee cart on weekends from 8am to 1.30pm. Delizioso e buon appetito!

The stormwater pipes in the middle of the beach are to be upgraded as they need repair and do not have the capacity for the volume of stormwater generated in the catchment. Council is reviewing options and when plans are finalised there will be Community Consultation.

We have requested that the splintered and damaged wooden railings at the southern end of the beach near the other stormwater outlet be repaired.

COFFEE MEETINGS – COME ALONG!

Our monthly informal Coffee Meetings, held at The Pacific Club on either the last Monday or last Tuesday of the month, are a great way to discuss your issues and concerns and hear the latest news from Council, State and Federal Govt and other entities which concern Palm Beach and Whale Beach and the wider Northern Beaches LGA.

We often have a guest speaker and recent topics have included highlights of the history of travel to Palm Beach by land and by sea, the new Digital parking Permits, Avalon Library resources, Arts & Culture in the LGA. Planning & Development, AvPals computer courses and the NSW State Library exhibition about life in Palm Beach in the 1930s.

They are also a wonderful opportunity to meet and catch up with other residents, neighbours, friends and members of our Community.

At times we have had up to 50 people in attendance.

Dates and details are on the PBWBA website https://pbwba.org.au/calendar-events/

Councillors Korzy and Dillon usually join us as well as Andrew Johnston, Council’s Community Liaison Coordinator who provides updates and guidance on local issues. We really appreciate their attendance.

As we are unable to provide refreshments you are welcome to support your favourite local cafe and BYO coffee/tea. We thank The Pacific Club for allowing us to hold our meetings in such a lovely space.

The next meeting will be held on Monday 31st August at 10.30am. Details to come.

UPDATES & SNIPPETS

Shared Space Avalon – public toilet facilities

In view of demand, Council has found funding to cover the cost of building public toilets to be located in the vicinity of the Avalon Community Centre. The facilities currently inside the Centre are really only intended for those who use the Centre.

Design plans will be prepared this financial year. This will help overcome a shortage of public facilities in the Village itself, particularly at times when the Community Centre is closed.

Safer Neighbourhoods Programme

Implementation of flat top speed humps, mountable roundabouts, line marking etc is still ongoing but should be completed by the end of August. The focus is now on intersection improvement works at Surf Rd in Whale Beach and the mountable roundabout at Bynya/Surf Rd and Pacific/Palm Beach Rd. TforNSW will then assess and install the new speed limit signs.

DUNES RESTAURANT – GOV PHILLIP PARK

At the July Council Meeting Councillors decided to accept the tender from the current operators for the lease of the premises in Gov Phillip Park known as Dunes Restaurant/Kiosk . The lease will be for 10 years + 5 year option.

PALM BEACH POOL

The new walkway at Palm Beach Pool

It’s now much easier to walk along the new path to Palm Beach Pool.

The path to the pool has been completed but provision of the railing remains outstanding.

Initial work has commenced on the pool design and major renovations for which the firm of consulting engineers Haskoning has been chosen. They are specialists in maritime structures, coastal engineering and have a strong focus on sustainability and resilience.

The major renovation work is planned for 2027/28.

WILFUL DAMAGE TO NEWLY PLANTED TREES :: THE WATERSIDE PARK AT 877A BARRENJOEY RD PALM BEACH – (near Thyra Rd)

The centre of the small developing trunk in each tree has been snapped off.

Local residents have been very distressed and appalled to see that each of the three new saplings planted by Council to replace the trees which were poisoned in the small public park beside Pittwater at 877A Barrenjoey Rd (near Thyra Rd) have been wilfully damaged/vandalised. Council are aware of the situation and are investigating. If you have any CCTV or information please contact Council on 1300 434 434.

AVALON BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY (ABHS) – NEW HOME NEEDED.

The front of John Stone’s photography restoration premises located at 15 Bowling Green Lane Avalon Beach is the home of ABHS. John has kindly provided this space for many years but now the shop may be sold and ABHS will need a new home.
ABHS was formed in September 1983 with the main aim of collecting the history of our immediate area pictorially, literally and in the oral history form.

They have an extensive and comprehensive photographic collection which covers many of the eras, areas and events along many hours of oral history recorded directly from residents who recalled earlier Avalon Beach. Palm Beach & Whale Beach. Much of this has been transcribed and is now being transferred to a digital format.

Do you know of a space that may be suitable to house their collection and become their new home? If you do have any ideas please email ABHS President Geoff Searl at gcsearl@bigpond.com https://abhs.org.au/

If you missed our Secretary Rob Mackinnon’s two fascinating talks “Pathways to Paradise – by Land and by Sea” (which he presented at two of our Coffee Meetings this year) he has been invited to present them next year at an ABHS meeting. We will let you know the dates.

BRIDGET SPARKS VISITS THE LIGHTHOUSE MAY 2026

Many of you will remember the names Bridget & Jervis Sparks in connection to the Lighthouse.

Bridget and Jervis Sparks lived at Barranjoey Lighthouse (yes, Jervis insisted on that spelling) for many years until 1999. Twenty seven years later on May 17 2026, assisted by NSW NP&WS, Bridget returned to the lighthouse, meeting with today’s Chase Alive volunteers. The visit was recorded by John Illingsworth, most particularly her return to the 19th century Assistant Lightkeepers cottage which had been her and Jervis’ home for almost 30 years.

To learn about their life and listen to Bridget’s memories of living in the Lighthouse precinct and to see the current state of the interiors of the cottage click here Pittwater Online News to view the link to the Youtube videos.

LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Avalon Community Library Needs Volunteers

They are seeking volunteers for our wonderful community library. Love books, reading, have good computer skills and love working in a team of like minded people? Call into the library or send them an email info@avalonlibrary.org.au

OUT & ABOUT – SAVE THE DATE

NORTH PALM BEACH SURF CLUB

Celebrating 80 years of North Palmy SLSC

If you are a member, ex member, family or have history with our Club, come and join them at Palmy RSL to celebrate.
RSVP and all enquiries to: Admin@northpalmbeachslsc.com.au

VIETNAM VETERANS’ DAY

Sunday August 16 2026

A Commemorative Service will be held at the Cenotaph outside Club Palm Beach at 11am.

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING

Monday August 10th at The Pacific Club – 6pm (please note earlier start during Winter).

NEXT COFFEE MEETING

Monday August 31st 10.30am