Station Beach
Property developers will not build unless they can see a profit and there has not been the surge which was optimistically expected. However, building allowed under the Low to Mid Rise Housing Policy will change the character of many parts of Sydney and close to us there is considerable resistance from the residents of Mona Vale and Narrabeen (see details later in the Newsletter). In Palm Beach and Whale Beach we are currently protected by our Conservation zoning (C4) but we have a different problem – houses here are getting larger, occupying more of the blocks so our tree canopy is threatened, the landscape is less stable and drainage problems are not always addressed.
In addition, and disturbingly, Council’s power to enforce planning controls has declined. 1108 cases were finalised in the Land & Environment Court last year, many of them referred by developers after a deemed refusal after 40 days (60 days for large developments), an unacceptably short period of time to assess sometimes complex applications where RFIs (Requests for Further Information) have been necessary. The success rate for developers in the Courts was 95%.
CONTENTS
DAN MURPHY LIQUOR LICENCE AT 1-3 CAREEL HEAD ROAD, CAREEL BAY
Careel Bay shops
In our attempt to overturn the liquor licence granted to Dan Murphy (Endeavour Wines) for 1-3 Careel Head Road, Careel Bay, we had a meeting with Jacqui Scruby and The Hon Natasha Maclaren-Jones, Shadow Minister for Communities, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, and Youth at Parliament House to discuss the process. Attending the meeting were our President, Frank Bush, Gordon Lang and Ian Spencer, Secretary of Careel Bay Residents Association.
We have appealed to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to overturn the liquor licence granted to Dan Murphy by the NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA). An appeal to NCAT is supposed to be an informal process where it is easy for communities to raise their concerns. This has not been our experience. We have been faced with professional lawyers from the Crown Solicitors’s Office who have been determined not to allow us to express the community view as well as barristers and solicitors from a powerful and well-funded commercial operator.
During the NCAT Hearing to try to establish our standing it seemed to us that the Crown Solicitor’s Office (representing ILGA) and Dan Murphy representatives were happy to co-operate with each other while we were regarded as the opposition and it was not the open process we expected it to be. We do not understand the hostile attitude of the Crown Solicitor’s Office when one would have expected them to accept an independent review of a controversial decision and welcome community participation.
Frank Bush, Ian Spencer, Gordon Lang, Jacqui Scruby, Natasha Maclaren-Jones
We did convince the Members of Parliament that there are serious community issues raised by the whole process of granting this liquor licence as well as its likely repercussions. The process is neither fair nor transparent. They will now consider what action can be taken at a Parliamentary level but this will not proceed before the State election on 13 March 2027.
In addition, we recommended that Councils should have the power to refuse a change of use where health issues are involved. We especially mentioned changes to establish outlets involving alcohol and tobacco.
GOVERNOR PHILLIP PARK
Governor Phillip Park
The first meeting of the Governor Phillip Park Working Group will be held on 4 November. The Group is made up of seven Council representatives with the Executive Manager, Parks and Open Spaces, in the Chair. In addition there will be six Stakeholder Representatives, including PBWBA represented by Virginia Christensen, and three Community Representatives. It will advise Northern Beaches Council on improvements, infrastructure concept plans and environmental priorities for the Park. In the meantime work will begin to make urgent repairs such as renewing asphalt, repainting faded speed humps, repairs to parking bays including levelling, upgrading and marking out. Temporary toilets will again be installed for the holiday period. The new draft Plan of Management will be on the Agenda for the December meeting of Council after which it will go on public exhibition. This will hopefully allow the construction of a second public toilet block and we hope that this is will be a high priority as it is urgently needed.
The updated NSW Government Filming Protocol will allow Council to amend its charges to Home and Away for their regular filming as well as charging for extras such as high impact fees and updated traffic management plan assessment fees.
One of our real concerns regarding the Park and Barrenjoey Headland is the fact that we continue to rely on North Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club for an All Terrain Vehicle which is needed to convey people from the Headland in cases of emergency. There is no guarantee that the ATV is always available although it is needed frequently and we have asked Jacqui Scruby MP for Pittwater to emphasise to the State Government the need for provision of a permanent ATV in the interests of public safety.
LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN/ DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN (LEP/DCP)
The Corner (originally The Rendezvous Café, built in the mid-1920s, established by Carl Gow and members of the Gonsalves family and in the early days the social hub of Palm Beach)
The period of consultation on the new draft LEP/DCP has now closed and Council staff are preparing the final document to go before Councillors. It is hoped that this will be implemented in 2027 but, in any case, the planning process now needs to take note of the new provisions.
We made a submission regarding several concerns we have.
They include:
Drainage where we feel that there is insufficient consideration of stormwater drainage in some of the new developments;
Heritage as historic buildings which we were told would be included in the new LEP do not appear
Excavation – the LEP does not contain limits to the amount of excavation permitted. It is only in the DCP which is not enforceable;
Zoning of R2 in certain areas of Palm Beach and we do not understand the rationale for this.
There is also no mention of the Scenic Streets Program in the LEP and we feel this should be included. The purpose of the Register is to allow Council to effectively manage the preservation of the natural and cultural features of public roads including significant scenic views of water or land, significant trees or topographical features.
A copy of our submission is on the website. For more information:
https://yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/LEP-DCP?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20261020%20-%20LEP%20and%20DCP%20-%20Engagement
DEVELOPMENT
Save our Suburb Mona Vale
Residents of Mona Vale, represented by 100 members of SOS Save our Suburbs Mona Vale, held a rally in Macquarie Street on Wednesday 21 October and delivered a report, compiled over the last 12 months, to Jacqui Scruby and the State Government. They demanded an immediate moratorium on the Low and Mid Rise Housing Policy in the area north of Narrabeen Lagoon on the basis that Pittwater cannot safely absorb the large developments envisaged, particularly the State Significant Developments which allow up to 14 storeys. Major areas of vulnerability are The Warriewood Wastewater Treatment Plant, restricted evacuation routes in case of emergencies such as bush fire or flood, and the transport difficulties associated with Mona Vale being defined as a Rapid Transport Hub in spite of pinch points such as The Spit Bridge and Military Road, Mosman.
Speakers included Angus Gordon (former General Manager of Pittwater Council), Parry Thomas and Shane Withington together with Jacqui Scruby, Michael Regan, Kobi Shetty (MP for Balmain), Sue Higginson MLC and the Hon. Rachel Merton MLC. Following the rally the dossier was presented to Stephen Bali MP (Member for Blacktown), The Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces in NSW, who also listened to the group’s concerns. The following day Jacqui Scruby made a statement in the House supporting members of SOS Save our Suburb Mona Vale. A transcript of her statement can be found on: Jacqui Scruby on YouTube 22 October 2026 and more details of the case and a report of the rally can be found on: SOS Save our Suburb Mona Vale on YouTube.
SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS
Raised roundabout at the corner of Palm Beach and Pacific Roads
The Northern Beaches Council’s Safer Neighbourhoods Program for Palm Beach and surrounding areas has now been implemented although some road markings remain to be done. There is a new roundabout at the intersection of Bynya Road and Surf Road and also one on the corner of Palm Beach and Pacific Roads.
The Program is funded by Transport for NSW and there has been extensive community consultation and input from Northern Beaches Council.
In addition, flat top speed humps have been installed and there are speed limits of 30 kph in side roads with a limit of 10kph in beachfront shared zones. The limit of 50 kph remains for Barrenjoey Road as it is a State Road with 30kph in high pedestrian areas. There are also new line markings at various places throughout the suburb. Traffic calming measures marked in blue indicate a speed limit of 10 kph and orange indicate the limit is 30 kph.
Speed hump at the corner of Whale Beach Road and Barrenjoey Road
PALM BEACH
Palm Beach has been chosen as the site for a beach wheelchair which is being housed in a steel cabinet installed beside the rubbish bin metal container to the south of The Cabbage Tree Club. A ‘skin’ of historic photographs will be affixed to the outside.
The wheelchair can be booked via the Council website or by using an app and details will be forthcoming. It can be used by residents 5 years old and upwards and there is no cost.
Wheelchair Cabinet
We have asked for a Shark Kit to be installed near the Ferry Wharf at Palm Beach as there is currently no shark kit on the Pittwater side of Palm Beach.
For additional safety and peace of mind, why not download these apps:
https://beachsafe.org.au (real-time information, hazard updates and safety advice from Surf Life Saving Australia)
SharkSmart (download from the App Store to access app which is part of the NSW Government’s Shark Management Program giving you the latest shark alerts and tagged shark detections in real time plus drone patrol observations
WHALE BEACH
Work on the approach to the pool at Whale Beach
The quotes are in for a new marine stainless steel hand rail down to the pool to replace the wooden rail currently in place.
As part of the development of 231 Whale Beach Road, Surf Road will be widened to create a loading bay which will be available to the commercial outlets in the development and the Surf Club. There will also be three car spaces. A further three car spaces will be formalised on The Strand on what is now green space. Costs will be borne by the developer as it is one of the conditions of the development consent.
WAKEHURST PARKWAY UPGRADE
Improvements to Wakehurst Parkway
The improvements to Wakehurst Parkway are now underway. The total cost is $85.1m. and the contractor is Ertech Pty Ltd.
Improvements to Wakehurst Parkway
In the Southern Section work includes flood mitigation and road widening to create a dual carriage road southbound between Frenchs Forest Road and Oxford Falls. Current work includes clearing vegetation, excavating and installing critical drainage. Near Oxford Falls Road crews are cutting into the hillside to extend and enlarge the sandstone retaining wall to a length of 230m. In the Northern Section (Elanora Road to Mirrool Street) shoulders will be widened and improvements made at intersections to improve safety.
Every effort is being made to protect wildlife by installing special wildlife fencing and concrete ramps at culverts to prevent animal strikes.
The project should be completed by early 2028.
You can monitor progress on Transport for NSW Wakehurst Parkway Project Plans.
MONA VALE ROAD WEST UPGRADE
$65m has been allocated in the 2026/7 Budget for improvements to Mona Vale Road West between Terrey Hills and Ingleside.
The total cost is likely to be about $500m funded by the NSW and Australian Governments.
Mona Vale Road West
It will upgrade the road from two lanes to four between McCarrs Creek Road, Terrey Hills, and Powderworks Road, Ingleside, to ease congestion and improve safety. It will also reduce travel time. There will be an upgrade to the intersection with McCarrs Creek Road, although it is not clear that this will be an improvement. Geotechnical investigations have been taking place and expressions of interest are requested from contractors. Temporary concrete barriers have been placed along the northern shoulder of Mona Vale Road to protect streetlights and infrastructure at the base of the embankments. These barriers will also help deter fauna from accessing the roadway. This has involved closing the road shoulder along this stretch of the road. An updated Review of Environmental Factors is scheduled for public display this year.
It is anticipated that work will start next year but it is not yet clear how long it will take.
ENVIRONMENT
Ingleside Wildlife Corridor
Fauna overpass over Mona Vale Road
When Mona Vale Road East was upgraded a fauna bridge was constructed over the road, the first dedicated wildlife overpass in Sydney. This is a vital link which connects Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Katandra Bushland Sanctuary and Ingleside Chase Reserve, also providing connection to Irrawong Reserve and Warriewood Wetlands. Ingleside Wildlife Corridor is an important part of this bushland consisting largely of intact native bush.
Northern Beaches Council has now agreed to progress a proposal to strengthen the protection of this land which would include seeking to transfer State owned land from the NSW Office of Strategic Lands to Council and rezoning it for environmental conservation (C2). This would prohibit residential development as the land would become Community Land, categorised as Natural Area – Bushland. It could not then be sold. It would be managed by the Council who will now examine the proposal in detail, including its financial implications.
CLOSURE OF COMMONWEALTH BANK, AVALON BEACH
Which Bank?
The Commonwealth Bank in Avalon Beach will close on 27 November 2026. This will mean that there will be no banks at all in Avalon Beach, indeed no banks north of Mona Vale. The bank stated that both branch ATMs would also be removed on this date but we now understand that an ATM will be retained. Although Avalon Beach Post Office can accept cheque deposits and cash withdrawals, pensioners and local business owners will have to commute to Mona Vale, either by car or bus, to access other banking services.
This is a most undesirable development although now unfortunately a common one. We are writing to Matt Comyn, CEO of the Commonwealth Bank, and Sophie Scamps, our Federal Member. We understand that the need for face to face banking services has decreased but feel that the possibility of a Consortium Banking Branch, operated by the Big Four Banks, should be explored.
COASTAL WALKWAY
The end of the recently constructed Coastal Walkway to The Serpentine
The Coastal Walkway from Newport to the Serpentine has now been completed.
Work has been supported by the NSW Government funding programs Transport for NSW Cycling Infrastructure Fund, Restart NSW and Stronger Communities Fund. The path is already being enthusiastically used and we look forward to a time when the final section from Avalon to Palm Beach receives funding.
AVALON SHARED SPACE AND DUNBAR PARK
Nangle Pty Ltd has designed the changes to the Shared Zone in Avalon which will include high quality seating, lighting and landscaping. The concept plan addresses the flooding issues, improves pedestrians’ safety and comfort in the Shared Zone, and simplifies traffic movements. It will involve closing the existing car park entrance near Woolworths and establishing a single entry and exit point from the car park further north as shown below. You will still be able to turn right from the carpark towards Barrenjoey Road but beyond that point Old Barrenjoey Road will be one way south bound.
Parking in Old Barrenjoey Road will include 60 degree parking on both sides of the street. There will be a net gain of one parking space when all the work is complete. Work will start in the autumn (probably April) so that it will not interfere with summer holiday trading. It will take about six months to complete. Public art will form part of the Shared Zone.
In addition, improvements are planned for Dunbar Park which will include picnic shelters and seating on permeable concrete as well as solar lights on the southern side near the footpath. The aim is to provide a comfortable space for people to meet, gather and play and provide space for performances and events.
More information is available here
SYDNEY WATER
Sydney Water has completed the renewal of the 500 metre water main along Old Barrenjoey Road in Avalon Beach and it is now operational. Work will continue in the coming weeks to finalise the decommissioning of the old water main.
If you need any more information please contact: confluence@sydneywater.com.au or call 1800 943 119
ICONIC TREE REGISTER
Jacaranda in Currawong Road
Northern Beaches Council is establishing a Register of Iconic Trees in the LGA. All trees must be on public lands although it is hoped to include trees on private land at a later date. To be included in the Register trees must be meet one or more of these criteria:
- Visual or Aesthetic Significance Outstanding size, shape, height, trunk diameter, canopy spread or prominent landscape contribution
- Ecological Value Precious habitat trees, hollows or significant contributions to local biodiversity and ecosystems
- Historical or Commemorative Significance Special connections to local history, events, heritage or commemorative plantings
- Botanic or Scientific Significance Rare species, local distribution value or notable botanical features
- Social Significance Deep community connection, cultural value or local landmark status
Trees may be native or exotic and they can even include trees normally exempt from standard removal controls.
If you are aware of a tree which you feel should be included in the Register please let us know. You can take a photograph, let us have it with its location and send it to: frankbush@lisbourne.com.au. Alternatively, you can register it on the Council website although there is only space for 30 trees in total at the moment.
EROSION IN OCEAN ROAD
Beach Erosion
Palm Beach is listed among NSW coastal hotspots monitored for long-term sea level and storm driven erosion and the erosion in Ocean Road has been significant. It has been exacerbated by periods of heavy rain and drainage issues. This part of Ocean Road is a State Road asset acting as a crucial turning and staging hub for regional public transport. Severe flooding here could risk undermining infrastructure critical to the peninsula’s public transport network and structural work to mitigate erosion on this section of the road is undertaken by state engineers rather than standard council maintenance. Transport for NSW is therefore responsible for design of the structural solutions to keep this transport corridor stable and open. They have now confirmed that the design will be completed by January 2027 and we hope that this process will have included a broad examination of drainage issues in the area. We will have opportunity to comment on the design and it is anticipated that work will start in August/September 2027. It is thought that the beach itself will gradually recover but when the work has been completed Council will replant the area which will help to stabilise the bank.
Council have also worked recently to stabilise the beach around the sandstone wall at the bottom of Ocean Place which was showing increasing instability.
E-BIKES
E-Bike
During the police blitz on E-Bikes on the Northern Beaches which took place in September, 36 illegal bikes were seized. 23 of these bikes have now been crushed.
CHRISTMAS PARTY
The Christmas Party will be held at Dunes Restaurant on Sunday 29 November, slightly earlier in the festive season than normal. We understand that members have enjoyed the experience at Dunes and so we decided to hold the party there again but, not unexpectedly, costs have increased. However, we have decided to subsidise the cost for members knowing how much they enjoy getting together in this location. In addition, members may, if they wish, bring up to three guests at the same ticket price and they do not have to be members. Invitations are out and we hope that you will respond quickly.
Please click below to buy tickets:
PALM BEACH AND AVALON MARKET DAYS
Palm Beach market is held on the fourth Sunday of each month from 9 am to 3 pm in Governor Phillip Park.
Avalon Market
Market Day
NEXT COFFEE MORNING
The next Coffee Morning will be held on Tuesday, 24 November, at 10.30 am at The Pacific Club. This will be a Christmas Coffee Morning with suitable refreshments provided and you are invited to bring any friends or neighbours who may be interested in joining the association.
NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING
The next Committee meeting will be held on Monday 9 November, at 7 pm at The Pacific Club. 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 or email frankbush@lisbourne.com.au
