Newsletter – September 2026

Sunrise North Palm Beach

Contents

APPEAL TO NSW CIVIL & ADMINISTRATIVE TRIBUNAL (NCAT)
DAN MURPHY PACKAGED LIQUOR LICENCE APPLICATION IN CAREEL BAY
APPEAL TO OVERTURN THE LICENCE ALREADY GRANTED BY INDEPENDENT LIQUOR & GAMING AUTHORITY

The Development Application to rebuild the small shopping centre at 1-3 Careel Head Road, Avalon Beach with the prospect of including a Dan Murphy packaged liquor store beneath a childcare centre has been contentious from the start. 210 submissions were received from the community nearly all opposing the whole concept. However, the DA was approved by the Land & Environment Court for a mixed use development comprising retail and childcare but it did not include approval of a liquor store in the development. Subsequently Dan Murphy applied for a liquor licence which was granted by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA). PBWBA, as well as the Careel Bay Residents Association, made submissions opposing the establishment of a Dan Murphy liquor store at every stage and we therefore made an application to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) to re-examine the decision by ILGA with the aim of overturning the granting of a licence as we did not feel that they had fully considered the opposing evidence put to them and that the process was flawed.

The process of this appeal to NCAT is extremely complex. First, an applicant has to establish ‘standing’ which is the right to put a case to NCAT and the only people who can establish standing are those who live within 100m of the site in question and who made a submission in relation to the original application by Dan Murphy to the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority. In the case of the site at 1-3 Careel Head Road the 100m limit means that very few people are ‘relevant people’ and even fewer lodged a submission with ILGA since many of them had already expressed their opposition to the original development application to no avail. The Crown Solicitor is acting on behalf of ILGA and has aggressively challenged our right to standing even when we seek to represent a relevant person(s) and put forward their case and the views of the Community. Each legal step is fraught with difficulty and requires very careful consideration (not to mention background work). At a meeting in August both the PBWBA and Careel Bay Residents Association appeared before the NCAT Senior Member and put our cases to establish standing and have the right to appear before NCAT. He will reach a decision during the coming weeks.

The NCAT ‘de novo’ (from the beginning) review examines all the evidence as if for the first time. Many significant organisations such as Northern Sydney Local Health District and FARE (the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education) have opposed the granting of this licence and we have built up a considerable amount of evidence that it would not be in the public interest. The area is already well served with liquor outlets, indeed approaching saturation point, and a Dan Murphy store in Careel Bay would have the effect of putting out of business some of the existing smaller outlets, a fact which Dan Murphy even acknowledges as one of their necessary objectives.

The traffic plan which has been devised by Transport for NSW would involve taking a heavy traffic load, including large trucks, along Burrawong Road from Whale Beach Road to approach Dan Murphy and the childcare centre from the east rather than turning directly from Barrenjoey Road into Careel Head Road from either direction, an intolerable burden on a small suburban road. As our members know, anti-social behaviour (much of it alcohol fuelled) is increasing in this area and there is a high level of mental distress particularly amongst young people so the last thing we need is another large alcohol discount chain especially sitting underneath a childcare centre. Dan Murphy now have another complication. Oliver’s Pies, an established tenant still trading in the existing group of shops, had a 5 year option to extend their lease and have now taken up that option.

The fight is by no means over. We have good grounds to mount a challenge to Dan Murphy having a liquor licence and, even if we are not able to establish standing, Northern Sydney Local Health District are able to take the lead and we will support them. This is an ongoing story……

Further background here: Pittwater Online News Update Article

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS – NSW GOVT STATEWIDE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PLAN (CPP)

The new statewide Community Participation Plan (CPP) took effect on 1 September 2026, replacing all NSW Council’s notification policies for Development Applications (DAs). This plan now directs how and when the Community is told about a proposed development. Under the previous system, Council set its own policy for which developments triggered a notification letter to neighbours.

These changes significantly reduce opportunities for Communities to comment on development applications. Under the new framework, a large proportion of development applications previously notified by Council will now be excluded from public notification.

Under the new rules, Councils are no longer required to send notification letters for a range of up to two-storey developments listed in the NSW Government’s Community Participation Plan, including:

• New houses
• Alterations and additions to existing houses
• Dual occupancies
• Attached dwellings, including up to five dwellings
• Secondary dwellings
• Other specified types of development

Will I be notified if my neighbour is submitting a DA? Can I make an objection submission? Where can I find the plans and documents for a DA?

The changes also apply to modifications of previous approvals for these types of development.

However, notification will take place if a development application seeks a variation to a height of building or floor space ratio variation standard as set out in the Local Environment Plan (known as a Clause 4.6 variation) and a yellow notification of development sign will still be required to be placed in a prominent place at the front boundary of the property. A submission can be made to the planner in charge of the DA via the Council application tracker.

Click here to:

• Find an Application
• Applications by Map
• Development on Exhibition
• Advertised Development
• Received this Week
• Received this Month
• Determined this Month

Larger and potentially higher impact proposals will continue to be publicly exhibited under the CPP, generally for a minimum of 14 days. This includes residential flat buildings, shop-top housing, childcare centres and larger mixed-use developments.

You can also subscribe to free third party services such as “Planning Alerts” https://www.planningalerts.org.au/applications/address or Manly Observer which is a hyperlocal independent news service https://manlyobserver.com.au/

For further information about these changes, including what it means locally for participation in development assessment, click the the links below.

NBC Media Release
NSW Govt Community Participation Plan

We understand that Council is investigating all avenues of the CPP to see if/how it might be possible to broaden the participation of Northern Beaches residents rather than restrict our ability to be consulted in the restricted way outlined by the State Government.

We are extremely concerned about these changes and our message to the NSW Government is simple: keep Communities in the conversation. We know our neighbourhood well and we should have the opportunity to share our local knowledge and raise concerns on impacts such as privacy, overshadowing, heritage, view sharing, stormwater & drainage impacts, wildlife and tree canopy before a decision is made.

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODS PROGRAM-
30km SPEED LIMITS IN WHALE BEACH, PALM BEACH TO FOLLOW

This project is fully funded under Transport for NSW (TfNSW)’s Safe Speeds in High Pedestrian Activity and Local Area Program in association with Council.

Reduced speed limits in local roads in Whale Beach took effect from 18 September 2026. Palm Beach local roads will follow.

The new speed limits (30km/h) are part of Council’s ongoing commitment to improving road safety in local neighbourhoods and creating safer streets for residents, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.

The 10km/hr shared zone has been extended along the beachfront on Ocean Rd and Ocean Place at Palm Beach and there is a 10km/hr shared zone along the beachfront on The Strand at Whale Beach.

Speed limits along Barrenjoey Rd, a State Govt road, are not affected by these changes.

Signage is being installed providing advance notice to motorists ahead of the changes coming into effect.

These changes follow extensive community consultation undertaken through Council’s Safer Neighbourhoods program, which included the installation of other road safety measures that complement the lower speed limits.

For more information about the projects, visit Council’s website: Safer Neighbourhoods Program – Avalon Beach to Palm Beach.

Whale Beach Road is almost impossible to drive along at times, let alone travel at 30km/h!

WHALE BEACH

The Pool

The pool handrail has been installed. The pool was recently painted but is peeling already. Quotes are being sought from new contractors to repaint the pool as the previous contractor is no longer operating. The builders bond will cover costs.
We have requested a handrail be installed from in front of the amenities block down to the sand to make access easier and safer for all.

The Fence

For safety reasons we have also requested repair of the broken, splintered wooden fence at the southern end of the beach near the stormwater outlet.

The Footpath

A section at the lower end of the footpath at Surf Rd/Whale Beach Rd has been renewed and a handrail added.

WHALE BEACH SURF CLUB – SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE (SAREX)

(courtesy WBSLSC)

On Sunday 20 September WBSLSC hosted its first SAREX training day.

The event was open to members from North Palm Beach SLSC down to Bilgola SLSC.

This was a morning of practical training, teamwork and putting lifesaving skills into action. Participants rotated through practical sessions covering search and rescue, rescue boards, rock work, IRB, RWC, UAV and First Aid, before putting those skills to the test in a realistic Search & Rescue Exercise. The hands-on training day was designed to let lifesavers refresh their skills, train with neighboring clubs, and build confidence ahead of the patrol season.

DRONES & SHARKS & LIVING OCEAN

At the last Coffee meeting we were fortunate to welcome Brent Manieri,
General Manager Commercial Services, Public Safety & Emergency Management

Australian Lifeguard Service (NSW) | Australian UAV Service | SLS First Aid Training & Services | Lifesaving | State Operations Centre| Emergency Management| Coastal Insights to present the latest information on the NSW Shark Management Program. This is the largest and most comprehensive program of its kind in the world. Focussing on Palm Beach, North Palm Beach and Whale Beach we were amazed to see drone footage, taken by Gordon Lang, of a whale swimming very close to Palm Beach as well as a a few sharks further out from the surf break.
The drones have also sighted turtles, seals and dolphins.

There is a drone based at Palm Beach, one at North Palm Beach and one at Whale Beach and, weather and staffing permitting, the drones will fly 365 days per year effectively from sunrise to sunset. The drones are particularly targeting White, Bull and Tiger sharks. When a shark is spotted, drones can hover and activate a siren and loudspeakers to alert water users. The program includes a strong data collection and research component.

Before entering the water, look for fish baitballs and seabirds gathering over a particular spot, avoid swimming at dawn and dusk and in murky water, especially after heavy rain.

Further information can be found at https://www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au/current-program

There is a free SharkSmart app that you can download to your phone which provides real-time shark alerts, information and resources for people using NSW ocean beaches.

You can customise alerts based on time, region, type of alert, or by beach.

LIVING OCEAN is an Australian not-for-profit environmental association. https://www.livingocean.org.au/
Living Ocean What’s Behind Recent Shark Incidents & What It Means For Our Oceans

Palm Beach resident, President & co-founder of Living Ocean Robbie Newman also spoke about local marine matters. He advised that Living Ocean is working on a proposal to have Station Beach, in Governor Phillip Park, declared a marine park. Barrenjoey Head is a declared Aquatic Reserve and Living Ocean believes that this protection should extend to Observation Point so that fish and marine vegetation (the posidonia seagrass meadows), fish habitat and other marine creatures can be protected. Posidonia australis is found at Station Beach. It is an endangered fragile and slow growing native seagrass vital to the local Pittwater ecosystem.

They are particularly concerned about the impact of jetskis on this precious marine environment. We will keep you updated on progress.

NORTHERN BEACHES ICONIC TREE REGISTER

Council is inviting the Community to nominate special trees located on public land for the new Northern Beaches Iconic Tree Register. Trees on private land are not eligible for nomination.

The register will celebrate trees that help make our area unique, from towering landmarks and precious habitat trees to trees with a special connection to local history, culture or community life.

Whether it is known for its size, age, beauty, story or ecological value, an iconic tree can be nominated if it meets one or more criteria, including visual, ecological, historical, botanic or social significance.

Most public native and exotic trees can be nominated, including those that are considered exempt for removal, where they can demonstrate meeting the criteria.

Council will launch the official Iconic Tree Register platform in January 2027, after the first nominations have been assessed. The interactive platform will contain images, locations and informative details of each tree.

A panel with expertise in biodiversity, arboriculture, heritage and landscape architecture will review nominations against the register criteria.

The first intake will allow around 30 eligible trees to be recommended for inclusion, with future assessment rounds to follow. Listed trees will be managed under Council’s Tree Management Policy and monitored for health and condition.

Nominate a tree or find out more. Iconic Tree Register and Information.

• Should these trees in Palm Beach be nominated?
• Do they meet the criteria?
• Are there any in Whale Beach?

Please nominate any tree which you think should be included on the register.

Pandanus – Snapperman Beach

Poinciana – Iluka Rd

YOUR COUNCIL RATES AT WORK

Where your additional rates are going
For a full list of 2026/27 capital works projects Capital Works Program 26/27
To view the map which shows the new and renewal projects in the capital works program for 2026/27 click here: Map

In 2026/27 the IPART approved Special Variation to rates will add $35 million to the Council budget to address the backlog of works and maintenance.

The Special Variation funding includes:

• $15 million for improving roads, footpaths and stormwater infrastructure
• $11 million invested in community facilities, town centres, rockpools, wharves, playgrounds and grass mowing
• $6 million to expand tree maintenance and planting, compliance services, environmental and natural risk reduction programs and disaster management
• $3 million towards future projects including female friendly sports facilities, and more wharf and town centre improvements in 2027/28.

Track Council’s progress.

You can track as Council receives the additional rates income, and see progress of projects planned for 2026/27. Projects funded by the Special Variation as well as normal rates, grants and other sources are listed.
Council will mark projects complete as they are done, updated quarterly. [Last update: July 2026].
Click here to review the projects delivered in the first year of the Special Variation (2025/26).

MODERN ARCHITECTURE HERITAGE STUDY

Council commissioned GML Heritage Pty Ltd, a heritage firm with a specialisation in Modernist Architecture, to prepare a Modern Architecture Heritage Study, funded by a grant from Heritage NSW, to investigate the influence of the Modernist movement in architecture and how it was implemented in the Northern Beaches area. The Modernist period covers the period from WW2 to the 1970’s.

Collins House Palm Beach (House at Palm Beach for Mr W. C. Collins, 1938, (by A. Baldwinson) Item: SLNSW_FL1502226 courtesy Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales)

There are a remarkable number of examples of Modernist architecture which were in the former Pittwater Council area. The purpose of this Study is to examine the influence of the Modernist movement on development of the Northern Beaches and to identify examples of this architectural style which are worthy of protection by heritage listing. It is increasingly becoming valued as a distinct form of architecture worthy of research and protection.

Notable modernist architects include Harry Seidler, Arthur Baldwinson, Peter Mueller, Stan Symonds, Sydney Ancher, Richard Leplastrier, Kenneth Woolley and Bruce Rickard, Walter Burley Griffin, his wife Marion Mahony Griffin and Alexander Stewart Jolly.

This Modern Architecture Heritage Study will go towards addressing this lack of representation on the Northern Beaches Council heritage list.

Over 200 nominations have been received, they will be shortlisted by Council Heritage staff and consultants and the list submitted to Councillors by the end of the year.

FIRE & RESCUE NSW (FRNSW)

Click here: FIRE SAFETY HOME VISITS

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is one of the world’s largest urban fire and rescue services and is the busiest in Australia. Their overriding purpose is to enhance community safety, quality of life, and confidence by minimising the impact of hazards and emergency incidents on the people, property, environment and economy of NSW.

Home fire safety

A fire can take hold in three minutes, yet it only takes seconds to prevent one.
Be prepared by always ensuring that you have a working smoke alarm.

There have been 842 residential fires in NSW so far this winter, with 76 injuries.
For the year to date, FRNSW has responded to 2,388 home fires, with 237 people injured. In 46 per cent of cases, a working smoke alarm was not present in the home.

Kitchen fires have accounted for 38 per cent of this year’s incidents.

You can book a home fire safety visit through the FRNSW website https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/visits or drop in to Avalon Beach Fire Station.

FRNSW crews will inspect your home and identify fire risks, offer important safety advice and even install a 10-year smoke alarm free of charge if required.

A reminder for the long weekend

UPDATES & SNIPPETS

ELECTION OF MAYOR & DEPUTY MAYOR

On 15th September Cr Sue Heins was re-elected as Mayor for the next two years and Cr Ruth Robins elected as Deputy Mayor for one year, replacing the outgoing Cr Candy Bingham.

For background details click here: Northern Beaches Advocate Mayoral Election Report

DIGITAL PARKING PERMITS – REMINDER

Physical Beach Parking Permit stickers expired on 31 August, with all permits now managed through a new digital system.

Under the new system, permits are linked directly to a vehicle’s registration number, removing the need for physical stickers and making it easier for permit holders to manage and update their details online.

Rate payers accessing their two free permits will only need to apply once every three years, unless their circumstances change.

For information, FAQs and to apply for a digital Beach Parking Permit, visit Council’s website. The Customer Service team is available over the phone, or visit Council’s Customer Service at Mona Vale.

NORMA ROAD

A study and review of the drainage, stormwater and state of the road has been undertaken by Council engineers. Options for repair, renewal and maintenance are being explored. We will keep you updated.

STREETS AS SHARED SPACES – AVALON BEACH VILLAGE – PUBLIC ART THEMES

Council is commissioning a public artwork that responds to Avalon Beach Village’s unique character.

Three potential themes have been identified. These themes will inform the artist’s approach, and Council would like to hear your thoughts on them.

HAVE YOUR SAY – Avalon Beach Public Art
Closes Wednesday 7th October

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A CREATIVE SPACE TO USE FOR AN EXHIBITION OR TO HIRE FOR A PROJECT OR EVENT IN 2027?

Applications are open for exhibition and workshop hire. Creative Spaces 2027

Avalon Creative Space offers a multi-purpose workshop space for hire

BEACH PATROL SEASON START

The 2026/27 NSW Volunteer Beach Patrol Season starts on Saturday, 26 September 2026 and finishes on Monday, 26 April 2027. More than 21,000 Volunteer surf lifesavers will patrol 129 beaches across NSW on weekends and public holidays. You can locate your nearest patrolled location via Beachsafe.

THE 2026 STATE OF THE BEACHES REPORT

This NSW Govt report provides a long-term assessment of how suitable sites are for swimming across New South Wales. Palm Beach, Whale Beach and Avalon all rated VG which is the top rating. Barrenjoey Beach (Station Beach) was rated G.
Avalon Beach was one of eight coastal beaches which shared the absolute highest water quality rankings this year. Click here to read the report: Beachwatch State of the Beaches 2026

DAYLIGHT SAVING – SUMMER IS HERE!

Please remember Daylight Saving time starts on Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 2:00 am in New South Wales and participating regions, during the Spring school holidays break. Clocks move forward by 1 hour from 2:00 am AEST to 3:00 am.

AVALON COMMUNITY LIBRARY NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

We 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 us an email info@avalonlibrary.org.au

OUT & ABOUT – Save the Date

AVALON GROOVE FESTIVAL Saturday 3 Sunday 4 October 2026

This October long weekend, Avalon will come alive with the inaugural Avalon Groove Festival, a two-day celebration of blues, soul and groove music featuring 16 acts and more than 50 musicians from across Australia.

Created by a group of local volunteer musicians, the festival was born from a desire to bring fresh energy to Avalon and support the local community during a challenging time for hospitality and small businesses.

The festival will take place at the Avalon Cinema & Entertainment Centre, a much-loved local venue with a hidden stage dating back to the 1960s and 70s.

Avalon Groove Festival book tickets here

THE WAITING ROOM: New Comedy by Mike Bullen

The Waiting Room

Wed 21 – Fri 24 October at Mona Vale Performance Space at Mona Vale Public School, Bungan St, Mona Vale Tickets Here

“The Waiting Room” is written and directed by Avalon Beach resident Mike Bullen. Mike is best known as the writer of the TV series, Cold Feet, which ran for 9 series in the UK and for which he won a BAFTA award. Other TV shows he’s created include Life Begins and North Shore. The Waiting Room is his first play.

The production company, NoBAD, is an independent theatre company and Not For Profit group based in Pittwater. With a wealth of creative people in the community, their vision is to unite both experienced professionals and emerging artists to produce exciting and innovative theatre. The production is entirely volunteer-run, with everyone involved offering their time for free. Any profit will be reinvested into NoBAD Theatre to help create future productions and opportunities for local creatives.

SAVE THE DATE: OUR MEMBERS’ ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL PARTY

Sunday November 29th from 6 – 8.30pm at Dunes in Governor Phillip Park Palm Beach
Details to come.

NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING

Monday October 12th at The Pacific Club – 7pm

COFFEE MEETINGS

Tuesday September 29th 10.30am
Monday October 26th 10.30am
Tuesday November 24th 10.30am – Last one for the year. Christmas morning tea.

Peaceful Pittwater

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