Transport for NSW is progressing plans for road improvements along Wakehurst Parkway between Frenchs Forest Road These include intersection upgrades and focus on improving safety and capacity for this key road link in Sydney’s Northern Beaches Transport publicly displayed the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) We would like to thank everyone who made a submission We have reviewed and responded to all feedback received in the Submissions Report (PDF, 23.77 MB)which is now available to view For a summary of what we heard and our response, please see our August 2024 Community Update (PDF, 2.61 MB) South (Dreadnought Road and Oxford Falls Road) South (Dreadnought Road and Trefoil Creek) You'll see our team on site as we carry out further investigations and early work for the project construction is expected to start later this year Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG) If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us If you have any questions or would like more information If you need help understanding this information please contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask them to call us on 1800 735 563 Transport for NSW recognise and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and their ongoing cultures and care of Country We pay respect to traditional custodians and Elders past and present Contribute to support the Manly Observer's independent local journalism Become a MO supporter hyperlocal news service covering the Northern Beaches in Sydney with a hyperfocus from Manly to Dee Why We have a fair and non-sensationalist approach to reporting It is run by locals for locals and we depend on your news tips and support to keep going We are a member of the Local Independent News Association News tips: editor@manlyobserver.com.au or text 0435741777 Advertising queries: advertising@manlyobserver.com.au General queries: editor@manlyobserver.com.au  © Manly Observer | All Rights Reserved NSW 20862 2 2For SaleContact AgentBRAND NEW LUXURY OVER 55'S WITH INTERNAL LIFTPositioned in the ultimate location these brand new over 55s Townhomes offer the pinnacle of luxury perfect for downsizers seeking an idyllic lifestyle opportunity level walk to Glenrose Shopping Village and with bus transportation at your finger tips this property features two generous sized bedrooms with an internal lift and stairs to access the second level * Two generous sized bedrooms with built-ins and ducted air-conditioning * Master bedroom with charming view overlooking Lionel Watts Oval * High quality gas kitchen with Stone bench tops and Miele appliances * Premium quality European appliances and custom joinery throughout * Luxurious bathrooms with stunning floor to ceiling tiling and floating custom designed basins * Private lift to bedrooms on second level plus stair access * Large grass courtyard flowing from living area double lock-up garage with internal access * Seconds away from Glenrose Shopping Village and we are proud to be helping Australians obtain finance that best suits their circumstances and allows them to realise their property dreams to ensure that you get the most competitive rate within a product best suited to your needs and we do it fast and for free Alongside his canine clients, Case is a regular on the Davidson Track, a dog-friendly trail that serves as a beautiful backdrop for his animal portraiture. Browse Domain’s property and lifestyle magazines. He also lives nearby, having returned 12 months ago to the area he grew up in, and says the bushland and the wildlife within it are two of the suburb’s greatest assets. “We back onto Davidson Park and the kookaburras and the wallabies are always around our place,” he says. Case says the sprawl of free-standing, family homes that lie to the west of Forest Way hasn’t changed much in his lifetime, but he’s looking forward to the delivery of the new town centre proposed for the site currently occupied by The Forest High School. Encompassing 1.5 hectares of public open space, a new pedestrian plaza, shops, eateries and 2000 new dwellings – including terraces and apartments and affordable housing welcomed by staff at the neighbouring Northern Beaches Hospital – the project is expected to complement the existing Forestway Shopping Centre, which is undergoing a multimillion-dollar upgrade. “I think it’s going to be good for the area,” says Case. “I think Frenchs Forest got left behind when the beaches had the boom, so I think it’s going to be the next one to really go through the roof with pricing.” Forestway Shopping Centre is home to multiple fast food outlets and cafes, including the popular Crave Nutrition and The Old Civic Cafe & Diner. Why the locals love this upper north shore 'burb The western Sydney suburb that's transformed into a vibrant hub Byron locals flock to this historic village to escape tourist-filled streets At the Sorlie Road shopping strip, you can choose from pizza, Thai, Indian and Chinese restaurants, or you can drop by Mrs Jones The Baker for handcrafted artisan breads and sweet treats baked in-store. The Forest Hotel offers drink specials from 4pm to 6pm every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and there’s a beer garden with a big screen to watch live sports. Garigal National Park has a web of walking and biking trails to explore. It is home to picnic grounds overlooking Middle Harbour and a popular boat ramp. You can also walk to Manly Dam via Manly Creek Waterfalls. Swim at the Warringah Aquatic Centre or brave the surf: a 15-minute drive will deliver you to Dee Why or North Curl Curl beaches. Glen Street Theatre dishes up year-round entertainment, with Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap about to start a 10-day run. Agent: Belle Property Frenchs Forest, Chris Delaney 0447 455 903 Well-presented throughout, this split-level home enjoys elevated district and bushland views. There are two large living zones, a modern stone kitchen and a tiered backyard with a cubby house and a pool capturing all-day sunshine. 3 Baths2 ParkingView listing Price guide: $2.2 million Agent: Ray White Frenchs Forest, Nima Aliasgary 0424 999 399 There’s potential to turn the lower level of this family home into a self-contained apartment should you wish to accommodate extended family or earn extra income. Set on the high side of the street with a north-to-rear aspect, the property is close to CBD buses. The information on this website is intended to be of a general nature only and doesn't consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. where we are privileged to live and operate 14 Jan 2022 • 2m read • View Author NSW-Government-planning-strategy-Frenchs-Forest-1732009200.png The NSW Government has completed its Place Strategy for Frenchs Forest open public spaces and infrastructure at the core of the plan Created through extensive community consultation the strategy accompanies a $6 million grant from the NSW Government under the Government's Precinct Support Scheme to deliver upgrades to three local parks in Frenchs Forest "The plan will deliver 2,000 new jobs as well as the infrastructure and services needed to support the growing Frenchs Forest community over the next 20 years," says NSW Minister for Planning and Homes "The strategy will bring better public spaces and plans for a new village green new connections to bushland as well as tree lined walking and cycling paths "The Department of Planning and Environment worked for several years to achieve a positive outcome for this area I'm delighted that 2,000 new homes are on the way including 250 right next to the hospital set aside for key workers." “The strategy is also designed to help people live greener lifestyles by providing incentives leading to more comfortable homes while also keeping energy and water bills down.” Roberts says the community stands to reap the rewards of the new public spaces which will increase community connection and encourage a healthy lifestyle "The community will benefit from new local facilities including a new community playground and regenerated natural areas for walking and relaxation,” he says "Northern Beaches Council has been given a $9 million grant under the Government's Parks for People program to upgrade Nandi Reserve." To read the finalised Frenchs Forest Place Strategy, click here. Rooted, resilient, resonant: Off-grid family living amongst the rugged Australian landscape Using DecoBatten®’s latest profile on The Seaside Sanctuary Solid Nordic softwood in interior design: Sustainable solutions for joinery, flooring and wall panelling Construction of resort-style clubhouse begins at AVID’s over 50s lifestyle precinct in Fraser Coast Sign up to our newsletter for the latest industry news, products and inspiration. Mar 6, 2025 | , A battling dad from Frenchs Forest has won a million dollars The million dollar win came from Wednesday evening’s ‘Weekday Windfall’ draw and the man from Frenchs Forest said he ‘freaked out’ when he checked his phone just before he went to bed last night (Wednesday “I checked my ticket just before I went to bed and after that I didn’t sleep a wink I was literally about to turn off the light and then I opened my app ‘I think we’ve won the lotto!’ Even this morning I was wondering if I dreamt it all,” the man said As the only division one winning entry nationally in Weekday Windfall draw 4516 the Frenchs Forest resident can look forward to receiving $1m The excited winner shared how life changing it was for him and his family after dealing with a tough couple of months These past few months have been such a battle Hopefully I can work less and help my family as much as possible I’d like to invest as well and look to buying a property,” he shared The man’s 18-game marked entry was purchased on The Lott website — the official home of Australia’s lotteries The winning numbers in Weekday Windfall draw 4516 were 34 while the supplementary numbers were 14 and 35 “It’s weird too because normally I play QuickPicks but lately I’ve been marking and replaying numbers instead I’m glad it worked out for me!” he said Join us as we go 100% electric and be part of the future of green driving Allambie Heights lottery win Beaches lotto hat trick Fairlight man wins lottery Mona Vale woman wins lotto Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress For information directly relating to bushfires please call the Bush Fire Information Line on 1800 679 737 or visit the NSW Rural Fire Service Website here. [external link] We responded to over 150,000 incidents in 2023-24 The incidents displayed below are note-worthy incidents that have been published as media releases or tweets Details about incidents may change and should not be used as emergency information and/or advice North Parramatta | The fire at Dunlop Street, North Parramatta has been contained but is expected to smoulder through the morning. Because there may be smoke in the area, residents and businesses in the vicinity are advised to keep doors, windows, and vents closed. View on X [external link] Fire and Rescue NSW acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and acknowledges and pays respect to their Elders Mar 21, 2025 | , A worker has been rushed to hospital after falling off the roof of a school at Frenchs Forest NSW Ambulance responded to a report of a workman found lying unconscious on the ground after falling from a roof at Frenchs Forest Public School The man had been on the roof of a school building when his safety harness appears to have failed and he fell approximately 6m from the roof The incident is understood to have occurred while children were in class and was not witnessed by anyone Four NSW Ambulance crews responded to the primary school a Special Operations Paramedic and NSW Ambulance Inspector Christian Holmes (image above) With the possibility of severe injury as a result of the height of the fall the CareFlight Rescue Helicopter was also tasked from Westmead Paramedics who were nearby at Northern Beaches Hospital rushed to the school which is adjacent to the Forestway Shopping Centre finding the 30-year-old man lying on concrete after the fall which included a large bruise to the right side of his head The man was dazed and unable to tell paramedics what had happened Paramedics treated the man for potential internal injuries and satisfied he was in a stable condition called off the CareFlight Rescue Helicopter that had been delayed by rain and was still around ten minutes away from landing at the school oval the man was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital by Intensive Care Ambulance NSW Police were called to the scene to conduct inquiries and it is expected an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the workplace incident will be undertaken by SafeWork NSW Man falls from carport roof Man survives massive fall Worker falls at Freshwater Worker falls from Forestville roof Man falls down lift shaft Worker injured in Mall fall Worker dies in roof at Manly Fall from ladder at Avalon Two more for CareFlight CareFlight’s back-to-back rescues Warriewood man injured in fall Newport ladder fall Fall at Freshwater Manly workplace fall Collaroy roof fall Warriewood ladder fall Worker injured at Manly Vale Allambie Heights roof fall Worker injured at Mall Avalon worker airlifted Oct 1, 2024 | , A man has been seriously injured after a fire broke out in his home at Frenchs Forest NSW Police and NSW Ambulance responded to a report of a house on fire at Bluegum Crescent Firefighters from Forestville Station were first on scene and discovered a single-storey brick and tile house fully involved in fire with flames venting out of the windows and starting to vent through the roof A 74-year-old male resident of the home had already self-evacuated by the time firefighters had arrived fleeing on foot to a neighbouring house to seek help and refuge Responding to an unexpected early morning knock on the door the neighbour discovered a seriously injured man on their doorstep suffering burns and in need of urgent medical assistance They immediately called Triple Zero (000) to report the fire and provided initial care to the man until the arrival of NSW Ambulance more than 30 FRNSW firefighters from Forestville and seven appliances including an aerial ladder truck Firefighters in breathing apparatus quickly got to work trying to attack the blaze from all sides of the property with hose lines attached to their trucks and local street hydrants The fire was proving difficult to extinguish however due to intense heat and structural collapse of the roof firefighters were unsure if anyone else was inside the burning home and were unable to enter the structure to conduct a thorough search knocking the fire down by attacking the flames from the front they eventually made entry to the sides and rear of the burning home by going through neighbouring properties firefighters were able to fully extinguish the fire in around an hour NSW Ambulance paramedics tended to the 74-year-old man who had suffered serious burns to his face After assessing and treating his injuries at the scene he was transported by road ambulance to Northern Beaches Hospital in a serious but stable condition who was in attendance throughout the incident said firefighting crews had spent several hours today mopping up damage inside the house as there was a high fuel load that had fallen onto the floor when the roof collapsed Firefighters used rakes to pull apart the wreckage and water to wet it down Supt Dewberry said this would enable firefighters and police investigators to move in to have a look at where and how the fire started Supt Dewberry added that one initial line of inquiry is whether the 74-year-old man was smoking in bed at the time of the incident He explained that people smoking in bed ‘is something that we [FRNSW] do not see too often these days but it still does happen and can be catastrophic.’ Investigations by the FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) and NSW Police are now underway to determine the cause of the fire A post shared by Manly Observer (@manlyobserver) Aug 6, 2024 | , A bus caught fire while it was being parked at Frenchs Forest Shortly after 5.00pm yesterday evening (Monday Fire and Rescue NSW Forestville Station responded to a report of a bus on fire at Skyline Place firefighters found a bus that was being parked in a storage area had been reversed into a bush and the heat from the engine compartment at the rear of the bus had caused a fire to ignite (image below) which had no passengers on board at the time and flames licked up the left rear corner of the bus Firefighters in breathing apparatus used the hose line from their truck to put water onto the fire it was fully extinguished within 15 minutes Firefighters then monitored the heat in the engine compartment and body panels with a thermal imaging camera to ensure there was no risk of reignition They also cleared smoke which had built up inside the vehicle using a high pressure fan it was handed back to the private bus operator to complete the clean-up of the vehicle and inspect the damage for repairs Bus plunge at Cromer Bus collision at North Narrabeen Man hit by bus at Brookvale Keoride crash at Mona Vale Jun 21, 2024 | , A family at Frenchs Forest was forced to flee their home overnight after they discovered it was burning from the inside out Shortly before 10.00pm last night (Thursday including two parents with their two young children called emergency services when they became convinced something was wrong with their combustion heater Smoke alarms in the two-storey house at Bantry Bay Road but the family detected a burning smell they did not think was coming from their wood-fired heater They also thought they could hear faint crackling sounds coming from within the walls and ceiling of their home They called Triple Zero (000) and Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters from Forestville Station along with officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command arrived on scene just before 10.00pm Seeing smoke coming from the top of the roof With the family safely evacuated from the premises they were assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics but aside from the distressing events underway did not require further treatment in hospital Two firefighting crews in breathing apparatus made entry to the house but could not initially find the source of the fire They traced the fire to the flue leading from the combustion heater into a chimney and found fire had spread into wall and ceiling cavities and was burning in the timber structure of the home Fortunately firefighters were able to work from inside the home and put water onto the burning timbers before they took hold They were forced to pull down some gyprock ceilings to access the seat of the fire They carefully traced the paths of possible spread using thermal imaging cameras to detect heat signatures within the ceiling and walls The fire was considered extinguished by 11.00pm but some remained until 12.30am this morning (Friday 21 June) to be certain the fire had been completely extinguished but although the structure of the house and their belongings had largely been saved they were advised not to remain in the property overnight until structural damage in the roof could be properly assessed FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell had issued a warning about the cold snap gripping the state Recalling a similar cold snap in winter 2022 when a record 17 people died and more than 1,000 homes were damaged or destroyed by fire he warned the public to be extra cautious when using heaters and fireplaces to stay warm at home “We know winter is the time of year when we see the greatest number of home fires and that gets even worse when there’s a cold snap “It’s really important that our fire crews are out and about in their communities and sharing advice about how to stay safe If people are looking for extra heating sources they can generate poisonous carbon monoxide fumes ensure you keep things a ‘metre from the heater’ and make sure you have working smoke alarms installed in your home to keep you and your loved ones safe,” warned Comm Fewtrell The FRNSW website has a range of resources on home fire safety, and local firefighters can come and do a safety visit of your home for free to check your home for any fire hazards House fire at Cottage Point House Fire at Narraweena Davidson house fire Collaroy Plateau house fire Balgowlah home destroyed by fire Laptop fire at Palm Beach Mona Vale house fire Freshwater house fire Manly house fire Two house fires in one day Narraweena house fire Dee Why house fire Winter fire warning Fireworks light up the sky at Manly Wharf on New Year's Eve  There’s no better way to ring in the New Year than with a fireworks display and we have the complete guide to where to get the best vantage points across the Northern Beaches.  Northern Beaches Council and local businesses are hosting several free family-friendly sites for the community to enjoy the festivities - some with great water views Fireworks will light up the night skies for approximately 10-12 minutes at the following locations: Families are encouraged to bring your own picnic or purchase takeaway from one of the many local restaurants and enjoy the fireworks spectacular For the safety of the public, there will be road closures in place around Dee Why and Manly. Please be mindful of the road closures when planning your journey and get public transport where possible Please be aware there are alcohol prohibited areas and alcohol free zones in place at all locations There is no glass permitted at Lionel Watts Reserve This event is subject to weather conditions For updates on the day follow @beachescouncil on Facebook and Instagram Council will be offsetting the emissions from the NYE fireworks displays Note: We recommend that you keep pets indoors during the fireworks We welcome everyone to our events. If you have any accessibility or inclusion requirements in order to participate fully, please let us know prior to attending on 1300 434 434 or events@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au Find out more details on the 2024 New Year’s Eve celebrations. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians and their Country By these words we show our respect to all Aboriginal people present and emerging and the spirits and ancestors of the Clans that lived in this area Feb 3, 2025 | , Police have arrested three people after they were disturbed trying to allegedly break into cars at Frenchs Forest a resident was woken by suspicious noises on the street at Peacock Parade they found a man allegedly trying to gain access to vehicles The resident contacted police to report the suspicious behaviour giving a description of the suspicious activity and car that left the scene around one kilometre from the location of the previously reported incident when they spotted a car with three occupants that matched the description of the suspicious vehicle Officers attached to Northern Beaches Traffic and Highway Patrol Command stopped the vehicle and conducted a search which located a number of items that had been reported stolen Police also found suspicious items including face coverings bolt cutters and other housebreaking implements All three occupants of the vehicle were arrested at the scene and taken to Manly Police Station where they were charged with; and will appear at Manly Local Court on Wednesday The 25-year-old woman was released on conditional bail to appear at Manly Local Court on Wednesday Police pursuit ends in crash Boy arrested after police pursuit Three face court over vehicle theft Teens arrested after pursuit Police chase ends in crash Police pursue Seaforth suspects Manhunt after stolen car dumped Road spikes stop car thieves Cromer car break-in arrest Arrests after police pursuit Crash after police pursuit Police stop stolen Porsche Teens charged over car theft Teen arrests after Manly crash Teens arrested after car chase Share via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this article Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe Healthscope chief executive Tino La Spina says the company does not expect to profit by handing over its Northern Beaches Hospital into public hands but admits removing its most troubled asset from its portfolio of 38 facilities helps pave the way for a sale of the debt-laden company Healthscope said on Thursday it has proposed switching ownership of the 400-plus bed hospital in Sydney’s north to the NSW government because the agreement it operates under was no longer viable The Minns government has to agree to take back the hospital because the contract has another 13 years to run SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy link Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe. Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you. Sep 30, 2024 | , , , Davidson MP Matt Cross says the door has been left open to graffiti vandals at Frenchs Forest Following a public campaign by Mr Cross to have prominent graffiti removed at the intersection of Forest Way and Warringah Road he and Wakehurst MP Michael Regan were given a commitment for the installation of fencing that would prevent vandals from being able to access the area to deface the sound and safety barriers The intersection sits at the boundary of the Davidson and Wakehurst electorates In response to questions raised in NSW Parliament of Minister for Roads John Graham it was revealed the barriers were installed in March 2024 at a cost $35,769 they appear to have had little impact on stopping graffiti vandalism Graffiti has been cleaned repeatedly from the barriers at the intersection (image above) which involves closing lanes of traffic at night on Warringah Road and bringing in a cherry picker has come at a cost of over $100k in the past two financial years who is also the NSW Opposition Waste Watch spokesperson says the door has been left open figuratively and literally to vandals $138,899 of our taxpayers’ money has been spent trying to remove and prevent graffiti at Forest Way and Warringah Road in Frenchs Forest “The barriers that were installed in March 2024 are clearly not working they can easily be climbed over and accessed by an open guardrail gate “I’ve been working with the Shadow Minister for Roads who asked the Secretary for Transport at a budget inquiry to install proper barriers in order to stop unnecessary taxpayer funds being spent on further graffiti clean-up “We cannot continue to spend our taxpayers’ funds without clear outcomes Each of us are facing higher cost of living pressures and prudent government expenditure is required “I’m committed to fixing graffiti at this intersection once and for all I will continue to hold the government to account and advocate until the graffiti is permanently removed,” said Mr Cross who did not wish to be identified in this article said that vandalism at the site was a significant problem and presented safety concerns to residents whose homes are only metres away She said the vandals had been particularly heartless when they painted the message “bye” directly above where a man had died in a fatal collision into the wall at the intersection The issue had concerned her young daughter so much that she gave a school speech on the issue in which she said she would write to the Prime Minister to address the problem The resident said the newly installed mesh had done little to deter the vandals and had actually made it safer to climb over the sound barriers from the footpath She also said the failure to lock a gate (main image) giving access behind fencing demonstrated how little thought had gone into the ‘solution’ to the problem Disturbing graffiti at Dee Why Council taskforce tackles graffiti Graffiti to go Mona Vale mural discord Youth Centre facelift Brookvale brushes up Mona Vale mural complete Mural to combat graffiti Feb 8, 2025 | Public safety incidents are organised by suburb Jul 14, 2024 | , The Greens are set on winning a spot on Council in the Forest with Ethan Hrnjak Following the announcement in May of their four lead candidates for the upcoming 2024 NSW Local Government elections 13 July) launched their campaign for the Frenchs Forest Ward with an event attended by around 30 supporters at Oxfords Falls Peace Park Top of the ticket for The Greens in the Frenchs Forest Ward is 20-year-old Ethan Hrnjak (main image), who despite youth, packs plenty of campaign experience, having stood for the seat of Mackellar in the 2022 Federal Election and the seat of Wakehurst in the 2023 NSW Election Mr Hrnjak is being taken seriously by rivals who privately acknowledge his determination and intelligence Currently in his third year studying for a degree in planning and environment law political pundits concede it is a matter of when Mr Hrnjak said he hopes to see current Greens Councillors Miranda Korzy from Pittwatter Ward and Kristyn Glanville from Curl Curl Ward re-elected in the next term of Council and join them to represent Frenchs Forest Ward He revealed The Greens have already been active in seeking community support “I thought today I’d paint a picture of where we are at with the campaign for Frenchs Forest Ward so far I’m thrilled to say we have knocked on over 1,500 doors shown our social media ads over 88,000 times and are only just getting started “With eight weeks until voting starts our goal is to have as many meaningful conversations as possible to change the handful of votes we need to win “I’m incredibly optimistic about this election Based on the numbers and the response we have gotten on the ground the final seat in Frenchs Forest Ward is well within reach and I’m still the only candidate campaigning,” said Mr Hrnjak The full Greens ticket in the Frenchs Forest Ward is Ethan Hrnjak in position one supported by Aina Ibrahim (image above) in second position and Cooper Holdsworth in third position They are running on a policy platform which includes supporting affordable housing community-backed development and giving residents opportunities to become more sustainable “I’m very grateful to not be going it alone in Frenchs Forest — I have the fortune to be running on a youth ticket alongside Aina Ibrahim and Cooper Holdsworth “Those wanting change and fresh representation on Council need look no further than The Greens ticket for Frenchs Forest,” said Mr Hrnjak Mr Hrnjak touched on the fact that although there are now less than two months to the election no other candidates have formally declared an intention to stand Incumbent Liberal Councillor Stuart Sprott will not be standing again in the Frenchs Forest Ward and the Liberals are holding a candidate selection this week to name their ticket Neither of the two incumbent Your Northern Beaches Independent Team (YNBIT) Councillors will be standing again in the Frenchs Forest Ward. Having won the state seat of Wakehurst, Michael Regan must stand aside at this election, and Jose Menano-Pires spectacularly quit the party last week It is understood that Mayor Sue Heins intends to move from Curl Curl Ward to Frenchs Forest Ward The incumbent Greens Councillors have delivered a strong policy agenda The 2024 NSW Local Government elections will be held on Saturday Pre-poll for the elections will be available for one week Dream team for The Greens Lizard Rock, paper, pencils Young, green and keen Greens slam bus privatisation Mackellar candidate forum Greens Parkway promise Greens stake claim Nov 26, 2024 | , , The builder of the new Forest High School at Allambie Heights has been fined by the EPA The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) yesterday (Monday 25 November) announced it had fined the Forest High School contractor ADCO Constructions the maximum penalty of $30,000 for failing to control sediment flows into a creek feeding the Manly Dam catchment Following heavy rains in June this year, community members raised concerns about sediment-laden stormwater flowing from the construction site for the new Forest High School at Allambie Road concerns were raised about sediment flows into creeks feeding into Manly Dam and the impact on a prehistoric species of fish EPA officers inspected the construction site on Saturday sediment-laden water running from the premises NSW EPA Executive Director of Operations Jason Gordon said sediment discharge could cause considerable harm to aquatic life and that ADCO Constructions had previously been warned of the need to improve sediment management at the site “Curl Curl Creek is a highly diverse aquatic ecosystem that hosts a population of the 90-million-year-old climbing galaxias freshwater fish species Water pollution incidents of this nature have the potential to jeopardise their delicate natural habitat “Strict regulations around water pollution exist to safeguard the surrounding area adequate onsite pollution controls were not in place at the construction site We acknowledge concerns raised by the local community and are committed to ensuring the contractor and its employees are taking all appropriate actions to minimise the impact of their work in the unique Manly Dam region “We have been inspecting the site since early 2024 and will maintain strong regulatory oversight to ensure all environment protection measures are being complied with and implemented as required,” said Mr Gordon Wakehurst MP Michael Regan (image above) said the fine was an appropriate response to an ‘alarming’ breach by the builder and called for the $30,000 fine to be reinvested into Manly Dam “This type of fine is always bittersweet It is good to see the EPA come down on a contractor for doing the wrong thing Manly Dam is a jewel of the Northern Beaches and I take any threat to its environmental values extremely seriously “I have written to the NSW Environment Minister advocating for the fined $30,000 to be reinvested into environmental protections and restoration projects at Manly Dam It is only fair that the community affected by this pollution sees some tangible benefit from this penalty “I welcome this fine because it sends a strong message to any contractors that there will be consequences for polluting and action will be taken to ensure conditions are met “The new school will be a construction site for at least another six months ADCO must step up and implement measures to prevent further sediment run-off,” said Mr Regan Co-Chair of the Manly Dam Advisory Committee and Northern Beaches Councillor Kristyn Glanville (image above) also welcomed the decision by the EPA to fine the contractor “It’s a pleasing outcome for the local community and environment that the EPA has taken enforcement action in relation to this incident “Too often environmental crimes take place with impunity which does not reflect the potential seriousness of environmental harm caused by pollution incidents “Enforcement action assists in impressing upon the need for building sites to ensure they are complying with stormwater management controls and foster a strong compliance culture “The Council has called upon DPI Fisheries and the EPA to now look further at strategies to assist the recovery of the climbing galaxias given its special significance to the area as the last known population of this prehistoric fish in the Sydney area,” said Cr Glanville ADCO Constructions is contracted to build the new Forest High School at 189 Allambie Road for School Infrastructure NSW (artist impression above) The Northern Beaches Advocate attended the official sod turning ceremony of the $160m project on 06 December 2023 and ADCO Constructions said the company expected the new school to be complete by mid-2025 ADCO Constructions was issued an advisory letter from the EPA and asked to take action to improve sediment management at the site after the EPA received community reports of turbid water being discharged from the premises during heavy rainfall in January 2024 Potential water pollution incidents can be reported directly to the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555 Editorial note: Founded in 1961, The Forest High School is a coeducational government secondary school at 135 Frenchs Forest Road which is a 4.5ha site at the corner of Aquatic Drive Nov 25, 2024 | , Two people have been taken to hospital following a fire in a garage at Seaforth emergency services were called to a report of a house fire at Frenchs Forest Road Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews from Manly along with three NSW Ambulance crews and officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command They found a structure at the rear of the property fully alight The building was a detached garage of brick construction which was accessible from MacMillan Street It is understood that the garage was being used as a domicile by the son of a couple who lived in the home FRNSW Inspector Mark McKay said firefighters initially had difficulty accessing the interior of the structure and were forced to breach the garage door to be able to put water into the fire from the street were assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics for minor smoke inhalation and both taken to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition The electricity supply to the garage was disconnected by Ausgrid With clear access to the interior of the structure firefighters in breathing apparatus used two hose lines connected to a street hydrant to put out the fire which was extinguished shortly after 1.30am Inspector McKay said the heat of the fire had been intense The contents of the garage were completely destroyed Firefighters thoroughly checked through the garage with a thermal imaging camera to ensure no hot spots remained that would cause a reignition The scene was handed over to NSW Police by firefighters just before 3.00am and it is understood that investigators from FRNSW Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) will attend today Families flee Newport fire Mona Vale garage fire Manly garage fire Fire destroys garage The Weekly SOURCE is published by DCM Media with the Northern Beaches Council.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe development would replace four large houses across the slightly sloping site at 116-120 Frenchs Forest West and 11 Gladys Avenue.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe properties last sold in 2017 and 2018 for more than $12 million to Robert and Jane Woods \" data-mce-src=\"//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/5U2rnicWMbSZtWXatMM9Qh/7ddb5252799c15fc742dea5fae305bab/Copy_of_Editorial_Mid_800x450__15_.jpg\"\u003e\u003c/picture\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cspan style=\"opacity: 0.8;\" data-mce-style=\"opacity: 0.8;\"\u003e▲ The four houses on the site would go under the proposed plans for the site at Frenchs Forest Source: Nearmap\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis showed that the project site would become zoned medium-density and that the suburb would provide space for 5360 new homes and 2300 jobs.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese latest plans show three complexes across the site with nine apartments dedicated to council housing and a further 21 for affordable housing.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere is also basement and mezzanine parking for 139 cars a three-car wash bay and three charging spaces.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe application with a $670million capital investment value was expected to go on exhibition next week.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"3ZtG6aDZAQxMLIlguFdZh4\"\u003e\u003cpicture\u003e\u003cimg src=\"//images.ctfassets.net/8pr762qjocl3/4d1ErVOQWZLkRqaEFXziuN/3a565335339b488048e8323d4394c6f5/Copy_of_Editorial_Mid_800x450__14_.jpg\" alt=\"Plans for three apartment complexes in Frenchs Forest opposite the hospital Lendlease’s third residential building in the Collins Wharf precinct of Victoria Harbour.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 28-storey building at 971 Collins Street in Melbourne’s Docklands will deliver 312 homes in a mix of one two and three-bedroom apartments as well as townhouses and penthouses.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to Lendlease the project has already secured more than 50 per cent in presales.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHickory is the construction contractor—it completed the precinct’s first development in 2019 and is also working on LendLease’s second tower Regatta.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor Ancora Hickory is implementing several technical construction methods including various piling techniques and precast concrete solutions that enable a parallel-track construction program.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe building’s facade designed by architect Warren and Mahoney uses a three-stage design incorporating double-glazed glass and textured precast concrete with Reckli and brick finishes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe structural design transitions from a solid podium base to lighter upper levels “reflecting a maritime theme” aligned with the Collins Wharf design objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAncora will connect to the neighbouring Regatta development via a podium allowing resident access to shared amenities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned as an all-electric building that includes electric vehicle infrastructure the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star certification Completion is expected in 2027.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegatta including build-to-rent and build-to-sell units.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eExtensive wharf works including remediation of pre-existing wharf piles installation of raker piles and construction of the extension to Australia Walk are also part of the project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTechnical challenges include constructing on the finger wharf and co-ordinating extensive above-wharf road reserve and public parkland works.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Collins Wharf precinct will ultimately comprise six residential buildings of more than 1800 homes surrounded by over 5000sq m of parks and community space.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease is developing the parkland concurrently with the residential components including the extension of Australian Walk that forms part of the City of Melbourne’s Greenline project.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLendlease executive director of development Adam Williams said Collins Wharf “is fast becoming a sought-after address .. which took just a handful of hours to emerge on Saturday night the Coalition’s failure to sway voters has come under intense scrutiny.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts lack of policies around property that resonated with voters has been a large part of that criticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong those policies was a $5-billion infrastructure program to unlock up to 500,000 new homes was greeted with no small amount of scepticism.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Coalition also campaigned on its previously revealed plan to allow first home buyers to draw down on their superannuation giving access to up to $50,000 to help fund mortgage deposits.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile that proposal had won some support it got the thumbs down from many of Australia’s top economists who said the measure could prove highly inflationary among other issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilarly its plan to allow mortgage interest for first home buyers to be tax-deductible was roundly criticised for its likely inflationary and regressive effects.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt has also been pointed out that the Coalition’s rejection of the Green’s policies around housing supply affordable housing and help for renters did it no favours.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe ALP went to the polls spruiking an extension of schemes introduced during its previous term including a $10-billion promise for its first-home buyers’ scheme to encourage 100,000 more homes.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt also had its Help to Buy shared equity scheme under which the Government pays up to 40 per cent of the house price to point to.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf it was these policies per se or the lack of detail and depth to the Coalition’s the nation's ready for the Albanese government to act.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat is clear been endorsed to follow through on its policies and fix the crisis that is crippling the Australian property sector.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs Urban Taskforce Australia chief executive\u0026nbsp;Tom\u0026nbsp;Forrest has pointed out it is time for the Federal Government to get back to work.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Housing affordability and housing supply featured large during the campaign,” Forrest said.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“The key now is for the Government to strike while the iron’s hot.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“If legislation is needed to support the delivery of Labor’s $10-billion 100,000 new homes commitment—then pass it through the parliament now and get on with it.”\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe states have made many changes to how they enable home development The Federal Government’s support of that is crucial to its success material supply assistance or any other factor that affects getting homes out of the ground.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis has been a pivotal election Then Cities for Total Fan Immersion\",\"slug\":\"billionaire-arsenal-rams-denver-nuggets-sports-anchored-precincts\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-30T00:00+10:00\",\"tags\":[],\"summary\":\"Why your next home might be stadium-adjacent; sports are the hook The 5740sq m amalgamated site opposite the Northern Beaches Hospital and town centre is part of an emerging precinct and has been tipped to be the first of many The plans for 127 apartment were filed by Young Assets Holding Pty Limited The development would replace four large houses across the slightly sloping site at 116-120 Frenchs Forest West and 11 Gladys Avenue The properties last sold in 2017 and 2018 for more than $12 million to Robert and Jane Woods who were directing Northern Beaches Apartments Pty Ltd This was around the time the Northern Beaches Hospital Precinct Structure Plan was drafted and the 20-year growth plans for Frenchs Forest were unveiled This showed that the project site would become zoned medium-density and that the suburb would provide space for 5360 new homes and 2300 jobs show three complexes across the site with nine apartments dedicated to council housing and a further 21 for affordable housing There is also basement and mezzanine parking for 139 cars a three-car wash bay and three charging spaces was expected to go on exhibition next week Planners from Boston Blyth Fleming held talks with the council and the Sustainability Advisory Panel last year to work up acceptable plans “The proposal requires the consent authority to give favourable consideration to a variation to the building height development standard,” the planning report by Boston Blyth Fleming said “Strict compliance has been found to be unreasonable and unnecessary having regard to the particular circumstances of the case including the topography of the land.” Jan 1, 2025 | , Volunteer firefighters had New Year’s ruined by deliberately lit fires at Manly Dam Reserve Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Dee Why Station and NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) crews from Beacon Hill responded to a report of a red glow in bushland a few hundred metres from the Wakehurst Parkway The fire had initially been spotted from the air by the PolAir helicopter which had been conducting an aerial patrol for New Year’s Eve firefighters from Dee Why Fire Station were unable to access the bushland area via a fire trail in their truck but confirmed there was an active and apparently uncontrolled fire in the bush the FRNSW crew stood down in favour of RFS crews better equipped to tackle a fire in the bush Firefighters made their way into the reserve locating a few hundred square metres of bush alight Crews set to work putting in containment lines around the fire becoming suspicious at what seemed to be multiple points of ignition Their suspicions were confirmed when another fire located several hundred metres from the first was started some time shortly before 6.00am close to the pipeline trail Fire conditions overnight were relatively benign but flame heights were reaching up to 3m and firefighting conditions were difficult with some areas of inaccessible terrain and water only available from their fire trucks and a water tanker Additional relief RFS crews were brought in through the morning from Terrey Hills and the second outbreak was brought under control and extinguished by 8.00am after burning up to an estimated 2ha of bush The original fire was contained shortly before 7.30am crews worked for several more hours until it was extinguished around 12.30pm A fire investigator arrived on scene shortly after to look into the cause of the fires NSW Rural Fire Service Inspector Ben Shepherd confirmed the cause of the fires was being investigated “We have responded to a number of incidents recently in this location and we are treating the cause of the fires as suspicious,” said Inspector Shepherd A spokesperson for NSW Police confirmed the first sighting of the fire had come from the air via the PolAir helicopter and although officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command had initially attended the scene they would await the results of the RFS inquiry before a criminal investigation was opened The area at the northern end of Manly Dam Reserve, in the vicinity of the pipeline trail between Allambie Road and the Wakehurst Parkway, has seen a spate of recent suspicious firelighting activity. The most serious incident was in September 2024 when another large fire was caused by multiple sources of ignition along bush tracks There have been at least half a dozen fire calls to the area in only the last few months, with most fires being extinguished while relatively small. It is now almost certain a persistent firebug is targeting the area and local residents are urged to protect their property by reporting anyone suspicious in the area to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 NSW Police are seeking public assistance in relation to this matter. If you have any information that may assist them with their inquiries, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 Suspicious fire at Allambie Heights Bushfire at Belrose Bushfire breaks containment lines Bushfire at Narrabeen Lagoon Fire contained at Ingleside Bushfire at Hungry Beach Suspicious fires at Ingleside Bushfire at Coasters Retreat Campfire causes bushfire Night fire at Newport Fire and arrest at dunes camp Dee Why Lagoon fire West Head bushfire Lagoon fires spark engagement By Angus Thomson Northern Beaches Hospital in Frenchs Forest has been controversial since before it was built.Credit: Nick Moir Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time The death of two-year-old Joe Massa is the latest tragedy at the Northern Beaches Hospital since its opening seven years ago have urged the state government to re-evaluate its arrangement with Healthscope the private company contracted to build and run the hospital under a rare and controversial “public-private partnership” with the former Coalition state government which led to the closure of Manly Hospital and reduction of beds at Mona Vale and a series of mishaps soon after its opening did little to assuage community concerns about a private company running a public hospital Healthscope is under significant financial stress and seeking intervention from its lenders Joe Massa died after systemic failures at Northern Beaches Hospital Joe Massa went into cardiac arrest three hours after arriving at Northern Beaches Hospital emergency department looking “pale and flat” following a night of vomiting and dry retching and his life support was withdrawn two days later In a serious adverse event review after Joe’s death in September medical staff not involved in his treatment found his life-threatening condition may have been identified and treated earlier if he had been appropriately triaged upon arrival at the emergency department and if the grave concerns of his parents and staff had been “actioned in a timely manner” The review recommended urgent changes to the hospital’s electronic medical record system and triage processes after finding the hospital failed to respond urgently to a heart rate considered in the “red zone” and failed to respond to serious concerns from clinicians and the boy’s parents To understand why the northern beaches community has a tense relationship with its hospital The Frenchs Forest project was supposed to be the “jewel in the crown” of the former Coalition government’s public-private partnership ambitions when plans were first unveiled by then-health minister Jillian Skinner in 2013 the project drew widespread community anger and concerns Healthscope the private hospital provider paid $2.14 billion to build and run the hospital until 2038 A shambolic opening in 2018 marred by industrial disputes and understaffing headaches did nothing to ease those concerns Anaesthetists threatened to cancel elective surgery over concerns for patient and staff safety within hours of the hospital’s opening and the hospital’s chief executive and medical director both departed days later Skinner’s successor as health minister, Brad Hazzard, decided to shelve plans to privately build and run five regional hospitals, and a parliamentary inquiry later recommended an end to public-private hospital partnerships altogether One of Australia’s largest private hospital operators Healthscope beat rivals Ramsay Health Care to be awarded the tender to build and run Northern Beaches Hospital The company was publicly listed at the time but was acquired by Canadian private equity giant Brookfield in 2019 for about $4 billion the soaring costs of delivering healthcare and rising interest on the company’s mammoth debt have caused an enormous financial headache for Healthscope Last year, independent auditors cast doubt over the hospital’s ability to continue operating if Healthscope could not convince its lenders it could turn its faltering financial performance around On Thursday, Healthscope’s maternity units in Darwin and Hobart became the latest to close as the sector combats the rising costs of running services for a shrinking pool of women A parliamentary inquiry into the hospital’s performance was launched in 2019 after several high-profile incidents occurred in its first year, including one case where a cancer patient had the wrong side of his colon removed due to an error in his pathology report In 2019, Healthscope was accused of offering staff a $500 incentive to get public emergency room patients to use their private health coverage launched after high-profile incidents and concerns heard ambulances had been “directed not to bring patients who appear to be having a heart attack to Northern Beaches” because it was not part of the services the hospital is required to provide A coronial report into the death of Joshua Gill which occurred days after he was discharged from the hospital found the 14-year-old would have benefited if the hospital “had the capacity to offer age-appropriate inpatient treatment” The former Coalition government committed $7.5 million towards building a four-bed adolescent mental health but Healthscope abandoned these plans last year enraging the Gill family and the community Premier Chris Minns said Health Minister Ryan Park was meeting the family on Thursday and the government would not rule out further inquiries I can only imagine the pain that they’re going through,” Minns said “They’re after answers for their own family but they’re also after answers to ensure that this doesn’t happen to anybody else.” Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter the private company contracted to build and run the hospital under a rare and controversial \\u201Cpublic-private partnership\\u201D with the former Coalition state government Joe Massa went into cardiac arrest three hours after arriving at Northern Beaches Hospital emergency department looking \\u201Cpale and flat\\u201D following a night of vomiting and dry retching In a serious adverse event review after Joe\\u2019s death in September medical staff not involved in his treatment found his life-threatening condition may have been identified and treated earlier if he had been appropriately triaged upon arrival at the emergency department and if the grave concerns of his parents and staff had been \\u201Cactioned in a timely manner\\u201D The review recommended urgent changes to the hospital\\u2019s electronic medical record system and triage processes after finding the hospital failed to respond urgently to a heart rate considered in the \\u201Cred zone\\u201D and failed to respond to serious concerns from clinicians and the boy\\u2019s parents it\\u2019s useful to revisit how it came about The Frenchs Forest project was supposed to be the \\u201Cjewel in the crown\\u201D of the former Coalition government\\u2019s public-private partnership ambitions when plans were Anaesthetists over concerns for patient and staff safety within hours of the hospital\\u2019s opening and the hospital\\u2019s chief executive and medical director both departed days later Skinner\\u2019s successor as health minister and a parliamentary inquiry later recommended an One of Australia\\u2019s largest private hospital operators the soaring costs of delivering healthcare and rising interest on the company\\u2019s mammoth debt have caused an enormous financial headache for Healthscope independent auditors if Healthscope could not convince its lenders it could turn its faltering financial performance around Healthscope\\u2019s maternity units in Darwin and Hobart became the latest to close as the sector A parliamentary inquiry into the hospital\\u2019s performance was launched in 2019 after several high-profile incidents occurred in its first year including one case where a cancer patient had the wrong side of his colon removed Healthscope was to get public emergency room patients to use their private health coverage heard ambulances had been \\u201Cdirected not to bring patients who appear to be having a heart attack to Northern Beaches\\u201D because it was not part of the services the hospital is required to provide found the 14-year-old would have benefited if the hospital \\u201Chad the capacity to offer age-appropriate inpatient treatment\\u201D \\u201CIt\\u2019s every parent\\u2019s worst nightmare I can only imagine the pain that they\\u2019re going through,\\u201D Minns said \\u201CThey\\u2019re after answers for their own family but they\\u2019re also after answers to ensure that this doesn\\u2019t happen to anybody else.\\u201D Start the day with a summary of the day\\u2019s most important and interesting stories Jul 8, 2024 | , A second Northern Beaches Councillor has quit the Your Northern Beaches Independent Team political group With Local Government elections only ten weeks away Frenchs Forest Ward Councillor Jose Menano-Pires (main image) today (Monday 08 July) announced he was quitting as a candidate for the Your Northern Beaches Independent Team (YNBIT) political movement and took a thinly veiled swipe at Mayor Sue Heins because I believed that a strong group of Independents working together would be best placed to make an effective positive difference in our LGA [Local Government Area] “Michael’s election to State Parliament as Member for Wakehurst and consequent retirement from Mayor and YNBIT Leader left a leadership vacuum in both roles that has not been satisfactorily filled “Michael as Mayor and Leader was the glue that joined a diverse group of individuals with various and sometimes competing ideas into a cohesive team that worked very well for the benefit of our residents due to the lack of leadership in both roles since he stepped down and some team members do think more about their petty political self-interest than to proudly work together for our community “I’ll not be part of the YNBIT that plans to contest the forthcoming Local Government election in September 2024 so it is fitting that I resign from the team effective immediately,” announced Cr Menano-Pires According to former Mayor Michael Regan (image above) YNBIT was formed as a registered political party to enable community-based Independent candidates to contest elections on an equal footing with other political parties YNBIT was created by Mr Regan before the ‘Teal’ Independent movement gained traction Although designed to support his election as Mayor the group could fairly be said to have held a range of political views As was reported last January when Pittwater Ward Councillor Michael Gencher defected from YNBIT to the Liberal Party tensions have been increasing within the ‘orange’ and ‘teal’ groups which are formally separate but share many of the same political volunteers Reports from within YNBIT indicate that since Mr Regan was elected to the NSW Parliament last May his focus has increasingly been on state politics and his direct influence within the YNBIT has been waning as the power dynamic within the group shifts YNBIT has yet to publicly name their candidates for the upcoming Council elections on 14 September but today’s announcement by Cr Menano-Pires indicates growing influence over the selection process by Teals within the group Cr Menano-Pires refused to confirm that he had been pushed out by YNBIT but it is understood from other sources that YNBIT Mayor Sue Heins is planning to move from Curl Curl Ward to Frenchs Forest Ward to make way for former Teal candidate for Manly Joeline Hackman to run at the top of the YNBIT ticket for Curl Curl Ward Cr Menano-Pires said the rift with his former colleagues had grown wider over differences on the recent Council budget which he referred to as a ‘spend and tax’ budget “Northern Beaches Council faces serious challenges in the short and medium term and I am convinced that the YNBIT will not be able to address them “The most critical challenge is Council’s financial situation For the first time since I have served in both Warringah and Northern Beaches Councils the 2024/25 Budget will be in deficit to the tune of $5.1m “Furthermore, while still paying the legacy debt from Manly and Pittwater Councils, we are now increasing our debt level by another $10.5m to finance the building of the Warriewood Community Centre that was tentatively fully budgeted internally in the past we are seriously falling behind in asset maintenance and replacement We can all appreciate the deteriorating situation of our roads compounded by the cost of temporary fixing potholes,” said Cr Menano-Pires Cr Menano-Pires said that he was unable to support 20-25 percent rate rises that would be required under Council’s delivery plan “While the majority of my YNBIT colleagues support this high rate rise and spoke in its favour at the June Council Meeting “Under the current cost of living pressure that our residents face I can not support an increase of that size an unacceptable burden in our resident’s financial situation especially young families also facing increasing costs in child care “I strongly believe that before we contemplate any increase in rates on top of the mandated one and implement a variety of saving measures or financial cuts to reduce its expenditure “I do not believe we can find a single saving measure or cut to a service that will give us the necessary savings I think it will have to be a comprehensive wide range review that will have to include the level of some services the marketing and communications program and the cost and number of events paid for or subsidised by Council to name just a few areas,” said Cr Menano-Pires Cr Menano-Pires warned that the Council faced a future of being placed into administration he said small decisions were reflective of a bigger problem Council had on spending “I think we have been way too generous in spending our ratepayer’s money — for instance in the last report of our Discretionary Fund it was disclosed that through the Mayors’ Office $2,000 was approved as funding assistance to several residents to ‘represent the Cook Islands and attend the 2024 FIT Touch World Cup and compete in the Open Women’s Team in England’ “I do not think this kind of expenditure passes the ‘pub test’ It may well be said ‘it is only $2,000′ but for me what is important is the concept that using our residents’ rates to pay for sport representation of a foreign country — even a fantastic one like the Cook Islands — is acceptable In my view that is a serious lapse in judgement,” said Cr Menano-Pires With only two Council meetings remaining before the election the removal of another vote is unlikely to cause many practical difficulties for Mayor Sue Heins “Your Northern Beaches Independent Team thank Jose for his time and dedication to Council We wish him the best in his future endeavours,” said Mayor Heins More likely to be problematic is Cr Menano-Pires’ future intentions Cr Menano-Pires confirmed this afternoon that he was ‘considering his options’ and had the experience necessary to run his own campaign “I have run and won in the Forest before by myself I will take some time now to consider what the future may look like if I were stand as a true Independent What I can say for certain is that I will not be running for the Liberal Party “The current mandate still has a couple of months to go I will continue to fulfil my commitment to our community to the best of my ability “Regarding the election in September my advice to the residents is to cast your vote wisely Take the time to understand what the candidates really stand for In the case of candidates seeking re-election check their voting track record; it will either be for ‘fiscal responsibility living within our means’ or ‘spend and tax’,” said Cr Menano-Pires Oct 2, 2024 | and The Greens have swept onto Northern Beaches Council winning four spots The results for the 2024 NSW Local Government elections in five Northern Beaches Council wards was declared yesterday morning (Tuesday, 01 October). The final poll outcome was exactly as predicted by the Northern Beaches Advocate the morning after the election (Saturday Council is comprised of three councillors from each of five wards The Your Northern Beaches Independent Team (YNBIT) party was unable to achieve an outright majority They will likely rely again on the support of Independent Councillor Candy Bingham to retain the Mayor’s role The Greens have emerged as the largest bloc of votes outside of YNBIT winning four spots and doubling their number Two fresh faces will be joining incumbent Greens Councillors Kristyn Glanville and Miranda Korzy Ethan Hrnjak won a tight contest in Frenchs Forest Ward and Bonnie Harvey has edged out Labor’s Brandt Clifford to win a spot in Manly Ward With the Liberals eliminated from standing for election The Greens find themselves with newfound negotiating power There is no clear path for The Greens to challenge for the Mayor’s role however as they are unlikely to be supported by the remaining Independents — Vincent De Luca OAM Robert ‘Bob’ Giltinan OAM and Mandeep ‘Sunny’ Singh The final informal vote of around eight percent reduced significantly during the ongoing count as below the line votes were correctly allocated to candidates the informal count was as high as 23 percent All elected candidates have now been confirmed to have achieved a vote higher than the informal rate in their respective wards The final results of all counting can be viewed on the NSW Electoral Commission website. The first meeting of the new Northern Beaches Council will occur next Tuesday Council election results Ryburn stands for Pittwater The accidental Liberal Scruby back for Pittwater De Luca the last man standing Banned but undeterred YNBIT launch Council campaign Libs withdraw ballot challenge Libs challenge election deadline Libs off Council for four years Council deadline disaster Council condemns Government Council: Nothing to see here Labor sets sights on Council Good For Manly launch campaign Greens target Forest Council budget blow-up Council dead broke Manly Leagues Coach Anthony Watmough has named his team to play the Moorebank Rams in round 16 of the Sydney Shield The match kicks off at 1.30pm at Lionel Watts Reserve Manly Leagues sit two points clear in ninth place on the bottom placed Rams with five rounds remaining of the regular season The Sea Eagles recorded a 32-28 win over the Rams at Blacktown in round eight Match Report: Jersey Flegg Cup Round 9 vs Sliktails Team List: Jersey Flegg Cup Round 9 vs Silktails Vital win for Manly Leagues in Sydney Shield Manly Leagues hungry to make amends in Sydney Shield Planning controls for Phase One commenced on 1 June 2022.  You can now lodge a Development Application.  Refer to our development applications page for information on pre-lodgement meetings and how to lodge your application Frenchs Forest is home to the new, state-of-the-art Northern Beaches Hospital Wakehurst Parkway and Frenchs Forest Road West the hospital and associated road upgrades represents a significant investment in state infrastructure valued at $1 billion the area surrounding the Northern Beaches Hospital has been identified as a Strategic Centre and Health and Education Precinct in the metropolitan planning for the Greater Sydney region Since 2014, Council has been planning for the future of the precinct through the preparation of the Hospital Precinct Structure Plan (Structure Plan) the Structure Plan provides the strategic land use planning framework for Frenchs Forest over the next 20 years The Structure Plan sets the vision for Frenchs Forest as it transitions into a Strategic Centre and identifies appropriate land use mixes taking into account environmental transport and accessibility issues.   The Structure Plan proposes a phased approach to the development of the precinct which is based on the provision of improved transport infrastructure and a continued modal shift from private to public transport the Structure Plan proposes the phased delivery of approximately 5,360 dwellings and 2,300 new jobs In response to the State Government’s $1 billion investment in public infrastructure for Frenchs Forest, the former Warringah Council resolved in 2013 to prepare the Hospital Precinct Structure Plan for the area around the new hospital site The purpose of this plan was to ensure that appropriate consideration was given to the long term planning of the area and to guide future development Detailed analysis for the Structure Plan was carried out over a four-year period (2014 to 2017) culminating in an actively engaged community and an adopted Structure Plan for the Frenchs Forest precinct Frenchs Forest was declared a 'Priority Precinct' by the NSW Government  The Department of Planning and Environment led the precinct planning for the Phase One area of Council's Structure Plan in collaboration with Council and relevant state agencies   Changes to Council's planning framework were recommended based on more detailed planning work and community feedback view the NSW Government's Frenchs Forest 2041 Place Strategy Rezoning of Phase One and the new planning controls were finalised on 1 June 2022 The rezoning package was finalised by the NSW Government on 17 December 2021 and includes the Frenchs Forest 2041 Place Strategy and Special Infrastructure Contributions (SIC) scheme The Place Strategy delivers 2,000 new homes (1,000 of these in the town centre; 1,000 in the adjacent residential areas) with a range of housing including duplexes terraces and apartments; and homes for essential workers such as nurses and paramedics The SIC provides up to $37.3 million to pay for the required infrastructure including roads Council has finalised its supporting planning documents including the Northern Beaches Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme and Tenancy Guidelines and amendment to Warringah Development Control Plan 2011 – Part G9 Frenchs Forest Town Centre Council's supporting planning documents include the Northern Beaches Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme and Tenancy Guidelines and amendment to the Warringah Development Control Plan 2021 - Part G9 Frenchs Forest Town Centre.  Council adopted the Frenchs Forest Town Centre Contributions Plan at the meeting on 24 May 2022  This plan came into force on 1 June 2022 Phase Two and Three of Council's Structure Plan are reliant on the delivery of state infrastructure items and will only go ahead once there is commitment on the delivery of significant regional road works including the proposed Beaches Link Tunnel and/ore an east-west rapid transport (BRT) system from Chatswood to Dee Why To learn more about this project, please contact Council’s Strategic and Place Planning Team on 1300 434 434 or council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au Council's award winning three-stage engagement approach encouraged maximum community input View the reports that have been prepared for the project present and emerging and the spirits and ancestors of the Clans that lived in this area.