May 5, 2025 | Pittwater ward, Public Safety
A gas leak at a construction site shut down the heart of Mona Vale for over an hour
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Narrabeen and Mona Vale Stations responded to a report of a gas leak at a construction site at the corner of Bungan Street and Waratah Street
The incident occurred at the same building site that a workman died four weeks ago after falling approximately 16m from scaffolding
Workers had been operating a small excavator
apparently as part of replacing guttering around the building
when they hit a high-pressure gas line that ruptured
Firefighters confirmed the natural gas leak was a significant threat and the building site was evacuated and the busy intersection in the heart of Mona Vale’s shopping district was shut down
The incident occurred as Mona Vale Public School was preparing children for the annual cross-country run
The school is directly across the road from the construction site and children were evacuated from the front oval as emergency services arrived
Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command and NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command closed major intersections into the town centre and set up traffic diversions
Pedestrians were also prevented from entering the exclusion zone and local businesses were instructed to shelter in place
a number of people seemed intent on ignoring the exclusion zone until firmly directed away by police and firefighters
Firefighters in breathing apparatus set up hose lines for fire protection
as an urgent gas response team from Jemena attended to turn off the mains supply
The Jemena gas technician managed to shut off the flow of gas through the line shortly before 11.00am
As a repair was then undertaken on the gas supply
firefighters began conducting gas readings in surrounding businesses
FRNSW Narrabeen Station Officer Lachlan Arnold (image below
centre) said once the leak was sealed the danger would quickly pass
“Natural gas is lighter than air so we expect it to dissipate effectively and quickly
The smell of gas was quite strong when the leak happened
and sometimes once people have smelled gas it can linger in their senses for a while
“We like to check though and used our gas detection equipment in the surrounding area
just to be sure there were no readings of gas that may pose a danger,” explained SO Arnold
Police began to remove the exclusion zone and allow traffic back into the Mona Vale town centre just before 11.30am
FRNSW was also called to a gas leak at a construction site at Oaks Avenue
There an excavator had ruptured a high-pressure gas main
That building site was evacuated and surrounding buildings and businesses were instructed to close windows and shelter in place
Additional fire crews were brought in to establish fire protection and an exclusion zone
with NSW Police closing Oaks Avenue and preventing pedestrian access along Pittwater Road
an emergency response crew from Jemena attended and clamped the main to stop the leak by 1.30pm
Join us as we go 100% electric and be part of the future of green driving
Worker dies after roof fall
Gas main fire at Manly
Gas main rupture
Man hurt in gas rupture
Roadworks fire at Bilgola
Manly gas leak
Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress
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
The NSW Government has released the detail on the planning reforms that will apply to people living within 800m of 171 town centres and train or light rail stations across metropolitan Sydney
the new controls will apply to all residential zoned land within 800 metres walking distance of:
four town centres that had originally been proposed to be included in the Stage 2 Reforms have been excluded: Warriewood
Enter your property address and see whether the policy may apply to your land
however it is important to note that some exclusions may apply (see below)
The changes depend on the zoning of a property that falls within the 800m (you can find out your zone by putting your address in the look up tool)
Residential flat buildings (up to 22m) and shop-top apartments (up to 24m) - both up to 6 storeys - will be permissible in R3 Medium Density Residential zones within 400m of each nominated town centre
For land zoned R3 that is between 400m–800m from each town centre
apartments up to 4 storeys (17.5m) will be permitted
For land zoned R1 General Residential and R2 Low Density Residential within 800m of each town centre
residential flat buildings up to 9.5m (2-3 storeys) will be permitted on sites with a minimum lot size of 500sqm.
and manor houses) up to 9.5m high (2–3 storeys) will be permitted in R1 General Residential and R2 Low Density Residential areas within 800m of each nominated town centre
This will be a significant change for these areas in the former Pittwater and Waringah local government areas as these kind of dwellings are not permitted under current rules
A key aspect of the new controls is the introduction of new ‘non-discretionary’ development standards which will be the same across the 171 centres where the reforms apply.
These standards will address key aspects such as building heights
These new non-discretionary controls will override Northern Beaches’ local planning controls and Council will not be able to refuse applications that comply with the new standards.
if Council receives an application for a 6 storey apartment within 400m of Mona Vale Town Centre
Council would normally refuse this as only 2 storeys is allowed under the Pittwater Local Environment Plan
Council would not be able to refuse the 6 storey application on the basis of its 6 storey building height
There has been no change to existing consent authority requirements
This means landowners seeking approval for development within the 9 nominated town centres would continue to lodge a development application with Council
The NSW Government’s changes do not require any contribution for long term or permanent affordable housing as part of any new development
Council’s Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme (AHCS) continues to apply to development in identified areas e.g
The NSW Government’s existing affordable housing bonus provisions under the Housing SEPP also apply to these developments
These provisions allow additional building height and floor space for residential developments that include dedicated affordable housing for at least 15 years
Developments providing up to 15% affordable housing can receive up to a 30% bonus in both height and floor space
on a site within 400m of the Manly Vale town centre
an applicant could propose a residential flat building up to 28.6m (9 storeys) if 15% affordable housing is included in the development (i.e
The additional bonus height/ floorspace is not guaranteed
Council must also consider the potential environmental impacts of the additional height/ floorspace
The Government’s policy will not apply to certain areas within each nominated town centre
The NSW Government has persisted with the one-fits-size-fits-all approach to these reforms and we have not seen a plan for investment in the infrastructure and services upgrades required to manage the significant growth these reforms bring
public transport and other community services will be impacted and the NSW Government needs to provide information about how this will be ameliorated.
The changes started on 28 February 2025.
There is more information, maps and FAQs available on the NSW Planning website.
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
Apr 23, 2025 | Pittwater ward, Public Safety
Traffic at Mona Vale was thrown into chaos for hours after a pedestrian was hit by a car
Shortly before 7.00am this morning (Wednesday
NSW Police and NSW Ambulance responded to a report of a pedestrian hit by a car at Barrenjoey Road
It is understood a 28-year-old woman was crossing the road at the traffic lights and was hit by a grey 2012 Ford Falcon (image below)
It is unclear whether the woman or the car may have been crossing the intersection against a traffic signal
but it is understood the vehicle struck the woman at around 50 km/h
The woman was thrown up onto the bonnet of the car
before being tossed down onto the road in the northbound lanes of Barrenjoey Road outside the Mona Vale Hotel
Three NSW Ambulance crews were dispatched to the incident scene
including one from nearby Mona Vale Ambulance Station
as well as an Intensive Care crew from Narrabeen Ambulance Station and NSW Ambulance Inspector Ronnie Mawhinney
Paramedics assessed the woman’s injuries
while she appeared to have escaped a head injury
she was complaining of pain in her pelvis and back
raising concerns she may have sustained internal injuries
She was moved from the roadway onto a stretcher and taken to Royal North Shore Hospital in a serious but stable condition just before 7.30am
The nature of the collision resulted in the NSW Police Crash Investigation Unit (CIU) being called to the scene
Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command preserving the scene for the arrival of CIU requested the assistance of firefighters from nearby Mona Vale Station
who provided a tarpaulin to cover the front end of the Ford to preserve evidence from rain
Traffic was heavily disrupted while the police investigation was underway
with northbound queues stretching 1.5km along Pittwater Road as far as Warriewood Road
As the investigation was being completed shortly before 11.00am however
there was a two-vehicle collision on the southbound lanes near Golf Avenue
involving a delivery van covered in decals for Mackellar MP Dr Sophie Scamps and a Suzuki Jimny (image above)
No injuries were reported and police witnessed the collision
which cleared southbound lanes just before 11.30am
Pedestrian hit at Collaroy
Girl knocked down by e-bike
Hit-and-run at Manly Beach
No-man’s-land at North Manly
Pedestrian hit on crossing
Boy on e-bike hit by car
Man hit by bus at Brookvale
Pedestrian hit on Parkway
Boy hit by car at Manly Vale
Woman hit by car at Dee Why
Elderly man hit by car
Pedestrian hit at Freshwater
Pedestrian peril at Forest Way
Boy dies in hospital
Boy hit by car at Collaroy
Scooter collision at Cromer
Boy run over at Elanora Heights
Boy hit by car at Manly
0:06I'm Sally and I'm in Manly Vale and we've just been through the process of electrifying our home
0:11I saw that there was an Energy and Solar Expert Advisory Service so I contacted them and we had a 1:1 conversation and then halfway through my husband visited the Net Zero Expo
0:23And I understand there's also monthly Roadshows so people can go in person and actually have conversations with somebody face to face
0:33So we looked at replacing that and went with induction
0:40And the last step for us has been getting electric vehicle
which we now trickle charge during the day
0:52And we're using it the same as we used our old car and our bills
0:55It's a third of what our old power bill was
take advantage of the battery rebate that's just been introduced
1:05And we're looking at battery because we generate a lot more power at the moment and we will do as the summer comes on
we can save that and then use it in the evenings
I'd really recommend people would use the Energy and Solar Expert Advisory Service to speak to somebody at the beginning and in the middle
1:23We're going to be speaking to Council again about our home battery
1:28They have that currency of information so that it's a really
Oct 13, 2024 | Manly ward, Public Safety
A woman has been taken to hospital in a critical condition after CareFlight was called to Manly Vale
NSW Police and NSW Ambulance were called to a report of a traffic incident at Condamine Street
they were told that a white 2016 Toyota HiAce van that is modified for disability transport had braked suddenly
causing one of the passengers to be injured
The injured passenger was an 82-year-old woman
who was reportedly unrestrained at the time of the sudden braking
She had been sitting at the rear of the vehicle and flung forward around 2m
Four NSW Ambulance crews responded to Manly Vale
a Special Operations Paramedic and NSW Ambulance Inspector Ronnie Mawhinney
Paramedics found the elderly woman had gone into cardiac arrest
and her heart had stopped beating completely
Rescuers commenced CPR on the woman and the CareFlight Rescue Helicopter was tasked just after 10.45am
The helicopter landing site was secured by officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command
who brought the CareFlight specialist doctor and critical care paramedic directly to Condamine Street to assist with the woman’s treatment
The CareFlight medical team and NSW Ambulance paramedics were able to resuscitate the woman
they departed by road in an Intensive Care ambulance
with a green-light corridor and police escort to Royal North Shore Hospital
they were forced to pull over for further emergency medical intervention
The incident closed one lane of traffic northbound on Condamine Street
resulting in heavy traffic back through the Burnt Bridge Creek Deviation toward Seaforth until emergency services and the Toyota HiAce involved could be moved from the road just after 11.30am
CareFlight is an aeromedical charity with a mission to save lives, speed recovery and serve the community. They are funded by the generosity of the community and local businesses. If you can support their life-saving work, please donate now
Northern Beaches Council has secured over $3 million in State Government funding to rebuild the Warringah Recreation Centre (Cnr Pittwater and Kentwell Rds
Council has developed a Masterplan for a modern
multi-purpose sporting facility that meets community needs
Construction began in December 2024 and is ongoing
the tennis and squash courts will be unavailable
we are working closely with Voyager Tennis Academy and key stakeholders
There will also be some minor impacts on golf course users
We are working with Warringah Golf Club and its members to manage these disruptions
For the latest updates, visit Council’s Your Say project page
We look forward to welcoming you back to the new and improved recreation centre once construction is complete
Apr 10, 2025 | Pittwater ward, Public Safety
A worker has died after falling from construction scaffolding onto the pavement at Mona Vale
NSW Police and NSW Ambulance responded to multiple Triple Zero (000) calls saying a worker had fallen from the roof of an apartment building under construction at the corner of Bungan Street and Waratah Street
The man in his 50s appears to have fallen approximately 16m from the upper level of construction scaffolding at a four-level apartment building nearing completion
A passerby walking down the pedestrian arcade next to the building from Akuna Lane said he heard yelling from above and as he looked up
the man was crashing through the branches of a tree before landing horizontally
The shocked witness said the man landed so close he nearly landed on them
the man’s colleagues rushed to assist and as frantic calls were made to emergency services
The witness said they could tell the man was beyond help however
Four NSW Ambulance crews were called to the scene
including Intensive Care Paramedics from Narrabeen Ambulance Station and NSW Ambulance Inspector Christine Ashman
Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command
responded to the building site and established a crime scene
They were observed conducting inquiries with witnesses at the scene
A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed the man’s death and that an investigation was underway
“About 11.35am today (Thursday 10 April 2025)
emergency services responded to reports that a man had fallen about 16m from a building site on Bungan Street
“A man — believed to be aged in his 50s — died prior to the arrival of emergency services
Officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command established a crime scene
“The matter has been reported to the coroner and SafeWork NSW,” said the NSW Police spokesperson
Worker injured in school fall
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
Council has resolved to place a draft Mona Vale Beach (southern end) Plan of Management (PoM) on public exhibition to receive community feedback
the draft PoM will address the management of the southern end of the beach and outline the way this land is used and managed
Housing and Infrastructure) transferred the management of Crown Land at Mona Vale Beach and at Palm Beach to Council and gave consent for the draft PoM to be publicly exhibited
includes a proposal for a dog off-leash area
Dogs are currently prohibited at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach
This restriction will remain in place unless Council adopts the draft PoM
and designates the area as off-leash under section 13(6) of the Companion Animals Act 1998
Following public exhibition of the draft PoM
and the outcome of the public exhibition and any final draft POM will be reported to Council.
which includes a proposal for a dog off-leash area trial at Palm Beach (north)
is also being developed by Council and this draft POM is expected to be prepared by mid-2025
Council will seek the Department’s and then Council’s approval to also publicly exhibit this draft PoM
Council is yet to make a decision about proceeding with dog off-leash area trials at both locations
as various steps must be completed before Council is in a position to do so.
please only exercise your dog at approved locations across the Beaches otherwise you may be subject to a $330 fine for contravening the dog off-leash rule or for being the owner of dog in prohibited public space
Please view our project page for more information on Mona Vale Beach PoM or the Governor Phillip Park PoM page.
Dr Jodi Rowley will be leading a Fantastic Frog Night Walk around Manly Dam for FrogID Week
Listen out to hear for our amazing 10 species of endemic frogs such as the Striped Marsh Frog
Peron's Tree Frog or even the Threatened Red-Crowned Toadlet
Download the FREE FrogID app onto your phone & away you go
People booked on this event must park their cars OUTSIDE the front gate entrance to Manly Dam
The main gate is locked at 5:30pm and if you arrive early for the FrogID event
Apr 12, 2025 | Public Safety
Public safety incidents are organised by suburb
filed this month for a McDonald’s restaurant at 37 Rosebery Street in Balgowlah
The cost of demolition and construction of the restaurant is listed as $3.9 million
Documents filed on McDonald’s behalf state the location of the proposed site is within the Balgowlah Enterprise Corridor and near existing commercial outlets including Woolworths
Despite this, local residents are calling for the application to be rejected by Northern Beaches Council. They have united to form a Change.org petition and community Facebook group ‘We say NO to a McDonald’s in Manly Vale’ in opposition to the move.
Key among their concerns is additional odour, rubbish and traffic congestion that is already being felt by a string of existing fast food outlets.
“We face a pressing concern, as our neighbourhood already hosts a KFC, which emits odour and litter, and contributes to traffic congestion at the intersection of Condamine Street and Kenneth Road,” lead petitioner Sarah Garland wrote.
“The addition of a new McDonald’ is unnecessary with another existing in the nearby suburb of Brookvale along with a Hungry Jacks.”
Garland claims a traffic report that was submitted as part of the development application was incomplete and failed to assess the area’s morning peak hours.
Low-key McDonald’s moguls list their exquisite $30m Central Coast home
Melbourne suburbs with densest provision of fast-food and liquor outlets revealed
Balgowlah: What life's really like in the suburb Bruce Lehrmann raised controversy
“We are calling for a rejection of the application, taking into account the concerns of the local community, and to consider the cumulative impact of fast-food outlets on our neighbourhood’s environment and character,” he wrote.
At time of publication, the petition had almost 2000 signatures with almost 150 submissions to council opposing the application.
“As a Rate payer, as a local, as a driver, as a mother, i am completely opposed to this development and would hope that the council see sense and address the issues in the manly vale area with traffic particularly relating to KFC and the Rosebury street, Kenneth road, Condomine intersection. Please deny this DA,” one submission said.
“It’s perplexing on any level, that council would even entertain the idea of a drive through anything on or around this intersection. In short, I strongly oppose,” a second submission said.
“The constant noise from cars and trucks delivering food and removing waste throughout the night will make it impossible to sleep. Additionally, late-night fast food patrons, often returning from “celebrations,” tend to be much louder. For these reasons alone, this development should not be approved,” yet another submission said.
In an update to Facebook group members on February 24, Garland said due to the number of submissions the application will be recommended to the council’s Planning Committee.
As well as writing submissions, some residents are lobbying their local MPs.
James Griffin, the Liberal member for Manly, has indicated he is against the proposal.
In a letter sent to Facebook group member Renata, a representative for Griffin said the MP believes the site is not the correct location for a McDonald’s fast food restaurant.
He noted “noise, traffic, litter and everything that a 24hr venue brings to a residential area are all reasons for McDonald’s to find a different location.”
“Mr Griffin has said that “Most McDonald’s are built on main roads, Roseberry Street is not a main road and the site is opposite residential properties.”
Domain contacted McDonald’s Australia for comment on the claims made by concerned residents.
“McDonald’s has been a part of Northern Beaches communities since 1980, and we have loved every minute of creating special Macca’s moments for our customers. We are very excited by this opportunity to join the Manly Vale community as a local employer, and a business committed to working with the community to support local causes and groups,” a spokesperson for the fast food restaurant said in a statement.
“If approved, a Macca’s in Manly Vale will create more than 100 new local jobs and represents an investment of more than $3.9 million into the community. We’ll continue to work through the Development Application process with the Northern Beaches Council, outlining the measures we have proactively included to mitigate the impact of traffic, noise and waste, and in listening and responding to feedback. We hope to become a welcome member of the Manly Vale community.”
Submissions to the development application close on March 13.
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
Dec 16, 2024 | Curl Curl ward, Public Safety
Residents are concerned about inaction on pedestrian safety at North Manly
Local resident Matt Carlisle said he has been dealing with Transport for NSW for over ten years in an attempt to address the need for improved pedestrian safety
pedestrians who walk down the hill from Freshwater would have to walk hundreds of metres in either direction to cross the road at a legal crossing
“For over ten years we have been saying that there’s no safe crossing between all the residential areas on this side of Pittwater Road to get across to the playing fields or through to Mackellar Girls High School
and they have to get to the bus stops on the other side of the road
“There’s a long way down to lights in either direction
There’s been countless near misses I’ve seen
It’s an accident waiting to happen and someone is going to get killed,” said Mr Carlisle
Residents have raised the issue with Member for Manly James Griffin (image above)
who said Transport for NSW have agreed to address the issue but have not set out a time frame
“We’ve got a commitment from Transport for NSW that they would put a remedy in place
They’re now working through what that project will look like and they have shared with us that because of the structure of the road
it will require the works to be done at night
and that is complicating their procurement process
“We welcome the commitment to do whatever will be a substantive fix but if that is 12-24 months away
then in the meantime why can’t they come and flatten it [the median strip] to allow people to have a bit more safety if they’re going to be continuing to do what they do at the moment
“The other point Transport for NSW acknowledge
is that you’ve got a bus stop that is no longer compliant because of the distance between it and the nearest legal crossing
“Now we know they’ve got a plan
we know the funding envelope is being worked out
but we’d like them to hurry up and provide us with a concrete timeline as to when it will be delivered,” said Mr Griffin
the number of children crossing near Nenagh Street has increased significantly as school catchment areas have been changed
They hold particular concerns about parents with prams or children with bikes attempting to balance on the uneven and raised median strip as traffic goes past them
Transport for NSW did not respond to a request for comment
Another crash at Belrose
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.
The B-Line Project team and Transport for NSW are excited to announce Be Here
a public art display on selected utility boxes located at B-Line bus stops along the corridor from Mona Vale to Neutral Bay
This series is just one example of our Transport Arts program
that aims to make journeys more enjoyable and meaningful
explores the faces and places that define the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore
From indigenous foundations of the sacred land
plants and vistas that exemplify our unique beauty
to the people who have made and make us – this is Sydney’s north; this is who and what we are
Working with an experienced art consultant to provide thorough research and guide the public art process
twenty-two unique artworks have been selected which embrace the creative vision of Be Here
Thirteen professional artists have applied their creative visions to each of the boxes which represent a significant connection and relevance to the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore
To connect each utility box along the 27km stretch of main roads
a linear theme has been developed by artist
who has applied a consistent story using vibrant colours and patterns to complement each singular piece
Look out for these new artworks located on small and large ITS cabinets at your local B-Line bus stop
View galleries of the artworks here
is on display at B-Line bus stops between Mona Vale and Neutral Bay towards Sydney’s CBD and is in line with the key objectives outlined in Transport for NSW’s Creativity Guideline Principles
Find out more about the artworks and artists
Artist Elliott Routledge created the linear artwork concepts on 22 cabinets along the corridor to tie in each local artwork as part of the Be Here
Discover more about the Linear and the Local
View image galleries of the artworks here
ImageCollapse the ImageThe Art of Civics by Esem Projects
Image copyright State of New South Wales (Transport for NSW)Image controls:
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
Oct 14, 2024 | Pittwater ward, Public Safety
An elderly driver has plummeted down a hill after reversing through his garage at Mona Vale
emergency services were called to a report of a car reversing at speed through a property at Hillcrest Avenue
before coming to rest in a neighbouring property on Grandview Parade
Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Mona Vale and Narrabeen Stations
The residential property is close to the lookout at Mona Vale Headland
causing some initial concern as to where the vehicle may have ended up after reportedly plunging from the property
They found the late model grey Mazda 2 in the yard of the neighbour behind
resting atop a concrete block retaining wall
and on the precipice of a 3m drop (image below)
is understood to have been reversing into his driveway
when he has accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake
The Mazda has then careered 30m through the backyard of the property and crashed through a boundary fence before coming to rest in his neighbour’s yard
The elderly driver was assisted from the vehicle
having sustained minor lacerations to his head
He was assessed by Intensive Care Paramedics
and was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital for further observation and treatment in a stable condition shortly before 11.00am
Specialist rescue firefighters assessed the position of the damaged vehicle
which had come to rest on top of a reinforced retaining wall
After checking the footing of the vehicle was stable
and the wall was showing no signs of structural compromise
they determined the car was safe to leave in place and await a specialised tow vehicle for removal
Park for up to 2 hours free per day at one of the 4 paid Council parking stations in Manly (view map)
5A Market Ln, Manly NSW 2095 Directions
Monday to Thursday 6.30am – 12:30amFriday to Saturday Open 24 hrsSunday 6.30am – midnight
311 car spaces including 5 accessible parking bays
4 motorcycle bays and 2 authorised vehicles only spacesHeight restriction: 2m
25 Wentworth St, Manly NSW 2095 Directions
Monday to Saturday 7am – 12:30amSunday 7am – midnight
289 car spaces including 5 accessible parking bays and 5 motorcycle baysHeight restriction: 2.1m
9-15 Central Ave, Manly NSW 2095 Directions
Monday to Saturday 6.30am – 12:30amSunday 6.30am – midnight
170 parking spaces including 4 accessible parking bays and 2 motorcycle baysHeight restriction: 2m
Central Ave, Manly NSW 2095 Directions
220 parking spaces including 5 accessible parking bays
5 car share parking baysHeight restriction: 1.95m
Carparks operate with licence plate recognition
Re-entering or visiting another Northern Beaches Council carpark within 3 hours of exiting will incur fees starting at the 2 – 2.5 hourly rate
Please note multiple day fees will be charged:
1st day hours fee + $5.50 overnight surcharge + next day fee (first 2 hours free + hours to the time of exit)
For example, if stay is maximum hours on both days, total fee would be $50.50 + $5.50 + $50.50 = $106.50
If your vehicle remains in the parking station after 12am a $5.50 overnight surcharge will apply + next day fee (first 2 hours free + hours to the time of exit)
Evening fees are not available to vehicles entering during daytime hours.
Payment may be made by credit card at both the pay machine and exit. If you would like to pay by cash
If you realise you are unable to pay for your parking
you will be issued with a non-payment form
You have seven days from the date of entry to return to one of Council’s four Manly carparks to pay. Please push the intercom or visit the office at Whistler Street where an attendant will facilitate the payment for you
Permanent paid parking spaces are available in allocated Council stations
Payments are made via monthly or annual direct debit payments
Please apply online for Manly National or Whistler Street carparks
If you would like to set up direct debit payments or need to update your account details, then please complete the direct debit application form
You will be prompted to upload the document when applying online
Pre-paid parking is available at Manly Parking Stations for a minimum of 3 months. Details and terms and conditions available on the application page
Apply for a motorcycle pre-paid parking permit at Manly Parking Stations
$29.00 flat fee per weekend day for those that require a vehicle for operational purposes and work within 2 km of Manly National carpark. This is not for those who require parking for commuting. Please download the application form with all fees and terms and conditions.
A $5.50 flat fee is available every day to late night workers in Manly
A pass card will be issued to permit holders
Entry must be after 5pm and exit after 9pm
If you enter before 5pm or exit before 9pm
you will be subject to casual fees and charges
If your vehicle remains in the parking station after 6:29am it will be subject to casual rates
Please download the application form with all fees
terms and conditions and details of what supporting documentation is required
Motorcycles can park for free in the designated motorcycle parking areas in the Manly parking stations
Any motorcycles parking in a vehicle bay are subject to the full fees and charges
Fines may apply to any motorcycles parked in a vehicle bay that exits without paying.
Mobility permit holders are subject to fees and charges. (Note: Vehicles with a valid mobility parking permit may park for free at any pay and display council carpark)
The best way to visit Manly is by public transport
It’s not only a cheaper alternative to driving but also reduces traffic and pollution
You don’t need to worry about finding a parking space and can take your time to enjoy a swim
coffee or long lunch in one of the local restaurants
Manly is serviced by a number of buses which travel from Palm Beach
Ferries run to Circular Quay and Barangaroo
Visit Transport NSW for information on bus and ferry timetables
There are also bicycle racks in front of Manly Wharf
Market Lane and other locations throughout Manly
For a more comprehensive please see the Getting to Manly brochure
Mar 28, 2025 | Pittwater ward, Public Safety
A young girl was knocked over by an e-bike being ridden through a shopping arcade at Mona Vale
Serious concerns over e-bike use and safety are becoming more urgent following the latest incident involving a small girl knocked down and injured in a busy outdoor shopping arcade at Bungan Street
just before 7.30pm yesterday evening (Thursday
NSW Police and NSW Ambulance were called to the scene following reports a seven-year-old girl had been knocked over by an e-bike ridden by a teenage boy
Bystanders said the boy had been riding ‘very fast’ through the busy arcade
which runs between Bungan Street and Akuna Lane
It is a route commonly used by pedestrians going between the Mona Vale main street shops and Woolworths
who were sitting close to the collision when it occurred
and she was sent flying when the teen rode into her
the teen had not slowed as he rode up from the quieter end of the arcade close to Bungan Street
The girl was assessed by NSW Ambulance Intensive Care Paramedics and treated for injuries to her lower legs and face
before she was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition shortly after 8.00pm
Officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were observed speaking with the teenage boy (image above)
but have limited powers to confiscate the e-bike
Editorial note: This is the seventh e-bike incident across five articles reported this year by the Northern Beaches Advocate (see related articles below)
Additional incidents involving e-bikes are recorded in our weekly ‘Public safety round-up’ and does not include the numerous near misses posted regularly on social media
This story originally stated we did not observe a helmet at the scene
another bystander has come forward to confirm they saw the teenage boy wearing a black helmet
Two e-bike accidents in two days
E-bike accidents cause concern
E-bike crash at Newport
E-bike crash at North Manly
Tougher e-bike rules needed
E-bike inquiry seeks input
Teen crashes stolen e-bike
E-bike safety concerns
Scooter riders injured
Want to know even more? We highly recommend filling your political knowledge from the cup of the Tally Room
Dec 29, 2024 | Business, Pittwater ward
Local landmark business E J Shaw & Son closed its doors for the last time on Christmas Eve
The iconic building and landscape supplies business at 1667 Pittwater Road
has been a landmark since it was established over 90-years ago in 1933
It has been owned and run since the late 1970s by Maurie Segedin (image below)
who is now in his 80s and said the time had come to close the business
“I bought the business from Eddie and John Shaw
They were very good friends of mine and they offered the business and the land to me if I was interested in buying it
“It was a run-down business when I bought it
and it has been quite enjoyable working with a wonderful team of staff
“I know that the business will be sadly missed because of the location
with the builders that are working nearby or out to Palm Beach
All these years we’ve had good support
and I’ve made sure that I give them good support as well,” said Mr Segedin
Expecting to arrive at work on Tuesday morning (24 December) with little left to do but close the doors for the final time
Mr Segedin said he was surprised to find family
customers and competitors on hand to mark the occasion
“This morning coming in through the front gates it was a total surprise to me that this was happening
“To have 60-70 people here early this morning
builders giving up their time in the morning to come and wish me all the best
the likes of the Johnson’s from Mitre 10 and Wayne Bayfield and Mark Bayfield turning up
for them to give up their time just to come and say goodbye to me is wonderful,” shared Mr Segedin
Mr Segedin said that the time had come for the business to close
but I’m closing down because I feel like it
I think it’s my turn to worry about me
“The business now has got no value because you can’t pick it up and move it somewhere else
You need a fair bit of land to be able to run the type of business we have
with trucks and loaders and fork-lifts and things like that
it’s not as though you could buy a little factory unit somewhere and put it all in there
I’ve had people offer to run the business
but the land value is too expensive now to try and make a dollar out of running a sand yard,” explained Mr Segedin
Having run the business for the last four decades
Mr Segedin said it brought him satisfaction to know he was doing things the right way for local builders
“I’m born and bred in the area
and I’ve spent all my life in Mona Vale
The type of person I am is to make sure that I support the local industry
It’s like going into a restaurant and ordering a meal
They get good service from us and the product I sell was always first-class
I didn’t care whether I was a bit dearer or cheaper than anybody else
all I wanted to know is that the material that I was selling was just first-class,” said Mr Segedin
The biggest challenge faced by the business was dealing with Council
“One of the biggest challenges was Warringah Council when they tried to close me down and restrict my trading many years ago
When the secession took place and Pittwater went on their own
and years fighting them through the Land and Environment Court
“Of course plenty of dollars went down the drain as well
I wanted to trade within the bounds of the law
That was probably one of the biggest challenges
but I’m the sort of person that likes to have a challenge
it’s just something that I handle quite well,” revealed Mr Segedin
Another ongoing challenge for the business was repeated vandalism of the ferro-cement sculpture ‘Peter and the Bullock’
which was a statue of an Aboriginal man sitting on a bullock drawn cart that sat for many years in front of the business at Pittwater Road and was part of a ‘Community Based Heritage Study’ conducted a decade ago by Pittwater Council
Following vandalism and theft of the sculpture
The sculpture was dated back to a photograph from the 1930s of ‘Peter and the Bullock’ (image above)
The closure of E J Shaw & Son at Mona Vale for the final time on Christmas Eve
marks the end of an era for the local building industry
The future of the land occupied by the business — five large residential sized lots bounded by Pittwater Road
Jenkins Street and Elimatta Road — is yet to be determined
Warringah and Pittwater Historical Society
Firefighters save business
Councillor call to cut red tape
The Avalon Story – Johnson Bros