​A four-year grass-roots campaign,  under the banner of Save The Manly Ferries, has claimed a massive win this week with the NSW Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, announcing plans to upgrade the diesel-powered Freshwater ferries, to new look-alike zero-emissions ferries within 6 years.  In the meantime three of the current Freshwater vessels will be maintained to meet commuter and tourism demands.

Minister Haylen confirmed that the government is currently exploring proposals from five Australian-based companies to build electric look-alike Freshwater vessels, which will combine heritage design with cutting-edge technology.

The Save Manly Ferries Alliance, headed by Councillor Candy Bingham of Good For Manly, was formed in 2020 to rally the community and all levels of government to ensure the Freshwater vessels remained a staple of the Manly-to-Circular Quay route. 

History of the Campaign
The campaign first began when the former NSW Liberal government announced in October 2020 the scrapping of the iconic Freshwater class ferries, in favour of smaller Emerald class ferries, .

“This decision was effectively destroying 130 years of maritime history in Sydney and Manly’s world-famous Manly Ferry all in one blow. It was clear to us that the Emerald II vessels were simply inadequate for the route,” said Councillor Candy Bingham.

Four years of petitions, rallies, public meetings, videos, posters, letterbox distributions and government and opposition advocacy followed. As the months and years rolled on the new Emerald class vessels continued to be plagued with problems.  Built overseas, they were delivered with 80 defects, then they experienced steering problems and eventually the engines had to be replaced in all three vessels.  They continued to struggle with the rough swells across Sydney Heads and failed to meet demand during peak times due to their limited capacity and inefficient boarding, often leaving passengers stranded.

“Despite the fact that our research showed that the historic Freshwater vessels could be converted to zero-emissions technology over time, the issue still remained that they would need to go into dry dock at Garden Island, due to their size, every five years for maintenance and certification. The bill for the Queenscliff was $15m earlier this year when she was brought back into service. This cost simply wasn't sustainable," explained Councillor Bingham.

In 2021 Local resident, Andrew Westwood, who is a former Senior Vice President of Def Norske Veritas (DNV) a world leading ship certification and insurance company, came to the rescue and joined the Save the Manly Ferry committee. Using industry contacts, he was able to have a concept design prepared, pro bono, for the next generation Freshwater ferries.  

The design called for a  fully electric vessel, but with the same retro style. It needed to be a little bit shorter than the previous ferries so if could be serviced at the Balmain dry dock along with the rest of Sydney's ferry fleet. This was a real game changer and would ensure that future ferries could be maintained and certified for a fraction of the cost of their predecessors.

What followed was years of research and government and opposition advocacy by the community group.  

The first win came in June 2023, when the newly elected NSW Labor Government announced that three of the four Freshwater ferries would be saved. This ensured the continued operation of the F1 route from Manly to Circular Quay and came with a $71m budget commitment to maintain them.

However, the future of the iconic Manly Ferries was secured this week when NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen announced that the government was exploring proposals from five Australian-based companies to build electric look-alike Freshwater vessels, which will combine heritage design with cutting-edge technology.  

“Sydney’s iconic double-ended Manly vessels started as steam ships, became the diesel ferries we know and love today, and will soon evolve into modern electric vessels,” Jo Haylen, NSW Minister for Transport. 

The final announcement is expected later this year when the successful  company is announced which will build this next generation Manly Ferry, in Australia.  

We've locked in 3 amazing women who have been at the intersection of storytelling and community their entire working lives. Our panel, with the help of host Mel Arbuthnot and your questions, will deliver insights into the art of getting your voice heard.  Pick up tips from the worlds of public life, journalism, media and books. 
​
CANDY BINGHAM is the President of Good for Manly and a Councillor on the Northern Beaches Council. She brings more than 25 years' experience in public relations and community engagement.
BONITA MERSIADES is the founder of the inaugural Manly Writers' Festival which will run from March 14-16. She is also the founder and director of Fair Play Publishing and the Football Writers' Festival and has set up her own publishing house.
ANGELA PRIESTLEY is the Co-Founder of Agenda Media, an independent daily news publication that is 100% female funded, owned and run. Her story from journalist to media entrepreneur is one you don't want to miss.

Coffee on Christmas Day? You are in luck. There is a HUGE number of cafes open, not just in Coffee Central, aka Manly CBD; but Balgowlah, Clontarf and Seaforth as well. The earliest starts at 5.30am!!, and there's something available right up until 8 at night. 
Check out our Christmas and Boxing Day list here. 

​And have a wonderful Christmas. 

List Updated 24/12/23!

UPDATE: 9/11/23. We had a full house last night for the last Manly Talks of the year, which was a fun, lively and very informative talk by tech guru Mark Pesce.  We got 'hands on' with three AI apps which harness the amazing powers of the new technology to write articles, draw images and much much more.  As well, Mark walked us through the history of AI, its incredible rise to prominence over the last 12 months, and what to be wary of now.

Our new venue was Balgowlah Bowling and Community Club which gave us plenty of space, as well as access to finger-licking good dinners by Carly May, Tony and team. 

20/10/23. For our final Manly Talks of the year, we are delighted to introduce futurist, author and educator Mark Pesce to unpack the facts about Generative Artificial Intelligence. ​

AI, and particularly ChatGPT, has well and truly landed in our daily lives. But how does it work, and how can we get the most out of it? And what about the risks? Mark is a leading technology commentator and has written ten books, including "Getting Started with ChatGPT and AI Chatbots", which is due for release in December.

In this essential Manly Talks event Mark will demystify AI and make it accessible, empowering and fun. 

UPDATE: 25/09/23  The NSW Government has announced that retaining the three Freshwater-class ferries will come at a cost of around $70m.  It's a huge win for the community, but the high price tag is just not sustainable in the long run. (This is because the ferries have to go into dry dock every five years to be serviced).

That is why we have been pushing for new fully electric "look-alike" Manly Ferries which are built to look like the old Freshwaters. The Emerald II ferries, commissioned by Transdev, have proved completely unsuitable for the F1 route.

We have a five-year window before the ferries will need to be serviced again so I'm delighted that the Government has listened to the community and will be seeing if their replacement can provide a zero emissions, built-in Australia Manly Ferry which will provide a truly unique ferry experience.

23/06/2023: The recent announcement by the NSW State Government that three of the four large Freshwater Manly Ferries will be kept in operation has been hailed as a major win by the local community group, Save The Manly Ferry Alliance.

Over the past three years, the Save The Manly Ferry Alliance worked tirelessly to keep the campaign front and centre by organising Rallies, Protests, ongoing publicity, very active social media posts and the presentation to Parliament of a 22,000 signature Parliamentary petition. ​

"There is no doubt that the 'replacement' Emerald 11 ferries, which were built in China, have not been suitable for the route. Besides major ongoing steering and engine issues, the smaller ferry simply can not handle the swell crossing The Heads.
 
"Our iconic Freshwater ferries are treasured not just by Manly & Sydney locals, but by international tourists", enthused Northern Beaches Councillor Candy Bingham, Chair of the Save the Manly Ferry Alliance.
 
"This has been a 3-year fight which frankly has taken a change of government for some common sense to prevail", she said.
 
The grassroots campaign was supported from day one by Labor State Members of Parliament, starting when Chris Minns was the Opposition Spokesman for Transport.  According to Cr Bingham, he encouraged the Alliance to lodge the Parliamentary Petition asking that the Freshwaters be kept until a suitable five-year plan for their replacement could be found.
 
The Labor Candidate for Wakehurst in the recent State Election, Sue Wright, has been a very active member of the Alliance from day one.
 
"It's become very clear that the Emerald 11 ferries are not suitable for this route and are continually out of service.  In addition the design, which features a very narrow gangplank, means that the ferries are unable to meet their capacity of 400 passengers per trip but rather are leaving the wharf with only 250 passengers on board to enable the 20-minute schedule to be maintained.
 
"Very long queues over summer and during Vivid recently have confirmed the need for the larger ferries to be in service", Ms Wright said.
 
"The Alliance will continue to work with the NSW Government with the view of promoting a fully-electric look-alive Freshwater Ferry, built in Australia, as the most suitable replacement option for these majestic ferries", Cr Bingham added. 
 
In the meantime, there is no doubt that the 20-minute service introduced with the employment of the Emerald-Class ferries has proven popular with commuters, although it operates in direct competition with the NRMA-operated Manly Fast Ferry Service.  Following a new contract awarded to the NRMA, the Manly Fast Ferry will now operate a service every 10 minutes from Manly to Circular Quay and return, during peak hours Monday to Friday from July 1.
 

It was nothing short of a triumph!  The Manly Ward Councillors, Candy Bingham, Sarah Grattan and Georgia Ryburn, lead a passionate and strategic debate at Council's May meeting setting the scene for the community bus service not only to be retained, but for four new, fully accessible buses to be purchased for the popular community service.

This follows more than 18 months of campaigning by Good for Manly, working with the community, fellow Manly Ward Councillors and council staff to find ways to protect this important service which was used by close to 200,000 passengers in the last year.

(See our news report from last year which outlines the fight and includes the details of an extensive survey undertaken with 1,000 users of the bus, here.)

Some important financial facts.
The cost of operating the service will be $760,000 this coming financial year. Four new accessable buses, for which $605,000 had already been set aside over a number of years, will be $885,000 which will be depreciated over 7 years.

The Manly Ward Councillors argued that this equates to around $2.50 per trip for the main Manly route, and $4.07 for passengers using the Seaforth, Clontarf and Bower Street alternative routes. "This is a a small price to pay to provide "a community of wheels" for  kids getting to school, mums doing their shopping, enabling the elderly to attend medical appointments and meet up for coffee, and others needing access to the Manly Aquatic Centre where parking is impossible", explained Cr Candy Bingham.

How the Debate Unfolded
Councillors were moved by the numerous individual emails received by locals who use the service, and why it is so important to them.

Cr Sarah Grattan, who has an extensive financial background, pointed out the cost/benefit value of the service linking directly to Council's strategic plans to encourage less use of cars, reduction in emissions and the sharing of transport options.

"It was concerning that there seemed to be an attitude by some councillors that if a service was not used in their Ward, that it wasn't fair and should not continue. To confront this, Cr Georgia Ryburn used examples of subsidised services exclusive in other Wards, including $6 per visit for users of the Warringah Aquatic Centre, $11.39 for the Glen Street Theatre, $25 per game at the Avalon Golf Course and $1,123 per household to provide offshore waste collection in Pittwater", Cr Bingham explained.

What's Next
A survey undertaken on Facebook indicated that users would be happy to contribute $2-$3 per trip to assist with the operating costs.  As Council is not an authorised provider, a fare can not be charged however a donation can be paid.  The introduction of a cashless tap system on each bus will enable those who can afford it, to make a donation.

It is hoped that this, plus further promotion of the service and an easier to read timetable, will encourage more locals to leave their cars at home and join the "community on wheels".

The Northern Beaches Council has voted unanimously to proceed with a full feasibility study on converting the historic Manly Town Hall into a multi-purpose performance and exhibition centre.

​"We are on our way", said Northern Beaches Councillor and Chair of the Curtain's Up Community Committee, Candy Bingham.  "The reuse of this iconic building as a Performing Arts Centre has been our vision for many years.  Such a facility will totally transform Manly as a destination with the opportunity to attend concerts, theatre, cabaret, comedy nights, live bands, dances and perhaps see a movie.  And the terrace rooftop would make an amazing bar" she enthused.

The feasibility study is budgeted to commence in the 23/24 financial year and a full report is expected by the end of this year. It follows a number of years of community consultation on what the building could be used for and a working group exploring the ideas presented.

"This is the first step in a very long process, and a very important one.  Council can't really make any final decision on the use of this building until we know what would be involved in doing so.  For example: Is the building suitable? What will it cost? What should be the mix of spaces and offerings? How will it be funded? Councillor Bingham explained.

The Performance Arts Centre vision, which was supported pro-bono by local architect Joshua Zoeller from CHROFI, was driven as a community project in collaboration with local artists and leaders, and was spearheaded by artist Warren Langley and former ABC arts & culture senior journalist Anne Maria Nicholson.

“The building could house a large versatile space seating around 350 people, a permanent theatre seating 100 people, a small cinema, and perhaps satellite exhibition space for the Manly Art Gallery & Museum, rehearsal space and a rooftop terrace bar”, Councillor Bingham said.
 
While the present building was opened in November 1937, the Manly Council
Chambers have stood on that site since 1909 as a gateway to Manly. It was the
home of Manly Council until amalgamation and the formation of the Northern Beaches
Council in 2016.  The Council Chambers now operate out of the former Warringah Civic Centre at Dee Why.
 
​Many people are familiar with the exterior of the heritage-listed building, with its Corinthian columns and imposing façade, but may be less aware of the elegant art deco interior of the upper floor. The wide staircase to the first floor features a stained-glass skylight and leads up to a gallery lined with portraits of past Mayors who have served Manly. The high-ceilinged Council Chamber still retains many of its original features including dark wood doors, and ceiling light fittings.  
 
In the long-term the plan is to relocate the Manly Customer Service Centre within Manly’s CBD, and rehouse existing staff who are currently located in the Town Hall building.

Our first Manly Talks of the year was an important one.  We were lucky enough to hear Elisabeth Shaw, the well-known and highly-regarded CEO of Relationships Australia (NSW) tackle the huge topic of communication, and how to make it work in relationships and our daily lives. 

It was a terrific evening, with 75 people coming to learn, to catch up with friends and to check out The Glasshouse - The Steyne's light and airy rooftop space. 

​Elizabeth has kindly shared her slides in the file below. 

Our next Manly Talks will undoubtably be just as stimulating.  Details to come. 

​Since the SeaLife aquarium building was closed in 2018, it has remained vacant and is not fit for reuse. The aquarium building is dilapidated, and it still houses custom built tanks and enclosures not easily adapted to a future new use. The building also blocks sight lines to the heritage buildings behind.

After working with key stakeholders such as Northern Beaches Council and referring to its heritage plan, Transport NSW has announced the old SeaLife Aquarium is to be demolished and the area returned to the public. 

The heritage Pavillion building will be connected to the beach by extending the boardwalk space allowing for more outdoor dining and recreational space. 

More design information will be provided once the concept design and environmental assessment have been further developed. 

Next steps
Work has started on the design, and carrying out different environmental studies. These studies will be used in the development of the Review of Enviroment Factors (REF). 
Transport NSW plans on carrying out further consultation later this year when they put the REF for this project on public display.

(A full report of the consultation and it's outcomes is below)
​

UPDATE:   Following the June Council meeting Manly’s popular community Hop, Skip & Jump Bus is to undergo a full review, with the aim to make the service cost-neutral.
​(A copy of the survey results is attached below)

This follows an extensive community-focused campaign by Good for Manly which resulted in hundreds of emails to councillors supporting the service, and a survey of users. The survey of 1136 respondents, gave Council a clear indiction of who uses the bus and why.

Lead by the Manly Ward Councillors, the resolution to find ways to make the service cost neutral rather than cancelling it altogether, was unanimously supported.  Council staff have until the end of 2022 to report back their recommendations.  

"I think the campaign really highlighted to Councillors just how important this service is to so many locals.  Our aim now is to find how we can make this service cost-neutral, using it as a model if you like, that can then be offered to other parts of the Northern Beaches where there is a need", Cr Bingham said.

===============================
Background to story - 13/6/22
The future of Manly’s popular community Hop, Skip & Jump Bus is at risk, due to the $750,000 cost of running the service every year. While Manly Ward councillors point to the community value of the bus service, Frenchs Forest Cr Jose Menano-Pires says it only benefits a small part of the council area. 
 
Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham, along with fellow Manly Ward Councillors, Sarah Grattan and Georgia Ryburn, have leapt to the defence of the service, with State MP James Griffin also joining the campaign. At the next Council meeting, the councillors will call for a cost-benefit analysis to be undertaken to determine how the bus service can be retained.

“This service must be kept, too many people rely on it. Rather than scrapping it, let’s look at ways to make it more cost-effective”, said Cr Bingham.
 
“What makes Manly different from other Wards within the Northern Beaches Council area, is its density.  Ninety percent of people live in apartments, many of which have no garage, there is a large elderly population as well as 400 people who live in social housing. This service keeps cars off the road and provides a means of transport for those who are unable to drive”, she said. 
 
However Cr Menano-Pires will call for the Council to phase out the bus service by September, unless it can be run on a cost neutral basis.  He said the savings should be reinvested into roads and footpaths instead. 
 
The Hop Skip and Jump service started in 2006 at the same time the Stockland Shopping Centre at Balgowlah was being redeveloped, and all routes still lead to Stocklands.  From there, buses go to Clontarf, Manly Vale, Balgowlah Heights and Little Manly. Passengers are encouraged to make a gold coin donation when they travel, however since COVID fewer people carry coins, so passengers usually ride for free.
 
When the service was taken over by Manly Council, the Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre redevelopment, which provided limited parking on site, was contingent on the bus service being available. 
 
At its peak in 2019, the service moved about 400,000 passengers per annum.  Since COVID the numbers have dropped to around 200,000 pa but this is expected to increase again, particularly with the recent publicity about the service.
 
In the meantime, residents are encouraged to email all Councillors with their views of the Hop, Skip and Jump bus service.  Email: [email protected]
 

In late October, the state government quietly rolled out the first of three Emerald class ferries amid protests to keep all four of the larger, original Freshwater class ferries operational.

It's been a disaster with two Emeralds - the Fairlight and Balmoral - already suffering a cracked hull, rudder issues and a broken window.  Propeller works are being conducted on the Clontarf before it has taken its first passenger. The smaller boats are also unable to cross the Heads in rough seas and can't dock at the main ferry wharves when the tide is low. 

And now, it's clear they are not suitable for disabled people. There's not enough floor space, especially with the gangplank cluttering up the inside space. The steeply arched gangplanks can be unsuitable for wheelchairs or people with mobility issues.  Local wheelchair-user Evelyn Shervington discovered he was unable to leave the ferry at low tide on his own.  Deck hands had to be called in to drag him up the gangplank. It's outrageous.   

Details here. 

The State Government's plan to replace the classic Manly ferries with smaller boats has been such a fiasco, that the Narrabeen is being recalled to help prop the service up.

The replacement ferries - smaller Emerald class boats - have suffered from a cracked hull, rudder issues, a broken window and propeller problems. They can't cope with big waves and have been cancelled on many occasions with passengers forced to catch the bus. As well they can't dock at the main wharf here at Manly or Circular Quay when it's low tide. 

The small ferries have been so unreliable, that new Transport Minister Rob Stokes has ordered the classic Freshwater-class Narrabeen back into service.  The ferry, which was only recently retired, will undergo an engine refit before rejoining the fleet. 

​Details here. 

Our new Manly Talks panel discussions are set up to explore the issues that matter to you. 

So far our panels have discussed what makes a suburban village a great place to be, and how to improve and extend our local cycleways.  We've had great community interest and terrific feedback. 
​

There has been a tremendous change over the last 18 months in the way people and families engage, connect and use their local suburban villages. We believe that now is a great time for us to understand what makes a great community village and start building plans to turn each of the villages across the Manly Ward into vibrant community hubs.

This could be as simple as adding planter boxes and bike racks through to more ambitious plans to improve the cycle pathways to connect the local schools with their villages, allowing children and families to safely cycle to key destination points.

We have proposed upgrading the cycleways between the Balgowlah North Primary school and the North Balgowlah village and between Balgowlah Heights Primary School and the Balgowlah Heights village as case studies. If successful the idea could be tolled out to other Northern Beaches villages and schools.. We're delighted with the enthusiastic support for this concept from the community and respective P&C’s.

Video of the cycling discussion here. 

Work has started at North Head on an ambitious plan to rebuild the lookouts and reconfigure the main car parks.

​The original Fairfax lookouts have been closed for several years due to their position on the edge of unstable sandstone cliffs. The new ones will be set back from the edge and stylishly redesigned to increase viewing and seating area and will better fit the surrounding landscape. 
​
To connect with Country, the name of Burragula has been suggested for the southern lookout. The word acknowledges the long-nosed bandicoot and its association with burragula (sunset), the time of the day when it is most often observed. The view from this lookout is the magnificent vista of Sydney Harbour and the distant CBD. Artists’ impressions below

Yiningma, meaning a cliff edge, has been suggested for the northern lookout. From here visitors can look back at the sheer cliff face, as well as out to the horizon over the ocean.  This lookout also features blocky sandstone, stone pavers and smooth curves, knitting it into the surrounding landscape. Artist's impression below.  ​

Work on the carparks and track should be completed by early next year, with construction of the new lookouts to follow. At the moment the loop at the end of is closed, but adequate parking is still available. And Bella Vista cafe, which is outside the construction zone, is still beautiful and still open for business. More information here. ​

Image:  The steps down to Wharf 3.

​Manly Wharf 3 is a simple timber jetty with tidal steps that are difficult or impossible to manage for people with mobility needs or anyone with a pram or bicycle. It’s owned by the State Government, and will get an upgrade to the tune of $25M, as part of the Government’s maritime stimulus spend on infrastructure and safety work. Transport for NSW, the Government body which owns the site, is carrying out environmental investigations this month, and a concept design for the new wharf should be up for public consultation in a few weeks. As well as being fully accessible, the new wharf will have an improved waiting area and a “respectful design that considers the heritage and history of Manly Cove”, according to a Transport for NSW site.

Transport for NSW is also the owner of the abandoned Manly Sea Life aquarium site and will carry out up to $9M of remediation works to prepare the site for future use. Both Northern Beaches Council and local State MP James Griffin would prefer the building was pulled down to create public open space and open up views to Federation Pt, however other options will also be considered. The Manly Sea Life project is at the initial planning stage, with engagement with the public expected to start in early December.

More on Wharf 3 and the aquarium site here. 

Image:  The old Sea Life Aquarium site, in front of Manly Pavilion. 

Hugos restaurant is also planning a change. It will expand its outdoor deck by building further out over the water. The expansion, which will allow an additional 40 seats, will not start before the middle of next year when the penguin breeding season is over. As the new work will all be over water, no public space will be lost from the wharf. As a bonus Hugos will refurbish and landscape the public boardwalk in front of the restaurant.

The heritage-listed Manly Pavilion has been taken over by the Boathouse hospitality group in a multi-million dollar deal. After a financial collapse two years ago,  Boathouse is now under new ownership, and will add the harbourfront Manly Pavilion site to its increasing portfolio, which includes the popular Boathouse cafe at Shelly Beach. After a facelift, the Manly Pavilion Boathouse will open in early 2022.

The first lunchtime talk of our Manly Talks series was a fascinating, illustrated look at the many aspects of Manly Dam (pictured below) and the surrounding country. ​

Aboriginal Heritage Officer Karen Smith (pictured) transported us back to the pre-dam landscape of heathland, sandstone escarpments, creeks and deep pools, and bird-filled wetlands below. 

The original inhabitants, the Gayamaygal people, lived here,  surrounded by "good tucker". They had possums, snakes, goanna, wallaby, honey and sweet bool - a nectar drink made from bushflowers. In the wetlands they found ducks, water hens, yabbies, eel, fish and even long necked turtles. Karen described aspects of Aboriginal life, including fishing with lines made from the grass plant, which were nearly as fine as raw silk; and fishing hooks fashioned from mother-of-pearl.  Early paintings illustrated fishing and hunting in the wetlands and and a close family group having "a barbecue" at the beach.

Although that time has gone, Manly Dam is still a bushland oasis. Karen's images showed an array of spring flowers, food plants, trees, shrubs, birds and reptiles. The dam area is home to remnants of the endangered Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub, 80 different species of birds, and the climbing galaxias fish, - a species that climbs waterfalls and is estimated to be an astonishing 60 million years old. 

Historic images, starting in 1891, showed the building, and subsequent enlargment, of Manly Dam, which transformed the landscape by removing much of the heathland and rocky sandstone areas.  

After World War I, the dam and its reserve became a recreational area. Karen noted that the reserve's additional role as a war memorial park, is perfect for a place where many of us go to find peace and quiet and solace.

Today's talk, which was watched by over 70  people, was an exhilarating dive into the history, cultural landscape and present day environment of Manly Dam.  It will undoubtedly enhance the next visit to Manly Dam, for everyone who was there.  

It was part of Good For Manly's Manly Talks series, which covers a broad range of topics and seeks to 'spark ideas and start conversations'. 

On your next visit, check out Manly Dam's Gulgadya Muru Trail - a self guided Aboriginal Walk with five interpretation points. 

As well, there's the inspirational Manly Dam Project.  Karen participated in this project, where eight contemporary artists from a variety of practices created a new work inspired by place, history, water management and engineering.  This film documents the concepts behind the project. 

​Royal Far West's multi-million redevelopment of its Manly oceanfront site is one step closer, with updated concept plans now on display.  

Project leader Lindsay Cane said the changes, which are the result of community feedback, make the new buildings less bulky, open up the site for public access and remove the proposed hotel. 

The children's health charity says it needs to redevelop and capitalise its site in order to meet the growing need for health services for kids in rural and regional Australia.  As well, its an opportunity to open the campus up to the local community, including potentially providing health and wellbeing services for locals as well as country kids. 

The original concept plan for the site, which was approved in 2013, has been modified by leading Australian architects, Glenn Murcutt AO and Angelo Candalepas.

The new plans include;

• A 5 storey building on the South Steyne frontage to house private leasehold apartments, with a glass ground floor to create the effect that the building is 'floating'. 
• A 12-14m wide boulevard on the northeast corner, running behind the 5 story building. This will be a space for the public to use, including as a location for market stalls. 
• An 8 storey building behind the boulevard, which will include private leasehold apartments, commercial spaces, plus some space retained for Royal Far West services. The existing shared office space operator WOTSO may be able to stay on site.
• Drummond House, on the Wentworth St frontage, will be significantly modified to better house country children and their families.  The facade and front of the building will be retained, and more suitable family accomodation will be built behind around an internal courtyard and play area. 
• An enlarged basement car park.

The controversial 165-room hotel is scrapped from the modified plan, but instead there are 12 more apartments, bringing the total to 58. 
​
Ms Cain said the redeveloped building plan would have more open view lines, plenty of landscaping and greenery and was designed to make Manly "proud".  ​

Artists impression of development viewed from Wentworth St.

The new plans have been on public display during August.  If they are approved by the Department of Planning, more detailed plans will be submitted in a Development Application to Northern Beaches Council by the end of the year. The detailed plans will again be put on public exhibition. Finally, if the plans pass the Regional Planning Panel - the final consent authority - work could start in the second half of next year. ​

There have been conflicting statements about Northern Beaches Council rates and bin charges, as well as comparisons between our rates and those of similar councils. 

While comparisons can be valuable, they are often misleading when the issues are complex, which is the case here.  

So, how much do we pay in rates in comparison with similar councils? Have our bin charges gone up or down, and by how much?

 Please read the Council's fact check on these questions and more, and our FAQ document explaining the rates system.

Almost $28 million has been spent on infrastructure in Manly Ward by Northern Beaches Council in the past four years.

The big spend has included sportsfields, playgrounds, community buildings and toilet blocks, as well as a big focus on pavements and roads. 

Major works are spread from Clontarf (pictured), where the harbour pool area has been transformed by an inviting new seawall with wide sandstone steps; to Forty Baskets, with its classy new tidal pool; and Balgowlah, which benefitted from an oval upgrade, new toilet block and streetscape revamp. ​

"This is an impressive list of achievements," Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham said. "I'm proud to have been an active part of the process. I'm particularly pleased that infrastructure work has been spread across the whole Ward, and that I've been able to push some pressing projects through."

Cr Bingham said she had worked hard to secure the relocation of Community Northern Beaches to Raglan St, after the community services organisation was forced to vacate its Wentworth Rd premises. The Council came to the party with a $926,000 refit of the old Soldiers Memorial Hall, constructing an enormously-improved, purpose-built, services space.  

She said another achievement was the revamp of East Esplanade ('The Office') and its retention as an area where people could have a drink as the sun went down.  "I have worked for years for East Esplanade to get the retaining walls, seating, decking and landscaping it deserves and to finally get a decent toilet block.  The result is fantastic and it's still a spot that people can enjoy to the full," Cr Bingham said.

Imges: the new Community Northern Beaches building, East Esplanade and the new toilet block 

Cr Bingham said that other achievements included ensuring Manly Dam playground was designed to suit its sensitive location, initiating the masterplan process for Manly Oval and Ivanhoe Park, and working with council staff to save the iconic lighting on East and West Esplanade.  She also worked on the $311,000 Balgowlah Streetscape Upgrade, as well as masterplans for Clontarf Reserve, North Harbour Reserve and Little Manly and Little Manly Point. 

The list of major works in Manly Ward from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2021 is below.   

Northern Beaches Council was formed from the amalgamation of Manly, Warringah and Pittwater councils, with the first councillors elected in September 2017.  Manly Ward was formed with the new council, it consists of Manly Vale, Seaforth, Clontarf, North Balgowlah, Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Fairlight and Manly. ​

A Message From Candy Bingham:

Due to COVID restrictions the Council elections have been postponed from the 4th  September to Saturday 4th December. 

A lot has happened since the amalgamated council came into being in 2017, and I'm proud to have served three terms as Deputy Mayor, including the current term.  Good For Manly has achieved a lot, but there is still plenty to do, so we're excited to be running again. I will head up an impressive team of three candidates for the Manly Ward.  

Here's a list of some our key achievements over the past four years. 

Manly's Freshwater ferry is back to her glory days after her $7 million makeover.  

The flagship of the Freshwater class fleet spent 100 days in service and has emerged with beautiful new flooring, ceilings and lighting, as well as easier access for people with disabilities, bikes or prams.

She has a fresh paint job and better CCTV security and PA systems, as well as a thorough mechanical overall. 

The iconic vessel was threatened with the scrap heap by Transport Minister Andrew Constance, who planned to replace all the Freshwater class ferries with smaller, faster boats.  But community outrage, advocacy work by Save the Manly Ferries Alliance  and support from Manly MP James Griffin means two ferries will remain in service in some form. 

But two isn't enough, and the fight continues to save all four ferries, with Northern Beaches Council voting this week to call for an Upper House Inquiry into their decommissioning. The Council joins the City of Sydney council who did the same last week.

​More details here.