North Head is under the spotlight with plans unveiled for large sections of the headland. 

The plans for North Head Sanctuary - the central area of the headland -  are particularly grand.  This section is managed by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust, the Federal Government agency tasked with preserving and rehabilitating defence and other Commonwealth lands around Sydney Harbour.  It contains a large number of military buildings and sites, including the former army barracks and parade ground, and is highlighted in the map below. The rest of North Head is State Government land, which is managed by National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW).

The plans for North Head Sanctuary would see empty buildings adaptively re-used, a public event space in the former parade ground, a ‘world-class’ interpretive centre, less intrusive parking, more walking paths and more bushland. If it all went ahead we would get an Environmental Education Centre and the Other Officers Mess (the big ‘barracks’ building) would be reclaimed from the possums. ​

​Concept plans for the North Fort and the Artillery Barracks precincts are below. 

National Parks and Wildlife (NSW) have presented more modest plans for North Head Scenic Area - the headland's car parks and public look outs. 

The plan focuses on visitor access and safety and includes: reconfiguration of the car parks to provide more accessible parking spaces; installation of pedestrian crossings and a path; and expanded landscaped areas for visitors to admire the incredible harbour views.  A 20kph zone would apply to the carpark and lookout area, starting just west of the Bella Vista cafe.  The plan is costed at $3.9M and is open for comment. 

​Details here. 

And the old Manly Point playground will be completely reworked. Due to ground contamination, the built footprint can't be increased, however landscaping, Aboriginal artworks and a nature trial will be added. The new design is inspired by the harbour, and the history of the site, including Aboriginal elements and the point's past life as Manly Gas Works.  Construction should be finished by the end of the year. ​ Playground design below

More details and the chance to have your say on the toilet and playground plans here.

At the west end of Little Manly beach, dinghy storage will be increased, including storage for an outrigger dragon boat, and repairs will be made to the boat ramp, making use of a $150,000 RMS grant. 

Other works already scheduled for the beach, include a new pathway to run outside, rather than through, Ripples cafe; and a section of the seawall to be replaced with wide bleachers, to provide space for sitting and sun baking. 

Returning to the 2021/22 infrastructure budget, West Esplanade will get much needed landscaping work and an accessible ramp to the beach.   Landscaping and park upgrades will go ahead at Ivanhoe Park and the Council promises to finish building the 36km Coast Walk from Manly to Palm Beach. This is likely to include better access to Queenscliff Headland via a ramp rather than the existing  steep flight of stairs.  

Manly Cemetery Columbarium will get a $370,000 expansion with landscaping and more niches for funeral urns.

The capital works are part of the Council’s draft operational budget for 2021/22.   Have a look at the details here at the Your Say Northern Beaches site.

Young adults will finally get the hospice care they deserve, with construction of a new facility underway at North Head.  

The Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) will be the first centre in Australia to provide respite care, symptom management and end of life care specifically for 15 to 24 year olds. It fills the gap for young people who are too old for Bear Cottage, and who previously would have been forced to go into a geriatric ward  if they couldn't be cared for at home. 

Construction of the $19.5M centre has just started in a section of the former Manly Hospital site, chosen for its quiet, bushland setting.  The hospice will provide a state-wide service, and also serve as an anchor for the new health and wellness precinct to be built on the site. 

The hospice will have eight bedrooms for patients, each with ensuite and balcony; and two family accomodation units. There will be an on-site dedicated kitchen and dining room; break out spaces including a games rooms and a lounge room with balcony with harbour views; and a garden area. 

The development has been funded by the Federal and State Governments, with some extremely generous donations from the Northern Beaches community. The State will provide $2M per year toward ongoing costs, with community support to provide the remainder.

Thanks go to Manly State MP James Griffin, donors including Dr Gregory Poche and Kay Van Norton-Poche and community representatives who worked to bring AYAH to life.

Construction should be finished by late next year. 

​More details and video artists impression here

A recent five-year Government study found that of the 2,399 animals caught in the nets, only 171 - or 7% - were the 'target sharks'.   That means 93% of captured animals were 'bycatch' - harmless sharks, rays, dolphins and turtles.  Even worse, 55% of these animals drown. 

In comparison SMART drumlines resulted in less than 1% death rate for captured animals. And the catch was far more successfully targeted, with 70% being the target sharks and only 30% bycatch.  These lines, which are baited with mullet, send out an alert once an animal is captured. Within an hour the animal is either released, or if it's a dangerous shark, tagged and taken far out to sea.  A bonus, is that the tags mean a shark data base can be created. 

Another shark net negative is that contrary to what many people think, they don't enclose the beach. They run for relatively short distances and have gaps above and below them.  In fact 40% of sharks are captured on the beach side of the nets! 

The Council joins Randwick, Waverly and Wollongong councils in calling for a shark net ban, as well as the 70% of Northern Beaches residents, who supported a ban in a recent poll.  

While the Council's decision is a positive step, the NSW Dept of Primary Industries & Fisheries is the body tasked with protecting our beaches. Despite everything, they say they currently have no plans to move away from shark nets.  ​

Sydney Morning Herald. 12 April:
Corrosion has already appeared in the Emerald class fleet, even though the ferries are only four years old. These ferries were not made in China, unlike the v2 version which is meant to replace the Freshwater Manly ferry, but the design is the same.  The corrosion is bad enough to raise concerns about the structural integrity of the boats.

It's yet another warning flag for the new made-in-China Emerald ferries, to add to the 80 plus defects that have already been identified.  And these are the ferries that are supposed to cross the Heads in all conditions to maintain a reliable Manly service!  Full article here

​The Emerald-class Pemulway, in the foreground, passes the Fred Hollows. CREDIT:ANNA KUCERA

​Thurs 25 March 2021. The rally and Parliamentary debate generated a lot of media attention - as it should. 
The Telegraph was first off the mark.  

The Tele is behind an unhelpful paywall, but it's important, so this is what it says...

'PROBLEMS with the vessels set to replace the Manly Ferry for commuter services could delay the new boats being put into service, the Maritime Union warns.
More than 80 defects or safety observations were made by inspectors when the new Emerald Class ferries were delivered to Australia.
The problems identified by the union include faulty windows and poor plumbing in the engine rooms.
According to the Maritime Union of Australia’s safety inspections, all of the windows in the second generation Emerald Class ferries need replacing.
There are also concerns steel plating on the hulls are too thin to hold a rigid form.
The MUA believes the remediation work required to fix the problems is too complex to get the ferries into service by the middle of this year as planned.

Transport for NSW spokesman said a number of “improvements” that have been identified are being assessed.
“This is a rigorous and robust process to ensure each vessel meets the strictest of safety standards before entering into customer service by around the middle of the year,” the spokesman said.
Transport for NSW said seaworthiness trials of the new Emerald Class ferries were planned for later this month. ​

“Trials and testing of this nature are a normal part of any commissioning process for a new fleet. A similar process was undertaken prior to introducing the first generation of Emeralds into service,” a spokesman said. 

Labor believes the foreign-built hulls contain problems that would not have occurred if the boats were built in Australia.

There are also concerns the new vessels would not be able to handle bad weather conditions, such as those seen in the harbour this week.
“When the Freshwater ferries are due for replacement, it should be with a locally built and designed vessel that can manage heavy seas safely and reliably,” Deputy Labor Leader Yasmin Catley said.
“The cheap junk that Andrew Constance has built offshore are just no match for the Freshwaters,” Ms Catley said.
Meanwhile, state Parliament will today debate a petition signed by 22,000 people calling for the government to abandon its plans to replace the Freshwater class ferries.'

Behind another paywall - I hate them.  Here's the start...

'THE Save the Manly Ferries’ chief campaigner has hit back at suggestions that northern beaches ratepayers should take responsibility for the two iconic vessels destined for the scrap heap.
Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham reacted with disbelief at the idea that Northern Beaches Council should consider taking responsibility for the ferries, saying transport was a state issue and the council knows nothing about running boats.
“We are not in the maritime business,” she said.   

“We don’t know how to run ferries.

“The whole thing is stupid.
“It’s plain ludicrous.”
She said the council was never going to be able to afford to turn the ferries into a tourism attraction.
“We have enough trouble funding our tourism office,” she said.
The idea was mooted during a debate in Parliament on Thursday over the future of the iconic vessels due to be retired.' 

Here's the link, if you can get to it.

Hooray.  Some articles we can get to.  NB Advocate is here

​The 22,000 signature petition was tabled at Parliament on 25th March and generated lively debate.  The Petition was presented by Shadow Minister for Transport, Chris Minns and supported by two other Labor speakers.

It was disappointing that three Liberal speakers, including Local Member James Griffin, and Transport Minister Andrew Constance, effectively dismissed the petition with James suggesting "that the Northern Beaches Council undertake a feasibility study or business case to retain and operate two of the remaining Freshwater Class Ferries".

Perhaps he would like the Council to also look into operating the State schools and hospital in our area too!  That suggestion is just as ludicrous.

What Next?
The campaign continues as we now have information on how these classic ferries can be converted to electric, and major concerns emerge about the inferior quality and major defects found in the proposed replacement Emerald Class ferries.

A paper has been prepared by Fmr Global Senior Vice President of Det Norske Veritas (DNV), the world's largest global Marine Classification Society and Fmr.Chief Engineer, Merchant Navy, Andrew Westwood.  A copy is below this article. Andrew's paper sets-out examples from all over the world of how similar double-ended ferries have successfully been converted to electric while slashing operating costs.

Major Concerns Raised
In the meantime, major concerns have been raised about the poor quality of the new Emerald Class ferries, which were built in China.  So far, 80 defects have been recorded including that every window needs to be replaced.  The hull, which is very thin, is also raising alarms.

If they are anything like the Rivercats built in Indonesia which arrived seven months ago containing asbestos and won't fit safely under two Parramatta bridges, then buyer beware. These 10 ferries were scheduled to operate from the middle of last year but are yet to be approved for service, with testing crews warning they can stall when put into reverse during emergency stops.
 
We must keep all four Freshwaters at least until the Government can prove that the replacement Emerald Class ferries are fit for the special Manly F1 route, particular crossing the heads during a swell. However if they are anything like the Rivercats I expect we will be enjoying our classic reliable Australian-built Freshwaters for some years yet.

Two icons of Sydney Harbour. One that needs saving. 

The Protest in Martin Place before the Parliamentary debate

Everybody knows the Manly ferries - they are Sydney Harbour icons.  So it's no surprise there has been widespread media coverage of our campaign to save the Freshwater fleet. 

SMH 20/03/21:  Transport Minister Andrew Constance acknowledges electric power is the future of our transport network.  

"Minister plugs electric ferries as network on greener route

NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance says the next crop of harbour ferries may be battery-powered after Sydney’s first locally-made electric buses rolled into service.
Inspecting the new bus, which was assembled in western Sydney, Mr Constance said the state needed to work fast to convert the transport network from diesel and gas to electric.  ... more here "

We've been calling for this for future ferries, but we also want the existing Freshwaters to be converted to electric power.  This was endorsed by Manly State MP James Griffin and Warringah Federal MP Zali Steggall.  

"...But Ms Steggall told the Herald she had supported keeping the ferries “until they can be upgraded to being powered by lower emissions’ technology”.
“The Freshwater class ferries are important to the local economy and tourism and should not be replaced by smaller ferries that hold less passengers and do not dramatically reduce emissions,” she said."


​

Manly local Evelyn Shervington, who features in our video about accessibility has penned this letter to the SMH 22/03/21.
​
After reading Minister Constance comments above, he  asks why would we buy brand-new DIESEL powered ferries and lock in  20 more years of diesel fumes and carbon emissions,  when we could start converting the ferries we already have to clean electric power right now?
 
Good question. 

​

We've had lots of support from the Manly Daily.  Here's the latest

Manly Daily
Julie Cross
March 12, 2021

Manly ferry campaign: How you can help save the vessels
The Save Manly Ferries campaigners are launching two last events before the matter is debated in parliament. Here’s what you can do.
The Save Manly Ferries group is stepping up its campaign in the run up to a debate in NSW parliament due at the end of the month.

People are interested everywhere.
Here's The Weekly Times, on Wed March 3.  It's based in Ryde and covers Sydhey's North West - home to several MPs in marginal seats. ​

And an update in local mag - Peninsula Living on 1 March 20212.  Read it here.

Saturday's massive storms forced us to cancel our Save the Ferries rally at Manly Cove and later on the ferry itself.  But, the sturdy sea-worthy ferries themselves just kept going!

But hang on to your placards...

RALLY OUTSIDE PARLIAMENT HOUSE
Thursday 25th March @ 2.30pm
Meet opposite Parliament House at 2.30pm in Martin Place.  This will be our best chance to get media coverage before the debate at 4pm.

A debate will be held in Parliament on Thursday over the decision to slash the Freshwater ferry fleet.  The decision was made without a business plan, without consideration of the wider effects on Manly's tourist economy, and without any plan to move the ferry fleet to renewable energy.  We have forced this debate which holds MPs to account by gaining 22,000 signatures on our 'Save the Freshwater ferries' petition.  

You can watch the debate live online here:
Thursday 25th March @ 4pm
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/pages/la-webcast-page.aspx

These hair-raising images are from Haig Gilchrist - who else?  Our deck-hand photographer legend, who says:  "Maybe not the perfect night (Friday 19/3) to be travelling on the outer deck of the Narrabeen. One of those nights working in treacherous weather conditions but felt safe and comfortable on a Freshwater class ferry and I’m pretty sure most passengers enjoyed the thrill ride home."

SAVE THE FERRIES Rally  
Now on board the 2.15pm Manly Ferry!

Wear navy & white, bring a placard, and ride the Manly Ferry to Circular Quay
Kids Welcome.

Come and join the fun and show your support to keep our Classic Freshwater Ferries.
(Please arrive early to ensure you get onboard)

Bring a placard!  Make you own by either checking YouTube on how to make a placard or simply get some cardboard from Humphreys!

Ideas for Slogans:

#SAVE ALL FOUR             DON'T SINK OUR HERITAGE

MAKE OUR FERRIES GREEN                   KEEP THE FLEET

Below are some photos of the Ferries you may even decide to use as part of your placard.

This is a newspaper you really don't want as an enemy.  Fortunately, they're on our side in the fight to save the Manly ferries.  Of course they are - the made-in-Australia Freshwater ferries are loved by kids, oldies, families, bike riders, wheelchair users, everyone... who wants to savour the trip across stunning Sydney Harbour. 

The Oz edition of the UK tabloid is not subtle, but it's on the money. Read the rest here.

What a great 'Save the Ferries' spread in the Beaches' new monthly mag.  Have a read and you'll see why The Tawny Frogmouth is quickly making its mark. And as a bonus the witty, little magazine arrives free in your mailbox every month. 

Here's Tikky's latest video. It's clear we need to save all four of our beautiful big Manly Ferries.  
​Please sign the official Parliamentary petition here.  We need 20,000 signatures to get the petition tabled in State Parliament and a debate started on the ferries' future. 

Here's our latest Save the Ferry video.  Thanks to Tikky Hes and the team, and all the people at Manly Wharf who were delighted to speak up for the iconic boats. 

There are so many incredible photos of the beautiful big ferries. These pics are from the legendary Haig Gilchrist. He's a Manly Ferry Deckhand and photographer/videographer - which is clearly a wonderful combination.  

The first two pics are from an early morning in November, and the last one is rough weather up close. 

Our campaign is gaining momentum with huge community support. 

While State Transport MInister Andrew Constance initially said that only one ferry would be saved, now it's likely to be two. That's an improvement, but not enough.

Manly Liberal MP James Griffin has also joined the fight to save the iconic vessels, saying he wants to save two boats, and more if possible.

Here's an ongoing poll conducted by the Sydney Morning Herald which shows clearly that people want to keep the whole fleet. It's not a scientific study, but it's had over 1300 votes, and mirrors what we hear on the ground. 

Read the Herald article titled 'Second Freshwater Ferry could be saved by Christmas'.

People have reacted to the threat to our beautiful classic ferries with anger and disbelief.  And the media has jumped on board. 

The Daily Telegraph immediately started a campaign to keep our 'harbour queens' afloat.  The paper had big spreads on 24th and 25th November, as well as an editorial and lots of letters to the editor. 

And the Sydney Morning Herald, which broke the story in early October, had lots of follow-up articles with community leaders, union leaders, and stakeholders arguing the ferries should stay.

There has also been coverage on TV and radio, including the ABC, Channel 7, 2GB and more. 

You can help - sign the NSW Parliamentary petition here  

The future of Manly's iconic Freshwater-class 1100 passenger ferries is under threat with the NSW Government announcing that they will be replace by 400 passenger Emerald class catamarans early next year.
PLEASE SIGN OUR PETITION TO THE NSW PARLIAMENT HERE

​Deputy Mayor & President of the Good for Manly Association, Candy Bingham, will move at next weeks Council meeting (27/10/20) that the Northern Beaches Council hold an urgent meetings with the Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance, over his recent announcement to scrap the large Manly ferries.
 
“The community is in shock.  The proposal by the Minister to ‘keep maybe one for two’ of the 1100 passenger large Freshwater-Class ferries, with the rest to be replaced by three 400 passenger Emerald class catamarans, just doesn’t make sense.  It appears that the focus is on commuters and that the  large passenger numbers during peak visitor periods have not been considered” Cr Bingham said.
 
“Last Australia Day we had 80,591 people visit Manly by Ferry; over the Easter 4-day weekend in 2019 there were 257,960 people; and on average 47,000 come to Manly by ferry each day of summer.” she added.
 
With 2.8m people coming by ferry in 2019, 1 million of them international tourists according to Destination NSW’s Manly Visitor Profile of the year ended December 2019, there is major concern that the NSW Government is just focusing on the use of the ferries by commuters, and has totally overlooked the tourist market.
 
“The large ferries are the life-blood of Manly.  Since 1850 they have serviced this popular tourist destination bringing millions to enjoy our seaside resort.  The Fast Ferries are used by commuters, the large ferries are used by day trippers and those who enjoy the experience of the leisurely 30-minute trip to Manly” Cr Bingham added.
 
President of the Manly Business Chamber, Charlotte Rimmer, said that the Chamber will be joining the Council’s push to have the Freshwater-class ferries retained.
 
“Our Executive met last week.  The economic value that the large ferries bring to Manly is enormous.  We are concerned that this decision has not considered the value of the tourist dollar that this internationally recognised attraction brings. 
 
“When you come to Sydney you come for the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and a ride on the Manly Ferry.  This decision is like removing the cable-cars in Sans Francisco.” Ms Rimmer said.
 
According to Paul Garrett, the Assistant Secretary of the Sydney Branch of the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), the large ferries undergo a major service every 5 years.  The Freshwater is due for service in February next year, the Queenscliff in October, the Narrabeen in November and the Collaroy in October 2023. They are unlikely to returned to service.
 
“These ferries are only 40 years old and still have decades of service left in them.  For example the NSW Government is currently refurbishing the First Fleet class ferries, which are of the same age.
 
“Rather than see expenditure on maintenance and life-extension programs for these Freshwater ferries as a cost, the NSW Government should see it as an investment in an iconic tourist drawcard. The double-ended Manly ferries are an internationally recognised Australian Institution”, he added.
 
Cr Candy Bingham is mounting a community campaign to reverse the decision to allow time for a detailed business case to be undertaken to include the tourism and economic value that these ferries bring to Sydney.
 
In the meantime a Change.org petition Save Australia’s Manly Ferry is gaining major momentum with over 5,000 signatures and growing, and concerned citizens are being encouraged to send an email to:
Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance at: [email protected],
Local Member, James Griffin at: [email protected]
and the Minister for Tourism, Stuart Ayres at: [email protected]

THE HISTORY OF THE MANLY FERRIES has been provided by Richard Michell, President of the Manly, Warringah & Pittwater Historical Society, and is attached below.

It is perhaps not widely known that the original name for Manly Hospital - the one on Eastern Hill, not the earlier Cottage Hospital in Raglan Street - was the Manly Peace Memorial Hospital.

​At a public meeting in the Manly Town Hall in July 1919 it was resolved that a ‘Peace Memorial Hospital’ be built on the former quarantine land as ‘a permanent tribute to the men who went forward and fought in the Great War’.

​A committee was formed and fundraising commenced.

During the COVID lockdown, Manly Library was transformed into a brighter, more open community space. The old wall, children's area amphitheatre and service desk were removed so the whole ground floor area would benefit from the Market Place windows. 

The images below are different views across the new children's section. There's lots of space for prams, tables, craftwork etc, especially as the new book shelves are all on wheels and can be easily moved as required. Bright artworks will be hung on the long back wall in the middle pic. The bottom pic shows natural light coming in from a large window sky light. You can also see the entrance to the new Story Time/meeting room. 

The extra space means that the collection of children's non-fiction books can now be in the same area as kid's fiction and picture books. Non-fiction used to be upstairs but now that it's been moved, the books are being borrowed much more often. (60% more kid's non-fiction books borrowed in July, compared to usual monthly averages.) As well, there are cute "cubby seats" where parents and kids can sit together, and the new shelving means kid's books are pretty much now all at child-friendly heights.

​Story Time was incredibly popular in the old Amphitheatre and it will be back just as soon as pandemic restrictions are eased. In future, stories will be told in the former ground-floor meeting room, which has been soundproofed so kids can jump, dance, clap and sing without disturbing other library users. The room is linked through an internal door to the new children's area, and the council is exploring options such as glass doors to provide more natural light. 

The project's not finished yet. You can comment or make a suggestion here. 

The up-front cost is the same as last year. 

​FEES:
1st Residential or Multi-use Permit* - Free
2nd Residential or Multi-use Permit* - $42
3rd Residential or Multi-use Permit* - $110
(*only one Multi-use permit per household)
Business, Special Issue, Support Worker or Car Share Permits -  Free (for 2020/21)

But it's a different story if a permit is lost or stolen, with a replacement to cost $545.

Clearly the concern is with the Multi-use permit, which may be open to misuse, such as being sold on eBay, although with this permit linked to a specific property, tracing the permit will be easier.  A review of the Multi-use system will therefore take place in a year, with several audits carried out along the way. The risk is, that if the Multi-use system is abused, the Council may stop issuing this type of permit. Staff say there will always be some mechanism for visitors and tradies to park, but it may become more like the City of Sydney, where residents get a limited number of single-use, one-day 'scratchies'.

Go to the Council website here or call 1300 434 434 for more details.

31/7/2020   
During peak Coronavirus lockdown, Manly suddenly had plenty of street parking, showing what it's like when only locals are parking here. ​

Manly's new Parking Permit scheme, to be rolled out in the next few months, is designed to keep the balance strongly in favour of residents. It will work by linking all new parking permits to a specific vehicle or address, thereby stopping the on-selling of permits and limiting them to genuine local residents. 

There will also be a big reduction in the number of permits issued to businesses, and no permits for trailers or boats. 

And in great news in this financially uncertain time, there will be NO increase in permit fees, and the first permit will still be free. 

As well, an idea to limit parking permits to residents with insufficient off-street parking has been scrapped.

Specifically, each dwelling can apply for up to three permits, and a fourth under "extenuating circumstances"

* One permit per car can be purchased, which must be registered to the car's registration and applicant's home address.
* A multi-purchase permit can be purchased to be used by visitors, tradies etc. This permit must be linked to the home address of the applicant.

As well as residential and multi-use permits; business, car share, special issue and support worker permits will be available. ​
​
Fees:
1st Permit - Free
2nd Permit - $42
3rd Permit - $110

The new scheme will start on the following dates
Little Manly Zone     1 Oct 2020
Balgowlah                1 Oct 2020
Ethel St West           1 Nov 2020
Ocean Beach           1 Nov 2020
Isthmus                    1 Dec 2020
Fairy Bower             1 Dec 2020
Tower Hill +              1 Mar 2021
Ivanhoe Park +         1 Apr 2021
Permit applications will open one month before in each case.

Existing residential parking permits remain valid (despite having passed their 'expiry' dates) until the respective start date in each area, and must be displayed.  As a bonus, the permit validity extensions have given locals a permit fee holiday for at least six months.

You can view the Parking Scheme Framework below.

Old Manly Hospital site concept plans are now on public display. What's new is that the State Government, which owns the North Head site, wants to broaden options for businesses that can be considered for the new "health and wellbeing" precinct.

​The 6ha site, which will be anchored by the new Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice, could now include enterprises such as seniors housing, an educational establishment or function centre, plus a shop and cafe, although these new uses would depend on appropriate rezoning of the land by Northern Beaches Council.

There will also be parking, public access and open space and harbour views. 

​The current zoning of the site limits its use to a ‘health services facility’ which only permits; a hospital, medical centre, community health service facilities or consulting rooms.

​The concept plan calls for this to be broadened to include uses such as;
Restaurant or café
Neighbourhood shop
Seniors housing
Educational establishment
Community facility
Group homes
Function centre
Centre-based child care facility
Recreation facility (indoor)
​
The draft concept plan, shown in diagram form below, has been put together by site managers - The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Planning NSW) - and lead consultants COX Architecture.  

The next step is to collect community and stakeholder feedback, and rezoning approval from the Council. Then Planning NSW will prepare a formal site master plan with a site-specific Development Control Plan. The DCP includes built form controls to manage height, bulk and scale, as well as environmental and heritage requirements for the site.

​On its website Planning NSW says; "The concept master plan focuses on developing an adaptive reuse strategy for the existing heritage buildings to deliver a mix of open and community space, health and wellbeing related uses, neighbourhood scale shops and a food and drink offering."

​They say the plan has been "informed by the guiding principles, outcomes of the community consultation (September 2019), environmental and specialist investigations and market sounding exercises". ​

The 'main block' and original 'Manly Peace Memorial Hospital' entrance will both be 'adaptively reused'

​Manly Hospital was closed in October 2018 after the new Northern Beaches Hospital was opened at Frenchs Forest.  Following community pressure to save the iconic site, the State Government promised not to sell it to developers but to keep it in public hands. 

The vision statement was for “a vibrant health and wellbeing sanctuary which welcomes and supports the needs of the local and wider community – achieved through innovation and balance”. 
​
A masterplan was created to develop a health and wellbeing precinct, while maintaining community access and preserving existing heritage buildings. Incoming businesses and services would need to provide health benefits to the Northern Beaches community, as well as being self funding. 

The location is not only spectacular, but complicated with many stakeholders, including Property NSW, NSW Health, National Parks & Wildlife Service, Northern Beaches Council and the local community.

​Last year prominent design firm COX Architecture was appointed lead consultant for the redevelopment process.

​More details and the chance to have your say here.

Little Manly Point is a popular spot, which iloved by picnickers, fishermen and young people in the evenings. There is also a children's playground, that is in line for a revamp.  

​At the moment the nearest toilets are the small block at Little Manly beach (circled on map). Volunteers at the Point on Clean Up Australia Day found out the hard way that some people don't bother to walk to the toilet block, but do it in the bush instead. 
 
The Council has now allocated $500,000 for work to be carried out in the 2021/22 financial year.  
 
Little Manly Point public amenities had initially been left off the budget plans, but  I was able to work with council staff to bring the funds forward.  
 
In exchange, the repositioning of the West Esplanade accessible toilet will be postponed until 2023/24 at the earliest.  This work will restore the graceful look of the historic West Esplanade amenities block, while still providing an accessible facility.  

In a big win for pedestrians and cyclists, Manly CBD and beachfronts have become a 30kph zone. 

The 'safe speed zone' which started in July, is a trial paid for by the State Government and co-ordinated by Transport for NSW. It's prompted by the increase in pedestrians and cyclists on local streets, caused by COVID-19 forcing people to work from home and avoid public transport. ​

Slowing cars down has been shown to reduce the likelihood and severity of accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles.  A pedestrian hit by a car travelling at 40kph has twice the chance of being killed, compared to someone hit by a car travelling at 30k. While this is obviously a desirable outcome in is own right, it's even more important in a time of Coronavirus when hospital beds are precious, particularly those in ICU. And there's no real downside, as a reduction in speed limits on city streets has been shown to have only a minimal impact on travel times. ​

​Council Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham said she fully supports the safe speed trial.  "It will make the streets so much safer for pedestrians and cyclists," Cr Bingham said. "And car travel will take 1 minute more at the most. One minute that could save a life! 

"There were 92 accidents reported to police in the trial zone over the last five years, with about a third of those involving pedestrians or cyclists."

The 30kph speed zone is outlined on the map.  It starts at  Ashburner St and covers the entire Manly CBD, including East Esplanade and South and North Steyne. The zone finishes at West Promenade and the southern part of Whistler St, apart from an extension heading north all the way along the ocean front, and a short extension along West Esplanade.

​Although Eustace St was not included in the State Government leaflets dropped in mailboxes last month, it should have been. It is part of the 30kph trial zone

​The zone includes three schools - Manly Village Public School, St Mary's Primary School and Royal Far West School; but not Stella Maris College. 

The trial started with new speed signs and road markings in early July. Car speeds and driver compliance will be monitored until October, with extra traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, installed at that point if needed. 

Northern Beaches Council, which has a long-term focus on increasing 'active travel' trips, worked with the State Government to roll out Manly's safe speed zone.  The Council has also applied for grants to construct new bikes lanes. ​

All planned projects in the Manly Ward will go ahead in the 20/21 budget including: a revamp of the North Steyne playground and planning for the new Manly Point playground; work on the Scenic Walkway, an all-abilities playground and a toilet block upgrade - all at Clontarf Reserve; upgrades to the Balgowlah Community Garden; major restoration work on Forty Baskets and Clontarf tidal pools; and much more.  See the lists below for your area.
As well, work will be completed on a historically-faithful rebuild of Little Manly tidal pool, with  the addition of beautiful seahorse-friendly blue netting.  And $500,000 has been brought forward to next year's budget for work to start on the much-needed toilets at Little Manly Point. Finally!