The 2024/25 Annual Report and Financial Statements are on display now and the numbers show a strong focus on sound financial management and investing back into our community. 

Even with plenty of challenges and priorities jostling for attention, Council kept its eye on the ball - delivering services, supporting locals and looking after the stunning natural environment. 

Council invested $84.2 million into Capital projects to ensure facilities and infrastructure keep up with what residents need, with the Special Variation to rates also helping close the funding gap for managing community assets for everyone.

Some standout moments from this year include:

• 6.8km of road resurfaced and 69 streets underwent preventative maintenance to reduce deterioration of the road network
• 10 new footpaths were added to the network and more than 5,000 trip hazards were cleared away to make walking safer
• big projects finished up, like the Brickpit Reserve at Frenchs Forest and a fresh boardwalk at Manly Dam
• playgrounds got a real boost, with 11 of them revamped - including Michaela Howie in Dee Why and Trafalgar Park in Newport. Young people also got new multi-use hardcourts at Beverly Job in Narraweena and Winnererremy Bay in Mona Vale
• green thumbs were busy planting 5,854 native trees with over 2,300 of them semi-mature to give the local canopy a head start
• sports lovers saw new and improved facilities, drainage at Aquatic Reserve, Frenchs Forest, softball nets at John Fisher Park, North Curl Curl and a new turf wicket at Seaforth Oval supporting greater female participation in cricket at a representative level
• Council picked up 24 awards, such as the Local Government Excellence Award for partnerships, a Highly Commended Planning Award and the Excellence in Early Childhood Education Award for Narrabeen Children’s Centre

On the sustainability front Council’s renewable energy push cut corporate carbon emissions by 20,000 tonnes every year and clever power purchasing is saving ratepayers money. 

All this is possible thanks to the dedication and strong connections with residents and community groups. To read more or check out the full report, just head to the Northern Beaches Council website.