Cost shifting. Not the sexiest of topics but one that does impact every ratepayer as it means Council has less to fund the services and infrastructure our community expect.

Cost shifting occurs when state and federal governments force councils to assume responsibility for infrastructure, services and regulatory functions without providing sufficient supporting funding.

Based on a recent report on cost shifting, ratepayers on the Northern Beaches were out of pocket $39 million, or the equivalent of $379 per ratepayer in 2021/22. On top of that Council’s Emergency Services Levy has since increased to $9.3 million this financial year, equivalent to $90 per ratepayer.

Every dollar we pay in levies and subsidies to the state government is one less dollar we can put into our local roads and footpaths, our parks and community centres or our libraries and event programs.

We, alongside Councils across the state, are calling on the NSW Government to urgently address the costs through a combination of regulatory reform, budgetary provision and appropriate funding.

Today is International Women’s Day, a day of collective global activism recognising women's contributions and highlighting the many issues women still face.

At Council we have a strong focus on gender equity with women making up 58% of our workforce and 52% of our Executive Leadership Team. Nine of your 15 elected Councillors are also women, including the roles of Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

As a society we still have a long way to go with women still doing the lion's share of caring and household duties, a domestic violence epidemic which sees on average one woman a week murdered. A recent report confirming some of the country’s biggest and most recognisable employers have gender pay gaps of 30-40% in favour of men over women.

Thanks to all those marching, attending events or celebrating in your own way today – every voice raised applies the pressure needed for the long term attitudinal and structural change needed to improve women’s lives. 

Have a great weekend.

Mayor Sue Heins

There is no doubt Sydney is facing an affordable housing crisis which is felt particularly acutely here on the Northern Beaches.

However, the NSW Government’s answer of a crude, one-size-fits-all approach to increasing housing supply that’s currently on the table will lead to an explosion of medium and high- density development in areas that can’t support it, with Council having little to no ability to stop it.

At the meeting of your elected Council this week we endorsed a submission to the Department of Planning and Environment, calling on the NSW Government to abandon their proposed reforms.

We know that unplanned development of this scale will lead to greater congestion on local roads, put pressure on community infrastructure, overload the public transport network, reduce tree canopy and in some instances threaten local heritage.

Council already has an adopted housing strategy which accommodates growth in areas where we know it can best be managed such as in the new Frenchs Forest Town Centre, in Dee Why and in and around Brookvale.

Detailed studies, mapping and extensive community input informed the development of our housing strategy to ensure we continue to take our fair share of Sydney’s growth and foster affordable housing while preserving the precious character of our local government area. It recognises the unique challenges we face with very limited road access in and out of the peninsula and minimal public transport options. It considers our bushfire, flood, storm and coastal inundation risks which only last week were highlighted in the State Disaster Mitigation Plan as among some of the most extreme in NSW.

It is simply unacceptable for the state government to ride rough-shod over the top of all this expert analysis, ignore local knowledge and experience, and impose a blanket approach to planning across Sydney in order to fast track some arbitrary housing targets.

The government is saying that they do want to hear from and work with local Councils. Let’s hope this is a genuine commitment and our submission and ongoing advocacy has some impact.

Have a great weekend.

Mayor Sue Heins

A small fragment of bonded asbestos found by a child in playground mulch in the Inner West has spurned one of the largest investigations ever undertaken by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

On the Beaches, we had one local school impacted at Allambie Heights where bonded asbestos was found in an isolated garden which was made safe and fenced off without causing the school to be closed.

At Council we use mulch quite extensively in our playgrounds and garden beds but have not been contacted by the EPA and are not part of their supply chain investigations to date.

It will reassure the community to know that the mulch used in our children's playgrounds comes from controlled environments such as sawmills. This mulch produced is from the off cuts of items such as sleepers and does not contain any waste from building materials, so there is little to no risk of contamination.

The mulch used in Council garden beds for the most part comes from the public trees removed by our tree contractors which are chipped and immediately stockpiled at our depots. So again, there is little to no risk of contamination to this mulch.

Occasionally we use other suppliers for garden bed mulch and have sought assurances from all our suppliers that they have not been exposed to the current issue. To date this has not revealed any exposures for Council.

From time to time the community report asbestos and other materials which have been dumped illegally. Our teams immediately respond to safely remove the asbestos, but these reports are not related to the current mulch contamination issue.

The EPA reports that to date the asbestos that has been found in sites around NSW is predominantly bonded (non-friable) which, in good condition, is likely to be low-risk.

They advise that anyone concerned about contamination in mulch they have received or on sold should contact the EPA Environment Line on 131 555 or email info@epa.nsw.gov.au.

If you want to check in on the sites being investigated, the EPA is regularly updating the list here.

Mayor Sue Heins

This week the 46th Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras kicks off with an expansive program across Sydney. Here on the Beaches, you can enjoy a performance by RAYN, make a pride badge or plant pot, or visit the Daniel Mudie Cunningham: Proud Mary exhibition at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum. Happy Mardi Gras all!

Also this weekend, head to Manly beachfront for the 2024 Health and Wellness Day. Delivered in partnership with Manly Business Chamber, there is a packed program of talks, fitness, cycling and breathing classes on the beach and grass. There is even a mums and bubs pilates, kids decathlon and a heap of local stallholders. Take a look at the program and join in.

If that’s not enough, the last World Food Markets for the summer is on at Killarney Heights this evening from 5pm. Don’t forget to bring your water bottle.

And we have a few projects on exhibition and ready for you to have your say including the plans for new recreation spaces at Killarney Heights Oval and Winnererremy Bay, the draft Multicultural Inclusion Plan (closing soon) and the survey on the changes made to traffic and footpaths in Avalon. We’d love to hear from you. 

Have a great weekend.

It’s been a busy summer and it’s worth recognising the incredible role our Council lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers play to keep us safe, often in the most challenging conditions. 

Just last Saturday, 8 to 10-foot swells closed beaches, but attracted many to the foreshore to see the waves crashing against the cliffs and rockfaces. A teenager was washed off the rocks near Freshwater rockpool and, a poor swimmer, was quickly in serious danger.  

Fast action from South Curl Curl and Freshwater lifeguards, on foot and jet ski, backed up by NSW Ambulance paramedics on the shore, saved her life. Lifeguard Tiaan Cronje in particular displayed incredible bravery, diving into the treacherous seas to keep the semi-conscious teenager’s head above water, get her onto the jet ski mat, administer life support and transport her safely to the beach. 

The incident is a timely reminder for us all to be extra cautious around our rocky foreshore. The ocean is unpredictable and can surprise even the most experienced swimmer or rock fisher. We have fabulous information about beach and rock safety available – please take a read and share with visiting family and friends.    

On a less dramatic note, the Seniors Festival program has been released and is full of events, talks, games and activities. Enrol in a family history workshop, take a Tai Chi class, try virtual reality, join a wildlife walk or get tips on writing your memoir.  

Have a good, and safe, weekend. 

A huge congratulations to all our Australia Day award winners for 2024! We have an extraordinary community who selflessly give back to our community every day and I am thrilled we can recognise their efforts through these awards.

From volunteer lifesavers to youth counsellors, environmental champions to sports coaches, Paralympians to fundraisers – each recipient has made an incredible contribution to their field. 

A special shout out to the Northern Beaches Citizen of the Year, Jimmy Arteaga. He oversees more than 90 volunteers as Unit Commander for Broken Bay Marine Rescue and is regularly involved in rescues, saving lives and vessels on our busy waterways.

Congratulations also to the many Northern Beaches residents who were recognised on the national Australia Day honour list. 

And best of luck to all the runners in the Sun Run this weekend - we have a record 7,000 entrants. Join me on the sideline spurring them on and be aware there will be some road and traffic changes around the course on Saturday morning. The event has already raised more than $60,000 for charities across Australia.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins
 

This week we are coming to you a day earlier to align with the Australia Day long weekend.

While we feel proud to call this great country home, as we celebrate on the Northern Beaches, let’s do so with empathy and an open heart.

For many of us, one of the highlights around Australia Day is celebrating the efforts of the special people who are committed to making a difference in our community.

Tonight, I will be heading to the Northern Beaches Australia Day Awards and look forward to honouring the 2024 winners.

There has been an outstanding pool of high calibre nominees this year, and the selection process has not been easy. To all the nominees—who are dedicated, passionate, humble people creating real impact in the lives of so many in our community—thank you! Your service to our community is so greatly appreciated and we are better off because of it.

Stay tuned to our social media channels and website for news on these standout individuals and their achievements.

In case you missed it, tickets went on sale last week for the International Women's Day Breakfast 2024. This event is one of my favourites on the Council event calendar. It is an inspiring and empowering celebration of incredible women.

Council is again hosting the breakfast event at the Manly Pacific hotel. Please join us for a delicious breakfast with guest speaker Chloe Dalton—multi-sport athlete, Olympic Gold Medalist, current AFLW player, Founder of the [Female] Athlete Project and new author. You’ll also enjoy the opportunity to network and go into the draw for several prizes. This event sells out fast so get your tickets early.

Have a lovely long weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

I really do believe that the Northern Beaches is a place for everyone. We have a long and proud history of being a multicultural community with residents from 123 different ancestries and over 110 countries of birth calling the Beaches home. Almost 1 in 3 people here were born overseas, and 1 in 2 have at least one parent born abroad.

After significant engagement with the community, we are proud to share the draft Multicultural Inclusion Action Plan, encapsulating the aspirations of our diverse community, ensuring that every individual feels welcomed and valued. Thank you to more than 500 community members that have contributed to the development of this plan so far. We could not have got it to this point without you.

This plan isn't just about ticking a box; it's about people. It’s about ensuring that every voice is heard, every culture celebrated, and every individual feels empowered to actively participate in shaping the future of our community. Read the plan and get involved.

Council has programmed a series of events across January to Celebrate Australia. One of our next events is the Australian Made Markets on this Sunday 21 January, 8am - 2pm at Winnererremy Bay, Mona Vale. Come down, treat yourself and support local.

And if you haven’t heard, our Sun Run which is happening on Saturday 3 February has officially sold out! This is a testament to everyone involved. My guess would be that it also has something to do with the spectacular course between Dee Why and Manly. Thanks to everyone who has registered to participate – good luck for race day.

For everyone else, mark the diary and look at the course map so you can find a spot to come down and cheer on the runners. Get more information.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

I’ve come to realise that our New Year resolutions don’t just have to be personal goals; they can be communal pledges to take decisive steps towards a stronger and more environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle.

With that, now is a great time to explore sustainable energy options and think seriously about installing solar. In collaboration with our independent energy and solar expert, Council is offering free phone appointments to discuss personalised green energy solutions for community members. Book your appointment and learn more.

If you are looking for other ideas on how to live more sustainably, please visit our webpages to learn about composting and worm farming and get a full A to Z guide to reuse, recycling and disposal. There is also a handy Northern Beaches Reuse and Recycling map which shows where you can take your used items for free.

If you’re looking for some cultural fun and haven’t already been, I encourage you to come along to Manly Art Gallery & Museum and experience the Lost in Palm Springs exhibition. The exhibition is touring Australia and on display in Manly until Sunday 25 February. It offers a truly unique experience that adds a touch of excitement to our cultural calendar.

While you are there, have a go at an artwork yourself! People of all ages and artistic backgrounds are also welcome to take part in Cut, Paste, Create: Drop-in and make a collage self-guided activity inspired by the exhibition. Find more information and join the creative fun.

Have a lovely weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins