The Northern Beaches Council has published its first Annual Report as an elected local government authority, outlining an astonishing record of achievement in its second year as a merged Council.

The Annual Report details how Council has addressed its community’s top priorities during 2017-18 by providing quality services and assets while developing strategic solutions for transport and housing challenges, creating local jobs and protecting the environment.

The Annual Report details over $78 million in capital projects for the Northern Beaches, including construction of a flood-proof bridge at Warriewood; a new carpark and roadworks at Church Point; upgrading Manly’s Whistler Street carpark; installing a new synthetic sports field at Cromer; new sporting facilities in Forestville, Terrey Hills and Belrose, and much more.

Northern Beaches Mayor Michael Regan said we’ve had some incredible achievements right across the peninsula.

“During the year centres were improved in Avalon, Balgowlah, Narrabeen, Dee Why, Manly and beyond with better plazas, amenities, community and childcare centres.

“We completed over 51 kilometres of footpaths and cycleways to connect our communities, and improved the laneways network in the Manly CBD with new paving and landscaping. Five new accessible playgrounds are a part of our widespread efforts to enhance disability inclusion.

“There was significant progress in integrating Council systems and services too, making it easier to submit enquiries and requests, to conduct transactions, access library resources and childcare bookings, and submit development and other applications.

“Council secured $41 million in grant funding, including $21 million from the NSW Government Stronger Communities Fund, bringing forward high-priority community projects planned for the coming years. Key partnerships brought the Avalon Youth Hub to life, as well as the new PCYC in Dee Why.

“We've also allocated over $960,000 in community grants, funding much-needed projects in arts, sports, youth, special needs and the environment.” Mayor Regan said.

Initiatives to stimulate Northern Beaches business activity included:

  • Hosting 70 events attracting more than 500,000 people to our town centres and villages
  • Business networking and seminars
  • New and improved public amenities at Manly, Narrabeen and Collaroy
  • Improved plazas and town centres at Dee Why, Balgowlah, Manly and Seaforth
  • Engagement on the Avalon Place Plan and Brookvale Structure Plan

Environment initiatives included two Council policies adopted in August 2017 to reduce waste. The Single Use Plastics Policy eliminates single-use plastics from all Council events. The Waste Minimisation for Functions and Events Policy requires event organisers to minimise waste at the 200 public events held on Council property each year.  

Among other noteworthy facts detailed in the Annual Report are;

  • 35 new water refill stations to reduce plastic bottle use across our parks and events with one event alone eliminating the need for 6,600 plastic bottles
  • Household waste reduced by 4%
  • Over 1,200 hectares of bushland regenerated  plus 800 new street trees planted
  • Over 250 volunteers provided 7,000 hours of bush-regeneration and grew 15,000 plants at the Community Nursery in Manly Vale
  • Solar energy generated by Council was over 318,000 kW hours
  • Our libraries have over 177,000 members and made 1.5 million loans
  • Manly Andrew ‘Boy’ Charlton Aquatic Centre more than doubled its patronage since the redeveloped facility opened in August 2016
  • Over 10 million visitors enjoyed our ocean beaches – and there were over 429,000 preventative actions taken by Council’s highly trained lifeguards
  • 28 percent of Council’s playgrounds are now fully accessible, up by nine percent over the year (with more to come)
  • Manly Meals on Wheels delivered 18,420 meals
  • 96 youth events were held, engaging with over 15,000 young people
  • Glen Street Theatre hosted over 59,000 people at a range of shows and events
  • 15 major exhibitions were held at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum and 25 at the Creative Space in Curl Curl, attracting 110,000 people

For more details, go to northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au  

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