Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 10 of 12

New Traffic Measures in Manly Criticised Despite Aim for Pedestrian Safety

In response to the occurrence of several pedestrian accidents in Manly over the years, the Northern Beaches has implemented new safety measures to reduce traffic speed and improve pedestrian safety in the Manly CBD area. Despite this, some measures have received strong criticism.

Among the measures taken was the establishment of a 30 km/h speed limit in the Manly CBD area. It resulted in an average traffic speed decrease from about 45 km/h to 39 km/h.

Despite this, Council officials have noted that some motorists continue to surpass the speed limit, endangering pedestrians and other road users. As such, in order to enhance safety, 14 concrete median islands were added throughout the Manly CBD and beachfront.

According to Northern Beaches Council, these islands will effectively reduce the speed of traffic by decreasing the width of the travel lane. In areas where the median islands affect parking spaces, the parking bays will be labelled as appropriate only for small vehicles, and signs will be put in place to inform drivers of the adjustments.

Although these safety measures are crucial, the Council has received feedback from the community requesting more information. In response, the Council has declared that no additional work will be carried out beyond completing line markings and signposting until an evaluation of the effectiveness of the traffic-calming measures has been conducted.

The Local Traffic Committee, which includes the Northern Beaches Council, Transport for New South Wales, and other government agencies, have collaborated to implement new safety measures.

Residents, however, expressed disapproval of the installation of concrete median islands along North and South Steyne on the seafront and certain roads in the central business district, claiming that it has created new hazards and is totally unnecessary.

According to an online petition, these median strips have resulted in difficulties for individuals trying to reverse out of parking spots and hitting them. Some concrete median strips have also developed cracks. Furthermore, they are challenging to see in low light and rainy conditions and should be taken down.

Published 20-April-2023

Gas Drilling Off Manly Beach to Newcastle Coastline May Disrupt Whale Migration Activity

Photo Credit: 1790462/Pixabay

The possible resumption of gas drilling off the New South Wales coastline from Manly to Newcastle has raised concerns over a potential disruption of the annual whale migration patterns through Queensland.

The Petroleum Exploration Permit 11 (PEP-11) will allow the use of seismic blasts in the gas exploration process, which will have a devastating impact on marine life. According to Friends of the Earth Australia these blasts will render the whales deaf or dead.

“Allowing fossil methane gas exploration or extraction in the busy east coast whale migration route is absolute madness,” said Jeff Waters of the Friends of the Earth Australia’s Offshore Fossil Gas Campaigner.

In 2021, former prime minister Scott Morrison intervened to stop the drilling but Asset Energy took the matter to court. However, on the 3rd of Feb. 2023, the Federal Government announced its agreement to resolve court proceedings with Asset Energy by filing the consent orders with the Federal Court of Australia.

Once the court grants the consent orders then the NSW State Government has to make its decision.

“How can the government even be considering disrupting such an important area?” Mr Waters asked.

“Queensland’s spectacular annual whale migration will be drastically disrupted.

“The constant, massive explosions in the sea that will be needed to survey the site will not only scare whales away from this important corridor, but it has also been shown to send aquatic mammals deaf, guaranteeing their deaths.

Gas drilling NSW — *Photo Credit: Supplied/Friends of EarthAustralia*

“Seismic blasting is also known to kill other sea life, including krill, which is an important food source for fish and other wildlife,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Greens, through its spokesperson Sue Higginson, have also called on the NSW Government to oppose PEP-11.

“PEP 11 is an unreasonable and dangerous project that is universally opposed by communities from Sydney’s Northern Beaches through to Newcastle,” she said. “The NSW Government needs to guarantee that they will do everything in their power to stop these gas bullies from ruining our marine environment, coastlines and our climate.”

“The gas companies are threatening NSW and Australia with a gas shortage that they have created by exporting domestic gas overseas for massive profits. This project will do nothing to alleviate the energy crisis and if the gas is extracted and burnt, it will become a primary driver of worsening climate change disasters.”

NSW independents are also asking the state to drop the PEP-11 license and ban gas exploration across the shores.

Published 04 February 2023

Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice Now Open

Photo credit: Northern Sydney Local Health District / nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Australia’s first and only hospice for adolescents and young adults is now open and ready to take in patients.

iN December 2022, the Northern Sydney Local Health District staff, patients, and the local Manly community celebrated the end of construction of the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice located at the former site of Manly Hospital in North Head.

The first of its kind of facility to open in Australia will be accepting 15 to 24-year-old patients with a life-limiting illness beginning February 2023, providing care, symptom management or end-of-life care.

“The AYAH addresses a critical need in the care sector by providing specialised care for young people, and support for families, including bereavement support and counselling,” NSLHD Interim Chief Executive Lee Gregory said.

Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice Now Open — Photo credit: Northern Sydney Local Health District / nslhd.health.nsw.gov.au

Throughout its planning and construction, Mr Lee said that the project team had worked closely with Bear Cottage in terms of design, the art strategy, recruitment and appropriate furniture, fittings and equipment.

Moreover, they have kept a strong focus on long-term sustainability initiatives holding a 4-star Green Star equivalent, solar panels on the roof, LED lighting throughout and water capture facilities.

Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice houses eight bedrooms for patients with each having an ensuite and outdoor balcony. There are two carer’s lounges as well and two family accommodation units with two bedrooms each.

The facility also features telehealth consult spaces, an on-site dedicated kitchen and dining room; breakout spaces room, games room, media room, multisensory room, quiet and sitting rooms; and laundry for families staying overnight.

Outside is an outdoor balcony off the lounge room offering views over the harbour plus gardening as well as landscaping areas which include spaces for outdoor activities.

“The hospice will be important for young people who outgrow Bear Cottage or who are diagnosed with life-limiting conditions as a young adult,” he said.

The project was possible through funding from the NSW Government and the Australian Government, and generous donations from community groups and local organisations.

Published 31-January-2023

Little Manly Beach Seawall Opening Delayed To Early 2023

The new seawall at Little Manly Beach is opening in time for Australia Day 2023, after a delay due to the discovery of human remains and asbestos material at the construction site in 2022.

Read: Manly Cove: Among Sydney’s Microplastics Hotspots

Northern Beaches Council confirmed that the materials contaminated by asbestos have already been removed and disposed of by a licensed asbestos hygienist in accordance with Safe Work NSW guidelines.

Stockpile sieving and restoration of the grassed park area are are scheduled to be completed just in time for Australia Day.

Works at the site had previously been stopped, after construction workers discovered human remains east of Little Manly Cove in July 2022.

The asbestos fragments were discovered by archaeologists whilst doing follow-up investigations into the remains. Experts believe that the bones were likely of Indigenous origin and not of this era.

Archaeologists said the materials found were bonded asbestos, which possibly came from a historical activity or an old privately owned structure at the location.

It’s believed that asbestos was mined in Australia until 1984, and around 1.5 million tonnes of asbestos was imported between 1930 and 1983. In fact, it was used in over 3,000 building products before it was banned in Australia.

Because the works are culturally sensitive given that it involves Aboriginal remains, Council has consulted the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (MLALC), Heritage NSW, archaeological consultants, environmental consultants and SafeWork NSW.

Meanwhile, works at the site were part of the Little Manly Reserves Landscape Masterplan, which includes upgrading the seawall at Little Manly Reserve and Beach. It will feature sandstone block, bleacher style seating as well as new concrete stairs and handrails.

Read: Manly Wharf: Premier Waterfront Destination on the Market for $80 Million

The benefits of the seawall upgrade include improved accessibility, creating a meeting area along the foreshore, and connecting the foreshore open space park with the beach.

Manly Wharf: Premier Waterfront Destination on the Market for $80 Million

Manly Wharf, the gateway to Sydney’s Northern Beaches with its captive audience of approximately 2.5 million commuters and day trippers, has been listed on the market for $80 million.

After nearly 28 years, owner and developer, Robert Magid of TMG Developments, is reportedly restructuring the company’s portfolio and changing the structure of its family-owned business.

Thus, TMG Developments has decided to sell the trophy property to potential international or local investors, following the sale of its other investments, such as Sydney’s Harbour Rocks Hotel and Melbourne’s Hotel Lindrum.

Manly Wharf, which was originally built as a passenger terminal in 1855, is home to 20 tenancies, including popular Sydney venues like Hugo’s, El Camino, Bavarian Bier Café, and Sake. Under Magid’s watch, the site cemented its reputation as one of the best leisure and recreational destinations in the country.

Manly Wharf 1880s — Manly Wharf in the 1880s
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Prior to selling the property, TMG Developments had plans to redevelop Manly Wharf into a six storey hotel with over 200 rooms, which did not receive approval from the Council. It comes after the company spent $9 million to revitalise the site more than eight years ago to become a highly-developed venue.

Meanwhile, CBRE is confident that Manly Wharf will attract a lot of interest as it remains a transit hub with 2.5 million commuters a day through its joint bus and ferry networks. CBRE’s Simon Rooney and James Douglas believe that the site has “multiple value-add opportunities” for its future owners, especially with the planned Wharf 3 and Manly Cove Upgrades by the NSW Government.

Plans to Build Hard Rock Live Music Venue in Manly Scrapped

Photo Credit: Hippo PX/Creative Commons

Plans to build Hard Rock, the popular American live music venue and restaurant, at The Corso in Manly have been scrapped after the developers withdrew their application.

Initium Management Pty Ltd filed the DA2022/0662 for Hard Rock in Manly in May 2022. The popular restaurant was supposed to move into the former site of Billabong, the surf apparel store that shut down in June 2021.

The ground floor and mezzanine of the three-storey building beside the Boardrider Backpackers & Budget Motel were earmarked for the restaurant.

*Photo Credit: DA2022/0662/NorthernBeachesCouncil*

Submitted plans indicate that the venue planned to operate from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m. with live music throughout the week. The restaurant had been designed to accommodate 534 people.

Hard Rock in Manly — *Photo Credit: DA2022/0662/NorthernBeachesCouncil*

Whilst some sectors were hopeful that the venue will help revive Manly post-pandemic, some locals voiced their opposition to the proposed venue.

Good for Manly President Candy Bingham, for instance, pointed out that Manly CBD has four existing pubs “within 400 metres” of each other, which brings the total licensed capacity to 5,950 people at a time. She also said that Manly there are over 100 licensed venues in the CBD.

Milestone Pty Limited also objected to the proposal by pointing out that their client, The New Brighton Hotel, has a pub, restaurant, and live entertainment in the town centre. It stands next door to the proposed venue.

*Photo Credit: Milestone Pty Limited/DA2022/0662/NBC*

Another resident said that another pub at The Corse will only “will only exacerbate the problems at night with alcohol-affected patrons.” Instead, Manly needs more retail establishments to attract commercial activities during the day.

Initium Management Pty Ltd withdrew its application in August 2022. A spokesperson for the Northern Beaches Council confirmed that there is no active or subsequent applications for Hard Rock on the record.

Michael Jetson: Beloved Manly Cat Owner Leaves Two Pets Without a Forever Home After His Death

Michael Jetson, the beloved cat owner familiar to a lot of locals in Manly Beach, has passed away following his bout with diabetes. Now, his friend is finding a forever home for Smudge and Bluey, the cats he left behind.

Peter Cantwell shared on the Manly Community on Facebook that he hopes to “find the best home possible” for the cats. Michael was a devoted cat person and would take his furry pets on walks along The Corso.

“Bluey will sleep on your shoulder; she’s a beautiful cat,” Peter said. “Smudge is a little timid at the moment.”

I have a few people interested but I want the best home possible,” he said, adding he can’t give up on the cats as they were important to his friend.

Michael, who was on a disability pension supported himself as a milkman and worked in supermarkets and restaurants. He was also a volunteer at various food relief organizations.

But most of the locals will remember him as the Cat Man in The Corso. In 2018, the Northern Beaches community rallied for Michael and his beloved black and white cat, Dotti, who was diagnosed with cancer at 12 years old and needed surgery for her mammary glands.

Michael Jetson Dotti Manly — *Photo Credit: Dotti Jetson/Facebook*

Dotti had been Michael’s pet since she was a tiny seven-month kitten and was also as familiar among locals as his owner. If people saw Michael walking in the streets without Dotti, they would often ask him about her.

After raising $7,031, Dotti had her surgery at a clinic in Balgowlah. According to Peter, the cat passed away in 2021.

Meanwhile, Northern Beaches Deputy Mayor Candy Bingham was also one of the first to publicly announce that Michael has died.

“Michael (and Dotti) were always in the Corso chatting to people and bringing joy to many,” the deputy mayor said. “He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and many friends.

Mark Wahlberg’s Burger Restaurant To Open New Location In Manly

Wahlburgers, the burger restaurant founded by Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg and his brothers, is about to open three new chains in the northern beaches, with one location confirmed to be in Manly.

Read: Soon to Open: New Lox in a Box – Manly

It will take over the Manly Greenhouse restaurant by December this year, offering a picturesque view of Manly Beach along with their gourmet burgers.

Chef Paul Wahlberg (Photo credit: Wahlburgers Australia/Facebook)

Burger fans in Manly can expect their signature burgers to be on offer, including the famous ‘The Our Burger,’ which is beef burger, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and their signature sauce.

On top of their signature burgers that use Angus beef blends, the menu in Manly will include a few local delights, such as an Aussie brekky, crispy schnitty, and cheese toasties.

The Aussie brekkie (Photo credit: Wahlburgers Australia/Facebook)

United Cinemas’ Roy Mustaca and his son Sam, who already opened a Wahlburgers at East Circular Quay’s cinema earlier in 2022, have the Australian and New Zealand franchise rights for the brand.

Like other Wahlburgers, the one at Opera Quays features an impressive menu, which includes not just burgers and sides, but also salads, breakfast, share plates, a dedicated kids menu, and gluten-free buns.

Photo credit: Wahlburgers Australia/Facebook

The Mustacas met the Hollywood actor back in 2020 to sign a deal with them for the launch of Wahlburgers in Australia.

In addition to Manly, Wahlburgers is also set to launch in Dee Why and in Mustaca’s cinema complex at Warriewood.

Wahlburger was established in 2011 Hingham, Massachusetts, near Alma Nove, the pre-existing restaurant operated by Mark’s brother, Chef Paul Wahlberg.

Now, they have more than 50 locations across Europe and North America. Due to the success of the restaurant, it had its own TV series, which aired on A&E from 2014 to 2019, with a total of 10 seasons.

Whilst the exact dates were not confirmed yet, Wahlburgers CEO John Fuller said the Wahlbergs will eventually fly to Australia to see the new outlets.

Soon to Open: New Lox in a Box – Manly

Photo Credit: LOX IN A BOX / Facebook

Bondi’s popular purveyor of lox and bagels is coming your way soon. Lox in a Box is expanding with two new stores – one in each of the to-be-announced Manly and Coogee locations.

Did you know that Lox in a Box only uses sustainably raised salmon sourced from New Zealand? And this is what Manly and Coogee locals will also enjoy once their respective local LIAB outlets open.

The Manly location will have a bigger venue than its Coogee sister and will offer a dine-in option for those who wish to enjoy their mouth-watering bagel at the site. The Coogee site is targeted to open this 5th of August 2022 with Manly expected to follow soon after.

Not yet familiar with their menu? Here’s a sneak peek.

The bagel menu will include the classics: cured salmon bagel with a schmear of herbed cream cheese, tomato, onions and baby capers; and veggie bagel stacked with beetroot, Jalapeño cream cheese, onion, carrot, tomato, pickles, cheddar cheese and rocket.

Chicken Schnitzel bagel / Classic lox bagel | Photo Credit: Lox in a Box / lox-in-a-box.square.site

There’s also the chicken schnitzel bagel made with cheddar cheese, mayo, peri-peri and lettuce; and the fried NZ hake fish bagel with tartare sauce, American cheese and lettuce. Customers have the option to add extras and sides.

Fish bagel / Veggie bagel | Photo Credit: Lox in a Box

Or why not customize your own bagel box? With their Build-Your-Own Box option, you can mix and match your bagel with their house-cured salmon, salt-beef and a range of schmears along with salad and cookies. You will also have the option to have your food delivered right to your doorstep.

Check out the rest of their offerings here.

Lox in a Box has become a favourite joint for everything bagels since owner Cany Berger (Fed Kitchen catering) and partner Gaia Lovell opened their first hole-in-the-wall takeaway shop in Bondi in 2019. Apart from Manly and Coogee, the pair is also eyeing a Newtown location next. Stay tuned for more updates.

Locals Not Happy With Recommendations To Scrap Manly’s Free Bus Service

Many locals are opposing a recommendation to scrap the popular Manly Hop Skip Jump bus service due to ‘rising costs’ of operations.

Read: Why Go On A Ghost Tour At Q Station Near Manly

Forest ward councillor Jose Menano-Pires submitted a motion to review the viability of the service and suggested using the funds for the maintenance and repair of potholed local roads.

Cr Menano-Pires has also recommended using the taxpayer’s money in creating new footpaths.

During a council meeting, Cr Menano-Pires stated that the free bus service should be phased out by September 2022 unless it could be run on a cost neutral basis.

The service costs Northern Beaches Council roughly $850,000 a year as of 2022, which is a significant increase from last year’s estimated cost of $700k.

However, Cr Menano-Pires withdrew the notion in May 2022 after three Councillors were absent from the chamber, stating that it’s not appropriate to proceed with matters not involving the entire council.

Photo credit: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Cr Kylie Ferguson has also agreed that they’ve got to look at how to spend the ratepayers’ money and that there is so much more to do with it.

“We are losing $1.8m a year and not many of us around this table are batting an eyelid over it. I find it quite sad, we could be doing so much more with the money,” Cr Ferguson said during a Council meeting last year.

Many residents are not happy about plans of stopping the service, with thousands having signed a petition to save the Hop Skip Jump.

“Our part here in Manly we would all be devastated if this iconic free bus service was stopped. Council funds many niche services that are not revenue neutral, indeed that is why we pay out rates, for Council to provide the services we need and contribute to our community in a positive way to keep us connected,” shared community organisation Manly Community Forum.

“I also believe it was not supposed to be completely free but was supposed to be a gold coin donation. I’m all for keeping it for the elderly people to use but maybe more people should be putting in the gold coin to slightly offset the cost,” said local Ian.

The Hop, Skip & Jump bus service was introduced back in 2006 when Stockland was being redeveloped. It was subsequently taken over by Manly Council.