Manly MattersJuly 2025 |
Dear Resident,
Welcome to the July 2025 edition of Manly Matters, my monthly e-newsletter covering the latest news and issues across the Manly area.
- Tobacco Stores
- E-Bike Licensing Proposal
- 83rd Defence of Sydney Commemoration
- 50 New Bendy Buses for the Northern Beaches
- The Curious Case of the Missing Freshwater Playground
- Beachwatch Funding Reinstated
- King’s Birthday Honours
- Former Manly Sea Life Aquarium Site Update
- Acknowledging Local Legends in NSW Parliament
As always, my office is here to help. Should you wish to get in touch to discuss an issue, or would like to learn more about what I’ve delivered and what I stand for, please head over to my website: https://jamesgriffinmp.com/
You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin for further news covering the Manly Electorate.
I look forward to seeing you out and about in our community.
Yours sincerely,
James Griffin MP
Member for Manly
Many in the community have contacted me regarding the rapid increase in Tobacco stores across our area and the state more broadly. These stores are popping up at our local shops and near our schools, and it is clear that current enforcement measures aren’t working.
That is why I have launched a petition urging the NSW Government to implement meaningful reforms that address the unchecked growth of tobacco retailers. These include implementing a more effective enforcement regime and making key changes to state and local government planning controls. We need to look seriously at whether these stores are appropriate in certain locations and assess the kind of benefits they offer our local communities.
As part of this, the NSW Opposition has just announced that it will introduce a Bill in Parliament – the Public Health (Tobacco) Amendment (Stopping Illicit Tobacco) Bill 2025 – to ramp up penalties, expand enforcement powers and crack down on these tobacconists engaging in illicit activity.
To view my petition and register your support, please click on the button below.
E-Bike Licensing Survey
My survey seeking your views on the merits of an e-bike and e-mobility device licensing and registration scheme is now live. Thank you to all those who have taken the time to share their insights and complete the survey.
Your feedback will play a crucial role in informing policy and much-needed reform to improve e-bike safety and compliance. If this is an issue which you feel strongly about, please consider completing my survey at the below link:
83rd Defence of Sydney Commemoration
On June 6, the annual 83rd Anniversary of the Defence of Sydney Commemorative Service took place at North Head.
The ceremony commemorates the Japanese attack on Sydney Harbour during World War II on 31st May 1942, leading to the tragic deaths of 21 sailors and the sinking of the HMAS Kuttabul.
This year was the 30th year of the event and the unveiling of the Defence of Sydney Monument at North Head which was established in 1995 to perpetuate the memory of those who served in World War II.
It was a privilege to welcome this year Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of NSW as the special guest speaker.
Guests enjoyed a moving speech from Her Excellency, and it was wonderful to see the service so well-attended by local schools, serving military personnel, veterans, RSL sub-branches, and dignitaries.
Thank you to the Australia Remembers Northern Beaches and North Shore Committee, and all those who work alongside my office to make this event one of the most significant and special commemorative services on the calendar.
Images: 83rd Defence of Sydney Commemoration
50 New Bendy Buses for the Northern Beaches
Following a face-to-face meeting with the Transport Minister in March and relentless advocacy from the community, the NSW Government has finally confirmed that they will be purchasing 50 new articulated ‘bendy’ buses to bolster the existing fleet servicing our region. This is in addition to the 43 bendy buses which were temporarily recalled but are now being returned to service following maintenance faults.
I welcome this announcement but will be pushing for clear timeframes and a firm commitment as to when the timetable will be restored to its original capacity. I will continue to meet with the Minister, Transport for NSW and the bus operator to ensure these new buses are delivered as soon as possible.
Thank you to all those who have contacted me on this issue. I will not stop fighting for the quality of transport services and infrastructure that our community deserves and expects.
Image: Chatting with 10 News First Sydney about how hard the community has been lobbying the NSW Government for improved bus services.
The Curious Case of the Missing Freshwater Playground
Over the past six months, I’ve heard from many Freshwater and Curl Curl locals frustrated by the closure of the new playground at Freshwater Beach. Opened with fanfare last November, it was quickly fenced off after safety issues and injuries and has now been closed longer than it was ever open. Instead of being repaired, most of the equipment has been removed, leaving nothing but mulch behind.
I have raised this in Parliament and contacted Council for answers, and they’ve advised an investigation is underway and that the supplier and installer haven’t agreed on next steps. Currently there is no confirmed date for repairs or reopening.
I appreciate the hard work of manly Council staff, but removing the problem isn’t solving it and ratepayers expect better – now more than ever.
I’ll keep pushing for action and a proper fix.
Images: Freshwater Playground in January 2025 (above image) and today (below image)
Beachwatch Funding Reinstated
Last year, the NSW Government announced it would cut Beachwatch – the state’s water testing program responsible for monitoring and keeping our beaches clean. Following strong pressure from the community, local councils and groups like Surfers for Climate, the NSW Government has now backed down and agreed to reinstate funding for two years.
Beachwatch is essential to protecting public health, and the decision to cut its funding was short-sighted. While the two-year extension is welcome, I’ll continue to push for long-term funding to secure the future of this vital program.
King’s Birthday Honours
I extend my warmest congratulations to two outstanding members of our community, Ray Petersen OAM and Michael Bate AM, who were each recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for their extraordinary service to Surf Life Saving.
- Ray, a stalwart of Manly Life Saving Club, has dedicated more than 50 years to shaping generations of surf lifesavers through his leadership, coaching and commitment to preserving the movement’s rich history.
- As President of Freshwater SLSC, Michael has been a driving force behind the strength and professionalism of Surf Life Saving locally and across NSW, combining decades of service with strategic leadership.
Our community is incredibly fortunate to have such inspiring people working to keep our beaches safe and our Surf Life Saving movement strong.
Former Manly Sea Life Aquarium Site Update
I am pleased to report that the revitalisation of Manly Cove West is progressing well, following the successful demolition of the former Manly Sea Life Aquarium. Since December, a temporary mixed-use space has been trialled, combining public access with food and beverage offerings while long-term planning continues.
In the coming weeks, Transport for NSW will enhance the area with new seating, planter boxes, lighting, and sandstone blocks to make the space more welcoming and accessible. These works should be completed by the end of July. Later this year, Transport for NSW will distribute a community survey to gather feedback on the community’s preference for the site’s future use.
I am proud to have followed through on my election commitment to revitalise this iconic foreshore area and create more public open space where locals and visitors can enjoy the best harbour in the world. I look forward to seeing these upgrades take shape over the next month.
Image: Manly Cove West Post-Aquarium Demolition
Recognising Local Legends in NSW Parliament
One of the great privileges of representing Manly in NSW Parliament is getting the opportunity to acknowledge the incredible individuals and organisations doing great things in our community. If you know anyone or any business you think is deserving of acknowledgment, please reach out to my office!
Last modified: July 15, 2025
