Manly MattersApril 2026 |
Dear Resident,
Welcome to the April 2026 edition of my monthly e-newsletter, Manly Matters, where I share a snapshot of the latest news, the issues I’ve been working on, and what I’m focused on in the months ahead.
In this edition of Manly Matters:
- Former Manly Hospital Site Update
- Northern Beaches Road Network Review Released
- Funding Secured for Local Sporting Clubs on the Beaches
- Work Commences on North Steyne SLSC Upgrade
- Manly Town Hall Redevelopment Update
- Megan Maack Announced as Manly Local Woman of the Year
- Manly ‘Hospo’ Get-Together
- Happy Easter!
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.
Yours sincerely,
Yours sincerely,
James Griffin MP
Member for Manly
What’s Happening at the Former Manly Hospital Site?
The opening of the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) in 2023 marked the first step in the transformation of the former Manly Hospital site, with the Australian-first facility already supporting hundreds of young people and their families.
The next phase will see the remainder of the site redeveloped into the Manly Health and Wellbeing Precinct, with Aveo appointed as the NSW Government’s delivery partner. Plans include a health and wellbeing centre, open green space, community areas, small-scale retail such as cafes and bakeries, retirement living, affordable housing and aged care, all while preserving heritage buildings, the rainforest and public access.
A master plan and Environmental Impact Statement are being finalised, with a development application expected before mid-2026 and community consultation to follow. I will continue working with Aveo and NSW Health to ensure this becomes a legacy project that it meets the community’s needs and wishes.
Click on the link below for more on this project:
Northern Beaches Road Network Review Released
When the Minns Labor Government cancelled the Beaches Tunnel and redirected its funding in 2023, I called on the Government to undertake a review into alternative solutions to ease congestion and improve travel times across our key local roads.
After more than two years of persistent pressure and advocacy, the Government has finally unveiled the Northern Beaches Road Network Review.
The review, led by Transport for NSW, identifies a range of priorities including improving bus reliability, upgrading key intersections, easing pressure on major corridors like the Spit Bridge and Military Road, strengthening connections to Chatswood (metro), and addressing local safety and rat-running concerns.
Consultation is now underway. Please click on the button below to have your say on what you want to see the NSW Government improve.
Funding Secured for Local Sporting Clubs
I am proud to have secured funding for five local sporting organisations under the NSW Government’s Local Sports Grant Program 2026. This funding will make a real difference, improving facilities, boosting participation across all ages, genders and abilities, and supporting more locals to lead healthy, social and active lives.
- Manly Warringah Wolves AFL – $14,455 for a portable electronic scoreboard for AFL and cricket
- Manly Warringah Softball Association – $3,836 for Project Shades
- Freshwater Boardriders Club – $6,800 for a Junior Girls Participation and Development Program
- Girls Boardrider Fraternity Inc – $3,680 for annual coaching and judging courses
- Northern Beaches Dragon Boat Club – $15,090 for training equipment
This funding will help to ensure our local sporting clubs remain successful and sustainable well into future.
With Jacqueline Wharton, President of Manly Wolves AFL cheering on the wolfpack at last week’s Anti-Violence Round
North Steyne SLSC Upgrades Commence
In May 2025, I announced that I had secured $181,583 in funding from the NSW Government under the Surf Club Facility Program to deliver urgent upgrades to North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club.
I am delighted to report that these works are now underway in conjunction with Northern Beaches Council and will ensure exterior upgrades, new guttering/fascia, and upgrading internal walls
Manly Town Hall Update
I am calling on all Northern Beaches councillors to back redeveloping Manly Town Hall as a multi-purpose theatre and live entertainment venue by advancing it to the Expression of Interest (EOI) phase.
Council staff have finalised a report that recommends that should Councillors wish to proceed, the next step would be to undertake an initial Expression of Interest (EOI) process to invite ideas from the market on commercially viable options while maintaining the heritage significance of the building. Elected councillors will vote to proceed with pursuing the redevelopment of the Manly Town Hall at the next ordinary meeting of the Northern Beaches Council on the 21 April.
I congratulate Council staff for the excellent work that has gone into this report and encourage councillors to adopt its recommendations and get the ball rolling so that the time and resources already invested are not wasted.
Childhood Dementia Advocate Megan Maack Honoured as Manly’s Local Woman of the Year 2026
It is a privilege to nominate Megan Maack as Manly’s Local Woman of the Year for 2026. As founder and CEO of the Childhood Dementia Initiative, Megan has spearheaded efforts to raise awareness and advocate for funding and crucial research to transform outcomes for children and families affected by childhood dementia.
Megan’s advocacy is deeply shaped by her lived experience, and I congratulate her on this thoroughly deserved recognition. Our local community can be proud to stand behind her as an outstanding advocate, mother and role model to young women across the Northern Beaches.
Manly Hospo Get-Together
Times are pretty tough for our Hospitality industry right now, and so it was great to get together for my annual Hospo gathering.
We heard from Cr Lyndon Gannon on how the City of Sydney have embraced outdoor dining and pedestrianisation of some streets, whilst also abolishing outdoor dining fees altogether. We also had a chat with Astral People co-founder Vic who gave some useful insights into live music, entertainment and the opportunity for the Beaches.
Thank you to Adam and the team at Hotel Steyne for hosting the event and to all those who came along to talk about the current state of the industry. As consumers pull back on going out, and costs keep rising for venues, we need to do all we can to keep them open and operating.
Happy Easter from my Family to Yours!
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Easter. I hope you enjoy a relaxing break with loved ones. Here’s Ted and Grace looking sharp for their Easter Hat Parade!
Enjoy the long weekend, and I look forward to seeing you out and about in Manly soon.
Last modified: April 29, 2026
