Manly MattersSeptember 2026 |
Dear Resident,
Welcome to the September edition of my monthly e-newsletter, Manly Matters.
This month, I’m highlighting some of the key issues I’ve been advocating for across our community, including sensible housing growth and restoring the local voices in planning decisions, reliable bus services, upgrades to local roads, and a petition to protect our defence heritage. You’ll also find updates celebrating the people and events that make our local community such a special place to call home.
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
Restoring Local Voices in Planning Decisions
I’ve heard directly from residents concerned about various development proposals across the Beaches.
Under the Minns Labor Government’s planning reforms, many proposals are progressing with limited community consultation and little scope for Council to shape local outcomes. The extreme height and scale of Scentre Group’s proposed Warringah Mall redevelopment is one clear example of this.
Good planning is not drawing a circle on a map and giving developers free rein. Local communities must be at the centre of planning decisions to ensure growth is sensibly planned, and matched with the infrastructure needed to support it.
To deliver this, the NSW Liberals have announced the Low and Mid Rise Alternate Plan Pathway which would allow Councils to develop their own housing and density plans.
(Image source: Manly Observer)
You can read more about our plan by clicking the button below:
Why We Need a New Bus Timetable
As the private operator, Keolis Downer is responsible for putting drivers behind the wheel, but it has always been Transport for NSW that determines the routes, frequency of services and timetable the operator is required to deliver. Right now, there is a shortage of about 160 bus drivers, which is contributing to ongoing delays, cancellations and ‘ghost buses’.
To attract more drivers locally, the Government needs to consider all options, including better wages and essential worker housing. But in the short term, we need a timetable that is realistic and capable of being delivered with the workforce we currently have – with reliability prioritised over frequency.
As residents have told me, a bus that reliably arrives every 20-30 minutes is far more useful than one scheduled every 10 minutes, with no guarantee that it will actually show up. I have written directly to the Minister for Transport requesting that this review be undertaken as a matter of urgency.
Condamine Street, Manly Vale Resurfacing
Many of you have raised concerns with me about the condition of Condamine Street, Manly Vale. While the southbound lanes were resurfaced last year, only partial sections of the northbound lanes were addressed. As a result, I wrote to the Minister for Roads in October last year calling for the remaining stretch between Kenneth Road and King Street to be fixed.
I’m pleased to advise that Transport for NSW will now be carrying out resurfacing works on several sections of Condamine Street, including the remaining northbound stretch between Kenneth Road and King Street as requested, along with sections in Brookvale. These works are overdue and I look forward to seeing them completed.
Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter Annual Patron’s Luncheon
As Patron of the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter, it was a privilege to host the outstanding volunteers and staff at NSW for the annual Patron’s luncheon.
These individuals dedicate their time and energy to supporting vulnerable women and children who are facing domestic and family violence. They represent the very best of our community, and I cannot thank them enough for their efforts.
Beach2Beach Recap
Well done to Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club and Warringah Rotary for another fantastic Beach2Beach event, with runners and walkers of all ages and abilities completing the route from Dee Why to Newport.
The weather couldn’t have been better, and it was great to get out and run alongside the community for a good cause, with an incredible $173,000 raised for charity. A special thank you to everyone who helped make it happen, including Club President Lachlan Pike and the volunteer team at Dee Why SLSC.
Vietnam Veteran’s Day Memorial Service 2026
It was a privilege to stand alongside local veterans at this year’s Vietnam Veterans’ Day Memorial Service in Manly, commemorating the more than 60,000 Australians who served in the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1975. This year’s service was particularly moving, marking the 60th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan on 18 August 1966.
Thank you to Northern Beaches Council for once again holding such an important service, and to the veterans, their families and everyone from our community who came along to pay their respects.
Bird Flu Vaccinations Commence for Little Penguins
With assistance from National Parks and Wildlife Services and Taronga, from this week the NSW Government will be progressing vaccination of priority native wildlife against H5 avian influenza. As the last remaining breeding colony on mainland NSW, Manly’s little penguins have been identified as a priority species due to their conservation significance and the potential impacts of the virus.
Members of the public should continue to avoid handling sick or dead birds and report suspected cases to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Sign our Petition to Protect Defence Sites in NSW
The Federal Government’s planned divestment of some of our nation’s most significant defence sites, including Victoria Barracks in Paddington and HMAS Penguin in Balmoral, is deeply concerning.
The NSW Liberals and my parliamentary colleague the Hon Anthony Roberts MP have launched a petition that would require the approval of both Houses of the NSW Parliament before any planning changes could materially alter their use, density, scale or development potential.
These sites are an important part of our nation’s history and deserve to be protected, not sold off to the highest bidder.
Sign our petition by clicking the button below and help protect Victoria Barracks and HMAS Penguin for future generations.
Out and About in the Community
Celebrating 25 years of Bear Cottage in Manly at their annual gala.
Recognising the wonderful volunteers at LocalKind Northern Beaches.
Catching up with a local legend and a personal hero of mine, Herb Elliott AC MBE – widely regarded as the greatest middle-distance runner in the history of athletics.
Herb won 1500m gold at the 1960 Rome Olympics in a world-record time of 3:35.6, set world records over both 1500m and the mile, and remained unbeaten over the mile and 1500m throughout his senior career.
Remarkably, Herb retired from athletics at just 22. His 1960 Olympic gold-medal time would still have won gold at the 1988 Seoul, 1992 Barcelona and 1996 Atlanta Olympics. An extraordinary athlete, and an even more extraordinary Australian.
Last modified: September 17, 2026
