Manly MattersAugust 2025 |
Dear Resident,
Welcome to the August 2025 edition of Manly Matters, my monthly e-newsletter covering the latest news and issues across the Manly area.
- Tobacco Stores Petition Update and Outcomes
- Hop, Skip and Jump Funding Cut
- Construction Commences on the Curl Curl Boardwalk Extension
- Farewell and Thank You to Paul Sheather, Principal of Bally Boys
- New Playground for Dee Why
- E-Bike Police Operation
- Supporting Mulatto Coffee
- Manly Town Hall Redevelopment
- Vale Hugh Treharne OAM
- 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
Tobacco Stores Crackdown – Petition Update
As a result of your advocacy, next Parliamentary sitting week the NSW Liberal Opposition will introduce a bill to make NSW the toughest state for selling illegal tobacco and vapes, proposing prison sentences, forced closures, and penalties for landlords who knowingly rent to illicit businesses.
The NSW Government has also now agreed to establish a multi-agency taskforce to improve enforcement.
There’s more work to do, but these are important steps forward. Thank you to everyone who has signed my petition calling for a crackdown on tobacconists in our area and across NSW. Your support is making a difference.
Image: Speaking at Manly Corso on the proliferation of Tobacco Stores in our community
Hop, Skip and Jump Funding Cut
As of 1 July, the Hop, Skip & Jump bus is no longer servicing Seaforth, Balgowlah Heights, Balgowlah or Fairlight. This comes after a majority of Councillors voted to cut the service from five routes to one.
I am actively working on alternatives, including expanding the KeoRide on-demand service to affected suburbs. If you value the Hop, Skip & Jump and want to see it reinstated, please sign my petition via the link below.
Construction of South Curl Curl Boardwalk Extension Commences
I am pleased to report that construction of the new South Curl Curl boardwalk is now underway. Stage 1 includes new access ramps and a path behind the Curl Curl swim club, due for completion by mid-July. Stage 2, which will connect the swim club to the boardwalk remains on track for completion by August 2025.
Weather permitting, the new boardwalk is expected to open to the public in September and will be a great addition to our beautiful coastal walk.
Image: Construction Begins on the Curl Curl Boardwalk Extension
Tribute to Paul Sheather, Principal at Bally Boys
After more than 16 years at the helm of Balgowlah Boys Northern Beaches Secondary College, Paul Sheather is stepping down as principal, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in boys’ education on the northern beaches.
Under Paul’s stewardship, enrolments at Bally Boys have tripled and the school is now recognised state wide for its exceptional academic results. Paul’s approachable and principled leadership has earned him the deep respect of students, staff, parents and the broader community.
I was honoured to speak at Paul’s final assembly to say thank you and wish him all the very best for his future endeavours.
Image: Speaking at Paul Sheather’s farewell assembly
New Playground Delivered for Dee Why
Michaela Howie Playground at Dee Why is now open – honouring the memory of 15-month-old Michaela and her parents who died tragically in a motor vehicle accident not far from their home in Dee Why 22 years ago.
I was proud to help secure a $250,000 investment from the NSW Government for this important project and I thank Council for their role in creating a beautiful new space for future generations of young families to enjoy.
Images: Top left: the new plaque honouring Michaela Howie and her parents, Top Right: Michaela Howie Playground, Bottom: Attending the Opening with Members of the Howie Family
NSW Police Undertake E-Bike Operation
From 17 June – 15 July, NSW Police conducted a month-long operation targeting e-bike users in Manly, Dee Why and Avalon. 305 riders were stopped, 28 illegally modified bikes identified and 32 fines issued to offenders.
I am still seeking views from our community on the merits of a mandatory e-bike licensing and registration scheme for people under the age of 18.
Above: NSW Police conduct police operation targeting illegal e-bike use at Manly Corso
Supporting Mulatto Coffee
I recently visited Juan at his Mulatto Coffee trailer at Queenscliff Lagoon carpark after residents contacted me with concerns regarding Council’s new Open Space Mobile Food program, which could shut Juan’s business down.
While ensuring fairness is important as more semi-permanent food carts pop up, these rules shouldn’t drive out a valued small business supported by locals. I’ve written to the Council CEO asking for a review, and I’m pleased all permits have been extended to November while a solution is found.
Update on Manly Town Hall Redevelopment
I’m delighted that Northern Beaches Council has unanimously backed a renewed push to transform Manly Town Hall into a live performance and multi-use venue.
Council will now investigate options to adaptively reuse the Town Hall while keeping it in public ownership. I’ve been calling for a top‑tier theatre in Manly since 2020, and this decision brings us one step closer.
I thank Councillor Candy Bingham and the Manly Business Chamber for their strong support.
Vale Hugh Treharne OAM
Like so many in our community, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Manly and Australian Sailing legend Hugh Treharne OAM on the 24 June 2025.
Best remembered for his instrumental role as tactician aboard Australia II in her historic 1983 America’s Cup victory, Hugh was a central figure in one of Australian Sport’s most defining chapters. In 1984, Hugh received the prestigious Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), and in 2018, Hugh was inducted into the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Hall of Fame in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the sport.
As both an icon of Australian Sailing and an outstanding member of the Manly community, Hugh was loved and admired by many.
I extend my sincerest condolences to the Treharne family.
Vale Hugh Treharne OAM.
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!
And finally – My office now supports The Reconnect Project – an innovative charity organisation that refurbishes unwanted and broken technological devices and distributes them to people in need. If you have an old or broken phone, tablet or smartphone you no longer need, please consider dropping it off to the box in my electorate office.
Last modified: September 5, 2025
