Manly MattersAugust 2026 |
Dear Resident,
Welcome to the August 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:
- RISE Manly Recap
- Future of Iconic Collaroy Ferry Decided
- Backing Our Surf Clubs
- Supporting Our Local Manufacturing Industry
- Concerning E-bike Behaviour at Curl Curl Netball Courts
- NSW Coalition Moves Legislation to Protect Defense Sites
- Grant Opportunities for Local Clubs and Organisations
- Frontline Jobs Protected from AI Under New Policy Proposal
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
RISE Manly Reaches New Heights
This year’s RISE Manly Winter Festival was a big success, and I congratulate the Northern Beaches Council and the Manly Business Chamber for all their hard work in bringing the 10-day festival to life. It was wonderful to see so many local residents, families, and visitors out enjoying the Ferris Wheel and all that was on offer.
Our small businesses – particularly our restaurants, cafes and retailers – are doing it tougher than ever and initiatives like RISE are so important for attracting visitors to the Beaches and boosting our local economy during the colder winter months.
Minns Sends Collaroy to the Scrapheap
The Minns Labor Government’s decision to send the iconic Collaroy ferry to the scrapheap lets down the Manly community and the Save the Manly Ferries campaigners. Transport for NSW has confirmed that the Collaroy – the youngest of the four Freshwater-class ferries – will be dismantled for scrap metal at a cost of $3.3 million.
The announcement stands in stark contrast to NSW Labor’s commitment before the 2023 state election that the iconic Freshwater ferries would be kept in service. After partnering with the Save the Manly Ferry campaigners and claiming that the vessels had decades of service life remaining, then Shadow Transport Minister Chris Minns lamented how such an iconic and enduring part of Sydney’s heritage could be lost. Perhaps the now Premier can answer that question himself.
Read more by clicking the button below:
2026 Bi-annual Manly Hospice Gala Dinner
The third bi-annual Gala dinner in support of the Manly Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) was a fantastic success, with more than 200 guests coming together to raise close to $100,000 in support of this nation-leading facility.
Located on a portion of the former Manly Hospital site, the Manly AYAH was borne out of an idea to give children at Bear Cottage a place to transition to once they reach the age of 16, and since opening its doors in 2023 has cared for more than 340 young adults from across NSW.
A sincere thank you to everyone who supported the evening, particularly Her Excellency Margaret Beazley AC KC, Governor of New South Wales, for joining us as our special guest and making the night so memorable.
Backing Our Surf Clubs
It was wonderful to attend the Annual General Meetings of Queenscliff SLSC, Dee Why SLSC and North Steyne SLSC over the last two weeks. Our surf clubs are at the heart of our local community and ensuring they receive much-needed state Government funding is crucial to boosting participation and keeping their facilities modern.
Over the last twelve months, there have been some exciting funding wins for our local clubs, both through the Community Building Partnership and the Surf Club Facility Programs. Recipients include:
North Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club – $89,700
South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club – $59,248
Dee Why Surf Life Saving Club – $182,291
Freshwater Surf Life Saving Club – $10,000
Manly Life Saving Club – $45,371
Queenscliff Surf Life Saving Club – $42,855
It is also great to see North Steyne SLSC’s clubhouse upgrades progressing well, thanks to $181,583 secured under the 24-25 Surf Club Facility Program.
Supporting Our Local Manufacturing Industry
It was great to visit Hydraulic Controls in Brookvale and meet the team behind one of our area’s hidden manufacturing success stories. From technology used deep beneath the ground and the ocean to equipment destined for space, they’re proving world-class innovation is happening right here on the Northern Beaches.
It was also a valuable opportunity to discuss the challenges facing local manufacturers and how our plan to cut payroll tax will help businesses grow, create jobs and invest in innovation. Family-owned businesses like Hydraulic Controls are driving our local economy and they deserve policies that support that contribution, not make it harder.
Antisocial E-bike Behaviour at Abbott Rd Netball Courts, Curl Curl
Thank you to those residents who have reached out to me regarding concerning reports of antisocial and intimidating e-bike behaviour at Abbott Road Netball Courts in Curl Curl.
I have raised these concerns with the CEO of the Northern Beaches Council and can advise a formal review of this location by Council and Police is pending and a safety audit of John Fisher Park has been conducted. As a result, Police have increased patrols on weekends and when netball training is occuring, while Council has installed signage prohibiting e-bikes from being ridden on the courts which will empower authorities to take action if necessary.
There is a lot more to be done, but these are welcome steps in by Police and Council in response. I will continue to call on the Government to adopt our under 18 license plate policy to assist Police and enhance enforcement and accountability.
NSW Coalition Move Legislation to Protect Defense Sites
The Federal Labor Government is pressing ahead with plans to sell off Defence assets such as Victoria Barracks in Paddington and HMAS Penguin in Balmoral, despite their significant heritage value and strong community opposition.
That is why, during the upcoming Parliamentary sitting period, the NSW Liberals and Nationals will introduce a Bill to ensure no Defence land can be rezoned without the approval of both Houses of the NSW Parliament.
These are historically important Defence sites and strategically located operational bases, not assets to be sold to the highest bidder. Any move to redevelop them should be met with proper oversight and scrutiny.
Grant Opportunities for Local Clubs and Organisations
NSW Government’s 2026/27 Local Sports Grant Program (LSGP)
Applications have now opened for the NSW Government’s 2026/27 Local Sports Grant Program (LSGP), with grants from $2000, up to $20,000 now available of eligible local sporting clubs.
The Local Sport Grant Program aims to increase participation and support ongoing retention efforts of local sports clubs through the upgrading or creating of new facilities, programs, and community events.
Applications are now open and will close on Monday 24 August 2026 at 1:00pm.
NSW Government’s 2026/27 Infrastructure Grants Program (Clubgrants Category 3)
If you’re a local P&C, community group, club or organisation, I encourage you to consider applying for the NSW Government’s 2026/27 Infrastructure Grants Program (Clubgrants Category 3).
This program is made possible by reinvesting profits made from registered clubs’ gaming machines. Grants of $50,000 up to $300,000 are on offer for projects spanning arts and culture, community infrastructure, disaster readiness and sports and recreation.
Applications are now open and will close 11:59pm (AEST) Monday 17 August 2026.
Click on the buttons below to find out more about how these programs could support your club or organisation:
Frontline Jobs Protected from AI Under New Policy Proposal
In my role as Shadow Minister for Digital, Artificial Intelligence, Investment, I am pleased to announce that an elected NSW Liberals and Nationals Government will introduce a NSW Jobs Guarantee and AI Efficiency Act to ensure key frontline workers, from nurses and police officers, to paramedics and teachers do not lose their jobs to AI.
The Act will also require Government departments to identify ways to harness the potential of AI to improve services, and ensure all significant decisions involving AI retain human oversight and are subject to strong governance.
Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to improve the way government delivers services and strengthen the NSW economy. But as governments adopt new technology, communities also expect safeguards to protect essential jobs.
Last modified: August 13, 2026
