Manly MattersFebruary 2026 |
Dear Resident,
Welcome to the first edition for 2026 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.
I hope you had a safe and relaxing break over Christmas and New Year’s Eve and were able to enjoy some downtime with family and friends. For many, this holiday period has been tougher than most, but amid these challenges, there have been selfless acts of kindness that highlight the strength and care of our community.
In this edition of Manly Matters:
- Recent Shark Attack Incidents
- Manly Electorate Office is Being Refurbished
- Northern Beaches Hospital Update
- E-Bikes and Community Safety
- Where is the Northern Beaches Transport Plan?
- Australia Day Honours
- Police and Antisocial Behaviour
- Have Your Say: Future Manly Survey
- AI-driven Smart Camera Trial Boosts Pedestrian Safety at Manly Wharf
- New Responsibilities in Parliament
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.
It’s great to be back, and I look forward to seeing you out and about in our beautiful community.
Yours sincerely,
James Griffin MP
Member for Manly
Recent Shark Attack Incidents
The recent shark incidents at Manly and Dee Why have been confronting for our community. My sincere condolences are with those affected, and my thoughts remain with the young man who is still recovering.
I want to acknowledge and thank the board riders, surf lifesaving volunteers and community members who acted so quickly and bravely. Their actions are a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion that defines our local community.
I would also like to acknowledge Lifeline Northern Beaches who have been providing emotional support and wellbeing checks to the public. For anyone who is feeling overwhelmed, distressed or simply in need of a chat, you can call Lifeline Northern Beaches anytime on 13 11 14, or text 0477 131 114.
I recently called on the NSW Government to invest in new and emerging shark mitigation technologies, and I welcome the announcement of an additional $4.2 million package to strengthen shark safety measures this summer – including:
- A 90 percent expansion of Surf Life Saving NSW drone program at an extra 30 beaches (with flights operating 7 days a week through to the end of the April school holidays)
- New drone locations at Freshwater Headland (covering Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl), Long Reef, and North Steyne (covering North Steyne, Queenscliff and Manly) in addition to the existing Dee Why location
- New bull shark research and monitoring in Sydney Harbour, including tagging and additional listening stations
- More SharkSmart education and signage, plus increased alerts during higher-risk periods
While the beaches have now reopened, please continue to monitor the current advice from Council and the State Government.
Manly Electorate Office is Being Refurbished
My Electorate Office in Manly will be temporarily closed over the coming months while essential repairs and refurbishment are carried out. I am hopeful these works will be completed by May of this year.
In the meantime, it is business as usual and my team is here to assist. Should you wish to provide feedback, discuss a local issue, or arrange a meeting, please contact my office by emailing manly@parliament.nsw.gov.au or calling 02 9976 2773
Northern Beaches Hospital Update
The NSW Government has announced it will establish a high-volume elective surgery centre at the Northern Beaches Hospital to ease surgical waitlist pressures from across the State.
Doctors and senior clinicians who work at the hospital have raised serious concerns about the lack of consultation and what this change could mean for Northern Beaches residents and their access to local care.
With the Northern Beaches Hospital now poised to perform an additional 5000 surgeries for patients from across NSW, hospital staff are questioning whether this decision is truly about improving healthcare on the Northern Beaches or about addressing pressures elsewhere in the system.
They are calling on the Government to ensure that local patient access is prioritised, that existing private and public services are retained, and that the clinicians and specialists who work at the hospital are consulted on the transition.
Read the Australian Medical Association’s statement on the announcement of the surgery hub at the link below:
E-Bikes and Community Safety
With e-bike-related injuries becoming a more and more frequent headline, many residents have made it clear to me that something more needs to be done to improve safety and compliance.
While most e-bike riders do the right thing, improving safety means getting the balance right between education and enforcement. Without a practical way to identify those doing the wrong thing, it is difficult to deter repeat behaviour or hold offenders to account.
That’s why the NSW Opposition will introduce a nation-leading licence plate scheme for under-18 riders and commercial e-bike operators, if elected in 2027. Accountability shouldn’t start with a visit to the emergency room.
Where is the Northern Beaches Transport Plan?
Last year I raised a serious issue in Parliament.
It was a very straightforward request for the Minns Government to make public the long-term transport infrastructure plan for the Northern Beaches, including the long overdue ‘Northern Beaches Road Network Review’ – a document intended to outline where road investments should go.
With increasing density being delivered through new planning laws, our community deserves greater investment in transport and roads, and a long-term plan that contemplates all forms of transport. Since 2023, Labor has spent $1.4 million on developing the Road Network Review, yet it still has not been released, and the Government refuses to provide a clear timeline for when, or if, it ever will.
I understand that the government has prioritised investments elsewhere in NSW, but ALL Northern Beaches MPs and their respective communities deserve to have transparency from this Government.
No government gets everything right. Not everyone supported the Beaches Tunnel, which was ultimately cancelled before it could get underway, but successes like the B-Line, commuter park-and-ride car parks, the Manly Fast Ferry, and the $50 weekly ferry travel cap show what long-term planning and real investment can achieve. Unfortunately, we are seeing none of that foresight or ambition from this Government for our area.
Good government delivers for all of NSW, not just some parts, and right now the Northern Beaches is being overlooked. It’s time for the Government to release the Road Network Plan and strategy for our transport infrastructure.
Australia Day Honours
A huge congratulations to the following local residents who have been recognised for their outstanding achievements and service as part of this year’s Australia Day awards and honours. We are fortunate to have such remarkable individuals in our community, whose contributions make a lasting difference both locally and nationally.
Ms Katherine Bennell-Pegg has been named the 2026 Australian of the Year for her outstanding contributions to space science and leadership in Australia’s space sector. In 2024, she became the first Australian to qualify to travel to space under the nation’s flag and is a proud Curl Curl local.
Mr Geoffrey Noel Davidson AM (Clontarf) was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to sailing.
Dr Sarah Louise Hill AM (Seaforth) was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to public administration and urban planning.
Mr Nicolas George Mersiades AM (Balgowlah Heights) was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to aged care.
Ms Tracey Sabrina Hare-Boyd ESM (Balgowlah) was awarded the Emergency Services Medal for service to surf lifesaving.
Police and Anti-Social Behaviour
In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with the Superintendent of the Northern Beaches Police Area Command to discuss local safety matters in Manly and across the Northern Beaches.
I will be sharing feedback I have received from residents, with discussions focused on current policing arrangements and what steps are being taken to address reports of antisocial behaviour and ensure our community remains safe and welcoming for locals and visitors alike.
Have Your Say: Future Manly
My Future Manly community survey remains open and I encourage you to take part and lodge a submission if you have not already.
The survey will wrap up in April, and the results will then be collated to help shape a long-term vision statement for Manly which will put your priorities front-and-centre and help guide my work in Parliament.
To lodge a submission and have your say, please click the link below:
AI-driven Smart Camera Trial Boosts Pedestrian Safety in Manly
Over the past year, I have raised concerns on behalf of residents with Transport for NSW about pedestrian safety at the busy intersection of The Esplanade and Belgrave Street, where The Corso meets Manly Wharf. Large crowds often cross here, increasing the risk of people stepping out or being left stranded in the middle of the road during the flashing red phase.
Transport for NSW has responded by trialling smart thermal-imaging cameras that detect crowd surges in real time and automatically extend the green-walk phase when needed. These cameras have been a big success, delivering a 34 percent reduction in unsafe crossings. This is a significant improvement and a big win for pedestrian safety in Manly.
New Responsibilities in NSW Parliament
Following a reshuffle in the NSW Opposition, I have been appointed to new Shadow Ministerial portfolios including Artificial Intelligence, Digital and Investment, alongside Energy and Climate Change, and Customer Service. I have also taken on the role of Manager of Opposition Business in the Legislative Assembly.
These areas will play a major role in shaping NSW’s future, from emerging technologies to energy policy. But while these new roles and responsibilities represent an exciting new challenge, above all else my priority remains representing you and delivering for Manly.
Last modified: February 2, 2026
