Manly MattersMarch 2026 |
Dear Resident,
Welcome to the March 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:
- E-Bike Safety Update
- Former Queenscliff Health Centre Redevelopment
- Proposal to Rezone Abbott St Park at Balgowlah Heights
- Local Charities Risk Losing Key Funding
- Rectifying Sand Drift at Little Manly Beach
- Save Victoria Barracks
- New Future Manly Surveys Now Live
- Volunteer of the Year Awards Open for Nominations
- New Public Holiday Announced
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
E-Bike Safety Update
E-bikes remain one of the most pressing issues raised with me, and I share the community’s concerns. At my regular meeting with Superintendent John Duncan, Commander of the Northern Police Area Command (pictured below), we discussed the mounting injuries, dangerous riding and anti-social behaviour across our area.
Regardless of what speed or age limits the Minns Labor Government introduces, laws are only effective to the extent that they can be enforced. Right now, the legislative framework simply hasn’t kept pace.
I recently spoke to Channel 9, 7 and 10 News about the NSW Opposition’s practical, low-cost reform to require licence plates for riders under 18 and commercial delivery riders. This targeted measure would give police the tools they need to identify dangerous behaviour and enforce the rules – focusing on the highest-risk groups while improving safefty and accountability.
Former Queenscliff Health Centre Redevelopment
It was wonderful to attend the midway point celebration for the transformation of the former Queenscliff Community Health Centre on Pittwater Road into social affordable housing.
I was proud to be a part of the former Coalition Government that first identified the site for adaptive reuse rather being sold. The housing will honour the building’s heritage and house up to 37 residents, prioritising women over the age of 55 – the most at risk group when it comes to homelessness.
We desperately need affordable housing on the Northern Beaches, and this is a great outcome for the community.
Proposal to Rezone Abbott Street Park at Balgowlah Heights
Local residents raised concerns with me after a proposal was lodged to rezone the pocket park at 2 Abbott Street, Balgowlah Heights, from recreational space to residential. This much-loved green space, owned by Ausgrid and now deemed surplus to their needs, would necessitate the removal of two mature trees and a loss of canopy if developed.
I wrote to all Northern Beaches Councillors urging them to consider the community and environmental impacts, and I’m pleased Council rejected the rezoning at last month’s meeting.
Ausgrid retains the option to appeal the decision to the Planning Minister. I have contacted Ausgrid on behalf of residents and have also asked Council to explore options of taking over management of the park
Local Charity Funding At Risk
The Northern Beaches Council has voted to cut recurrent funding for three local charities, including the Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter and LocalKind Northern Beaches. The existing funding model was established as part of amalgamation to ensure these vital, community-based organisations received ongoing, secure support.
Council has since agreed to a one-year grace period for the Women’s Shelter before transitioning to a new grants program. Under the new model, local charities may be forced to compete against one another, and potentially against organisations based outside the Beaches, for limited funding.
Council argues it is not responsible for housing and that a smaller grants pool is needed due to rising costs. This comes despite previous assurances that the rate increase would not lead to reductions in services.
As Patron of both the Women’s Shelter and LocalKind, I will continue to strongly advocate for these essential, Beaches-based charities to receive the secure funding they deserve.
Rectifying Sand Drift at Little Manly Beach
Thank you to the residents who recently contacted me regarding the ongoing sand drift at Little Manly Beach, with strong winds repeatedly blowing large volumes of sand off the beach and into nearby streets and stormwater drains.
I raised these concerns directly with the CEO of Northern Beaches Council, and I’m pleased that Council is now exploring options to construct a retaining wall or barrier to keep sand on the beach and out of drains. Council has also agreed to replace the rusted gate at the boat ramp as part of these works.
A final design will be completed in the coming weeks, with funding to be identified shortly thereafter. This is a positive outcome for the Little Manly community and will help better manage sand movement and protect local infrastructure.
Save Victoria Barracks
The Federal Labor Government has announced plans to sell the historic Victoria Barracks as part of a broader divestment of 13 Defence-owned sites, including HMAS Penguin. Victoria Barracks is the birthplace of the Australian Army, and selling it to property developers would be deeply short-sighted.
I am proud to stand alongside my mother, who was the first female Commandant of Victoria Barracks, as well as colleagues from across the political spectrum in defending this nationally significant site.
Read my comments in the The Sydney Morning Herald on the proposed sale here:
“There are some places that belong to the market and some that belong to the nation”. “Victoria Barracks belongs to the nation,” Griffin said, adding it was “part of our national story, not a line item in a property portfolio”.
“The decision to sell it is lazy privatisation by stealth. Surely, the NSW government should have first option to see if some hybrid urban renewal alongside appropriate recognition of its history and military presence can be designed.”
For the full article, click here: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/belongs-to-the-nation-cross-party-push-to-stop-sale-of-victoria-barracks-20260213-p5o20o.html
New Transport and Housing Survey
My community-wide Future Manly survey continues to see strong engagement, with many residents sharing their vision for our area over the next 10 years. Transport and housing are consistently among some of the key concerns raised local residents.
To build on this feedback, I have launched two short-format surveys, available at the links below.
I encourage you to have your say on the future you want for your suburb and the issues you would like to see prioritised in NSW Parliament.
Volunteer of the Year Awards Open for Nominations
Nominations have now opened for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, an annual awards program celebrating the work of thousands of individuals and volunteer teams from a diverse range of organisations across the state.
There are countless projects and initiatives in our electorate that simply would never have gotten off the ground without the work of these individuals. If you know someone in our local area who is making a difference and deserves to be celebrated for their community service, I encourage you to nominate them
To learn more about the Awards, including nomination guidelines, FAQs and tips for nominating, visit the following link: https://www.volunteering.com.au/awards/about-the-awards/
New Public Holiday Announced
Monday after Anzac Day this year (which is a Saturday) is now going to be a public holiday (long weekend). This is a great opportunity to pay your respects on Saturday and also enjoy Monday long weekend.
Last modified: March 17, 2026
