Despite repeated calls from concerned residents, local MPs and the Northern Beaches Council, the Budget contains no meaningful investment in public transport, and no long-term plan to tackle worsening congestion across the area.
“What this budget confirms is that there is no vision for the future of transport on the Northern Beaches and no serious plan to improve connectivity for our community,” Mr Griffin said.
“The Minns Labor Government is actively driving housing reforms that will significantly increase density across the Northern Beaches, yet the Budget contains no funding to ensure the Northern Beaches has the corresponding infrastructure and transport services to accommodate that growth.”
“Housing affordability is a genuine challenge, and we need more homes on the Northern Beaches. But residents cannot be expected to absorb more developments, more congestion and more pressure on already strained services, while the Government sits back and refuses to invest in the infrastructure required to make that growth sustainable.”
There was also no investment in active transport infrastructure to accommodate the Government’s roll out of ride share schemes across the Beaches and no new relief measures for small businesses.
While the Government has allocated $2 million has been allocated to the continued procurement of 10 additional double decker B-Line buses announced by the Government last year, Mr Griffin argued that this measure does not go far enough.
“Additional B-Line buses will help increase capacity, but they will not alone solve the ongoing reliability issues facing our bus network,” Mr Griffin said.
“Driver shortages continue to impact services across the Northern Beaches and commuters deserve a clear plan from the Government to improve reliability and restore confidence in public transport.”
In schools and education, the budget allocates $13 million towards the Government’s continued expansion of Freshwater Senior Campus to a Years 7-12 campus, despite strong pushback from parents and students.
While not specific to the Manly electorate, several allocations will benefit Manly residents, including:
$139.6 million for the ongoing operation of Sydney Harbour ferry services, including the Manly Ferry;
$19.2 million to ensure the continued safe operation of the Freshwater-class ferry fleet;
$32.8 million for ongoing Sydney Water works at the North Head Wastewater Treatment Plant and rehabilitation of the Northern Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer; and
$92,000 for minor social housing upgrades within the Manly electorate.
“These are largely ongoing operational expenses, and maintenance works that we would expect to see funded every year,” Mr Griffin said.
“The reality is that this Budget contains no major new infrastructure projects for Manly and no meaningful plan to address the growing transport challenges facing the Northern Beaches.”
“Residents deserve better than being treated as an afterthought by the Minns Government and I will continue to hold this Government to account until it backs its growth agenda with meaningful investment in Manly’s roads, transport services and essential infrastructure.”
Last modified: June 26, 2026
