Missing Councillors Can Save Rollers

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Member for Manly, James Griffin MP, has slammed the Northern Beaches Councillors who voted to remove tables and chairs from Rollers Café in Manly, just months after securing one of the largest rate rises in its history.

A rescission motion has been lodged, giving Councillors a second chance in September to put things right.

“I urge those who voted for this nonsense to reconsider their position. Councillors who missed the vote will have an opportunity to be upfront and clear about where they stand on this issue,” Mr Griffin said.

“Council fought hard to secure a massive rate rise from residents. Having done that, the least they could do is support Manly’s outdoor dining culture and small businesses, not strip them back. This decision is completely disproportionate to the issue it is trying to solve,” Mr Griffin said.

“Manly thrives on its café culture and vibrant public spaces. We should be encouraging it, not dismantling it. Decisions like this send exactly the wrong message about the kind of community we want to be.”

“Council does so much good work, but that is undone by decisions like this. A good dose of common sense should prevail here.”

“I am concerned that decisions like this will make any further improvements to the amenity and culture of Manly incredibly difficult. This sends the wrong message to our local cafes and businesses. Council have received a significant amount of funding from the state government to create a ‘special entertainment precinct’ in Manly, and that will require some ‘out of the box’ thinking.” said Mr Griffin.

Last modified: August 20, 2025