Manly Community Forum

08/10/2026

🚨 MANLY SEP — TIME FOR AN UPDATE

We’ve been a little quiet on here.

But behind the scenes, we’ve been anything but.

Over the past few weeks, a huge amount of work has been happening on the proposed Manly Special Entertainment Precinct.

Independent experts have been digging deeper.

The legislation and regulatory framework have been examined in detail.

And we now have important information that simply wasn’t available when Council first asked the community what it thought.

It raises some very serious new questions about:

⚠️ Residents’ existing rights and regulatory protections
🏠 What happens to existing homes inside the SEP
💰 Who pays for potentially costly mitigation
🏛️ The possible implications for Council and Northern Beaches ratepayers

And that’s just the start.

Over the coming days/weeks, we’re going to share what we’ve learned — and the evidence behind it.

The Manly Special Entertainment Precinct has NOT been approved.

And before the community is asked to have its say again, there’s a lot you need to know.

❤️ We’ve been doing the homework.

07/10/2026

How many Planners are there in the NBs

29/09/2026

Council plans to extend the surf club onto promenade open space.
You have until 16 October to make a submission on the Development Application DA2025/1424

Yes to a new Manly Life Saving Club. No to taking the promenade. How to lodge your own objection to DA2025/1424 by Friday 16 October 2026.

28/09/2026

Read the fabulous annual newsletter from the Friends of Manly Lagoon here.

Data is collected every 15 minutes which allows for improved understanding of the dynamics of the lagoon and more targeted responses to challenges it may face.

27/09/2026

Take 2 minutes to tell us how your business is going and what you need.

The annual business survey helps us better understand our local economy and the needs and challenges facing our business community. The insights gathered help us design targeted funding programs, free workshops and support services that enable local businesses to invest, grow and thrive.

This year, we want to hear from even more Northern Beaches businesses.

Complete our quick 2-minute survey for your chance to win one of four $200 vouchers to spend at another independent small business on the Northern Beaches at your choice. That means another local business benefits too.

It only takes 2 minutes, the survey is anonymous and your details will not be shared.

The annual business survey helps us better understand our local economy and the needs and challenges facing our business community. The insights gathered help us design targeted funding programs, free workshops and support services that enable local businesses to invest, grow and thrive.

22/09/2026

Long time resident turkey #91 inspects the work being done on Marine parade walkway. We thought the new asphalt was going to be laid all the way the the shed, but seems not. But it is nice to walk on the level bit that has been laid.

14/09/2026

Vale Jim Frecklington. Wonderful Manly character who spent many hours creating royal coaches in the sheds at North Head. He was always willing to have a chat and explain the intricacies of the coaches he was building.

13/09/2026

Boneseed is a woody shrub with bright yellow daisy flowers. It is an environmental w**d that outcompetes native plants and reduces food and habitat for native animals.
The Bushcare at North Head with Garigal Landcare group have been removing it from North Head over the past few years.

11/09/2026

What started as an idea for a surf competition became something much bigger. Surfing, music and art have always been a huge part of my life, and bringing those worlds together in Manly is really about friendship, community and celebrating what makes this part of Australia so special.”

Surf + Sound is presented by DEFENDER and Felons Brewing Co., and sponsored by Commonwealth Bank, Villa Massa, Passoã, Aperol, PATRÓN Tequila and URM.

The full Surf + Sound program, including further music, art, surf, food and community programming, will be announced in the coming weeks. For the latest announcements and festival information, visit surfandsoundfestival.com.au https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/inaugural-surf-sound-coastal-festival-to-transform-manly-wharf

The inaugural Surf + Sound coastal festival will be transforming Sydney's Manly Wharf - launching across three consecutive weekends - from Friday 16th October to Sunday 1st November 2026.