The beloved Little Manly Beach Reserve is to expand. Council will start the demolition of the house at 40 Stuart Street, Manly next week, enabling 370m² of land to be returned to the community.  

After the hard-fought stance by many dedicated Northern Beaches residents, it is good to see the demolition finally starting.

A popular place to sunbake, swim, picnic, play and relax, Little Manly will increase its parklands with landscaped gardens of native foliage and additional seating, improving the gorgeous natural surroundings of this harbourside sanctuary for more people to enjoy.

A sheltered picnic table will also be added and dedicated to the late Ray Mathieson. A deserving recognition, Mr Mathieson devoted considerable time and effort ensuring the land remained in the public domain.

The area is rich in First Nations heritage and is a recognised sacred burial site. To ensure the site’s protection, special protocols will be followed for the demolition and landscaping works.

The Metropolitan Aboriginal Land Council (Metro LALC) will conduct a smoking ceremony at the site.

In line with Council’s standards where possible, the material from the demolition will be recycled.

The project is expected to take till late September 2024 for completion.