This week I'm writing from Canberra, where I've joined local government representatives from across the country to advocate for improved funding, policy reform and support for our communities.

As an area highly exposed to coastal erosion, storm surges, flash flooding and bushfire, we urgently need stronger backing on the Northern Beaches to protect community assets and to recover when disasters strike. The Australian Local Government Association's national conference is an important platform to highlight these issues and make the case for greater investment at the federal level.

I also had the opportunity to meet with Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who acknowledged the growing challenges our region faces from natural emergencies every year. Together with other Mayors from impacted communities, we discussed how we can drive more ambitious resilience and sustainability agendas to help address these issues.

Also this week, the NSW Government committed a welcome $86.6 million to shark mitigation and management, including SMART drumlines, tagged shark listening stations, drones, education and research. It's pleasing to see the government respond to our calls for greater investment to keep beach-goers safe and we'll continue working with the government and Surf Life Saving NSW to ensure the Northern Beaches remains a priority area for these measures.

Finally, a reminder to head to Manly for the last weekend of Rise Manly. With light installations, Ferris wheel, live music and plenty of treats in the cafes, bars and restaurants, you'll be sorry if you miss it. Check out the Rise Manly program.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

This week Council endorsed the $598m Budget and Delivery Program for 2026/27 after a month of public consultation that drew more than 8,500 online visitors and 135 submissions. Our community was clear about what they wanted to see – better footpaths, cycling links, upgraded roads and refreshed parks. In response, the Council is making a record $130 million investment in the places locals use every day, from beaches and community facilities to streets and open spaces.

The budget sets a strong direction for the future by improving essential services, maintaining vital community assets, strengthening our community's ability to withstand natural hazards and emergency situations, while identifying millions of dollars in productivity savings. It outlines major capital works across the region, including road resurfacing, upgrades to community and sporting facilities, foreshore improvements, stormwater projects, new footpaths and expanded environmental programs such as tree planting and bush regeneration.

Thanks to everyone who shared their feedback. I'm excited to see these improvements come to life in the year ahead.

Council's community grants program is now open with applications encouraged across a range of categories designed to support local initiatives and communities. From arts and creativity, community development and environmental projects to events, business to business initiatives and sports and recreation infrastructure, the grants range from $2,000 up to $35,000. Check out the grants criteria and apply. You can also learn more and get tips on your application by joining the Community Grants Information Session next Friday, 26 June.

Finally – a reminder to get out and enjoy Rise Manly. Ten days of light installations, music, great food and even a Ferris wheel on the beach front. Check out the Rise Manly program – there are lots of free activities and some excellent ticketed events, all kicking off today. Support our local businesses and make the most of all on offer.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

With more than one in five Northern Beaches residents aged 60 and over, it's important that we continue planning for a community that is accessible, inclusive and welcoming for people of all abilities. The needs of people living with disability, older residents, carers and families must remain at the forefront of how we shape our local area.

Council has developed a draft four-year Disability Inclusion Action Plan, now open for community comment. The plan focuses on creating safer, more liveable neighbourhoods, expanding meaningful employment opportunities, strengthening Council systems and fostering more positive attitudes towards people with disability.

A big thank you to the many people with disability, carers, families and local service providers who helped shape this draft. Your insights and lived experience have been invaluable. The plan is now on public exhibition until Sunday 5 July and we welcome feedback from the wider community. Your voice will help guide how we focus our efforts over the next 4 years and beyond.

Congratulations to all the remarkable local recipients recognised in the King's Birthday Honours. This year's list highlights individuals whose dedication, service and achievements have made a profound impact on our community. Their contributions to public service, the arts, science, education, philanthropy, sport and community leadership reflect the very best of the Northern Beaches community spirit.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Our emergency service agencies, RFS, SES and NSW Fire and Rescue, are incredibly important to the preparation, response and recovery of an increasing number of natural disasters and other emergencies. 

You may be interested to learn that in NSW these agencies are funded in large part by a levy paid by local councils and insurance companies. Our Council contributes the highest Emergency Services Levy of any council in the state. In the 2026/27 financial year we’ll pay $10.5 million, which is a $1 million (10.8%) increase on the current year. This cost has to be absorbed through general rates and represents $100 for every ratepayer for the year. 

Every year the levy increases exponentially, without warning, and is charged to councils after the draft budget has been exhibited, requiring last minute reallocations. 

The NSW Government is currently reviewing this funding model and proposing to replace the levy paid by insurance companies with a new levy paid by every property based on its land value. 

It’s unclear how the proposed model will be administered but we can only assume councils will again carry the administrative burden. The NSW Government must retain full responsibility for the administration, billing, collection, and debt management of any new levy. This would provide greater transparency and accountability for the community, ensure consistency across the state and avoid further cost shifting onto our ratepayers. 

I am asking the Council to consider putting in a submission to address these concerns and I will keep the community updated as the issue progresses. 

Finally, a shout out to all the emergency services personnel on call or working across the long weekend and to the many local council staff working to keep our area clean and safe while the rest of us enjoy a break. And a reminder that double demerits are in place from today through to Monday.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

This week we mark National Sorry Day and the beginning of National Reconciliation Week, an important time to reflect, learn and come together as a community.

National Sorry Day acknowledges the experiences of the Stolen Generations and the lasting impact these past policies continue to have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities today. It is also a time to recognise the strength, resilience and enduring culture of First Nations peoples.

There are a range of wonderful Reconciliation Week events happening locally and across Sydney and I encourage everyone to get involved.

In other exciting news, 170 finalists have now been announced for this year's Northern Beaches Environmental Art and Design Prize. Selected from a record-breaking 700+ entries, the standard continues to rise each year. The shortlisted works are creative, thought-provoking and inspiring. Exploring our relationship with the environment in imaginative and unexpected ways. The exhibition will be on display across the Northern Beaches in August, so keep an eye out for more details soon.

And finally, I'm pleased to see the return of Rise Manly this June, with Council partnering with the Manly Business Chamber to bring some extra winter energy to our town centre.

The Corso, laneways, local venues and beachfront will come alive with live music, light projections, winter menus and plenty more. The Rise Manly program is now live, so it's a great time to start planning a visit.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Every day, people across the Northern Beaches are battling to get in, out and around our area. Roads are more congested, buses are overcrowded, cycling links remain limited and frustration in the community is growing.

At the same time, the NSW Government is pushing for more housing and higher density around our town centres. Growth cannot continue without serious investment in the roads, public transport and active transport networks our community relies on every day.

This week, Council endorsed a submission to the NSW Government's Northern Beaches Network Review – an important opportunity to highlight what's working, what's not and what urgently needs attention. The government should be commended for starting the review, but our community also needs to see long-term commitment, clear priorities and real funding for improvements.

Council's submission continues our strong advocacy for better transport outcomes and identifies practical opportunities to ease congestion, improve connections and plan properly for future growth.

I encourage everyone to have their say before submissions close on 15 June. It's important the government hears directly from local residents about the daily pressures they face and the solutions they want delivered.

We also want your feedback on Council's draft Budget and Delivery Program for the next financial year. The documents outline proposed projects, services, capital works and environmental initiatives across the Northern Beaches, along with how Council plans to use funds raised through the Special Variation and deliver savings. Consultation closes this Sunday, so please take the opportunity to get involved.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins

Next week is National Volunteer Week which gives me a fantastic platform to thank the 900 volunteers that work with us here at Council. We could not do without this dedicated army who help protect our bushland and waterways, provide local advice to visitors, assist our library staff and more.

In fact, we are lucky to have a very strong culture of volunteering on the Northern Beaches with thousands every week supporting local sport, helping in schools and community organisations and providing lifesaving and emergency services.

A huge thank you to all of you for your commitment and dedication.

Thomas Stephens Reserve in Church Point is looking fantastic with the completion of the timber walkway, ferry gangway, restored sandstone seawall, landscaping and picnic tables – in addition to the new amenities completed at the end of last year. Over the next few months you'll also see the final stage of the masterplan implemented with improvements to road and traffic infrastructure.

Finally, a reminder to all local artists and designers that the clock is ticking on entries for the 2026 Northern Beaches Environmental Art & Design Prize. There are some great prizes available and the finalists will have an opportunity to have their works exhibited. Submissions close Monday 18 May.

Next week marks 10 years since the formation of Northern Beaches Council.

While bringing 3 diverse councils together was a significant challenge, a decade on we're seeing the benefits of a stronger, more unified organisation. Our area remains truly unique, with its stunning coastline, close-knit communities and enviable lifestyle.

I'm proud of what we've built together and thankful to our past and present Councillors, staff and community for navigating the challenges, building the foundations and their contributions. As we look ahead, we remain focused on caring for our environment, maintaining our assets and ensuring the Northern Beaches continues to be a great place to live, work and visit.

Just this week Council was recognised on an international level for 2 projects that support local business and disability inclusion. Our 'Go Local to Grow Local' economic development campaign gained an Award of Excellence; and our digital series featuring incredible locals promoting feedback on the Disability Inclusion Action Plan attained an Award of Distinction, in the Communicator Awards. Up against applications from around the world, these awards are incredible recognition for the work Council is doing in these 2 important areas.

Finally, wishing all mothers, guardians and nurture givers a lovely day for Mother's Day on Sunday. And anyone looking for a last-minute gift idea – shop local!

Mayor Sue Heins

This week I was pleased to join Surf Life Saving NSW at Dee Why to announce the rollout of Shark Bite Trauma Kits to every surf club across NSW.

Publicly accessible, these kits will complement existing shark mitigation measures, including drone and jet ski surveillance, drum lines and the great work of lifesavers and lifeguards.

After very serious incidents and increased shark activity over summer, it's important we have every life-saving tool available and I congratulate SLSNSW for this initiative. And I thank the individuals, service clubs and some of the surfing fraternity that have also donated shark bite kits along the beaches as well. Together we all work towards one outcome, to keep our beaches safe.

You may have already spotted the striking green sea turtle image across the area as Council partners with the EPA to support their Nature Hates a Tosser campaign to help reduce litter in town centres and popular beach areas across the Northern Beaches.

Litter dropped in the street often ends up in our ocean or waterways and can have fatal consequences for bird and marine life. The campaign aims to remind us all to ‘Bin it or Bring it’ – put your rubbish in the bin or take it with you. Even small items like bottle caps, cigarette butts and food wrappers can have devastating consequences.

Finally, during a blitz in March, almost 100 building sites were inspected and disappointingly 51 were found to have breaches including uncovered stockpiles, missing controls such sandbags and sediment fencing, uncontained waste materials and sediment tracking from vehicle access points.

As a result Council inspectors issued a range of penalties including Clean-Up Notices, Prevention Notices, Penalty Notices and a large number of written warnings. These blitzes are done on a regular basis and I hope the next one finds more construction sites doing the right thing.

Have a great weekend,

Mayor Sue Heins