What’s going on around Freshwater
Freshwater typically thrives with the summer beach and holiday spirit. Freshwater Beach is a unique attraction for thousands who throng to our beach, locally and from all over, particularly on those hot days when the beach becomes a “tent city”.
If you can’t walk or ride your bike (pedal or electric) it is difficult to get parking.
They continue to come despite this and the crowds and will continue to come to enjoy the beach. As a result the roads become jammed because of its popularity – and this is not going to change.
The Village itself, however, is changing, and will change more particularly with the plans for the main street, Lawrence St, and the alterations going on at the Harbord Hotel.
Development DA lodged for the Southern side of Lawrence St – Main Street.
Lawrence St Development area under DA Application <CLICK HERE for access to DA>
We recently received notification of the submission for the development of the shops on the southern side of Lawrence Rd, spanning from the current Thai Restaurant to Dowling St. We have been expecting this DA for some time and always acknowledged there would be an impact from this development on the area.
Artists View of the proposed development from Lawrence & Oliver St lights ( Note underground carpark entrance)
Architects aerial view of plan
So having heard from some locals their concerns particularly those on Undercliff who are directly impacted by the new development we reached out to the designers and owners for feedback. As a result FoF formed the following view which is encompassed in the document below. This submission reviews the aspects that were seen as both positive and acceptable changes as well as those that are not compliant nor acceptable.
The submission is an overall comment and may not reflect the views of all individuals within the FoFW and we encourage all to actively respond individually to the DA using the link above . It is understood that this site was due for development soon. The shop owners have known for many years and had restricted leases and a demolition clause in their contracts.
Hence it is just a matter of achieving the best result for the area.
New Open air Atrium space a central feature
Submission
DA2025/0077
Attention: Max Duncan, Planning Assessor
The Friends of Freshwater Executive on behalf of its membership has given serious consideration to this DA for such a landmark and important consolidated site in Freshwater Village. It has been anticipating this application for some years since the consolidated site was purchased from the previous owner, who had, in turn, lodged a DA which was never activated.
The previous owner had also left the various holdings poorly maintained and in need of redevelopment
It is pleasing that the current owner has seen fit to utilise CHROFI, a well-regarded local architectural firm, familiar with the Freshwater locality and landscape. It has previously provided expertise on the Watermark development and the Soldiers Avenue of Honour Master Plan (approved by Council in 2014)
The Lawrence St. sites have a deceptively long and steep slope which make it difficult to get continuity of design in terms of bulk and height.
For any development of these sites, the major obstacle is access to underground parking. We have always advocated that this should be from the current Dowling St entrance. This DA follows that objective and creates a ramp on its southern boundary that extends from the west to the eastern extremity of the site. This provision of parking, to accord with the requirements of the LEP, will require extensive excavation of up to 2.5 floors below ground.
Parking
The DA has a deficiency of 17 car spaces which will need to be met. We view car parking provisions in Freshwater Village and elsewhere as a very serious matter given the gradual removal of on-street parking on Lawrence Street over the years. A fundamental principle of the existing LEP2011 is to bolster on-street parking with underground parking. This DA provides that opportunity.
Sustainability
We note that the DA has included significant environmental upgrades from the BASIX minima. These include the following:
- Roof solar panelling
- EV charging facilities with fire safety provisions
- Removal of all reticulated gas from the building and installation of induction cooktops in all apartments
- Rainwater recycling for use on landscaped areas and public toilets
- On site battery storage
- Inclusion of ceiling fans in all apartments
- Brick facades that do not need painting
This is a major advance which we applaud and we note that the Design and Sustainability Panel Report has also made similar observations.
Interaction with residential properties on the southern boundary.
Inevitably, there will be concerns expressed by the residences on the northern side of Undercliff Road which needs to be respected and addressed. Issues such as overshadowing, reduced amenity in rear gardens and interaction with apartment balconies and windows, will need to be resolved.
Amenities
The provision of a substantial floor to ceiling Plaza, midway along the site is a major improvement, not only for this site and its residents but for the Village and the local community as a whole. It will inevitably adjust the locus of the Village from the Freshwater Village Plaza and compensates for the loss of the current arcade.
It is also pleasing to note the provision of public toilets and bicycle racks in the DA, as the Village has a deficiency in that regard with only the external facilities in Pocket Park being available.
There will be a need to provision for a substantial Waste Collection facility for both the retailers and the apartment residences in this development.
The Communal rooftop terrace is also a bonus amenity as it neatly fits into the slope of the site
Affordable Housing provisions
This Development utilises the provisions of the of the legislated Affordable Housing concessions with respect to height and bulk. This has allowed the structure to go above the 11m provision specified in the LEP to 13.45m, which means one level of retail and 3 levels of residential. 3X 2 bedroom and 3X1 bedroom apartments will be permanently made available to residents who qualify under the Affordable Housing provisions in terms of their income. This is a bonus for local employers as some of their employees travel to work each day from distant locations. The Affordable Housing apartments are managed, not by the landlord, but by an independent agency appointed by the Government.
The design of these 30 apartments has caused many to observe that the development is excessively bulky.
Contamination of the Sub Strata
For many years, Dry Cleaning businesses have been operating within these sites. Their intensive use of solvents may have seeped and contaminated the sub strata and need analysis. We note the refusal of the Environmental Health specialists on this issue.
Tree Removal
A tree on Dowling Street is planned for removal to enable the establishment of utilities. We regret the loss of this mature melaleuca and advocate that the Developer plant in conjunction with NBC, a similar tree at a suitable site further up on Dowling Street.
IN GENERAL
We support the Application with the caveats on parking provision, the resolution of the concerns of the residents nearby in Undercliff Road, an additional tree, and removal of any and all soil contamination from the sub strata.
PILU Restaurant DA update
On Mar 19, the Northern Beaches Planning Panel heard the DA application for Pilu. It was to get comment pro and con on the updated DA to simply formalise and consolidate the already existing usage that Pilu has enjoyed for the past 20 years of trading.
As we know, this has been a very vexatious situation for Marilyn and Giovanni as there were a couple of objections to the DA due to what was claimed to be increased noise levels and use as a function venue disturbing the neighbours on Undercliff Rd.
It was clear that this was not the case and there was no change is usage nor increased noise levels over the last 20 years of Pilu’s existence nor the prior Freshwater Restaurant that occupied the property for over many years before Pilu.
Attending the meeting was Denise Goldstein, Chair of Friends of Freshwater, several neighbours from Undercliff Rd, the Acoustics expert who tested the noise levels and an independent Urban Planning professional. The majority of attendees spoke supporting the DA with a
legal representative speaking for two of the objectors.Most significant was a letter from Hon Michael Regan, MP, Member for Wakehurst , former Mayor and Councilor of NBC,, who was not only in support of the DA, but commented on the unnecessarily burdensome and costly process this DA saga created for Marilyn and Giovanni.
Michael wrote that he would be taking up the issue of the bureaucratic process that businesses are subjected to with the Ministers for Planning and Night Life.
Marilyn and Giovanni were in attendance and Marilyn spoke of the overwhelming stress and cost of what started as a simple matter of formalising the usage but turned into a complicated nightmare of a process that could have certainly been resolved without all this time
and cost.While there was no ruling at the meeting, it was hoped that the support from Council, the community and Minister Regan would hopefully draw a line beneath this DA and we can all move on to enjoy the benefit of having Pilu in Freshwater for many years to come.
Freshwater Playground
Freshwater Playground – prior to 3 features were closed
With the demise of three of the playground amenities now fenced off for most of summer. There has been quite a bit of discussion about the challenge offered here and installed and their quality, given three failures.
And now the whole park will be closed for a short period for what we hope will be an upgrade in features and quality.
Freshwater Playground Upgrade – Closure
Diversion of Food Waste from Landfill to Compost
By Peter Harley OAM
New Compostable Bin
NSW will be the first State to mandate, by legislation, the diversion of food and organic waste from landfill into compost by 2030. Organic waste currently takes more than 30% of household red bin capacity. Australians already throw away 73 million tonnes of food each year equating to 300kg per person.
This legislation will take pressure off landfill capacity. It will divert >1 million tonnes of organic waste from landfill each year and the resultant compost will be used to fertilise parks, community gardens, sporting fields and agriculture.
Each household can anticipate a Food Waste/Organic Waste (FOGO) bin will be issued to accompany each red bin in the kerbside collection service.
A range of items will not be able to be included in the FOGO Bins. These include:-
- Pet litter or poo bags
- Vacuum cleaner dust or lint from washing machines and dryers
- PFA’s (chemicals that do not break down)
- Compostable or biodegradable products or bags
People will have the task of separating food scraps into a food caddy before putting it into the FOGO bin. Compostable Kitchen caddy liners, that comply with AS 4736-2006, will be made available.
Even though the legislation doesn’t commence until 2030, 50 Councils, including the Inner West Council, have already established a FOGO kerbside collection system. Northern Beaches Council will introduce a system before the mandate commences.
In Freshwater, our Community Garden already accepts FOGO bins and contents from nearby apartment dwellers. Its compost system, consisting of 10 bins and 4 large bays, converts this content to usable compost. Each half year, the community garden harvests compost sufficient to fertilise its 38 garden plots and collective beds.
This is a small example of what is often called a “Circular Economy”.
McKillop Park Redevelopment, Freshwater Headland – Diggers Fenced off Carpark
Another important DA we are expecting in the next few months is the Mounties revegetation and “return to green space” of the old carpark situated on Crown Land on Freshwater Headland.
This land was under Lease from Crown Land to the Diggers for many years. The lease has now expired and the land returned to Crown Land and the Community.
The area has remained an unused, fenced-off eyesore for many years while we wait for it to be restored to community-use as required under the terms of the redevelopment of the overall Harbord Diggers site.
Mounties engaged in community consultation with a variety of groups in 2023 based on preliminary plans by consultants Arcadia Landscape Architecture. We understand that some further selective engagement has occurred recently. Given that the area is Crown Land there has been some uncertainty as to the approval process to be employed, however, we understand that the design will go through a full Development Application process with Council, providing the broader community the opportunity to provide input.
The area is of great significance to the local community. It has special importance to many local groups including the original Indigenous custodians of the area, the Northern Beaches Surfing community involved in the Manly-Freshwater World Surfing Reserve and Surfers Walk of Fame, the Veteran’s community as part of the RSL and ANZAC connections to this area, coastal walkers enjoying the vistas from the headland and the local community seeking to once again be able to access this magnificent headland.
We are committed to ensuring that the final plans will recognise all these elements. Ideally it should be restored with a combination of open, accessible space; shaded areas for quiet contemplation; incorporation of the natural landforms and native vegetation; recognition of indigenous culture; and plans for the ongoing maintenance and enhancement of ANZAC memorials and the Surfers Walk of Fame. It’s significance as a place for walkers to stop, observe, refresh and contemplate as they traverse the northern beaches coastal walk should not be underestimated.
We look forward to further advice from Mounties regarding the timetable for final community consultation.
Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025
It’s Piracy on the High Seas as ‘Manly Inflatable Boat Race 2025’ kicks off again to raise funds for Tour de Cure & Manly Adolescent & Young Adult Hospice
DETAILS:
DATE: Sunday MARCH 30, 2025
TIME: Registration opens at 7.30am – 9.15am at the Tour de Cure tents, South Steyne, Manly near the Manly Surf Club. Participants will then be walked around to Shelly Beach for the race which starts at 10.00am
RACE START & FINISH: Shelly Beach..
TICKETS:
Standard $55 pp
or
$60 pp on the day
Students 12-17yrs: Standard $30 or $35 on the day
Register online via Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ManlyInflatableBoatRace
Sunday MARCH 30, 2025 at 10.00am
Shelly Beach, Sydney Australia
Get ready for some beach madness and piracy on the high seas as one of the Northern Beaches most wacky and fun community charity events kicks off again on Sunday MARCH 30, 2025.
Awarded ‘Community Event of the Year’ at the 2016 Australia Day Awards in Manly, the 23rd annual Manly Inflatable Boat Race is set to take over Manly & Shelly Beaches.
Event Founder and Race Director, Denver Beven said, ‘This event is such a highlight on the Sydney calendar because it’s just so much fun. Race-goers have a blast battling through the waves all dressed up on their crazy, colourful inflatables and spectators love the excitement, vibrancy and mayhem…It really is a great, fun day at the beach for young and old.
Participants simply need to be able to swim and to don on their favourite fancy dress costume (the crazier the better), pump up an inflatable raft (from rubber duckies to pool ponies, pink flamingoes and crazy sea monsters) – and join in the 1km paddle from Shelly, out around the Manly Life Savers & buoys and back to the shore.
With a Le Mans style start the flag is waved and the race is on for young and old to grab their boat and swim for their life!
Rules – there are no rules – first one there wins! There are loads of prizes for First & Last over the Line, Best Fancy Dress, Craziest Boat, Wackiest Team and many more, all presented afterwards at The Boathouse at Shelly Beach where there will be a well deserved sausage sizzle for race participants.
Adam Dearing, GM of Hospitality for 4 Pines Brewing Co said, ‘We’re stoked to come on board as a major sponsor this year to help bring this fabulous charity event back to life after Covid.’
Taking part in the Manly Inflatable Boat Race is the most fun you’ll have while making a difference !
‘It’s a wonderful, happy day for everyone. Hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators and tourists come from far and wide to see the crazy outfits and high jinx on the day. Participants just love it – its incredibly exhilarating and a great way to help these worthy causes,’ said Denver
For more information visit Facebook or Instagram – Manly Inflatable Boat Race
www.facebook.com/ManlyInflatableBoatRace
www.instagram.com/ManlyInflatableBoatRace
Proceeds raised will benefit:
Manly Adolescent & Young Adult Hospice
AYAH is Australia’s first dedicated service for young people and adolescents with life limiting illness providing patients and their families with respite, emotional support and specialised end of life care.
Tour de Cure – Riding to Cure Cancer
Tour de Cure is a cycling foundation that aims to help cure cancer. Since 2007 Tour de Cure has worked tirelessly with their ambassadors and corporate partners to engage communities across Australia through their 10 day signature and country tours and other events. They have raised over $130 million for cancer research, support and prevention projects helping men, women and children.
Harbord Hotel – new upstairs additions due to open this month
The HH having had its 2nd stage of DA approved earlier last year is due to open its much anticipated upstairs venue.
New Harbord Hilton with Open Balcony showing sound proofing
The new upstairs area with access to the balcony, is now protected with additional glass sound proofing. Many locals will no doubt enjoy the new amenities but it is expected that these will also add to its popularity amoung those who will come from out of the area. Of course many will be interested in how the surrounding sounds from more activity will be managed as proposed and will keep this in mind due to the Stage 3 development that has been mooted.
Freshie Community Garden is Thriving a small but effective model of sustainability
The Community Garden continues with the support of its many community minded gardeners as these picture atest.
We hear, with increasing regularity, expressions such as food security, environmental sustainability, FOGO and the concept of a circular economy.
At Freshie Community Garden, we are attempting to ensure food security with freshly grown herbs and vegetables fertilised with our own compost system.
This compost system, produces 8 cubic metres of enriched soil per annum and derives from the food scraps of the locals living in medium-density apartments in the near vicinity. These food scraps would otherwise have gone into land fill.
This recycling is a splendid local version of a circular economy. People living nearby bring their food scraps to the Community Garden in what is now known as a FOGO (Food organics/ Garden organics) bin. They deposit it into a larger Compost Bin, along with other matter which then cures and is transferred into even larger Compost Bays for final preparation as enriched soil. This is then spread on 38 Garden plots to produce deliciously fresh vegetables, herbs and citrus.
We are also committed to becoming more sustainable by not using petrol powered equipment. Items such as mowers, trimmers, drills and hand tools are being converted to electric power. We also intend to use solar power and inverters to recharge all of this equipment on site.
The Community Garden is now self-irrigated, and we have a large water tank which gathers rain water from the garage roof top of the neighbouring apartment block.
Bringing these concepts of circular economies and environmental sustainability to fruition is the way of the future.
