Firstly, I want to express my sincere condolences to those in our Pittwater community who are grieving the loss of those they love, especially the Elanora Heights community.

My thoughts are also with the those affected by the tragic flash floods in Nepal and Tibet, including the 42 Australians still missing. To the Nepalese community, to all who have lost loved ones, and to those still searching, our heart is with you in the difficult and tragic time.

If you wish to donate please visit the Emergency Action Alliance webpage.

I've just hosted a Shark Impacted Business Roundtable with Small Business Commissioner, Ms Kalina Kaloff, to discuss the impacts of coastal shark activity, public risk perception and recurring beach closures with local surf and beach related business owners.

Getting these issues on the agenda of the Business Commissioner - understanding both local economy impacts as well as tourism impacts is critical. As a key independent advisor to the government, having the Commissioner understand these issues helps advocating for improvements to the drone program including the shark smart app, education and advertising of the program to help restore confidence in the beach. It will also support direct measures for businesses such as inclusion in SafeWork rebates program, potential support like was given to Bondi businesses and mediation support with entities like Council.

Thanks to Ellis Gerry, Onboard Store, Daniel O’Connell, Salty Safaris, Michael Psillakis, Psillakis Surfboards, Matthew Granger, Manly Surf School, and David Watson, Beach Without Sand, and Raj Saini, Nine Yards Coffee, for providing valuable insight, feedback, and the honest and open discussion about how we can support businesses and shift the narrative from negative to positive.

A huge thank you to Commissioner, Ms Kaloff, for taking the time to visit and speak with local small business owners.

Save the date.  On 21 October at midday SOS Mona Vale will be taking democracy to the steps of NSW Parliament to protest the blanket development policy that is transforming our suburbs (for the worst).  I'm supporting this protest and hope to see you there.  For details, please visit the SOSMV Facebook page.

I'll be personally handing over SOS Mona Vale's dossier of State Significant Disasters to Minister Scully after the event.  

A greater threat to the Northern Beaches than Low to Mid Rise town centres are high rise apartments being accelerated through the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA) - which I strongly oppose. As both Labor and Liberal Party continue to sing the praises of the HDA we are seeing first-hand the impacts. In Brookvale Council's strategic planning is being ignored by the developer, we have defect issues in developments in Warriewood and the collapse of Bathla Property Group is front page news together with the ICAC inquiry into developers and the Liberal Party. Meanwhile an old video of Chris Minns from only 2019 has resurfaced with him blasting the Liberals for high rise as we sit here in 2026 with his diabolical developer-led bipartisan planning reforms and Sydney Plan (see my submission opposing the Sydney Plan here). On the one hand 'Shame!', on the other - it's vindicating and holds hope that our fight will be successful - we just need to keep going.

I want to be conscious to manage people's expectations - I try and make considered submissions to most SSDs, especially as requested by constituents as well as ongoing parliamentary speeches and notices of motion, submissions to relevant policy development like the Sydney Plan and recent LEP consultation. However, I cannot write submissions for all DAs.

A kind reminder the Have Your Say on Mona Vale Road West is closing on 15 September.  From my community forums, it is clear there is plenty more to say on this project.

Once closed, TfNSW will consider the feedback and hold a pop-up information session in Terrey Hills following feedback from my recent forum.

If you are having trouble making the online submission, simply send your submission to [email protected] (or reply to this newsletter) and I will ensure the department receives your feedback before the deadline.

As one of the major issues in the electorate information on this has been sent out by TfNSW and my office.

I was honored this month to lay a wreath to honour the Vietnam Veterans of the Northern Beaches to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

The Battle of Long Tan remains one of the most significant engagements involving Australian forces during the Vietnam War, and the service was a powerful opportunity to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of those who served our nation.

Thank you to the Northern Beaches District Council Sub-Branches, RSL volunteers and community members who work tirelessly to preserve the stories and memories of our Veterans. Your dedication ensures that future generations understand and appreciate the sacrifices made in service to Australia.

Thank you also to the Knox Boys Old Boys Pipes and Drums, Avalon Public School Band, Pittwater House Cadets and everyone involved in making this important commemoration possible.

A special thank you to Doug McGrath, National President of the 9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (9RAR) Association, who gave a moving speech on the incredible and massive physical, mental and emotional challenge our Vietnam Veterans endured from 1962 to 1973.

Lest we forget.

It was a pleasure to attend this years SLSNSW Awards of Excellence.  Congratulations to all the finalists!

• Mark Head, Avalon Beach
• Levi Broughton-Rouse, Bilgola 
• Romilly Madew, Bilgola 
• Emanuel Freer, Bilgola 
• Marri Mittigar - Refugee Surf Awareness Program, Bungan Beach
• Jemma Smith, Newport
• Joel Huxley, Warriewood 
• Rescue of the Year - September 2025, Mona Vale/
  Newport & August 2025, Warriewood

A HUGE thank you to everyone that supported the petition to BAN LIES IN POLITICAL ADVERTISING!

The petition is now officially tabled with 31,537 signatures.  In accordance with Standing Orders, it will now be debated in Parliament and I'll keep you updated on when that happens.

I'm also sponsoring another petition on Urgently Make Planning-Bonus Affordable Housing Permanent and Truly Affordable.  If you would like to support that campaign, you can sign here.

So that I can continue to advocate for the issues that matter to you please complete my quick survey, and sign the current petitions.