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March Newsletter 2026

As we head into the April school holidays, I wanted to wish everyone a happy and safe Easter and share a brief wrap-up of what has been a very busy March representing Pittwater.

In Parliament, I introduced my e-bike bill, pushed for better bus services, raised the issue of shark management with the Premier, and called for the NSW government to revisit a windfall coal royalties tax - like Queensland's - as coal prices rise with fuel costs. Queensland has long enjoyed 50c transport as a result of getting their fair share of their resources.

In a win for integrity, we have undertaken election reform that will bring more integrity into our elections including preventing digitally created electoral material of a person 'doing an act which they did not perform'. This falls short of preventing misleading and deceptive conduct but is a significant step forward.

I also meet with the late Beau Hewitt's family and honoured his memory in a Community Recognition Statement, also awarding his brother Tye Hewitt for his achievements in supporting cancer research. I also had the pleasure of hosting the Avalon Pétanque Club for morning tea.

Locally, I’ve been meeting with community groups and celebrating the incredible people who make Pittwater such a special place, including our Local Woman and Senior of the Year recipients. This year’s awards recipients have again reminded me what an amazing community we have here.

 

 

A note on fuel security

I want to acknowledge fuel prices and the impact this is having in Pittwater and beyond.  The NSW Government, together with the Australian Government, is responding to current issues and preparing for a range of fuel supply scenarios with its National Fuel Security Plan.

 

A reminder to download FuelCheck to ensure you are getting the best local price possible.

 

Parliamentary Update

E-Bikes
I introduced my Road Legislation Amendment (E-Bike Regulation) Bill 2025, which seeks to improve safety and accountability. With e-bike injuries rising sharply, my bill provides the government with a clear framework for licensing, registration and education, whereas the Government’s approach is seize and crush

You can read my speech here and the Minister for Transport’s speech on how to handle e-bikes here. I will continue to push for sensible measures, either through amendments to the Government’s now introduced Road Transport Amendment (Non-registrable Motor Vehicles) Bill 2026, or through my own Bill.

Bus Reliability
I used the Member for Wakehurst’s Public Interest Debate on Northern Beaches Bus Services to call out private contractors for the ongoing cancellations, reliability of buses and fighting for the return of the 190X.

Road and Safety Fairness
During debate on changes to the Demerit Points Reduction Bill, I raised concerns about poorly designed speed zones, including Newport Hill, where changes risk undermining public confidence. Road safety must be evidence-based and bring the community with it.

Shark Management: Question to the Premier
Following my survey of 700 residents showing 67% are "very concerned" by recent encounters, I questioned the Premier on scaling community-led surveillance. The Premier has since committed to investigating AI drone technology and potential reforms regarding bull shark management in estuaries.

Environment and local Impacts
Through my Questions on Notice, I pushed for answers on the intersection of coastal resilience and public safety, and questioned multiple agencies on shark management, examining its effect on school sports cancellations and aquatic safety while pushing for enhanced surveillance.

I also enquired about critical environmental and agricultural protections, including land clearing, the NSW Weeds Action Program, and the use of 1080 poison.

Cost of Living
With the ongoing war between Iran, the US and Israel, I put a motion to the House calling for cost of living relief from coal royalties.

Finally, it was a pleasure to host the Avalon Petanque Club in Parliament.  Whilst I have limited capacity to host groups, please contact my office if you think your community group would  like to visit and we can add you to our waiting list. 

You can find all my speeches, questions and motions here. 

 

Delivering for Pittwater

Northern Beaches Hospital

With Northern Beaches Hospital transitioning to public control at the end of April, the Government has finally confirmed private services will continue on site until June 2027. The Clinical Services Plan will be released on 24 April, with the transition from Healthscope to NSW Health occurring on 29–30 April.

Patients can continue to use private health insurance and see their chosen specialist, with locals prioritised based on clinical need. Thank you to everyone who has written in or spoken to me about practical measures and considerations surrounding the transition.

I am continuing to work with Minister Park, Michael Regan, the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Dr David Swan, clinicians and the community to secure a long-term plan for private services, including a co-located model.

 

Wakehurst Parkway and Mona Vale Rd updates

We’re seeing real progress on key roads across Pittwater. A contractor has now been secured for the $85m Wakehurst Parkway upgrade, and geotechnical works on Mona Vale Road West are about to begin, with timelines brought forward to 2027, six months ahead of schedule. After decades of broken promises I’m so pleased we are finally seeing these important steps towards getting a safer, more reliable road network for our community. Read More

 

Have your say: Roads and Transport 

There is still more work to do so I encourage you to have your say about trouble spots, pinchpoints or ideas you have that would improve the Northern Beaches Network Review. Your feedback will help shape practical improvements across our local road and transport network. Have your say here

 

Local Sports Grants - congratulations

Twelve local sporting organisations in Pittwater have secured a combined $50,000 funding through the NSW Local Sport Grant Program. This support will help clubs upgrade equipment, improve facilities and boost participation. It’s a practical investment in keeping sport accessible, supporting volunteers and strengthening our local community. 

Congratulations to Manly Junior Sailing Association of NSW, Careel Bay Tennis Club, Warringah Rugby Union Club, Byra Sailing and Aquatic Club, Manly Warringah BMX Club, Pittwater Junior AFL, Manly Warringah Kayak Club, Bungan Boardriders, Narrabeen Lakes Sailing Club, Terry Hills Cricket Club, North Narrabeen Board Riders Club and Northern Beaches Para Surfer Boardriders. Read More

 

Business Connect - Have your say
Attention BusinessesThe NSW Government is conducting a 90-day review of the former Business Connect advisory service. If you have used this service and would like to provide feedback, please visit www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au.

 

 

Community Highlights

Celebrating some of the amazing women of Pittwater

As part of the International Women’s Day celebrations I was proud to recognise some outstanding women from Pittwater at both the local and NSW Women of the Year Awards. Congratulations to Skye Rose, named Pittwater’s Local Woman of the Year, and to Gidget Foundation Founder Jacqui Cotton and Narrabeen Sports High Student Elly Ings, both recognised at the NSW Awards Ceremony for their leadership and positive impact in our community.

 

Above: Skye Rose - Pittwater Woman of the Year

 

Above: Elly Ings - One to Watch

 

Congratulations to Pittwater Seniors of the Year

It was a privilege to recognise outstanding local seniors as part of the 2026 NSW Seniors Festival. These awards celebrate the dedication, energy and quiet leadership that strengthen our community every day. Our seniors continue to give back, stay engaged and make a lasting difference across Pittwater for us all. Congratulations to:

  • Kelvin Auld                 Mona Vale Residents Association

  • Dorothy Clark             Pittwater RSL Sub-Branch

  • Joy Nason                  Easylink

  • Tina Seaton                MWP Community Care

  • Dr Richard West          Palm Beach Whale Beach Association

  • Noel Wheatley            Link Community Care

  • Michael Wooley           Sailability Pittwater & Crystal Bay

 

Upcoming Grants

 

 

Meet Jacqui - Pop-Up Politics

These casual sessions are a chance to have a chat, raise any local issues or ideas.  Upcoming dates below, I’d love to see you there.

  • Warriewood Markets – Friday 24 April

  • Terrey Hills Markets – Sunday 3 May


If you can't make these sessions you can let me know your thoughts by completing my Shaping Pittwater's Future Survey.

Your voice really matters.
 

Warmly,

Jacqui

 

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