Warriewood's creeks are set to stay choked with weeds in 206/27. Photo supplied
The council is inviting the community to have their say on its Delivery Program 2026-2030, Operational Plan 2026/27, and Long-Term Financial Plan 2026-2036, which the council states proposes a record $125 million investment in community infrastructure aligned with community priorities and long term financial sustainability.
The Draft Budget 2026/27 document states it presents 'a detailed budget for 2026/27, including funding sources, rating and financial statements.' Download the draft Budget 2026/27
The biggest spend allocated in Pittwater is the Warriewood Valley - traffic and transport infrastructure - which is costed at just over $10 million, all derived from Developers Contributions.
Council's webpage on this states: 'Major roadworks in Warriewood Valley focus heavily on the Boondah Road Upgrade (between Spine Bill Drive and Jacksons Road). Scheduled to commence in mid-2026, the project includes road resurfacing, new pedestrian crossings, and dedicated shared paths as part of the broader Warriewood Valley Roads Masterplan.'
For those distressed about the weeds still choking Warriewood creeks, the 'Creek rehabilitation program 2026/27' allocates 218,000.00 a further allocation in 2027/28: 336,000.00 and in 2028/29: 345,000.00 and in 2029/30: 354, 000.00
Of this Warriewood Valley creekline works have been allocated $100,000.00 in 2026/27 which stems in whole according to the draft document, again, from Developer Contributor funds.
Council's response to a query as to whether this will be the long-awaited removal of weeds from the same was -:
‘The project will focus on addressing erosion in upper Narrabeen Creek above Jubilee Avenue in Warriewood and will be undertaken over two years, with environmental studies and design completed first, followed by the on-ground works.
Creek rehabilitation in 2026/27 will focus primarily on two creeks – Dee Why Creek, Dee Why and Wheeler Creek, Cromer with works including design works and on ground creek bed and bank stabilisation. '’
Undeterred, and looking elsewhere, in 'Performance measures' – page 41 of the Draft Budget 2026/27 - the document states:
Contractor bush regeneration (hours) for the 2026/27: 17,000 Quarterly
In 'Environmental and natural risk reduction programs' – page 132 ''Bushland and invasive species management'' allocations in 2026/27 are: 1,107,000.00 - in 2027/28: 1,705,000.00 - in 2028/29: 1,749,000.00 - and in 2029/30: 1,795,000.00
A query as to how much, specifically, will be allocated where and for what in these two was responded to with:
‘Northern Beaches Council is dedicated to protecting and enhancing local bushland, waterways and natural areas through ongoing environmental and risk reduction programs.
Existing bush regeneration projects for 2026/27 will be maintained across the over 1700 ha of bushland reserve areas, including within almost 90 sites in the Pittwater area.
Any approved increase in funding will provide additional contractor-led bush regeneration works which will be undertaken across high-priority sites, including those located on coastal headlands, dunes and wetlands. In Pittwater, the uplift in bushland management will include the coastal dunes, Angophora Reserve in Avalon, Careel Creek, Frog Hollow, McKay Reserve, Warriewood Wetlands, Irrawong Reserve, Narrabeen Creek, Warriewood Headland, Scotland Island, Western Foreshores and McKay Reserve.
Increased investment will also provide for better resourcing to manage the impacts of highly invasive species including priority weeds (such as aquatic weeds).
These efforts aim to foster healthier ecosystems and deliver lasting value for the community.
Council encourages community feedback on the Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan, and Long Term Financial Plan by 24 May 2026, as changes may be made based on input received. ‘
Special Rate Variation Rumblings Continue
Residents have also stated they cannot get an answer on what will be allocated where and for what, specifically, as everything is ''lumped together as 'Part Of' something else''.
''This draft budget is 'long on spin and short on detail' said on, another stated 'most of the $ is being spent outside of Pittwater' or ''despite the SRV and 'selling our council property and giving the money to Warringah, an outrage, we still can't get a start on...change rooms for girls, a clubhouse, drainage for playing fields...'', as well as 'money raised in Pittwater should be spent in Pittwater' has been said since the feedback period opened.
On Friday May 16 2025 IPART released its decisions on NSW council applications for special variations to increase the council’s general income by more than the rate peg.
The partially approved application from Northern Beaches Council was for the first two years of the SRV of permanent increases of 12.1% in 2025-26 and 11.7% in 2026-27 - or 25.2% according to IPART and the NBC's original application document. This includes the rate peg increase allowed to all councils annually.
NBC’s for 2026/27 is 3.1% according to the table released by IPART.
2025/26: 12.1% increase (including the 3.8% rate peg)
2026/27: 11.7% increase (including the 3.1% rate peg)
The council’s 2026/27 draft budget states Rates & annual charges will bring in $313.0m, an increase from the previous year of 2025/26 which listed $285.3m from Rates & annual charges of $27.7million.
In the 2024/25 Budget Rates and annual charges is listed at $259.1millions, showing an increase from this to 2025/26 of $26.2 million.
This is close to what was stated the increase would be in May 2025 - an additional annual income ($‘000) of $23,920,000.00 in 2025-26 and $25,928,000.00 by the 2026-27 financial year.
As this was a permanent increase, not one for a few years like was applied for under Pittwater Council, the rise in income will persist, as will the annual rate peg increase.
In 2023/24 Rates and annual charges brought in $246.5million, indicating the rate peg increase between 2023/24 and 2024/25, before the SRV, still accounted for an extra $12.6million.
But this wasn't keeping up with inflation increases the council had to meet, it stated, so it applied for and was granted an SRV.
The council calculated the average increase for ratepayers would equate to $168.00 per year, including the rate peg, for that 2025/26 year. The projected annual increase for 2026/27 is $224.
In reality, it means the cumulative increase to some Pittwater homes and business properties ranges from $2,466 a year atop rates that were already almost $9,000.00 prior to the changes for land valued at $8+ million (at Whale Beach for example).
This still doesn’t accurately reflect the rates increase people across Pittwater are paying though, as not all were already paying 9k a year in rates prior to the SRV. The median price for houses across the Pittwater region typically sits between $2.8 and $3.1 million.
In the 2021 Census (latest available) Pittwater had 25, 311 private (rateable) dwellings. In 2026, the estimated number of private dwellings in the former Pittwater Council area is approximately 26,555.
‘’Just how much more can we be expected to continue to carry by way of rates increased by thousands than those of rate payers paying less and the Council continue to claim their decisions will be fair and equitable? The fact is that the higher the dependence on ad valorem for the collection of residential rates then the more punitive, unfair and inequitable it is for the higher valued properties which cost Council no more to service and which receive much less in Pittwater than what is listed for those outside of this former LGA.’’ came in this week
‘’It is a fallacy to imply that higher valued properties are owned by more affluent people. This assumption is reasonable for the recent purchases but what about properties owned by the same family for decades with some owned by pensioners who are financially stressed due to impaired health or fixed incomes and decreasing budgets?’’
‘’Lots of road and other reserves are neglected by Council and depend on volunteers. Yet, despite this input, many of the most highly valued blocks are without fundamentals that most of the lower valued blocks have; footpaths, kerbs and guttering.
‘’Money raised in Pittwater should be spent in Pittwater – not on some seawall at Collaroy, not on some $5 million heat pump for Manly and not on yet more works for a theatre in Glen Street. These are of no benefit or use for residents of Pittwater. We have sports clubs without change rooms for girls, weeds have been choking local creeks since this council took over, sportsfields without proper drainage – they’re all still ‘just getting by’ and getting told the council has 'plans to make plans' - for years now. ‘’
Working out what will be best, fair and equitable should be what forms up any budget. ’’
Delving Deeper
The council's documents can be accessed to read all about what is going where. Pittwater allocations include:
- Governor Phillip Reserve - New path network, Governor Phillip Park, Palm Beach, Budget: $750,000 – CRIF Grants have helped the council with crown reserve works in the people's park
- Mackerel Wharf renewal - listed in the Budget as 'Special Variation' and ‘Part of a $4,300,000 program of works’ - grants given for this project include $1.5 million once the allocation given for design prior to 2025 announcements is added in.
The Great Mackerel Beach Wharf contract was awarded at the December 16 2025 council meeting to SMC Marine Pty Ltd for RFT 2025/001048 – Mackerel Beach Wharf Upgrade for the sum of $1,574,800 excluding GST.- works are extending the wharf by approximately 35m to approximately 105m total length to provide access at all tidal times for all users that complies with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992.
Works commenced March 16 2026, and are expected to finish in October 2026, weather permitting.
Funding for the works includes a Federal Government grant of $939,305 and $1,470,466 from Transport for New South Wales and a previous grant for design.
The Boating Now Program, under Round 3 (2020), also provided funds for Bilarong Reserve Boat Ramp Improvements, Narrabeen Lagoon ($60,000), Church Point Commuter Wharf Feasibility Study ($40,250), Currawong Wharf Investigation and Detailed Design ($82,500), and Mackerel Beach Wharf Investigation and Detailed Design ($70,657).
The 2026/27 Draft Budget lists:
- Currawong wharf renewal - design. In Budget as: ‘Special Variation - Part of a $4,300,000 program of works’ – grants already allocated for this include $1,108,026 approved by Transport for NSW, Executive Director, NSW Maritime. Date approved: August 2025. Program term: 30/06/2028 - and the 2020 Investigation and Design grant.
- Bayview wharf renewal. Budget list this is also: ‘Special Variation - Part of a $4,300,000 program of works’ - grants already allocated for this include $594,625 was approved by Transport for NSW, Executive Director, NSW Maritime.
The NSW Government is funding the wharf/pontoon/boating component of the works and the council is funding the groyne works at Bayview. The council’s project webpage states work on the Bayview Wharf groyne commenced on 27 January 2026 and will be complete by June 2026. Works on the main wharf and tidal pool upgrade are expected to commence in mid-2026. You can follow the council's project webpage for more updates on the Bayview wharf and pool renewal - might be done in time for summer!
The Currawong wharf renewal was opened for feedback on a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) in September 2025, with the project webpage stating then Construction is scheduled to take place in 2026/27. As the council is focussed on providing accessibility for all residents and visitors, ensuring the design is wheelchair friendly may require more work.
The draft 2026/27 document states $1,898,000.00 is allocated for wharf renewal works in 2026/27, then 2,641,000.00 in 2027/26, 2,454,000.00 in 2028/29 and 1,454,000.00 in 2029/30.
In NSW, infrastructure grants are intentionally not released in a single upfront lump sum to prevent financial risk and mismanagement. Instead, funds are disbursed in structured milestone instalments tied to verified progress, project management, and formal financial accountability.
All the new wharfs are having plastic components inserted into the estuary as part of their works – a material shown in studies to commence deteriorating and polluting the environments it’s in as it’s being installed, destroying the environment and burdening future generations with a clean up bill - another point of contention that recurs in missives in.
See August 2025 report: Community Concerned Over the Increase of Plastic Products Being Used by the Northern Beaches Council for Installations in Pittwater's Environment
In the Rockpool Renewal program, more Major Structural repairs of Palm Beach Rockpool including new floor - design are listed with the Budget stating this stems from the 'Special Variation - ''Part of'' a $1,196,000 program of works'.
Next door, ‘Investigation of failed Whale Beach stormwater outlet’ has been allocated funding as 'Part of' a $4,960,000 program of works which includes Special variation funding' – specifically how much has been allocated is not listed.
Footpath renewal on Whale Beach Road, between Burrawong Road and Alexander Road is listed as ‘'Part of'' $1,465,000 program of works’ – no specifics of how long this footpath will be, or how much of the $1.4 million it will cost is listed. The same can be applied to a ‘Footpath renewal Wickham Lane’.
Female friendly facilities program is listed as having $200,000.00 for the 2026/27 Budget allocated for 'design and planning' at both Cromer 1 and Careel Bay sportsgrounds’.
A further 3,161,000.00 is allocated in 2027/28 and 1,149 in 2028/29 and 2,358 in 2029/30 but no specifics as to where and for what this has been allocated or where the figures derived are costed from.
Newport Oval also has $50,000.00 allocated for 'Expansion of Newport Oval Sports Amenities - design', as well.
A query to council, as it is known there is a need for female facilities across the Hitchcock Park Careel Bay Playing Fields as well, confirmed:
‘Council intends to undertake design and investigative studies at Careel Bay Sportsground next financial year. Funding for these preliminary works will be drawn from the Sports Buildings Works Program.
Once this work is complete, we will be seeking external grant opportunities to progress the project, as well as considering the project alongside broader renewal program priorities.
Currently, the building is used solely for soccer, and it is not anticipated that rugby league will require access. A separate sports amenities building at Hitchcock Park is already leased to the Avalon Bulldogs. Notwithstanding, Council will consider the needs of other users of the adjacent fields and ensure that any future renewal works are designed to accommodate a range of possible user groups.’
Further Pittwater allocations drawn from the draft document include:
- A Retaining wall renewal, Park Avenue Avalon is listed as being ''Part of'' a $2,420,000 program of works which includes Special Variation funding' as is;
- 'Provide a 1.5m footpath along unformed path between Elaine Avenue and Yellow Brick Road- ''Part of'' a $1,864,000 program of works which includes Special Variation funding'.
- There is to be a 'Renewal of timber seawall Normanhurst Street, Elvina Bay, as ''Part of'' a $2,138,000 program of works',
- The Community Buildings works program includes works at the Scotland Island Community Centre as 'Part of a $1,552,000 program of works', along with Catherine Park works which include an 'Upgraded foreshore area, path networks and stormwater management at Catherine Park, Scotland Island - Budget: $250,000
- The Scotland Island Program also lists 'Pavement construction with drainage improvement on Thompson Street - Budget: $165,000
- Upgrades to Pittwater Road and McCarrs Creek, Church Point are listed with a Budget of:$1,296,000
- Under ‘Car Park renewal works’ is listed ‘Repair and resurface Church Point Reserve Car park with drainage improvement. ‘Budget: Special Variation - Part of a $1,235,000 program of works’. Of this $ 400,000.00 allocated for ‘Carpark renewal works’ is stated to come from the SRCV. This project has been listed for a few years now, and still hasn’t been done.
- New kerb and gutter at 226-230 McCarrs Creek Road is listed as stemming from the Special Variation - and ''Part of'' a $212,000 program of works'
- Landslide remediation works McCarrs Creek Road, Church Point - is 'Part of' a $2,420,000 program of works which includes Special Variation funding'
Building Code of Australia compliance works (DDA) list, with an icon at Bayview on the council's map, 'Removal of Asbestos roof Newport Scout Hall' - so probably meaning the sea scouts hall at Bayview and this will stem in part from the 'Special Variation - Part of a $743,000 program of works'.
- Dinghy storage renewal at Taylors Point, Clareville is allocated as Part of $40,000 program of works
- Major renewal Avalon Beach Rockpool as 'Part of a $1,196,000 program of works which includes Special Variation funding'
- There's a Playground renewal at Palmgrove Park listed as 'Part of a $1,446,000 program of works which includes Special Variation funding'
- 321m of road repair and rejuvenation on Bilberry Avenue Avalon is listed as 'Special Variation - Part of a $12,763,000 program of works'
There are also figures that definitely point to stemming directly from the SRV.
Nangle landscape architects have been appointed by the council to develop a concept design in the first half of this year for the Avalon Shared Space. The local residents group, Avalon Preservation Association, has been advised any actual works will not start until after the 26/27 summer, when the Sydney Water renewal program through Avalon’s village shops area currently underway is completed.
The draft budget states $1,492,000.00 has been set aside to forward Avalon Place Plan works, of which it states $1,042,000.00 comes from that raised by the SRV.
APA is representing the community to advise on lighting, footpaths, pedestrian safety and the general ambience with green spaces – so join APA so they can keep you up to date.
In Bilgola the 2026/27 allocations lists:
- 50m of kerb and gutter renewal on Allen Avenue
- 148m new kerb and gutter on Bilgola Avenue
- 184m of road repair and resurfacing on Allen Avenue
- 148m of road repair and resurfacing on Bilgola Avenue
- Bilgola Beach foreshore cycleway access with a Budget of $1,000,000
- Construction of Bilgola Avenue Drainage Improvement funded as Part of a $1,929,000 program of works
At Newport the council's map has icons for:
- 125m of road repair and resurfacing on Ismona Avenue
- 92m of kerb and gutter renewal on Ismona Avenue
- Design of a new stormwater quality system at Bert Payne Park - 'Special Variation - Part of a $37,000 program of works'
- Replacement Lift at Newport SLSC - 'Special Variation - Part of a $415,000 program of works'
- Newport SLSC Minor Works - 'Part of a $1,804,000 program of works'
- Coast walk art project at Newport Beach - 'Part of a $395,000 program of works'
- Newport Rockpool renewal - planning
- Renewal of Barrenjoey Road footpath at Newport Oval - 'Part of $1,465,000 program of works'
- Expansion of Newport Oval Sports Amenities - design alloacted: $50,000.00
- Design of stormwater upgrade King Street to Bishop Street - 'Part of a $1,929,000 program of works'
At Bungan:
- Repair works on Bungan SLSC - 'Part of a $1,804,000 program of works'
In Mona Vale:
- Pedestrian crossing upgrade Park Street, Mona Vale - and
- Pedestrian refuge upgrade Oliver Way, Mona Vale both in budget as 'Part of a $3,141,000 program of works'
- New lighting for Village Park, Mona Vale - design only and 'Part of a $300,000 program of works'
- Playground renewal in Briony Reserve - 'Part of a $1,446,000 program of works which includes Special Variation funding'
- Mona Vale Cemetery new memorial garden, and infrastructure and memorial garden emergency works - 'Part of a $50,000 program of works'
- Fire compliance works and fencing along the top level of Bungan Lane carpark - 'Part of a $591,000 program of works which includes Special Variation funding'
- Upgrade of Kitchener Park Sports Amenities to be female friendly - 'Part of a $1,395,000 program of works'
In Ingleside:
- 440m road repair and resealing on McLean Street
In Warriewood and North Narrabeen:
- Rehabilitation of Narrabeen Creek upstream of the Jubilee Avenue Bridge - planning and design - Budget: $100,000 - details on this provided by the council
- 440m road repair and resealing on McLean Street - 'Special Variation - Part of a $12,763,000 program of works'
- Warriewood Valley Boondah Road upgrade. Budget: $10,032,000
- Planning for installation of a lift at Warriewood SLSC - 'Special Variation - Part of a $415,000 program of works'
- North Narrabeen Reserve Masterplan Implementation - planning for a new sportsfield (Field 7) and car parking. Budget: $110,000
- Detailed design for proposed hard court installation on Fields 6/7, Boondah Reserve, Warriewood - 'Part of $1,500,000 program of works'
- Renewal of Boondah Road sports amenities. Budget: $1,200,000
- Upgrade of sportsfields 2 and 5 at Boondah Reserve. 'Part of $1,500,000 program of works'
- Trail renewal on sections of Warriewood Wetlands - 'Part of a $776,000 program of works which includes Special Variation funding'
- Community Buildings works program Work: Upgrade to Ted Blackwood Centre - 'Part of a $1,552,000 program of works'
- Sydney Lakeside Holiday Park works - installing synthetic turf at campsites, air-conditioner renewal in cabins, external painting of cabins, construction of two ensuite blocks and CCTV. 'Part of a $501,000 program of works'.
- Foreshore renewal at Park Road, North Narrabeen - 'Part of a $2,138,000 program of works'
- North Narrabeen Rockpool renewal - planning - 'Part of a $1,196,000 program of works which includes Special Variation funding'
- North Narrabeen SLSC minor works - 'Part of a $1,804,000 program of works'
- Design work to renew streetscape infrastructure at North Narrabeen shops - 'Part of a $822,000 program of works'
- North Narrabeen Community Centre upgrade of hall and toilets - 'Part of a $1,552,000 program of works'
- Narrabeen Lagoon Multi-use Trail renewal. Wakehurst Parkway - 'Part of a $776,000 program of works which includes Special Variation funding'
Other allocations worth noting are more Collaroy-Narrabeen coastal protection works have been allocated $2,865,000.00 in 2026/27 and a further $ 3,008,000.00 in 2027/28, none of this costing stemming from the SRV.
Planned new stormwater works are $1,929,000.00 in 2026/27, all funds stemming from the Reserves fund, while a ‘Flood mitigation infrastructure program’ $1,055,000.00 allocation in 2026/27 is stated to come from the SRV.
Oxford Falls Road west flood mitigation $500,000.00 is from a grant from the previous state government.
Draft Budget 2026/27:
Download the draft Budget 2026/27 - ‘This is a detailed budget for 2026/27, including funding sources, rating and financial statements’.– starts at page 116 of 176 pages, View the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) map of the council's $125m capital works program for 2026/27 and use the map at: Draft Capital Works 2025-2026 and have a look for yourself.
As already mentioned, this is a big and ambitious program of works, services and benchmarks being aimed for.
As the council stated above - 'Council encourages community feedback on the Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan, and Long Term Financial Plan by 24 May 2026, as changes may be made based on input received'.
The community is encouraged to review the Draft Delivery Program, Operational Plan and Long Term Financial Plan and provide feedback via Your Say from 24 April to 24 May 2026.
Council's Webpage, with all their documents and a map, is at; yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/delivery-program-2026-2030
