Pittwater Online News

The completion of building a home brings together every trade professional needed to do the job to the highest standard possible, while meeting all the requirements required under the Building Code and Australian law.

A job site may have 20 people working in different areas from the roof to plumbing to tiling to decoration to engineers and architects conferring with the builder on finessing the build, while those keeping up-to-date with the ever evolving requirements of insurance and contracts toil away back in the office.

All these employ skilled and qualified workers and, usually, an apprentice or two.

Although a building company may seem large it is actually the bringing together of many people focussed on their area and working together with one vision. It is 10 small businesses coming together, all employing 5 to 10 people each. 

This underlines the fact that small business is actually big business. 

The Master Builders Awards are among the most recognised and respected construction industry awards programs in Australia. Administered by Master Builders Associations across each state and territory, the awards celebrate excellence in construction in residential, commercial and specialist building categories.

Two new categories were added this year; Passive House and Historical House Restoration. The Historical House Restoration category recognises the restoration of residential properties that hold historical or heritage significance. Projects must demonstrate a high standard of craftsmanship, with a focus on retaining and restoring original architectural features while ensuring the structural integrity and functionality of the home.

The Passive House category refers to the construction process, with a goal of achieving net zero construction and producing a net zero ready finished product. This includes how waste was minimised or avoided, if materials selected were salvaged/reused recycled/ renewable/ low emission, as well as water management and any other general environmental management details. Entries should identify what alternative power was used (including Solar (Photovoltaic), wind, hydro, battery storage, heat recovery ventilation systems). Entries should also refer to the project’s environmental living standard, including relevant EER, BASIX, Green Star or NABERS rating and working conditions including the use of materials in construction.

These prestigious awards celebrate excellence, innovation, and quality in the NSW building and construction industry. The Excellence in Housing Awards highlight outstanding residential projects, bringing together project home builders, contract builders, apartment constructors, and specialists in additions, alterations, and renovations, to shine a spotlight on the industry's most exceptional achievements.

For builders, developers and construction professionals, winning or being recognised as a finalist in a Master Builders Awards program is a significant industry achievement. It provides independent validation of construction quality, workmanship and project delivery - and carries genuine weight with clients, architects and developers when evaluating a builder's track record.

Judging criteria: All entrants must demonstrate excellence in the following areas:

• Quality of Construction 
• Design Challenges 
• Use of Materials 
• Value for money 
• Innovation

The Master Builder of the Year award is widely regarded as the recognition presented by the Master Builders Association at both state and national levels.

While Lovett Custom Homes won this best of the best this year, another Mona Vale company, Beach Houses Australia, and Curl Curl outfit Lawson and Lovell, were both Finalists in the same category.

The Awards were held at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Sydney at Darling Harbour on Saturday 10 October 2026, although most are only speaking out and putting up notices this week – post school holidays - as photos from the evening were released.

All winners now advance to the national Master Builders Association of Australia Awards. 

The Master Builders Australia National Excellence Awards will take place on Friday, 27 November 2026 at The Star Brisbane.

The awards form part of a Professional Development Conference featuring keynotes by Nerida Conisbee (property outlook) and Anna Meares OAM (leadership), plus sessions on tax trust changes and AI in construction with Denita Wawn. 

National Excellence Awards Gala featuring 55 award categories across Australian building and construction. The conference and awards are considered the national event for building and construction and runs 26–27 November 2026.

For our final focus area for NSW Small Business Month this October, a celebration of some of the best who brought together the best to build the best and so won the best awards for Builders and the qualified professional Trades that enable a Builder to successfully complete a project. This year there has literally been a LOT of local awardees. 

First off, Mona Vale based Lovett Custom Builds - winner of the 2026 NSW Master Builders Associations Master Builder of the Year.

FULL REPORT HERE

Mona Vale Residents Head to Macquarie Street Demanding a Moratorium on Unsafe Development As SSD for 14 storey- 48.75metre Tall Towers in flood zone at Mona Vale progressed

The SOS Save Our Suburb Mona Vale Inc., a resident action group of Pittwater, has released the findings of a comprehensive twelvemonth community investigation, formally demanding an immediate statutory moratorium on the Low and Mid-Rise Housing Policy across the Pittwater electorate north of Narrabeen Lagoon.

The findings, compiled into a technical evidentiary dossier, were delivered to Jacqui Scruby MP, Independent Member for Pittwater, during a grassroots mobilisation rally at NSW Parliament House on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 at noon.

The brief outlines four non-negotiable structural constraints proving the Pittwater Peninsula cannot safely absorb the State Government’s mandated multi-storey blanket upzoning or associated State Significant Development (SSD) pathways.

Key Evidentiary Findings Include:

• Wastewater and Coastal Health Failures: The Warriewood Wastewater Treatment Plant currently operates beyond its baseline equivalent population capacity. During heavy rain, hydraulic inundation overwhelms the bypass storage in one to two hours,  discharging partially treated effluent straight into the recreational surf zones of Turimetta Head.

• Life Safety and Evacuation Gridlock: The Pittwater peninsula is a geographic cul-de-sac hemmed in by continuous national park reserves and the sea. Imposing multi-storey density onto a single, two-lane arterial road serving more than 35,000 residents— directly breaches the intent of Section 9.1 Planning Direction 4.3 and ignores the findings of the 1994 Hiatt Coronial Inquiry.

• The Rapid Transit Myth: Mona Vale was included in the policy on the premise of being serviced by "rapid transit," despite the B-Line operating in mixed tra5ic and being throttled by physical pinch points at the Spit Bridge and Military Road. Region 8 bus cancellations account for nearly 30% of all bus cancellations across Greater Sydney.

• The Affordable Housing "Luxury Loophole": A 30% discounted rent on a luxury newbuild apartment in Mona Vale still consumes over 53% of an entry-level registered nurse’s take-home pay. Dual-income essential worker couples are legally disqualified by statutory income caps, meaning the policy extracts developer margins while delivering zero long-term social dividend.

Convenor, John David said, ‘'This dossier has been prepared following the admission by Paul Scully, the Minister for Planning and Open Spaces that a detailed study of Mona Vale’ s ability to safely sustain higher density was not conducted before it was re-zoned’

‘The government has not done their homework, so we have done it for them.’ said Mr David

The community is calling on Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully, to halt the application of Chapter 6 of the Housing SEPP until an independent, cumulative Infrastructure Capability and Emergency Evacuation Audit is formally tabled in the NSW Parliament.

A delegation of over 100 residents formally handed over the dossier on Wednesday.

The rally heard from coastal engineer Angus Gordon OAM, a former General Manager of Pittwater Council; veteran campaigners Parry Thomas, and Shane Withington, as well as many other residents taking up the megaphone. Affordable Forever and Mosman Matters community members were also in attendance and in support of sensible housing reform, as was Greens Pittwater Councillor Miranda Korzy.

All Members of Parliament were invited to the event, but from the Legislative Assemble, only those who voted against the bipartisan planning reforms addressed the crowd including Jacqui Scruby MP,  Member for Wakehurst, Michael Regan, Member for Balmain, Kobi Shetty.  Sue Higginson MLC and the Hon. Rachel Merton MLC from the Legislative Council also addressed the crowd.  

SOS Save Our Suburb Mona Vale,  Affordable Forever and Mosman Matters members taking it to Macquarie street

Ms Scruby and others called out the Opposition’s failure to oppose the planning reforms, and denounced the low and mid-rise and Housing Delivery Authority as ‘development at any cost,’ which overrides strategic planning and community voice. 

Following the rally, Ms Scruby presented the dossier to Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Public Spaces, Mr Stephen Bali MP, who sat down with Messrs David, Gordon and Thomas, and listened to the group’s concerns. 

Earlier in the day, Ms Scruby gave a Notice of Motion condemning the Housing Delivery Authority and inappropriate mid and high-rise development in her electorate, calling on the Minns Labor Government to introduce a moratorium.

Ms Scruby said on Wednesday:

“Political pressure comes from community pressure. Today, Pittwater locals took their concerns directly to the steps of NSW Parliament, making it clear that they will not stand by whilst these bipartisan planning reforms turn on the taps for developers at the expense of our community.

“Just as they did on the floor of Parliament when they voted for these reforms, Liberal and Labor MPs declined the opportunity to hear directly from the people affected by them.

“While those MPs remained inside Parliament House, community representatives and the MPs who continue to stand up against these reforms made their voices heard. Michael Regan, Member for Wakehurst, Kobi Shetty, Member for Balmain, and Sue Higginson MLC, continue to be important voices challenging NSW’s developer-led planning agenda.

“Development cannot be a ‘let it rip’ exercise. Mona Vale and the wider Pittwater area face very real constraints, including major roads that can be cut off by flooding and bushfires, an already dysfunctional transport system, and wastewater infrastructure limitations.”

Former Pittwater Council General Manager Angus Gordon OAM, a coastal management and environment engineer, spoke at the Protest outside Parliament on Wednesday on the development constraints, saying more people would overwhelm water, sewerage and transport infrastructure.

“It is not planning if you have planning without infrastructure.

It’s not simply incompetence; it’s irresponsible because at some point in time in the future, it’s going to have to be picked up and paid for by somebody.

“If you go back to the 1994 bushfires, we lost over 30 houses in Elanora [Heights], and we lost them because there wasn’t the water supply. Well, guess what? Sydney Water hasn’t upgraded the water supply, and yet the density has increased, and now they’re proposing greater increases,” Mr Gordon said

Mona Vale SSD now 14 Storeys: 48.75m Metres Tall for 285 units for around 600 occupants

On Friday October 23 the Department of Planning sent out an email advising it has received a request (Oct. 22) to prepare the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) for the 'Residential Flat Building Mona Vale (was SSD-129265241). 

The new webpage (Oct 22 2026 now SSD-150586490) Scoping report document states the build will be up to 14 storeys with a height of 48.75 metres for 285 units comprising 57x 1bedrooms, 157x 2bed and 71x 3+ bedrooms for 415 occupants. 

However, if all bedrooms are used, these figures add up to at least 584 occupants and the potential for the same amount of cars.

Access to an undefined as yet amount of basement (excavated) car parking will be accessed via Vineyard street according to the proponents Scoping report.

The document states approximately 43 units would be delivered as affordable housing for a minimum period of 15 years. 

The units are arranged across two (2) fourteen (14) storey buildings addressing Mona Vale Road to the north, being the East and West Buildings, and a seven (7) storey building addressing Vineyard Street to the south.

This proposal was originally(SSD-129265241) for a Residential flat building containing 185 units, inclusive of 40 infill affordable dwellings (for a minimum of 15 years) on land at 6, 8, 8A, 10, 10A, 12, 12A and 14 Mona Vale Road and 8 and 10 Vineyard Street, Mona Vale, has already been welcomed by the state government. The proposal then was for a Building Height of 37.55m - 40.70m, with Eight (8) to twelve (12) storeys and a development listing 43 x1 bed 43 23%, 94 x 2 bed and 48 x 3+ bedroom units. 

MORE HERE

Last Bank Branch North of Mona Vale to Close this November

The letter informs them the nearest Branch will then be at Mona Vale, although they can use the Post Office at Avalon Beach for transactions - shifting the work from bank tellers to post office employees.

The news service has spoken with residents who will be impacted, finding pensioners and local businesses who use the branch on a daily or weekly basis will to be the most impacted.

Independent MP for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby stated:

“After making nearly $11bn in profit last financial year, CBA is making a mockery of its clients by closing branches like Avalon that are relied on by the community, especially older people and our local businesses.”

“People are outraged and rightly so, the queues are long, the bank is used and is providing services that the post office can’t provide – especially for businesses needing change or the ability to make deposits, which is also a security issue.”

“I have written to CBA requesting the decision be reconsidered and at very least confirm that an ATM will be retained and it is welcome that CBA has confirmed it will continue to provide an ATM. I also spoke to other members of parliament who have had branch closures, but their experience is that despite community opposition, CBA has proceeded with closures anyway.”

“I understand that all employees will be transferred but I would like to extend support to any employee or resident impacted by this decision to contact my office.”

“Only last month CBA confirmed a moratorium on regional closures and a commitment to retain cash, but within days has given notice of Avalon Branch’s closure. They are missing the point that people and communities want banking where they live and shop, and being able to talk with a manager or teller to assist managing their finances is incredibly important.”

“AI is evolving so rapidly that we are not ready as a country for the impact this may have on waves of redundancies across many industries. In coal mining, forestry and other industries we decades years planning transition including financial packages to support workers. Whilst businesses embrace productivity gains, we must also put protections in to prevent shocks to the economy.''

According to the Finance Sector Union (FSU) by October 1 2026 the Commonwealth Bank had closed 29 metropolitan branches.

Another announced since then in the Electorate of Casey, which covers Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs, the Yarra Valley, and the Dandenong Ranges, has their federal MP penning a letter to the bank as well.

MORE HERE

Council to investigate Protecting Vital Ingleside wildlife corridor near Mona Vale Rd. fauna bridge

Swamp Wallaby crossing  Mona Vale Rd East on the fauna bridge. Photo supplied

The Northern Beaches Council has announced it has agreed to progress a proposal to strengthen the long-term protection of the Ingleside wildlife corridor, including seeking the transfer of identified State-owned land to Council and to rezone it for environmental conservation.

The land is part of a corridor that links Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Katandra Bushland Sanctuary and Ingleside Chase Reserve, while also connecting habitat to Irrawong Reserve and Warriewood Wetlands.

A preliminary council assessment found the area contains largely intact native bushland in good condition and provides important habitat connectivity. The Ingleside corridor contains habitat that supports, or has the potential to support, more than 30 threatened species from the local area. Native vegetation within the corridor also includes areas of coastal upland swamp, an endangered ecological community.

MORE HERE

Encouraging Meeting with Minister Hoenig: Update from Protect Pittwater - Restoring Pittwater Council

Protect Pittwater’s Business Case was formally submitted to the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Ron Hoenig MP, on 28th September.

Just 17 days later, Protect Pittwater received an invitation to meet with the Minister at Parliament House - a significant next step in our ongoing efforts to secure a future for Pittwater that reflects the wishes and interests of our local community.

The meeting with Minister Hoenig was very encouraging and he remains supportive of referring our proposal to the NSW Boundaries Commission.

Protect Pittwater confirmed it had provided the additional signatures the Minister had requested. As he had not yet seen the Business Case, he was given a hard copy, with a second copy for Ms Jacqui Scruby MP.

The Minister reiterated repeatedly his strong support for restoring genuine local government where the community wants it - clearly forced amalgamation had failed. He confirmed the Business Council would decide its own process and may ask him for funds to appoint consultants to investigate our proposal.

He spoke highly of Peter Duncan, who heads the Boundaries Commission, describing him as “the smartest public servant in NSW.”

In a pre-meeting discussion with Ms Scruby, she was reassured that the Commission is required to canvass public opinion and can poll the electors. Protect Pittwater thanks Ms Scruby for facilitating the meeting with the Minister.

A financially sustainable Pittwater Council:

The Business Case sets out a pathway to a sustainable, independent Pittwater Council that is efficiently managed and better placed to direct services and investment where they are needed most. It demonstrates that Pittwater can stand alone without increasing the rates burden on residents.

The proposal is backed by detailed financial modelling prepared by experienced financial and local government professionals:

• Richard White FCPA, former CFO of subsidiaries of huge international corporations.
• Angus Gordon OAM, former General Manager of Pittwater Council.
• Frank Peylaire, project advisory and economics strategist for large corporations and Government bodies.

Protect Pittwater thanks the team for the enormous amount of work they have generously contributed to this milestone in the campaign to restore local democracy.

Mr White said the analysis challenges the assumption that restoring Pittwater Council would be prohibitively expensive.

"The cost of de-amalgamating and establishing the new Pittwater Council is far lower than many assume. The Business Case sets out these costs in detail, showing that restoring local government to Pittwater is both achievable and affordable. It concludes that a new Pittwater Council would provide a clear financial benefit to residents, with ratepayers' dollars going further and importantly, staying in Pittwater."

More frontline services, less bureaucracy:

A central feature of the Business Case is its proposed staffing structure. Protect Pittwater argues that Northern Beaches Council has developed a large, complex administration with multiple layers of management. A new Pittwater Council would have a leaner structure, with more of its workforce dedicated to frontline services.

The Business Case proposes a workforce of 301 employees, including 255 frontline workers. It projects staff costs at about 34% of the overall budget, compared with the 40% appearing in Northern Beaches Council’s Long Term Financial Plan. That would direct more  resources to services residents see and rely on every day, such as roads, pool maintenance and environmental management, while creating greater capacity to invest in major capital projects.

Local decisions for a local community:

Protect Pittwater argues that the strongest case for a new council is democratic as well as financial. Under the current structure, Pittwater is part of a much larger council spanning three former local government areas. Its 3 councillors can be outvoted by the other 12 and Pittwater's priorities are too often overlooked.

Under a Pittwater Council, 9 locally elected councillors would focus on the area's unique priorities, challenges and opportunities. Protect Pittwater believes this would deliver stronger local accountability and ensure decisions about Pittwater are made in Pittwater's interests, with Pittwater's rates spent in Pittwater.

About Protect Pittwater

Protect Pittwater was established in 2017 by Pittwater residents dedicated to reinstating the former Pittwater Council. In 2016, despite being deemed Fit for Future, the coalition state government forced Pittwater to amalgamate with Warringah and Manly Councils. Our core mission is to bring back Pittwater Council to ensure strong, independent representation for our community, achieve better fiscal results with less bureaucracy and foster the unique environmental and urban characteristics of Pittwater for residents and visitors alike. We are non-partisan.

Find out more, become a member, support the work, at: protectpittwater.org

Para Surfing 'Irukandjis' Train at URBNSURF Sydney as $100,000 Fundraising Mission Continues!

Australia’s Para Surfing team, the Irukandjis, hit the water at URBNSURF Sydney on Wednesday October 14 for a dedicated team training session ahead of the 2026 ISA World Para Surfing Championships in California this November.

The session brought the 13-strong Australian squad together as preparations ramp up for the November 19–22 World Championships, where the team will look to build on its success at the 2025 event.

Australia will send one of the world’s leading Para Surfing teams to the 2026 ISA World Para Surfing Championships, after they claimed Team Copper and eight individual medals at the 2025 World Championships.

With four World Champions among the squad, the Irukandjis are now working towards the next challenge: getting the team to California, with Surfing Australia aiming to raise $100,000 to help cover the costs of representing Australia on the world stage.

Each member of Australian's Para Surfing team have already overcome insurmountable challenges to discover or make a return to surfing. For many of the athletes, representing Australia comes at a significant personal cost.

Flights, accommodation, competition expenses and specialised equipment are only part of the equation. Some athletes also need to travel with essential support teams, meaning the cost of representing their country can be double or even triple that of other competitors.

Behind every athlete on the Australian Para Surfing Team is a story of strength, unwavering resilience, and love of the sport.  

A Reason to Move Forward

For Emma Dieters, representing Australia means far more than competition.

Dieters was diagnosed as a C4 quadriplegic in February 2021 after spinal fusion surgery went wrong. Dieters couldn't have imagined she would return to surfing, let alone compete for Australia on the world stage. But just a year later, in 2022, she became an ISA World Surfing Champion.

After claiming Bronze in 2025, Emma Dieters (NSW) is eager to continue her remarkable journey on the world stage.

“Representing Australia and the Irukandjis is such a great honour, but it’s about something much deeper than sport. Since acquiring my spinal cord injury in 2021, para surfing has given me focus, purpose and a way to show what is truly possible after life is flipped upside down.

If you told me five years ago I’d be back in the ocean, let alone chasing a 3X World Championship, I wouldn’t have believed you. Every time I wear the iconic Irukandjis green and gold, I’m representing a pathway that saved me and gave me a reason to keep pushing forward. The team camaraderie and support of this incredible community is what makes this journey so special.” — Emma Dieters.

 Pittwater's Em Dieters at the training session

Supporting The Para Irukandjis

The team’s $100,000 fundraising campaign will directly support the athletes as they prepare for the World Championships, helping ease the financial burden that comes with competing internationally and allowing them to focus on what they do best — surfing.

"We aren’t just covering flights and specialised equipment; many athletes also need to fund travel and accommodation for their support teams, which can mean doubling or tripling the costs. The support of our community through the ASF fundraising campaign means everything. It gives us the freedom to focus on performing in the waves rather than worrying about the bills." — Emma Dieters. 

We are completely self funded. Support from the community and sponsors alleviates financial stress and allows us to perform our best. Without it, we can’t represent Australia on the biggest stage as a team or pursue our own personal dreams. — Joel Taylor. 

Support the Irukandjis on their journey by donating to the team's official fundraising campaign: 

asf.org.au/campaigns/surfing-australia/2026-isa-irukandjis-para-team 

For further updates throughout the event, follow @theirukandjs + @surfingaus on Instagram and Facebook.

MORE HERE

Photo: Surfing Australia

NASA Surfers Win GromSearch Phillip Island: Congratulations Maverick + Locana

NASA's Maverick Macgugan and Locana Cullen with their little penguin (Phillip Island) trophies. Photo: NSA/Surfing Victoria

NASA (North Avalon Surfriders Association) members Maverick Macgugan and Locana Cullen have won their age divisions in the 2026 edition of the Rip Curl GromSearch Phillip Island in Victoria over the Spring break.

The standout surfer of Day 1, September 29, was Locana “Loci” Cullen (16) from Pittwater. He posted the highest single-wave score of the morning with a 10.00 and a 9.43, putting his competitors into a combination position. As the defending champion, Loci signalled he had every intention of going back-to-back. Surfing Victoria commented: ''and with surfing like that, he will be hard to beat.''

“We’re back down here at Phillip Island—won it last year,” Loci said 

“Waves are cooking right now, perfect right-hand rip bowls as usual. Woolamai Beach is always a special place, and hopefully we can go back-to-back. It’s an awesome place, can’t wait.”

Loci's opening day efforts came off the back of his win in the ISA World Championships just shortly beforehand.

See September 2026 report: Australia Makes History With 10th Title at 2026 Surf City El Salvador ISA World Junior Surfing Championship

NASA's Maverick Macguagan also topped his Heat 1 round, scoring 16.67 and a clear 4 points ahead of anyone else in his age division.

Loci's brother Balin Cullen scored well in Day 2 (September 30) winning his Under 18's Round 1 heat in waves breaking in the 3ft range and an ‘all-day’ offshore breeze. 

Surfing Victoria said:

''Competitors made the most of the conditions, with many showcasing a surfing ability well beyond their years, posting massive heat totals.''

MORE HERE