It’s been 12 months since I hit the ground running as your independent MP, and what a landmark year it’s been! Together, we’ve secured wins right across Pittwater and record investment in the NSW Budget - from infrastructure and public services to protecting our environment and community.
Of course, there’s more to do. Challenges like securing private hospital services at Northern Beaches Hospital, road upgrades, fixing more potholes, and standing up to developer-led planning reforms remain on my agenda. I’ll keep pushing for e-bike safety reforms and more drones for metro beaches.
On the NSW front, I’m proud to have represented Pittwater pushing for the full 176,000 hectares of the Great Koala National Park and successfully amending the planning legislation objects to include conservation of all native habitat. But there’s still much more to do to address climate change and deliver better environmental outcomes.
This year has exceeded my expectations, Pittwater has made real progress. The highlights for me have been:
Mona Vale Road West Upgrade
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby at MVR West site
$250 million has been allocated (part of a $500 million total package) to finish the upgrade of this critical road. Final designs and geotechnical reviews are underway, but I’m calling for repairs to the existing road now, as it is in a dangerous condition.
Northern Beaches Hospital Secured
The $190 million investment by the NSW Government to transition the hospital into public hands, puts patients before profits. We’ve secured the government’s commitment to private hospital services, but we need certainty.
New Narrabeen Ambulance Station
The recently announced new ambulance station at Narrabeen will save lives by ensuring we have locally based paramedic services. Thanks to the ambulance crews and the Health Services Union (HSU) for their advocacy in retaining these services.
We will continue to have 24/7 ambulance coverage during planning and construction with staff likely to temporarily relocate to Mona Vale.
New Narrabeen Athletics Track
$6.7 million is being invested to upgrade the track to world-class standards, due to reopen by Q3 2026.
Narrabeen Sports High Performance Hall
$5 million has been allocated for a new, state-of-the-art Performance Hall at Narrabeen Sports High, due 2027, plus ongoing support for our public schools.
More Buses, Fewer Cancellations
Improved public transport has arrived — including bendy buses and NSW’s first electric buses.
Road Repairs and Potholes
Targeted upgrades are underway across Pittwater, with resurfacing at Narrabeen and the Bilgola Bends complete and more in the pipeline.
Local Business and Community Grants
Pittwater MP Jacqui Scruby presenting grant check to Elanora Public School for shade-sails
Over $1 million was secured to support local businesses and community organisations, helping grassroots projects thrive. If you’re applying for funding, my team is running a community Grants Writing Workshop on January 20 2026 - register here.
Dune and Bushland Restoration
$155,000 has been invested to restore dunes and bushland, protecting Pittwater’s natural environment for people and wildlife.
EV Fast Chargers
Funding has provided 18 new electric vehicle fast chargers to support sustainable transport in our area.
Great Koala National Park — A Historic Win for Wildlife
Beyond Pittwater, I was proud to help secure the Great Koala National Park, protecting 176,000 hectares of state forest on the Mid North Coast. The NSW Government officially committed to the park, which will connect existing reserves, giving koalas, greater gliders, swift parrots, and many other threatened species a safer future.
This is a win for wildlife and communities, supporting eco-tourism, sustainable jobs, and stronger climate resilience. It’s also proof that community advocacy works - thousands of people speaking up helped make this happen.
Looking forward to 2026
Developer-led planning reforms are shaping up to be a major challenge. The biggest changes to NSW planning in 50 years passed Parliament in November, and I was one of only four MPs to vote against them. I managed to secure an amendment to strengthen environmental protections, ensuring all native habitat - not just endangered species - stay safeguarded.
We are already seeing the impact on Pittwater with a number of large developments being proposed - like Indigo by Moran in Narrabeen - and rezoning applications - like Wilga Wilson in Ingleside. I’ve written detailed proposals opposing them and supporting council-led development to meet our housing targets.
The bipartisan developer-led reforms passed NSW Parliament with support from the NSW Labour Government and Liberal opposition, Pittwater is voicing its opposition loud and clear. We understand the need for more housing, and the Northern Beaches already had plans in place to meet housing targets, but these developer-led planning reforms will not solve the housing crisis. Community-led planning is the only way to approach this problem.
I will continue to be your voice in Parliament: Planning should happen with us, not to us.
E‑Bikes: Safer, Cleaner, Smarter Transport
After calling for licensing, registration and insurance and giving notice of my e-Bike safety bill, it was exciting to hear the NSW Liberals adopt my policy position. Labor is dragging the chain in addressing e-Bikes and it’s great to have the Liberals onboard to put pressure on the Premier. E‑bikes are a fantastic, green way to get around - but with increasing numbers on our roads, we need to protect everyone: riders, pedestrians, and other road users and get investment in cycleways and infrastructure.
I’ve been calling for NSW to lead with licensing, registration, insurance, and enforcement for e‑bikes. This year, the Government backed some safety measures, but I will continue to push for comprehensive measures to ensure streets are safe, and there is accountability and enforcement.
Expanded Drone Coverage on Metro Beaches
I want to acknowledge the incredible advocacy of Maria and Mike Psillakis and Long Reef Boardriders working with myself and Michael Regan, Ministers and the Premier to get additional shark mitigation strategies for metro beaches. It would not have happened without them. I’m calling for more money in next year’s budget to expand drone coverage on metro beaches as part of the NSW Shark Mitigation Program. The NSW Government has recently announced some expansion of the program, but we need wider coverage in metro areas, like the Northern Beaches, to better protect beachgoers and surfers.
Drones provide real-time data, immediate warnings and effective management.
Technology matters. We don’t want nippers, teens doing their Surf Certificate Program, or boardriders losing trust in beach safety. Shark nets give false confidence - and catch untargeted marine life like turtles, dolphins and whales. Drones give real-time information. Risk can never be eliminated, but it can be better managed with modern technology.
Thank You, Pittwater
Every petition signature, phone call and conversation - it all counts. Wins like the Great Koala National Park, progress on the hospital and funding for our infrastructure and community show what we can deliver by working together.
So thank you Pittwater for supporting me. It’s an honour to be your MP, and I’m looking forward to another year of working together to deliver for our community.
A special thanks to all those keeping us safe over summer - nurses, doctors, emergency services, and surf lifesavers.
Have a wonderful Christmas break and safe holidays!
Jacqui Scruby MP
