Northern Beaches Council has stated its 'adopted its $598 million Budget for the 2026/27 year following a month-long public exhibition that attracted more than 8,500 online visitors and 135 submissions, with people highlighting priorities such as improved footpaths and cycling infrastructure and upgraded roads and parks.
The council stated on Wednesday June 17 2026, just after the June 16 Meeting:
'The 2026/27 rates notice for a typical residential property** will increase by $56 per quarter, of which $13 relates to the Domestic Waste charge*, $15 to the rate peg and $28 to the Special Variation program. Support remains available for ratepayers experiencing financial hardship and rebates are also available for eligible pensioners'. the council stated
The booklet documents for the June council meeting (page 491) state:
* In 2026/27 waste charges are recommended to increase 8.8%, of which 6.6% ($40 of the increase in the standard waste charge) relates to the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on fuel costs, which is not expected to be required in following years.
The council said it is:
''set to invest $130 million - the largest commitment ever – to improve the places our community use every day, from roads and footpaths to parks, beaches and community facilities.
This budget is supported by a Special Variation to rates approved by IPART, helping address infrastructure backlogs and improve long-term financial sustainability.''
''Council’s Productivity and Improvement Program is targeting at least $5 million in ongoing savings over 3 years and $10 million in one off capital savings over 5 years. In the last 12 months, $2.1 million in ongoing savings have been achieved along with $4.9 million through asset sales.
The 2026/27 Budget includes an additional $1.2 million in ongoing savings and revenue initiative, and further asset sales are being explored.''
See March 2026 report: Sell Off of Pittwater Residents Asset at Vuko Place 'On the Nose' Residents State
An Amendment was moved to the Item 'OUTCOME OF PUBLIC EXHIBITION - DRAFT DELIVERY PROGRAM 2026-2030, OPERATIONAL PLAN 2026/27 AND LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLAN 2026-2036 ' by Councillor
Church Point Parking: Dillon
At the community forum held a week prior to the Meeting, President of the West Pittwater Community Association Michael Wiener spoke of the agreement between residents and Pittwater Council, stating:
''When we originally did the plan of management, it was very clear that the fees would revert back to their original position of roughly $300 a year from the $500 a year that they were [charging] in order to pay off the loan. I don't really know of very many community or groups, citizens that have voluntarily paid for their own infrastructure. We've contributed over $8 million to the council area in the construction of that car park. And once that loan is paid off, it's only fair and reasonable that those fees go back to the pre-loan level as was actually agreed to in the plan of management.''
At the budget council meeting, Councillor Dillon moved an amendment to accommodate that, prefacing this by stating:
''Unlike almost every other residential community in our LGA, offshore residents have access have no road access to their homes other than the new roads on Scotland Island. For them, parking at Church Point is not a convenience, it is an essential part of accessing their principal place of residence. At the same time, council has a responsibility to ensure that the costs associated with providing and maintaining the Church Point parking facilities are met in a fair and sustainable way. Beyond the completed 10-year loan for the road and the car park, the original intent of the permit system was to contribute towards the maintenance, operating costs, and depreciation of the parking station while also assisting in managing demand.
The fee proposed in this amendment for the 12 month car park of $455 is therefore not an arbitrary figure. It reflects the principle that users should make a reasonable contribution towards the infrastructure they rely upon while recognising the unique circumstance of the offshore community and providing meaningful relief compared with the alternative. Importantly, this amendment seeks to strike a balance. It also responds to a previous commitment made by former Pittwater Council. This is why I believe that this amendment is both fair and reasonable. It represents a sensible evidence-based middle ground. Those who directly benefit from the parking stations continue to make a substantial contribution towards its ongoing costs. … council recognises the unique and unavoidable reliance that offshore residents have on this infrastructure. In my view, that's the right balance. And for that reason, I commend me the amendment to my fellow councillors for their utmost support.''
As a result Item 9,1 had an addition that was passed:
8. Due to the full repayment of the associated loan in May 2026, reduce the Church Point car parking permit 2026/27 fees to:
a. LGA Residents only 12-month permit - $455 per permit
b. LGA Residents only 6-month permit - $228 per permit
c. LGA Residents only 12-month permit - Concession - $228 per permit
d. LGA Residents only 6-month permit - Concession - $114 per permit
e. LGA Residents Church Point support worker 12-month permit – Concession - $228 per permit.
Report on an Equitable Distribution of Capital Works Expenditure: Hackman
Residents have stated:
‘’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?’’
They state they see nothing for their rates, especially under the increase by thousands of dollars added to some properties since the permanent increase Special Rate Variation.
There is also a view, in adding up the figures and where they were allocated in this Budget, that more is spent elsewhere, and has been the practice for the decade of the Northern Beaches Council, from the amalgamation of Pittwater and Manly with Warringah, has been placed over the area.
Councillor Hackman spoke about this, tabling an addition, That the Council:
11. Receive a report on opportunities to equitably distribute capital works expenditure across all wards in future budget processes.
Speaking to this, Ms Hackman stated:
''... when I look at all the wards who are paying rates income and the corresponding expenditure in those wards, I really want to make sure that every resident is getting value for money. And also as a governing body, I want to make sure that our funds are really closely aligned to our strategic goals and that we're measuring any gaps and supporting with additional funding where we need to increase that performance to make sure that we deliver on those goals that we set separately but also in the overarching community strategic plan. ...
I just want to make sure that we're aligned to our strategies and we're properly funding them and that we can identify any other ways that we could increase our spend and make sure that we're we're meeting all of our goals.''
Ms Hackman also successfully added in That the Council:
12. Receive a report on ways to meet funding shortfalls to achieve the aims of the Protect. Create. Live. Environment and Climate Change Strategy and Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme.
Overview of allocations
The Draft Budget 2026/27 document stated it presents 'a detailed budget for 2026/27, including funding sources, rating and financial statements.'
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
Residents have 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.
Pittwater Allocations
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.
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 allocated: $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'
More details of Pittwater Allocations are available in May 2026 report: Council Draft Budget 2026/27 Open for Feedback Until Sunday May 24: A Delve into the Details