September 1 - 30, 2026: Issue 658

 

This Week In Parliament: MP For Pittwater, Jacqui Scruby

Sitting Week ending September 18 2026


1. COASTAL MANAGEMENT ACT AND AUDITOR GENERAL'S RECOMMENDATIONS

On Tuesday 15 September, Member for Pittwater Jacqui Scruby gave the following notice:

That this House:

(1) Notes that September 2026 marks the formal deadline set by the New South Wales Auditor-General to rectify systemic regulatory, mapping, and funding failures under the Coastal Management Act 2016.

(2) Notes that eight years on, the most vital statutory tool for managing hazards – the Coastal Vulnerability Area - remains unmapped across virtually the entire State.

(3) Calls on the Government to provide an update on the Auditor-General's September 2026 recommendations.

Pittwater Online reported on this earlier. See: NSW Audit Office report on Coastal Management Finds Objectives of Coastal Management Act are not being met: Recommendations

This follows Ms Scruby asking an earlier Question on Notice.  That referenced review is now complete but Ms Scruby is concerned about further delays, particularly in light of the below recommendations.

Ms Scruby remains concerned about the administration and implementation of the Act.

In short, the Auditor General in his Coastal Management Report of 10 September 2025 made the following findings and recommendations:

Findings

The coastal management framework is not being effectively implemented to manage the NSW coastal environment. Seven years after the framework came into effect, most local councils are still in the process of developing CMPs.

DCCEEW is not effectively overseeing and facilitating implementation of the framework by state and local government. As a result, the Act’s objectives are not being achieved.

Gaps in DCCEEW’s strategic planning, risk management and performance monitoring mean it cannot demonstrate that the framework is being implemented to effectively manage risks to the use and resilience of the coastal environment now and into the future. 

The audited councils are developing CMPs to support coastal management and strategic land use planning, but the process is taking longer than anticipated. The audited councils with certified CMPs have faced challenges in integrating related coastal management actions as part of their integrated planning and reporting, due to uncertainty over long-term funding sources.

DCCEEW and DPHI are not effectively addressing challenges to the successful implementation of the framework. These include gaps in mapping coastal hazards to support framework objectives for managing risks from these hazards. DCCEEW is not effectively facilitating partnerships across state and local government, and there is uncertainty over funding for framework implementation.

Recommendations

The report makes recommendations including:

  • DCCEEW should improve its oversight, facilitation and monitoring of framework implementation.
  • DCCEEW and DPHI should address gaps in implementation of land use planning policy relating to managing coastal hazard risks.
  • Local councils, and divisions of DCCEEW and DPHI responsible for national parks and Crown land, should integrate the delivery of actions in CMPs into asset management, business and financial planning, and risk management processes.
  • Local councils should monitor and report on progress to the council and community.

By September 2026, DCCEEW should:

1. develop and commence the delivery of an implementation plan for the coastal management framework which includes:

a) clearly defined and communicated roles, responsibilities and accountabilities for local government and each relevant state government agency (including the divisions of DCCEEW and DPHI responsible for managing national parks and Crown land) to ensure an integrated and coordinated approach to framework implementation

b) objectives, outcomes, success measures and timeframes for key elements, such as CMP development, coverage of CMPs across the State and high-risk areas, mapping of coastal hazards and emergency action subplans

c) risk-based analysis of resourcing required and priorities for framework implementation to promote resilience, and alignment with other relevant government priorities, including the State Disaster Mitigation Plan and the NSW Climate Change Adaptation Strategy

d) a monitoring, evaluation and reporting plan, including public reporting on the progress of framework implementation and related outcomes

2. review and improve the processes and requirements for CMP development and certification

3. evaluate the Coastal and Estuary Grants Program to ensure it is a sufficient and cost-effective mechanism for funding coastal management actions to achieve objectives

4. integrate the delivery of relevant actions in certified CMPs into its National Parks & Wildlife Services division’s asset management, business and financial planning, and risk management processes.

By September 2026, DCCEEW and DPHI should:

5. develop and commence implementation of a plan to ensure coastal vulnerability area mapping in the State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience and Hazards) 2021 supports framework objectives relevant to managing coastal hazards.

By September 2026, DPHI should:

6. integrate the delivery of relevant actions in certified CMPs into its Crown Land and Public Spaces division’s asset management, business and financial planning, and risk management processes.

By September 2026, the audited councils should:

7. routinely monitor and report on progress in developing and implementing CMPs to the council and community

8. integrate the delivery of actions in certified CMPs into their asset management, business and financial planning, and risk management processes.

The Government's consultation on the proposed changes to improve coastal management and support blue carbon and other ecosystem restoration projects completed consultation on 1 June 2026.

2. PRIVATE MEMBERS STATEMENTS - VIETNAM VETERANS DAY + COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

Ms Scruby also delivered a moving Private Members Statement following Vietnam Veterans Day and the 60th Anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan.

Ms Scruby said:

"The commemoration was special because it was attended by all northern beaches sub-branches and we were addressed by Vietnam vet Doug McGrath."

Moved by Doug's speech. Ms Scruby read some of his account on to the record of Hansard to honour Doug and the Northern Beaches Veterans.

You can read Doug's speech, as transcribed in full, here:

Vietnam Veterans Day (Northern) 2026 on 60th Anniversary of Battle of Long Tan: Combined Sub-Branch Commemorative Service Hosted by Palm Beach RSL Sub-Branch

Ms Scruby has tabled a number of Community Recognition and Private Members Statements this sitting week, celebrating and placing into the NSW Parliament Records the great community spirit being shared through the volunteer works, challenges risen to and successes of the following people, businesses, and organisations (click on links to read in Hansard):

3. PARLIAMENTARY UPDATE

Local Government and Other Legislation Amendment (Councillor Conduct Proceedings) Bill 2026

Amends the Local Government Act 1993 to establish public interest proceedings for serious misconduct and allocate jurisdiction to the Land and Environment Court.

Relevant Media statements by incumbent NSW Government:

Ms Scruby said:

"I welcome this bill that will provide for the taking of public interest proceedings against councillors or former councillors that will provide for the interaction between public interest proceedings and stop bullying orders and sexual harassment orders.  People want integrity in politics and local government and for those who abuse their position to be held to account. Shifting from NCAT to the Land and Environment Court provides greater accountability and will help restore trust."

Emergency Services Legislation Amendment Bill 2026

The ESL bill also passed parliament, following recommendations from the Joint Select Committee on the NSW Reconstruction Authority's Review of the NSW Reconstruction Authority Act 2022.

Ms Scruby said:

"After bringing Minister Saffin to Mackerel Beach following the devastating storm in January Northern Beaches was declared a Disaster Area. At that time I was astounded to learn that disaster recovery funding for damaged public infrastructure could only be replaced – like for like – rather than improved to further mitigate risks. We had a perverse situation where in NSW a wooden bridge burnt by a fire could only be replaced with a wooden bridge. This legislation updates to allow for betterment.

I'm pleased we also now have extended protections for emergency non-government organisations including St John Ambulance, WIRES, the Salvation Army, and Australian Red Cross."

Environment Groups in Parliament

Ms Scruby also hosted environmental groups in parliament this week, including Friends of Bongin Bongin Bay and Canopy Keepers to discuss critical local issues including Foreshore Scenic Protection Area for Pittwater, canopy loss across the peninsula, illegal tree removal, cats and their impacts on wildlife, marine sanctuaries, and strengthening biodiversity and the environment through legislation, regulations, and State environmental planning policies. 

Ms Scruby would like to acknowledge the following individuals for their contributions and commitment to the environment:

  • Chelsey Baker
  • Dave Goudie
  • Jane Prior
  • Andrew Gregory
  • Greg Pride
  • Beata Edling

FROM ANDREW GREGORY (Powerful Owl Project member, wildlife rescuer & Australian Geographic photographer) - LOSS OF HOLLOWS AND HABITAT

Andrew spoke about how he and the PO Project are: 

Extremely worried about Powerful Owl breeding future in our area due to development and habitat loss. Only 3 breeding pairs in Pittwater now (between Newport & Palm Beach). There were 6. Hollows are still being destroyed. Andrew has installed many nest boxes around Pittwater and has had owl males in some boxes calling for mates but unable to find female in the area as so this indicates there are few now. Cockatoos move in to nest boxes (population explosion of cockatoos - not native to this area). This is a critical time for POs due to development pressure and lack of care and supportive policy for the habitat and environment by state government and the council. With H5 Bird Flu now here he appealed to Jacqui to lobby for the environment on this point. Support NO dogs on Palm Beach.

Parliamentary Friends of EV's

Ms Scruby joined the Minister for Roads and Regional Transport and Sally Quinnell MP, State Member for Camden for an evening at NSW Parliament.

Hear from industry leaders on powering the future of heavy electric transport and connect with senior stakeholders from across the EV sector.

The event featured remarks from industry and government stakeholders, and provided an opportunity to connect with leaders from across the EV sector. MPs signed a pledge demonstrating their support for the electrification of transport in Australia.

Photo supplied