Hopefully you all manage to get a restful and enjoyable Christmas break this year. Please consider spending your time and money with our local businesses. They will greatly appreciate the support, much more than an international competitor.
I pay tribute to those who continue to work over the Christmas / New Year break – ambulance and hospital staff, transport personnel, police, surf life savers and those serving through the various community organisations. On behalf of the electorate, we say thank you.
As the excitement of Christmas gives way to fun in the sun, the Manly electorate is overwhelmingly spoilt for choice … from the rolling surf on our sandy shores to harbour activities and bushland walks.
Be sure to be sun safe. Slip on clothing that covers your arms and legs. Slop on SPF-50 (or higher) sunscreen, Slap on a hat. Seek shade and slide on sunglasses.
In our various suburbs, we are spoilt for restaurants, cafes, and other food outlets. There are places to ‘pig out’, ‘hang out’, ‘work out’, ‘look out’, or just ‘be out’ and enjoy what the Manly electorate has to offer.
On behalf of my family and staff, I wish everyone a very happy, safe, prosperous, and healthy 2025.
Proposed Council Rate Increase
There is plenty of finger-pointing going on about the proposed Council rate increase.
During the holiday period, I encourage local ratepayers to view the Northern Beaches Council’s proposal for a special rate increase over the next three years. The Council claims an increase is necessary to maintain current services.
The four options range from limiting any rate rise to the NSW Government’s rate pegging increase, currently at 3.8%, through to adding a further 10% each year for the next three years. The basic rate pegging option suggests a reduction in services, while the special rate variations suggest maintaining, improving, or increasing services.
I am aware that many of us are facing a cost-of-living crisis, and any additional rate burden may be difficult at this time.
That’s why I am encouraging readers to visit the Northern Beaches Council and ‘Have Your Say’ here: yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au/funding-our-future
The closing date for submissions is 12 January.
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