Michael Regan MP: Autumn 2026 update

Summer has reminded us just how much is at stake when it comes to planning well, keeping people safe, and investing properly in our community. From bushfire risk and e-bike safety to healthcare and local infrastructure, decisions made now will shape how resilient and liveable the Northern Beaches are for decades to come.

Bushfire protection must come first

After another destructive bushfire season, it is clear we cannot keep approving housing in known high-risk locations. That is why I introduced the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Bushfire Protection) Bill 2025 in December.

The proposed 370-home subdivision at Lizard Rock highlights the problem. While the Department of Planning has argued the project meets policy settings, the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and other experts say the risk is too high. When it comes to bushfires, expert advice must prevail. 

Building homes in bushfire traps – near large areas of bushland with limited evacuation access – endangers future residents and volunteer firefighters. It also creates the real prospect of homes becoming uninsurable and effectively unlendable. That is not responsible planning.

My bill makes three key changes. It brings RFS advice to the very start of the rezoning process. It makes clear that if the RFS objects, a proposal cannot proceed. And it places bushfire-prone land mapping in the hands of the RFS, where it belongs.

Responsible e-bike use

E-bikes are a positive addition to our active transport mix, but recent large “ride-outs” at Long Reef Golf Course and across the Harbour Bridge showed how quickly behaviour can become unsafe and disruptive. 

The NSW Government has now introduced a 250-watt maximum power limit and stronger police powers to seize illegal high-powered bikes that exceed the 25 km/h pedal-assist limit. National import standards have also been tightened to require compliance with European Standard EN 15194. 

These changes target bikes that are effectively motorbikes in disguise. But regulation alone is not enough. I support mandatory registration and licensing so riders can be identified and held accountable, along with a minimum age requirement. I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Please complete the short e-bike survey on my website here.

Locally, schools are rolling out Bicycle NSW’s Student Bicycle Licence Scheme to improve safety education. If you are purchasing an e-bike, ensure it meets the EN 15194 standard. And if you are a parent, please engage with your child about safe and respectful riding.

Northern Beaches Hospital update

The NBH transition into public ownership is progressing, with handover from Healthscope to NSW Health scheduled for 29 April.

My Northern Beaches Hospital Deed Termination Bill 2025 saved taxpayers $600-$700 million by avoiding the potential liabilities Healthscope could have claimed under the original poorly drafted contract.

I have secured commitments that our hospital will remain a Level 5 facility, there will be no loss of beds, and the General Practice Medical Centre will remain open. Private services will also continue, preserving choice for patients who wish to use their health insurance locally.

The recently announced surgery hub will increase capacity while ensuring local residents receive priority access. The hospital’s final operating model will be determined over the coming year.  I will keep working hard to ensure the positive outcomes achieved to date continue.