Michael Regan MP: Summer update 2025/26

My Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Bushfire Protection) Bill 2025

In November I was pleased to introduce my Private Members’ Bill into parliament. Bushfire risk and re-zoning has been a consistent theme of advocacy for me since becoming an elected representative in 2008. I am particularly interested in bushfire risk in land use decisions because of the Patyegarang (formerly Lizard Rock) planning proposal for a new subdivision on Morgan Road in Belrose. 

The NSW Rural Fire Service has consistently opposed the rezoning due to fire risk, but it is still to finally be decided. We have to stop building new homes in areas we know have an unacceptably high bushfire risk – simple as that!

With the government’s recent amendments to the Planning Act, including the creation of the Development Coordination Authority, I hold serious concerns about downgrading the role of Rural Fire Service in decision making about future re-zoning proposals. My bill is about safeguarding the role of Rural Fire Service advice in such strategic planning decisions. I look forward to debating my bill when parliament resumes in the New Year.

Northern Beaches Hospital update 

As many of you will have heard, the NSW government has reached an agreement to buy back Northern Beaches Hospital (NBH), bringing it back into the public health system. This is a win for the community. Thanks to my Health Services Amendment (Northern Beaches Hospital Deed Termination) Bill 2025, the taxpayers of NSW got it for $190 million rather than the $800 million to $900 million Healthscope’s lenders would likely have been entitled to under the original, poorly drafted deed. 

With change comes uncertainty and I appreciate some staff and community members are apprehensive. I am fully committed to listening, raising concerns and seeking commitments throughout the transition process. I have already received a commitment from the NSW Health Minister that NBH will remain a Level 5 facility and there will be no reduction in bed numbers. I look forward to receiving further commitments about retention of lifesaving interventional services, such as the catheterisation lab cardiac services.

The hospital’s future operating model, including the configuration of private services, has not been decided. I want to see the best aspects of the current model maintained, including private services, while the parts that have been squeezed under the privatised model are properly resourced. The Government and NSW Health have committed to meaningfully engage with staff and clinicians to develop the future operating model in the best interests of the community, and I will be making sure that happens. 

Collaroy Beach tobacco shop closed

I recently supported passage of the Government’s Tobacco Legislation (Closure Orders) Amendment Bill 2025. These new laws give NSW Health and Police the powers to issue closure orders to stores selling commercial quantities of illegal tobacco. The roaring trade in illegal tobacco has driven the explosion in tobacconists in our high streets. This is criminal behaviour in plain sight and is undermining decades of progress in reducing smoking rates.

I am pleased to report that on 13 November closure orders were issued for a shop on Pittwater Road, Collaroy. The order, signed by NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant, declares a reasonable suspicion that the store breached the Public Health (Tobacco) Act. I received numerous complaints about this particular shop and am so glad to see the new laws taking effect. I will continue to follow this case closely.   

“Pie in the Sky” plans for Warringah Mall

Scentre Group, owner of Westfield Warringah Mall, have lodged a State Significant Development application seeking approval for a mixed use precinct that would fundamentally reshape Brookvale’s landscape. The initial application includes eight mixed use towers, ranging from 12 to 39 storeys, which includes 1,500 apartments, 2,500 car spaces and 6,900 sqm of public open space.

This application is way out of step with the Brookvale Structure Plan (BSP). The BSP is a coherent and rigorous 15 year strategy developed by Northern Beaches Council which envisions a much needed revitalisation while increasing character and public amenity. Scentre Group’s proposal is gross overdevelopment and will lead to traffic gridlock. I am calling on the NSW Government to only permit development consistent with the Brookvale Structure Plan.

Funding Boost for better shark protection

I’ve been working alongside our local surfing community, fellow independent Jacqui Scruby, the NSW Government and the incredibly strong Maria Psillakis and her family, who have turned deep grief into meaningful change. 

The $2.5m SharkSmart boost means more drones, longer coverage and better early detection across our beaches this summer. Our ask here was simple and sensible – spot risks earlier, faster shark alerts and getting people out of the water sooner. This is a real step forward for safer summers on the Northern Beaches and across NSW. Well done to everyone who spoke up and worked to make this happen, especially Maria – your strength is inspirational and will now keep people safer across NSW. 

Narrabeen Ambulance Station to be rebuilt

Just prior to the last election, the former government announced the old Narrabeen ambulance station would be relocated to Dee Why. However, following an extensive site search, it has been decided to redevelop the existing station on Pittwater Road. 

New station locations are determined using best practice modelling software which maps Triple Zero calls. The existing site was confirmed to optimise response times and meet the community’s future emergency health needs.

The new Narrabeen ambulance station will feature internal parking for up to ten emergency ambulance vehicles, logistics and administration spaces, as well as staff amenities. NSW Ambulance is consulting with staff about temporarily relocating crews to the Mona Vale station. Construction and operational timeframes will be confirmed as the project progresses.

Our local paramedics need the right resources to do their job. This announcement of a brand new station for Narrabeen is a big step in the right direction. I look forward to seeing the new station up and running as soon as possible.

Fairer high school zoning for Brookvale Public School

Currently, Brookvale Public School falls into the high school catchment area for Northern Beaches Secondary College Cromer Campus. The Department of Education has said this will continue, even though nearby Freshwater Senior Campus is transitioning to a comprehensive Year 7–12 high school, and the new Forest High School is opening in Allambie Heights, the suburb right next door. 

For reasons of geographic accessibility, community connectedness and equality, I support the ask from the Brookvale P&C – to include Brookvale Public School in the intake area for the new Year 7-12 Freshwater Campus. I recently raised this issue in parliament and will continue to advocate for this outcome.  

Progress on Red Hill Bike Jumps

Last May, the popular Red Hill dirt jumps in Oxford Falls were flattened by NSW Crown Lands. The Red Hill dirt jumps have been loved by generations of riders, having been in use for over 25 years. They were destroyed without any warning or consultation. Riders were shocked and disappointed, and so was I!

In June I moved a motion in NSW Parliament calling on NSW Crown Lands to work with local riders and Northern Beaches Council to have the jumps rebuilt and authorised as soon as possible. I have now met with the Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, and presented the case for the formalisation and management of the Red Hill site by council, working with local mountain biking groups. I am confident this model can work and will keep pushing until we will get a solution.

Enjoy the festive season, spend time with your family and I hope to see you at the cricket!