The $3.89M upgrade of our beloved North Head National Park is coming along well and I’m pleased to say that the second and final stage of the upgrades will be open in time for summer. The carparking and landscape works are now complete following significant weather- related delays and there is now 2,500 square metres of new turfed recreation space for visitors to sit and enjoy views across the harbour. In addition, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is constructing the new Yiningma and Burragula lookout platforms at North Head.
The Yiningma lookout will provide a vantage point that looks back at the cliff face and presents breathtaking views to the horizon, which is perfect for whale watching. The Burragula lookout will allow for panoramic views of Sydney Harbour that creates the ideal spot for events like the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, or to watch the sunset.
Connection to Country has been central to the design from the outset to ensure the lookouts acknowledge and connect with the history, stories and place, which is called Carrang gel. This project is being delivered as part of the largest visitor infrastructure program in national park history.
PLAY MANLY – The data speaks for itself
It is not news to readers of the Tawny that I am a passionate advocate for the continued evolution of our local economy. Significant funding has been provided by the NSW Government to help rebuild our local music, cultural and events offering.
Typically, local businesses have been highly dependent on 7 weeks of trade over Christmas and January. That is not sustainable. Nor is obsessing over how many visitors get off the Freshwater ferries each weekend. For over a decade we’ve had millions of visitors each year, but they typically spend less than visitors to other parts of Sydney. That is why it has been so important to build a healthy year-round events calendar, not just rely on our beaches in summer.
The 10-day family-friendly festival ‘Play Manly’ demonstrated exactly what I mean. Recently released data shows that not only did more people visit Manly during the 10-day festival, but visitors spent more than $19.5 million over the duration of the event. Visitor spending from people living outside the local area during the 10-day event was significantly greater (24.1%) at $6.4 million, compared to $5.1 million for the baseline period. That’s a great outcome and feedback from our small business owners has been outstanding.
Manly SES get a new truck!
I know many of you have been very grateful for the work of our Manly SES Unit during the last few months. It looks like we will have some more unpredictable weather as we approach summer storm season.
Thankfully our Manly SES crew have a big brand-new truck to ensure they’re fully equipped to help as many people as possible. I had a great morning visiting the team along with NSW Minister for Emergency Services and Flood Recovery, the Honourable Steph Cooke MP to hand over the keys to the $425,000 vehicle. A big thanks to the SES!