This month has been another incredibly busy one. I’m sure I pass on a sincere ‘thank you’ to the hardworking Manly SES Unit who have assisted a countless number of us over the past month with all the rain.
Better stormwater pipes and isn’t it time we recycled rainwater?
The rain demonstrated the importance of resilient and well maintained water and drainage systems. The NSW Government has released an excellent strategy to ensure our water systems are sustainable for the long term and resilient to extreme events, like flooding. Many of the drainage systems we rely on are over a century old.
We are committed to supporting Councils to improve stormwater management and ensure that drains and systems are fit for the future and not only limit flooding, but make use of storm and rainwater run-off. Imagine if all that water was captured and recycled at a later date when it is needed!
Delivering locally
During Covid, I set up the Manly Economic Recovery Taskforce comprising of local business owners to help navigate the lockdown and emerge stronger. One of the outcomes of the Taskforce was the creation of ‘Experience Manly’. Experience Manly is a not-for-profit with the aim of building a more sustainable tourism industry that benefits small businesses and our community.
Three key issues were revealed during Covid. First was the fragility of the Manly economy. Generally speaking, our tourism trade is highly dependent on good weather and is seasonal. The second issue is the below-average spend per tourist. For example, a visitor to Manly spends nearly 30% less than a tourist in other parts of Sydney. The final issue was the fact that we only capture a tiny amount of international tourists. Only 4% of visitors to Manly are international tourists. So whilst plenty of people might catch the ferry to Manly, they’re not spending enough when they are here, are not international travellers so don’t stay for long, and generally only visit over the 4 weeks of summer.
The means we have an opportunity to not necessarily bring ‘more’ people to Manly, but increase the amount they spend whilst they are here and also create other reasons for them to visit outside of the typical summer holiday, including more international visitors.
That is where ‘Experience Manly’ comes to life. Supported by the NSW Government, Experience Manly has successfully secured $800,000 in funding from the NSW Government to deliver a variety of new and exciting events for our community. One of their first events is Play Manly. It begins on Thursday 21st of April. Everyone is welcome to come and discover new parts of Manly, and its businesses, across 10 days and nights. Visit www.hellomanly.com.au/play-manly for more info.
In addition, the World Long Boarding Championships are coming to Manly and will be hosted during the lead up to the Sydney Surf Pro to be held in May. This event is proudly funded by the NSW Government.
In other local news the brand new, long awaited stand at Brookvale oval is open providing an extra 3,000 seats and wet weather cover. Many said it would never happen but it has.
Your monthly Tawny Environment Minister fact:
Did you know that New South Wales is home to the world’s second oldest National Park? Yellowstone National Park in the US is the world’s oldest, closely followed by the Royal National Park located in southern Sydney, it was created in 1879.