Northern Beaches Hospital Transition • My Bushfire Protection Bill • ANZAC day • Celebrating Local Legends
Welcome to May, Wakehurst!
Wrapping up another busy month here in Wakehurst, we’ve seen a historic change happen right on our doorstep.
On Wednesday this week the Northern Beaches Hospital’s transition back into public hands was completed. I’m excited to see conditions improve for staff and patients alike. And I’m proud that as promised, private services will continue. Better still, the public services will expand over time. Great work to all involved for this smooth transition.
Looking ahead, I’m continuing my advocacy for more accessible, proactive transport infrastructure across our area. I’m also excited to see my Bushfire Protection Bill go to debate in the upcoming sitting weeks of Parliament.
Here’s an update on what’s been happening in Wakehurst this past month, as well as a look ahead for the next few weeks. In this newsletter, you will find:
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Northern Beaches Hospital transitions back to public hands
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Looking ahead… My Bushfire Protection Bill
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An update on Warringah Freeway for this weekend
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Advocating for better transport infrastructure in our area
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Commemorating ANZAC Day
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Celebrating local legends
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The Northern Beaches Network Review
Cheers,
NORTHERN BEACHES HOSPITAL TRANSITIONS BACK TO PUBLIC HANDS
Patti Smith said it best when she sang ‘People have the Power’. This week, Healthscope officially handed over the keys to Northern Beaches Hospital to NSW Health, marking the beginning of a new era for healthcare on the Northern Beaches. Our community will once again have a truly public hospital, with NSW Health now publishing the full Clinical Services Plan outlining a clear expansion of services for local patients. Importantly, private services will also be retained in line with a full Level 5 hospital, ensuring patients continue to have choice while strengthening access to high-quality public care.
Like any modern hospital network, some highly specialised (level 6) and other very low-volume procedures will be concentrated in major tertiary centres such as Royal North Shore Hospital, where the specialist teams and backup services are well established.
Taking over a nearly 500-bed operational hospital is a huge and complex task, and our community owes a great deal to the staff working tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. Under public management, Northern Beaches Hospital will see more staff, better conditions, expanded services for public patients in particular, and stronger integration between hospital and local community health services.
A special thank you to Northern Beaches local Simon Hill, the new General Manager, his executive (also locals) and to every staff member who has helped make this transition possible. To everyone who fought for this outcome, nurses, doctors, ancillary staff, patients… congratulations. Look what we did! Onwards and upwards.
AN UPDATE ON MY BUSHFIRE PROTECTION BILL
Going into May, I’m excited to see my Private Members Bill, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Bushfire Protection) Bill 2025, be debated on the floor of the Legislative Assembly.
Bushfires have always been part of life in Australia. But with hotter, drier conditions, they’re becoming far more dangerous.
In 2025, it makes no sense to build new homes in known bushfire traps - AKA, areas near dense bushland with limited access.
I’m doing everything I can to stop the subdivision at Patyegarang ("Lizard Rock"), and prevent similar high-risk developments across NSW more broadly. That’s what my Bushfire Protection Bill is all about.
With the government moving to centralise decision making power with the Department of Planning, my bill is about making sure that RFS advice and expertise is listened to and not ignored.
Building in the wrong places puts lives at risk- residents and firefighters, many of them volunteers. It also risks homes becoming uninsurable and unmortgageable, which could financially devastate families. It’s reckless.
I’m calling on the government and the opposition to do the right thing and support this bill.
I will keep you updated.
UPCOMING CHANGES THIS WEEKEND TO WARRINGAH FREEWAY
From 6am, this Saturday May 2nd, travellers coming from the Northern Beaches will need to adjust how they approach the Warringah Freeway, with several major changes reshaping the morning commute, and everyday travel.
SEE MORE ABOUT THE WARRINGAH FREEWAY UPGRADES HERE
Key access points into the Sydney Harbour Bridge have been reconfigured, including the:
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A new 2.2km uninterrupted bus lane from Miller Street all the way into the CBD.
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Removal of the slip lane to Sydney Harbour Bridge
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Removal of access to Sydney Harbour Bridge from Ernest Street
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Decision point moves earlier: Drivers from the Gore Hill Freeway and Lane Cove Tunnel will need to choose between the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Tunnel lanes around 1km earlier than before.
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Change to ramp arrangements at Falcon Street/Military Road and removal of access to Cahill Expressway
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Changes for overheight vehicles.
While the new dedicated southbound bus lane is a welcome improvement, changes for drivers are likely to worsen the commute (at least in the short term), The removal of key access points to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and adjustments at Falcon Street and Military Road will push more cars into fewer lanes, increasing congestion and making lane changes more stressful.
If you have any questions or concerns about these upcoming changes to Warringah Freeway, Transport for NSW have provided the following number and email. Additionally, my office is always here to help you.
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Phone: 1800 931 189
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Email: [email protected]
DEMANDING BETTER TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE IN OUR AREA
Better transport accessibility means not only reliable services, but infrastructure that actually works for people.
Whether it’s lifts at Forestville or bus stops across the Northern Beaches, people deserve safe, accessible, and practical public transport. Too often, commuters are left waiting at bus stops with no idea when (or if!) their bus is coming.
That’s why I’m advocating for an expansion of e-ink signs with real-time arrival information and live bus capacity updates, so passengers can plan ahead and travel with confidence. Solar powered, readable in full sun, and connected directly to TfNSW data, these are simple upgrades that make a real difference and save you looking up an app on your phone.
Don't worry, our number one priority is and remains more high capacity buses, and fixing the bus driver shortage (better wages and conditions would be a good start) to bring back services lost. It also includes advocating for the last mile such as bringing the much loved Keo Ride to Wakehurst suburbs where these on demand buses take you to and from main bus hubs to home.
CELEBRATING LOCAL LEGENDS
We recently hosted a Community Recognition event celebrating the incredible contributions of local residents and community groups. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring people together, share stories, and formally acknowledge those who go above and beyond to support others.
Each recipient was presented with a Community Recognition Statement, highlighting their impact and dedication. Thank you to everyone who attended and to those who continue to make our community such a strong, connected, and vibrant place.
READ THE WAKEHURST COMMUNITY RECOGNITION STATEMENTS HERE
COMMEMORATING ANZAC DAY
I want to give a special shout out to all the organisers and volunteers who generously gave their time to last Saturday’s beautiful ANZAC Day services across the Beaches. Our community is incredibly fortunate to have so many dedicated people who make these important commemorations possible, and I want to sincerely thank them for their care, effort and commitment.
It is always an honour to attend our local services and pay respects, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who helps ensure they are so meaningful and well-run. Thank you to all who make these services possible.
REMINDER: THE NORTHERN BEACHES NETWORK REVIEW
The Northern Beaches Network Review is a real opportunity to improve our local bus services and road connections in and out of the beaches. Community feedback is essential to getting it right. Whether it’s inconsistent timetables, overcrowded services, poor connections, or gaps in accessibility, your experience matters.
Suggestions for new routes too, I encourage everyone to make a submission and have their say, because better public transport starts with listening to the people who use it every day. And keep an eye out for TfNSW presentations to the public and get along. We get one shot.
HAVE YOUR SAY! SUBMISSIONS CLOSE 15 JUNE 2026
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