Northern Beaches Angler The Future of Northern Beaches Fishing
Related Articles
North Harbour Reserve, nestled in a protected area, is a beloved spot for families and water sport enthusiasts. Its calm waters in the Northern Beaches make it perfect for children to swim, snorkel, kayak, stand-up paddle, and fish. However, recent plans by the local marina threaten to drastically alter this serene environment.
The marina’s proposal includes adding a café that will serve alcohol and a large mooring for yachts. This project would require dredging within the protected waters, potentially harming the delicate ecosystem that has been preserved for community use. The introduction of alcohol into this family-friendly area raises concerns. The reserve is frequented by children and families seeking a safe space for recreation. More alcohol in the area could lead to an increase in unruly behavior, particularly with many drink-drivers already returning from an outing on their boats. Encouraging more drinking with a café could exacerbate this.
There are already ample places to drink nearby in Manly, making the alcohol service here unnecessary and out of place. The priority should be to maintain the reserve as a safe, family-friendly space. The push for further privatization of public resources risks degrading the natural environment and turning it into a playground for the wealthy, pushing out the very community that uses it.
It’s time to draw a line. Protecting North Harbour Reserve from this unnecessary development is essential to maintaining its role as a community hub and natural treasure for all.
Bid to host superyachts and sell alcohol at Balgowlah’s North Harbour raises local ire
Specifically, the proposed development of the marina, which is estimated to cost $250,000, includes:
- Relinquishing 10 swing moorings to create a navigation panel.
- Removal of four soft stand berths.
- Installation of an additional nine floating marina berths connected to the existing marina arms which brings the total berths from 35 to 44.
- Proposed new berths will range in size from 8m to 15m.
- T-Head berths will be designed to take two smaller vessels or one larger vessel depending on occupancy.
- Increased external decking in front of existing building.
- Marina Café with an on-premises liquor licence within the existing building with external seating on deck (maximum 20 patrons) that will be ancillary to the existing marina use. Proposed trading hours are 6am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday including public holidays, with closure of the café based on the time of the sunset.
- Expanded deck with Dinghy Racks (72 spots) over existing slipway.
- Removal of slipway rails.
We have enough of this kind of venue with the Manly Aquarium being demolished and the old Aldi’s being converted into Felon’s drinking establishment. We don’t need more boat traffic. We don’t need more parking problems. We don’t need more drunks.
