Northern Beaches Council has adopted its $598 million Budget for the 2026/27 year following a month-long public exhibition that attracted more than 8,500 online visitors and 135 submissions, with people highlighting priorities such as improved footpaths and cycling infrastructure and upgraded roads and parks.

Council is set to invest $130 million - the largest commitment ever – to improve the places our community use every day, from roads and footpaths to parks, beaches and community facilities. 

This budget is supported by a Special Variation to rates approved by IPART, helping address infrastructure backlogs and improve long-term financial sustainability.

Council’s Productivity and Improvement Program is targeting at least $5 million in ongoing savings over 3 years and $10 million in one off capital savings over 5 years. In the last 12 months, $2.1 million in ongoing savings have been achieved along with $4.9 million through asset sales. 

The 2026/27 Budget includes an additional $1.2 million in ongoing savings and revenue initiative, and further asset sales are being explored.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said this year’s budget sets a clear path forward. 

“We have made the tough but necessary decisions to ensure we are investing where it matters most to our community and ensuring our Council remains financially sustainable. This budget drives efficiencies and positions us to continue delivering for our community now and into the future.

“The 2026/27 Operational Plan delivers essential services and key initiatives across the Northern Beaches, with efficiency savings reinvested to improve value for ratepayers.

“The Northern Beaches is now in a strong position for the future, with dedicated funding to support the ongoing maintenance and renewal of essential community assets such as reserves, rock pools, footpaths, roads, sports fields, playgrounds and village centres.

“Community safety is a key focus, with proposed service enhancements including extended lifeguard operating hours at Dee Why Beach and other locations based on risk, and enhanced building and compliance inspections.

“Thank you to those who took the time to provide feedback during the consultation period.” Mayor Heins said.

The 2026/27 rates notice for a typical residential property will increase by $56 per quarter, of which $13 relates to the Domestic Waste charge, $15 to the rate peg and $28 to the Special Variation program. Support remains available for ratepayers experiencing financial hardship and rebates are also available for eligible pensioners.

Capital project highlights include: 

  • $37.9 million to improve road assets, including $12.8 million for road resurfacing and repairs
  • $15 million for community facilities, including amenities at Killarney Heights, Freshwater Beach and Boondah Reserve 
  • $13.5 million improving sporting facilities, including completion of the Warringah Recreation Centre
  • $13.4 million to improve foreshores, including the Avalon and Bilgola Beach Rockpools and South Collaroy foreshore
  • $11.2 million for priority stormwater works to reduce flooding and pollution
  • $6.9 million for new and improved reserves and parks at Warriewood, Clontarf and Frenchs Forest
  • $4.5 million for town and village centres, including works at Balgowlah and Avalon
  • $4.3 million for new and improved footpaths across 18 suburbs
  • $3.5 million to continue the Collaroy Narrabeen coastal protection works
  • $1.6 million for new and improved playgrounds, including at Collaroy Plateau

The IPART approved Special Variation will fund in 2026/27: 

  • $15 million for improving roads, footpaths and stormwater infrastructure
  • $11 million for community facilities, town centres, rockpools, wharves, playgrounds, and extra grass mowing across 800 sites
  • $6 million to expand tree maintenance and planting, compliance services, environmental and natural risk reduction programs and disaster management. This includes an additional 15,000 hours of bush regeneration works targeting high priority bushland reserve sites and undertaking works across 13 unmanaged bushland areas
  • $3 million towards future projects including wharf and town centre improvements and female friendly sports facilities at Cromer 1 and Careel Bay Sportsground
     
Share