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⚠️ WHAT’S HAPPENING
On 19 May 2026, Northern Beaches Council voted 9-5 to send the Manly Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) to the NSW Government, overriding 85% community opposition (council data).
THIS IS NOT APPROVAL
Another round of public consultation is coming. We still have a say, and we intend to make it count.
The SEP would permit up to 70 dB(A) across central Manly, affecting ~8,000 residents. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends 30 dB(A) for healthy sleep. Most Manly buildings are single-glazed. Residents cannot close this gap.
Council refused to conduct health or social impact assessments. We are calling on them to do so. In the meantime, we are drawing on experts willing to contribute their expertise to make an independent assessment unavoidable.
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✅ WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED SO FAR
Your support has helped us build a credible, evidence-based challenge:
- Independent Acoustic Peer Review completed (funded by donations): Steven Cooper, author of the LA10 noise standard protecting NSW residents since 1988, identified 14 critical flaws and 50+ issues with the framework (link to report below)
- Solicitor retained (pro bono): formal legal representation in place for potential Land and Environment Court proceedings
- 5 councillors voted No based on evidence we built: research reports, councillor briefings, community analysis of 317 submissions
- Connected with Byron Bay residents group (who defeated their SEP) and residents in other proposed SEP areas across NSW
The deferral motion lost by ONE vote. This fight is winnable.
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⚠️ WHAT YOUR MONEY BUYS
We are still working towards our target of $45,000. Here's where it goes:
1. Independent Town Planner Prepares the formal NSW Gateway submission, challenges flawed assumptions, demonstrates Council's own documents don't support the SEP, and represents us in any court hearings.
2. Initial Land and Environment Court Legal Costs If NSW Gateway proceeds without addressing fundamental flaws, we escalate. Your funds cover specialist legal costs beyond our pro bono solicitor.
3. Further Acoustic Work Additional independent testing, plus Cooper acting as independent observer if Council proceeds with its own acoustic review.
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✅ WHAT WE'RE DOING AT NO COST TO THE FUND
- Environmental Defenders Office: Active discussions. No cost at this stage.
- Health and social impact experts: Reaching out locally and nationally. Experts lending expertise to build the case. Our time, not your money.
- Community campaign: Website, flyers, letterbox drops, meetings. All volunteer time.
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✅ THE EVIDENCE IS ON OUR SIDE
- 88.6% opposed (93.4% of residents within boundary) (council data 85% opposed)
- 14 critical flaws in the framework (see full document linked below)
- Venues already breach BOTH the current standard AND the proposed SEP limits on a quiet night
- No Health or Social impact assessments for ~8,000 residents
- Byron Shire rejected the identical framework and is delivering vibrancy through DCP amendments instead
- ARUP conflict of interest: authored the NSW Acoustic Toolkit AND assessed Manly against it
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⚖️ IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION
We are not anti-vibrancy. We are not anti-business. We are not anti-fun.
We support a thriving Manly that works for businesses, residents, workers, and visitors. We support live music, cultural activation, and a diverse night-time economy.
What we cannot support is a framework that:
- Legalises noise levels that already breach existing standards and exceed WHO health guidelines in the majority of homes
- Was assessed by the same consultant who wrote the rules (Arup authored the NSW Acoustic Toolkit AND assessed Manly against it)
- Automatically overrides all existing noise protections without individual venue assessment
- Raises complaint thresholds so that what is currently a breach becomes the new "acceptable" level, making it significantly harder for residents to seek enforcement
- Was pushed through despite 88.6% opposition and without a single health or social impact assessment
A vibrant Manly that lets residents sleep is not a contradiction. It is what every other community in NSW already has.
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⚠️ HOW YOU CAN HELP
Donate: Every dollar funds independent expert reports and legal action. Not a cent goes to personal use.
➡️ $50 contributes directly to expert engagement costs
➡️ $100 contributes meaningfully to planning or legal costs
➡️ $500+ makes a major impact on our capacity to challenge at Gateway
Share: Neighbours, WhatsApp groups, strata committees, social media.
Sign the petition: Noise Levels Out of Control
Volunteer: Letterbox drops, flyer handouts at ferry/buses during commute times, phone calls to building managers.
Have expertise? Planners, lawyers, acousticians, health experts, communicator.
Contact us via our Facebook Page or Manly Community Forum Website
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⚠️ WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
1. NSW Department of Planning reviews the proposal at Gateway
2. If Gateway proceeds (which it will), another round of public consultation opens (statutory exhibition)
3. Our expert submissions (planning, acoustic, health) will be lodged during that window
4. A further Council vote IS required before any trial could commence
5. If the process fails to address fundamental flaws, legal proceedings remain an option
This is far from over. Together, we can make our voices even louder.
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⚠️ Further information
Click the links below to read more and access supporting documents:
➡️ Independent Acoustic Peer Review (Steven Cooper, The Acoustic Group, May 2026)
➡️ 14 Critical Flaws in the Draft Precinct Management (prepared by residents)
➡️ May 19 Council Meeting Briefing Document (prepared by Residents)
➡️ Health and Social Harm Evidence Base - Why the Manly SEP Requires Independent Health and Social Impact Assessments
➡️ February vs May 2026 Comparison: What Changed (and What Didn't)
➡️ Manly SEP Community Consultation Analysis Report (prepared by residents)
➡️ Sydney Airport’s Third Runway - What Happens When Government Redefines Acceptable Noise – Case Study
➡️ Lockout Laws - Why Sydney’s Night-Time Reforms were Never About Noise – Case Study
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⚠️ WHY THIS MATTERS BEYOND MANLY
Council has confirmed that similar frameworks are planned for other Northern Beaches town centres.
If this goes ahead in Manly without proper safeguards, it becomes the template for every foreshore community on the Northern Beaches.
❤️ Getting Manly right matters for everyone.❤️
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❤️ STAY CONNECTED
- Website: https://manlycommunityforum.org/
- Facebook: Manly Residents for Responsible Vibrancy
- Petition: Noise Levels Out of Control
- Contact: Via our website or Facebook (GFM won't allow us to post an email address)
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✅ Transparency on how funds are handled + Surplus Funds
This fundraiser is organised by Roger James and a team of Manly residents, on behalf of the Manly Community Forum (https://manlycommunityforum.org/) and affected Manly residents.
Funds raised will be used to engage independent acoustic and legal expertise to support the community’s response to the proposed Manly Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) sound framework.
This includes:
- independent acoustic review and sound testing across the Manly precinct
- legal advice on planning and regulatory options
- Roger James is acting as organiser and will manage the funds on behalf of the community. Funds will be:
- transferred to the Manly Community Forum where appropriate, and/or
- paid directly to engaged consultants (acoustic and legal) for work undertaken on behalf of the community
No funds will be used for personal purposes. All funds will be used solely for the purposes outlined in this campaign, and updates will be provided as work progresses.
If funds exceed requirements, any surplus will be allocated to local Manly charities ❤️, including organisations such as Bear Cottage, as well as other charities nominated by the community.
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✍️ Authorised by Manly Community Forum