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SAVE MANLY: STOP THE SEP
0% complete
$25,020 raised of $45K AUD
160 donations
‼️SAVE MANLY: STOP THE SEP‼️
HELP PROTECT 8,000 MANLY RESIDENTS, THEIR HOMES AND THEIR RIGHTS
MANLY IS SPECIAL - BUT NOT AN ENTERTAINMENT PRECINCT KIND OF SPECIAL.
We are Manly residents fighting to STOP the proposed Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP).
This is no longer just about noise. It's about residents' rights, healthy sleep, local planning control and the future of Manly as a residential community.
Approximately 8,000 people live within the proposed precinct.
We oppose the declaration of the SEP itself - not simply the proposed noise limits.
▶️FOLLOW OUR CAMPAIGN ON FACEBOOK
We've rebranded as SAVE MANLY: STOP THE SEP to make our position absolutely clear.
▶️FACEBOOK: SAVE MANLY: STOP THE SEP
Follow us for the latest developments, expert findings and information about making a formal objection.
PLEASE SHARE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE WIDELY. WE NEED TO REACH ALL 8,000 AFFECTED RESIDENTS.
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⚠️ WHAT'S HAPPENING NOW?
The proposed Manly SEP has progressed through the NSW Gateway process and is now on formal public exhibition.
SUBMISSIONS CLOSE 22 NOVEMBER 2026.
Residents have another opportunity to oppose the declaration of the SEP.
▶️MAKE YOUR FORMAL SUBMISSION:
Despite overwhelming opposition during earlier consultation, Council has continued progressing the proposal.
And there is now another major concern.
The NSW Government has proposed additional planning pathways for Special Entertainment Precincts that could allow certain changes of use and entertainment-related developments to proceed without the usual development application process.
These changes are not yet finalised, but they raise serious questions about local planning control, neighbour notification and residents' opportunities to object.
This is about much more than extended trading hours.
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▶️HELP WITH YOUR FORMAL SUBMISSION - FREE RESIDENT RESOURCES
We want THOUSANDS of Manly residents to make their voices heard before submissions close on 22 November 2026.
To make this easier, we've created a Google Drive folder containing three useful documents:
22 Reasons to Say No to the Manly Special Entertainment Precinct (Simple Version)
An easy-to-read guide explaining the key reasons to oppose the proposal.
22 Reasons to Say No to the Manly Special Entertainment Precinct (Detailed Version)
More comprehensive information, evidence and arguments to help residents prepare a stronger submission.
A step-by-step guide to completing Council's online submission form if you'd prefer not to submit by email.
✅ACCESS ALL THREE DOCUMENTS HERE (plus submission templates):
Use these resources to help prepare your own submission. You don't need to address all 22 reasons — focus on the issues that matter most to you and explain how the proposal could affect your home, health or community.
MORE RESOURCES COMING SOON!
We'll be adding further information and practical tools, including a submission template, to help as many residents as possible participate.
PLEASE SHARE THIS RESOURCE FOLDER WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS, STRATA BUILDINGS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS.
EVERY INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSION MATTERS. LET'S MAKE SURE MANLY IS HEARD.
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‼️WHY WE ARE FIGHTING
1. PROTECTING RESIDENTS' RIGHTS
Declaring Manly an SEP changes the regulatory framework governing entertainment noise.
Liquor & Gaming NSW has confirmed that it cannot impose acoustic conditions inconsistent with an applicable Precinct Management Plan.
Residents should not lose important protections simply because they live in a designated entertainment precinct.
2. PROTECTING OUR HOMES, SLEEP AND HEALTH
Our independent acoustic expert identified more than 50 issues, including 14 critical flaws, in the proposed sound framework.
These findings raise serious questions about the adequacy of the proposed noise limits and protections for residents.
Council has not undertaken the comprehensive health and social impact assessments we have repeatedly requested.
3. PROTECTING LOCAL PLANNING CONTROL
Proposed NSW planning changes could remove the usual development application process for certain developments within SEPs.
We believe residents deserve proper scrutiny, transparency and a meaningful say in decisions affecting their homes and neighbourhoods.
4. PROTECTING MANLY'S FUTURE
Manly is a unique residential, business and visitor community.
We support live music, hospitality and local businesses.
BUT SUPPORTING A THRIVING MANLY IS NOT THE SAME AS SUPPORTING THE SEP.
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✅ WHAT DONATIONS HAVE ALREADY ACHIEVED
Thanks to community fundraising and volunteer effort, we have:
- Commissioned an independent acoustic peer review by Steven Cooper of The Acoustic Group, identifying more than 50 issues and 14 critical flaws.
- Secured independent town planning expertise.
- Obtained pro bono legal assistance.
- Prepared detailed research, technical evidence and community consultation analysis.
- Briefed councillors and challenged the proposal through Council processes.
- Connected with other NSW communities facing similar proposals.
- Our campaign is evidence-based, independent and driven by residents.
But identifying serious problems is only the beginning. We now need to fund the next stage of the challenge.
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‼️THREE CRITICAL FUNDING PRIORITIES
1️⃣ SPECIALIST LEGAL EXPERTISE — OUR TOP PRIORITY ⚖️
We urgently need to fund independent specialist legal advice on the consequences of declaring Manly an SEP.
This includes examining residents' statutory and regulatory protections, the implications of proposed State planning changes, and the legal options available to challenge the proposal or related decisions where appropriate.
We already have pro bono legal support, but the specialist work now required goes beyond what can necessarily be provided without funding.
This is our most important new funding priority.
2️⃣ ADDITIONAL TOWN PLANNER HOURS
Our independent town planner needs further time to:
- Review the exhibited proposal and emerging planning implications.
- Prepare additional reports, expert advice and submissions.
- Attend meetings with Council and relevant authorities.
- Represent residents' planning concerns as the process progresses.
3️⃣ ADDITIONAL ACOUSTIC CONSULTANT HOURS
Our independent acoustic consultant needs further time to:
- Assess additional technical information.
- Prepare supplementary reports and responses.
- Challenge deficiencies in the proposed sound framework.
- Attend meetings and provide independent expert representation.
These are real professional costs. We need the funds to ensure residents' interests are properly represented.
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✅TWO BIG WAYS YOU CAN HELP US REACH OUR FUNDRAISING TARGET
‼️1. SHARE THIS FUNDRAISER ACROSS MANLY!
We need to reach approximately 8,000 residents within the proposed precinct.
Please share this fundraiser with your friends, neighbours, family, local businesses, community groups and strata buildings.
If everyone shares it once - and encourages others to do the same - we can reach thousands of residents who may not yet understand what's at stake.
PLEASE DON'T ASSUME YOUR NEIGHBOURS ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THE SEP.
‼️2. LIVE IN A STRATA BUILDING? HAS YOUR OWNERS CORPORATION DONATED?
Thousands of Manly residents live in apartment buildings directly affected by this proposal.
If you're a lot owner, ask your strata committee whether your owners corporation has considered supporting the campaign.
PUT FORWARD A MOTION for your owners corporation to consider a contribution, subject to the required approvals and its legal powers.
Contributions can be made through this GoFundMe campaign or directly to the Manly Community Forum.
Contact the campaign organisers through our Facebook page or the Manly Community Forum for further information about contributing directly.
Imagine the difference if even a fraction of Manly's strata buildings helped fund the professional expertise needed to challenge this proposal.
LET'S GET THE FUNDS RAISED.
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❤️ HELP US REACH $45,000
Our fundraising target is $45,000.
Every contribution helps us fund the independent legal, planning and acoustic expertise needed at this critical stage.
Donate if you can. Share if you can't. And encourage your neighbours to get involved.
SAVE MANLY. STOP THE SEP.
YOUR HOME. YOUR RIGHTS. YOUR MANLY.
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SUPPORTING EVIDENCE AND REPORTS
Read the independent research and supporting documents:
▶️Independent Acoustic Peer Review - The Acoustic Group
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❤️ STAY CONNECTED
▶️Facebook: SAVE MANLY STOP THE SEP
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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