⚠️ We are Manly residents, part of a community of up to 8,000 people affected by the proposed Special Entertainment Precinct (SEP) - a planning framework that would allow higher levels of noise from venues across surrounding residential areas. This campaign is being led by the Manly Community Forum.

Under this proposal, external noise limits of up to 70 decibels could be permitted, which may translate to around ~55 decibels inside homes with windows closed - forcing residents to choose between reducing noise and maintaining cross-ventilation, fresh air and comfort in their homes.

The World Health Organisation recommends around 30 decibels for healthy sleep.

This is not a small change. It has real implications for sleep, health and quality of life — and once introduced, it will be very difficult to reverse.

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⚠️ What’s happening

Council’s proposed framework is based on noise levels currently experienced around venues such as The Steyne, The Ivanhoe, The Pavilion/ESPY/Las Palmas, Felons, Insitu and others.

Many of these levels are already the subject of community concern and complaints, with instances where venues are operating beyond acceptable limits and impacting nearby residents.

The risk is not limited to a handful of existing late-night venues. Under the SEP, a broader range of licensed venues across the precinct could benefit from extended trading and amplified music settings, potentially affecting surrounding residential streets that have not traditionally seen themselves as part of a noise dispute.

Rather than addressing these issues, the proposal risks locking in and legitimising higher noise levels across the precinct.

Importantly, this shifts the burden of noise from venues onto residents in their homes, rather than requiring venues to manage and control their impact.

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⚖️ Important clarification

We want to be clear:

‼️ This is not about opposing vibrancy or nightlife in Manly ‼️

We support a thriving, balanced community.

However, this proposal risks creating an unfair and unjustified imbalance by shifting the burden onto residents, rather than requiring venues to manage their noise responsibly.

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⚠️ Why this matters

This affects families trying to sleep, residents working early mornings, people’s physical and mental wellbeing, and the basic right to enjoy your own home.

This is a public health issue as well as an amenity issue.

It also sets a precedent. If this model is accepted in Manly, it may shape how similar approaches are pursued elsewhere across the Northern Beaches, including areas already mentioned such as Avalon, Newport & Brookvale.

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✅ What we’ve done so far

Despite this, it has become clear that independent expert and legal support is now essential.

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⚖️ What your contribution will fund (Phase 1)

We are raising $45,000 to engage two key expert witnesses: a planning barrister and an independent acoustic engineer. They will provide formal legal and technical evidence to challenge Council’s data and support an evidence-based case.

Legal

Acoustic experts

This phase enables us to:

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⚠️ What happens next

This is Phase 1 - focused on obtaining expert advice, putting Council on formal notice, and building a strong, evidence-based case.

Council is expected to decide in May whether to move this proposal to the NSW Government Gateway planning stage. We need to have our experts engaged and evidence prepared before that decision is made.

Depending on the outcome, further steps may be considered, including potential legal proceedings.

Any future action will be carefully assessed and shared with the community before proceeding.

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⚠️ How you can help

We are aiming to raise $45,000 quickly to take the first step.

If you are able to contribute:

➡️ A contribution of around $50 per household would make a major difference to funding this first phase.

➡️ Smaller contributions of $5–$20 still make a real difference

➡️ Larger contributions help us move faster

Even a small number of early contributions can unlock this first phase. If you’re reading this, please consider contributing today - the faster we reach our target, the sooner we can act.

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⚠️ Why your support matters

This is about protecting our homes, ensuring fair and balanced planning, and holding decision-makers accountable. We are simply asking for a fair, evidence-based approach - and the right to be properly heard.

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⚠️ Please also share

Sharing this campaign is just as important as donating.

You can:

Send to neighbours/ Share in local WhatsApp groups/ Post in community forums

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⚠️ Further information

Click the links below to read more and access supporting documents:

➡️ Manly Resident Briefing Document

➡️ Manly SEP Community Consultation Analysis Report (prepared by residents)

➡️ Full Northern Beaches Council Planning Proposal –February 2026

➡️ Manly Community Forum - March 2026 Newsletter

➡️ ‘Noise Levels Out of Control’ petition

➡️ 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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✅ Transparency + Surplus Funds

Funds will be used solely for legal and expert costs, and regular updates will be provided. 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. We welcome community suggestions for charities to be considered.

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✍️ Authorised by Manly Community Forum