Work at a construction site near Manly Dam was interrupted on Tuesday morning, October 1, when a group of Irish tradies encountered a red-bellied black snake.
The 1.2-metre reptile was spotted sunning itself on the worksite, causing concern among the Irish labourers. Construction manager Matt Goodwin reported that the overseas workers were particularly affected by the snake’s presence.
Chris Williams, a professional snake catcher called to the scene, described the snake as relaxed despite being in a high-traffic area in Manly Dam. Williams successfully captured and relocated the snake to nearby bushland.
Photo Credit: Urban Reptile Removal
RARE Environmental, the company overseeing the project, confirmed they have staff trained by wildlife rescue group WIRES to minimise risks to animals during construction activities.
Police and fire authorities are investigating a suspected firebug after several bushfires erupted within minutes of each other in the dense bushland near retirement villages in Allambie Heights, raising alarms across Sydney’s northern beaches.
The first reports came in Monday afternoon, 9 September, when several blazes were detected at the northwestern end of Manly Dam Reserve in Allambie Heights, a critical area known for its natural beauty and proximity to essential infrastructure, including a large Sydney Water pipeline that serves the northern beaches.
The fires sparked fears as they emerged close to residential areas housing vulnerable populations in three nearby retirement communities—William Charlton Retirement Village, Allambie Heights Village, and Fred Huntly Village.
Emergency Services Response
Fire and Rescue NSW, along with Rural Fire Service brigades, responded swiftly with units from Forestville, Dee Why, Beacon Hill, Davidson, Belrose, and Terrey Hills. Despite the rapid spread of the flames, thanks to the dense undergrowth, firefighters managed to contain the fires by late afternoon. They navigated challenging terrain and limited access to water near the pipeline, requiring strategic and strenuous firefighting efforts.
Amidst the firefighting operation, local police intensified their presence, scrutinising everyone using the popular walking and biking trails near the pipeline for any unusual activities. About eight officers from the Northern Beaches command were detailed to intercept and question recreationists, a move underlining the serious concerns about a potential arsonist at large. This policing effort reflects the heightened worry among authorities and the community about a firebug causing mayhem and endangering lives and property.
FILE PHOTO Photo Credit: Fire and Rescue NSW
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Measures
The area was closely monitored overnight by the Beacon Hill Rural Fire Brigade, and further assessments are planned to ensure any potential reignition can be swiftly managed. Fire investigators from NSW RFS and detectives from NSW Police are collaborating on a thorough investigation, treating the fires as suspicious and focusing on the hypothesis of deliberate lighting. Community leaders and local safety officials urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior immediately to prevent further incidents.
Authorities are committed to maintaining safety and are taking every precaution to safeguard against future threats. They emphasise that community cooperation is crucial as they work to determine the origins of these alarming fires.
Swiss Deli Cafe, a longstanding culinary fixture in Brookvale, has expanded its presence with the opening of a second location, offering patrons a new dining experience beyond its original Warringah Mall spot.
The new Swiss Deli Cafe, nestled between commercial buildings behind the mall on Old Pittwater Road, represents owner David’s latest venture after over 15 years as a tenant in Warringah Mall. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the beloved local eatery, serving the Northern Beaches community since 2005.
A Commitment to Quality
Open Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the new cafe boasts a bright and spacious interior, providing a refreshing alternative to its bustling mall counterpart. Patrons can now enjoy a $5 beer or wine while soaking in the northern sun, offering a relaxed dining experience overlooking Old Pittwater Road.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The second location continues to uphold Swiss Deli Cafe’s reputation for quality. It features their award-winning Danes Coffee and a mouth-watering food selection. The menu includes a variety of freshly made sandwiches, wraps, salads, and pastries, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs.
Photo Credit: Swiss Deli Cafe/Facebook
Menu Highlights
Among the most popular items on the menu is the signature Reubun Sandwich, which has become a customer favourite. The cafe also offers a variety of freshly made sandwiches, wraps, and salads, catering to different tastes and dietary requirements. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, ensuring that all patrons can find something to enjoy.
Photo Credit: Swiss Deli Cafe/Facebook
Coffee enthusiasts flock to Swiss Deli Cafe for its award-winning Danes Coffee, which has received praise for its consistently high quality. The cafe’s pastry selection, including cookies, muffins, and cakes, perfectly accompanies a morning coffee or afternoon tea.
In addition to its dine-in and takeaway options, the new Swiss Deli Cafe offers catering services and meeting reservations. This expansion of services caters to the local business community, providing a convenient option for corporate gatherings and events.
Photo Credit: Supplied
Community Connection
Swiss Deli Cafe’s longevity can be attributed not only to its quality food but also to its strong community ties. The friendly, accommodating staff has created a welcoming atmosphere that keeps customers returning. The cafe’s convenient location in Warringah Mall, on the ground floor just outside Woolworths, makes it easily accessible to shoppers and local workers.
As Swiss Deli Cafe approaches its 20th anniversary, it continues to evolve while staying true to its core principles. The cafe’s ability to adapt to changing customer preferences while maintaining its focus on quality and service has been key to its enduring success.
The move comes as a trial, offering online orders delivered within 30 minutes for a flat $3 fee. Cedric, who currently makes deliveries on foot, plans to upgrade to an electric bicycle as the service grows.
The cafe owners wanted to do more for the locals and people working there. They realised that launching their service would allow them to retain more profits and provide better care for their customers.
The cafe’s revised menu boasts a wide range of grab-and-go options, including the famous “breaky burrito” and “deluxe” bacon and egg roll. Lunch offerings feature burgers, wraps, poke bowls, and chicken salad.
Cedric explained that many customers in Brookvale are too busy to wait in a cafe, and the high fees of delivery platforms often drive up prices. By charging a flat $3 fee on orders over $25, Cactus Cafe aims to offer a more affordable and convenient option.
Allambie Heights has gained vital new public charging infrastructure through an Australian-first trial that transforms streetside power poles into EV charging stations, to address the booming uptake of electric vehicles in the Northern Beaches.
Over 3,100 EVs now registered in the region and more than 1,300 in the past year alone.
The Northern Beaches Council has joined seven other local government areas in a year-long trial called the Intellihub EV Streetside Charging Project, which has seen seven streetside power poles converted into charging points across public sites between Newport and Manly.
One of these charging stations is located on Allambie Road in Allambie Heights.
Location
Address
Manly
Ashburner St, Manly
West Promenade, Manly
Collaroy
Anzac Ave, Collaroy
Frenchs Forest
Blackbutts Rd (opposite Malbara Cres.)
Terrey Hills
Yulong Ave, Terrey Hills
Allambie Heights
Allambie Rd, Allambie Heights
Newport
Dearin Reserve (opp. 13 Kalinya St)
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins highlighted the area’s rapid growth in EV ownership, necessitating an expansion of local charging facilities.
“The Northern Beaches is one of the fastest growing areas for EV ownership, and we are working with industry partners to make sure there are enough local charging stations to keep pace with demand,” she said, expressing hope that the new chargers would encourage more residents to switch from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric.
Cr Heins further stated that the council aims for a 30 percent reduction in vehicle emissions by 2038, with the transition to electric vehicles playing a crucial role in achieving this target.
The EV chargers are connected to the overhead electricity supply, and the energy use is matched with 100 percent accredited GreenPower, ensuring that for all the energy required to charge electric vehicles, an equivalent amount of certified renewable energy is put back into the grid.
EV drivers can locate and access the charging sites through the Exploren App, which displays the new chargers on public EV charging maps.
“A typical EV can get more than 200km of driving from a two-hour charge at any of these sites,” Intellihub CEO Wes Ballantine said.
The discovery at Allambie Heights Public School adds to the situation’s urgency, with authorities working swiftly to assess and address the risk. The discovery at Allambie Heights Public School adds to the situation’s urgency, with authorities working swiftly to assess and address the risk. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) revealed that mulch tainted with asbestos has been found at numerous locations, prompting an expansive testing initiative. The investigation, initiated in early January, marks the largest undertaken by the EPA in decades.
Asbestos contamination, though concerning, underscores the need for stringent monitoring and remediation efforts to ensure the safety of communities.
“Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The risk of contracting these diseases increases with the number of fibres inhaled and the risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibres is also greater if you smoke. People who get health problems from inhaling asbestos have usually been exposed to high levels of asbestos for a long time. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos,” per NSW Health.
The contamination was detected in mulch in a garden bed at the school, prompting immediate action from authorities. As part of precautionary measures, testing commenced at seven schools throughout Sydney on Friday, 16 February 2024.
These efforts aim to identify any further instances of asbestos contamination and mitigate potential risks to public health.
Whilst the investigation unfolds, affected areas are being cordoned off, and remediation efforts are underway to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the broader community.
Despite the findings, officials have sought to reassure the community regarding the potential health risks of bonded asbestos. Education Minister Pru Car emphasised that expert advice indicates the risk remains low, particularly when the material is undisturbed. The NSW EPA has mobilised resources to expedite testing and tracing efforts, collaborating with Fire and Rescue crews to bolster investigative capabilities.
Meanwhile, the company implicated in distributing contaminated mulch cooperates with authorities, albeit with some resistance. As the investigation progresses, stringent measures are being considered to address regulatory shortcomings and prevent future incidents.
Despite the scale of the investigation, authorities stress that the risk remains manageable, with most affected settings deemed low risk. However, vigilance and caution are paramount, with the NSW EPA urging individuals to report any concerns promptly.
The organisers behind the fireworks display of the annual Christmas concert at Allambie Heights Oval have issued an apology over an accident that injured several children.
According to reports, Howards & Sons and its director, Andrew Howard, are very concerned for the victims, which included 11-year-old boy Elias Carrera who had his chest burned and punctured because of a rogue firework.
The boy apparently requires plastic surgery and was transferred to the Westmead Children’s Hospital from the Royal North Shore Hospital.
“We are out and recovering, not as straight forward as they’d hoped with the firework going in further than first thought – at an angle and downwards reaching his spleen and tearing his abdominal muscles,” Elias’ mum, Emma Carrera, wrote.
“Quite a large area of damaged tissue had to be taken so it’s too difficult to close. He currently has a drain in and wound left partially open in the hope it’s safe enough to close it in a few days time with a second surgery.
“Looks like the burns unit will be home for this week and just so grateful it wasn’t worse – thank you all again for the incredible support – we are truly humbled. Hug those loved ones a wee bit tighter tonight.
An 8-year-old girl was also treated for burns on her wrist and has since been released from the Northern Beaches Hospital.
Several other bystanders were also treated by the paramedics and fire crew members who rushed to the chaotic scene. Witnesses said that children were screaming when the fireworks started “shooting at the audience” watching the Christmas carols at around 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, the 11th of December 2022.
Police say that the fireworks accident may be due technical issue but Safework NSW is currently investigating. Mr Howard also said the investigation will be his company’s priority.
Howards & Sons is a “globally renowned fireworks and special effects company” and has had no problems with its fireworks displays in the past. Reports cited that the company has its license and paperwork in order with SafeWork NSW.
Northern Beaches CEO Ray Brownlee said that the event, which had been sponsored by local businesses, observed proper protocols. The Allambie Heights Christmas Carols have been running since 2008 and the fireworks display is a regular attraction.
Changes are coming to Westfield Warringah Mall in Brookvale after the Scentre Group lodged a development application to redevelop the shopping centre by downsizing David Jones and bringing in three new tenants.
Per DA2022/1822, the northern section of Westfield Warringah Mall will undergo major changes from the ground floor to the roof. The most significant features of these changes include the accommodation of one new tenant on the ground floor, two new tenants on the second floor, a site for a new gym, and a co-working space.
Work on Level 2, where David Jones is housed, will comprise some demolition that will create openings for new glazed windows, a new door opening to the common mall, and the construction of a dividing wall to create spaces for two tenants.
Scentre Group also plans to install a pedestrian bridge from the car park on Level 2, in preparation for the 24/7 gym that will have its own security measures, including a swipe card for all members to access the facility outside of the staffed hours.
The redevelopment will also include a new roof with skylights to increase the safety of the car park, especially at night and a common walkway on the southern edge of the building.
“The proposal is minor in nature relative to the size of the whole shopping complex,” the urban designers stated in the DA. “The proposal will enhance the function and internal amenity of the site, resulting in minor changes to the built form which will only be slightly visible on the roof.”
Revisions for the design of the new building for The Forest High School relocation to Allambie Heights have been released, showing a shift from four-storey buildings to two-storey structures that will not ruin the neighbourhood streetscape and character.
School Infrastructure NSW took the feedback of the community in considering the changes after complaints that the original four-storey building designs were too big.
Following further architectural studies, reducing the building’s height to two storey and dividing the structures into smaller spaces may also significantly improve the travel time around the planned campus.
Photo Credit: School Infrastructure NSW
The design changes also includes configuring the sports courts to the west side of the property with the gymnasium relocated to overlook the sports field. Ramps, stairs and lifts, multiple undercover and courtyards will be added throughout the school site to allow the students and staff options for different modes of travel and maximum use of the outdoor spaces.
Photo Credit: School Infrastructure NSW
Per School Infrastructure NSW, “the design for The Forest High School has continued to be developed in consultation with department experts, school representatives and the Project Reference Group.”
Actual construction of The Forest High School in Allambie Heights has not yet been determined, pending the approval of the development application and the tender process. However, School Infrastructure NSW anticipates that the existing building, McLeod House, will be demolished by late 2022 to prepare for the new site.
The Forest High School is relocating from its Frenchs Forest site as the suburb is undergoing significant changes to create a new town centre. Moving the school to Allambie Heights will benefit the town centre planning.
The new site was selected because it is already serviced by gas, water, electricity, stormwater and public transport, aside from providing the right size and space for The Forest High School’s intake.
Preparations are underway for the State Significant Development (SSD) application, as well as the technical studies and environmental impact assessment, of the relocation of The Forest High School to Allambie Heights.
Consultations are also ongoing with Northern Beaches Council, Transport for NSW, and other key stakeholders to prepare the design development and planning details required before filing the SSD.
In December 2021, the NSW School Infrastructure released the concept design of The Forest High School, which has been earmarked for a 2025 opening along 187 Allambie Road, Allambie Heights. The new site will feature modern flexible learning spaces fit for 1,500 students, a new library, canteen and administration spaces, a multi-purpose sports and performance hall, new outdoor sports courts, and landscaped recreation with outdoor learning spaces.
Photo Credit: NSW School InfrastructurePhoto Credit: NSW School Infrastructure
The new site, located near the Warringah Aquatic Centre sporting facilities, was chosen as an adequate environment to build a new high school since it can accommodate the current intake of the current school. The location is also well-serviced by public transport, water, stormwater, electricity, and gas.
Due to the relocation, the assessment report in the SSD will also detail the school transport plan and travel demands of the school community. The project will also include a range of infrastructure proposals, such as school drop-off and pick-up areas, staff car parking, and secure bicycle or scooter parking.
New bus zones and upgrades to existing pedestrian and road infrastructure are also possible, if the plans, based on discussions with Transport NSW, the Northern Business Council, and bus operators, are consolidated.
Photo Credit: NSW School Infrastructure
Principal Rosemary McDowall expressed that the designs and preliminary plans meet the needs of the school community. She’s happy to see the plans incorporate a collaborative space with the NSW School Infrastructure taking in the inputs and comments properly.
Construction of the new school is expected to start by mid-2023, after the demolition of the former Cerebral Palsy Alliance building in late 2022. The old school, on the other hand, will become part of the Frenchs Forest new town centre, which will have medium density residential units.
