Manly students top in State

Manly Selective Campus year-9 students blitzed a science competition at Parliament House last October and were declared top in the State after turning a pile of paperclips, thumbtacks and rubber bands into a device that carried the heaviest load in the shortest time. As the winning team, Manly Selective students received a visit from University of New South Wales students and their solar-powered car, which was awarded the country’s most energy efficient vehicle.

$113,000 for Manly Scenic Walkway

The favourite Manly to Spit walk will become even more enjoyable for walkers soon, with $113,000 in State Government funds to be spent improving the section between Tania Park and Dobroyd Head. National Parks and Wildlife Services will carry out the upgrade, which will involve installing a timber boardwalk and draining sections at high risk of erosion.

Cyber safety laws tightened

After holding a forum with internet and child safety experts in August 2007, I recommended the Government amend legislation to make it mandatory for sex offenders to register their active email addresses when convicted. The Child Protection (Offenders Registration) Amendment Bill 2007 was passed in November to do just that. Children will now be less vulnerable when visiting social networking websites although it remains an area in need of constant review.

Arts funding for Manly Art Gallery

The Minister for Arts has awarded a $35,000 grant to the Manly Art Gallery and Museum as part of the Government’s Cultural Grants Program. The funds will go towards the care and assessment of paper based collections under the Museums program and to a Visual Arts and Craft program.

Manly and Curl Curl Lagoons 

Sydney Water has confirmed it will spend up to $70 million over the next three years to stop sewage entering Manly and Curl Curl Lagoons. The money will be spent fixing pipes that are currently leaking or overflowing during heavy rains in order to reduce the high level of sewage in the lagoons. 

Curl Curl school canteen

North Curl Curl Public School now has a new canteen, after 12 years of action. The new facility will be enjoyed by students and teachers in 2008.

New Code for pubs

Manly pub owners have amended their Code of Practice, demonstrating Manly's leadership in encouraging responsible drinking. The key feature are enhanced Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Officers that patrol premises to crack down on heavy drinking and ensure Manly venues are safe and enjoyable.