Feature 

Eco Award winners 2021

Congratulations to all our 2021 Eco Award winners. The awards, presented at a special ceremony at Glen Street Theatre this week, celebrate 'ordinary people, doing extraordinary things for the conservation of our environment'.

Image: Phil Colman
Individual Lifetime Achievement Award

Events

Pre-loved and loved by all

Our recent second-hand markets have seen strong turnouts, with one delighted vendor commenting, "I loved it and can’t wait for the next one!". Join the fun at our upcoming events:

• Bags to Riches  - Sat 29 May
• Avalon Car Boot Sale  - Sat 26 Jun 
   

Simplifying Solar Expo

Sat 5 Jun, 10am – 3pm
Novotel Manly 

Solar can save you money, with a home on the Northern Beaches currently saving an average of $1,400. It's also good for our planet!

Gather independent, trusted information from the experts on solar and battery technology, including the solar installation process.

News 

Renewable-sourced electricity

We have switched to 100% renewable sourced-electricity, cutting an estimated $1.9 million from our bills over the next seven years. This reduces our carbon footprint by about 80 per cent - a big step towards reaching our goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2045!

Early storm warning system

Council staff will now receive daily updates on the ocean conditions at Marine Parade including waves ‘overtopping’ the popular Manly walkway. 

The nifty tool developed by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) Water Research Laboratory includes a traffic light system that provides alerts when waves are likely to break over the walkway and the potential risk to pedestrians. 

Floating wetlands

Over 100 Year 2 students joined Council staff and representatives of Curl Curl Lagoon Friends to take a closer look at a custom-designed mini floating wetland. The pilot project has been testing aquatic plants in a dedicated 5000L tank using lagoon water over the last six months to gauge the best plants to improve water quality. 

Image: students from Curl Curl North Public School

Charging ahead with solar

Council is getting a step closer to its goal of having all of its suitable sites powered by renewable electricity by 2030. Recent sites include the Coastal Environment Centre at North Narrabeen which recently doubled its solar system, generating an additional 5kW of sustainable energy, bringing the total to 10kW. 

Spotted an invasive species?

Non-native animals such as exotic birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians or mammals can cause significant problems if deliberately or accidentally released into the wild. Two high-risk species include the Red-Eared Slider Turtle and American Corn Snake that have been spotted at locations in Sydney and across NSW. Find out how you can help, should you spot one. 

The Laughing Kookaburra

The Laughing Kookaburra or Dacelo novaeguineae is the largest Kingfisher in the world. Its laugh is used to signal their territory to other birds. They live in families, with siblings remaining in the family until they are old enough to look after themselves. In favourable conditions Kookaburras can live for more than 20 years and have the same partner for life.