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Avalon Youth Hub Rebrands and Expands as “Beaches Youth Hub”

Photo Credit: Beaches Youth Hub/ Facebook

Young people and families on the Barrenjoey Peninsula have cause for celebration with the significant expansion of the Avalon Youth Hub, now rebranded as the “Beaches Youth Hub“.

This expansion comes after an endorsed proposal to relocate the Hub to the former Avalon Customer Contact Centre. This would allow for a broader range of services and support for young people facing challenges.

This initiative has been years in the making, originating in 2017 when then-Barranjoey High School Principal Ian Bowsher recognised the need for a dedicated youth support service in the area. He partnered with The Burdekin Association, and they launched the Avalon Youth Hub in 2018 May.

At the time, Mr Bowsher stressed the importance of having a central location where young people could access help with various issues, from mental health to substance abuse, in an open and supportive environment.

He envisioned the Hub as a place to normalise conversations around youth wellbeing and bring together different community sectors—schools, health services, and government—to collaborate on this crucial mission.

The Northern Beaches Council’s decision to grant the former Customer Contact Centre to the Youth Hub followed a thorough viability review and an Expressions of Interest process.

The Burdekin Association, as the lead agency of the Avalon Youth Hub, was selected from several applicants. This move underscores the Council’s dedication to youth wellbeing and its proactive approach to addressing mental health concerns within the community.

A celebratory event marked this new chapter. The new “Beaches Youth Hub” identity was unveiled on Wednesday, 18 September. This rebranding reflects the Hub’s expanded reach and commitment to serving the broader community.

It is located at 59 Old Barrenjoey Road, Pittwater, and welcomes drop-in visitors on Mondays from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. You can also reach them by phone at 0487 936 875.

Published Date 01-October-2024

First Artificial Nesting Platform for Eastern Ospreys Launches at Avalon Beach

Northern Beaches is set to pilot the region’s first artificial nesting platform in Avalon Beach and it’s specifically designed for the Eastern Osprey, a threatened native bird species impacted by urban development.

Known for its rich biodiversity, Northern Beaches is taking a significant step towards conservation by installing a 23-metre-high artificial nesting platform at Hitchcock Park.

The installation is timed to coincide with the breeding season, following community feedback and environmental assessments in compliance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979.

This initiative, supported by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water (DCCEEW), aims to counteract the loss of natural habitats and promote the breeding of the Eastern Osprey.

Osprey nesting platform Avalon Beach — *Photo Credit: NorthernBeachesCouncil*

Benefits and Goals

The project’s primary goal is to establish a secure nesting area for Ospreys, fostering population growth and breeding success. Benefits of the platform include the construction of a sustainable habitat and alignment with community conservation goals. Successful breeding could lead to educational campaigns, enhanced community engagement, and further research opportunities in partnership with universities. Additionally, the installation of a live-feed camera is anticipated, allowing the public to observe osprey activity in real-time.

The location of the nesting platform at Avalon Beach was influenced by the need to replace an existing Osprey nest on a private crane. The selected site offers natural protection and minimises visual impact for local residents and field users, ensuring a harmonious integration with the surrounding environment.

Concerns regarding the safety of existing makeshift nesting sites, such as light poles and cranes, have been addressed. The new platform will provide a safer alternative for Ospreys, preventing potential wildlife and conservation issues. The proximity of the nesting pole to parking areas has been carefully planned to avoid disturbances to both wildlife and park visitors.

Future Prospects and Environmental Impact

The initiative is viewed as a pilot project, with outcomes expected to guide future conservation efforts within the Local Government Area (LGA). Continuous monitoring will assess the platform’s effectiveness in attracting and supporting Osprey populations. Environmental approvals have been secured, ensuring that the project adheres to all regulatory requirements and minimises ecological impact.

Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of June and conclude by August 2024, with operations confined to standard working hours to minimise disruption. The project is co-funded by the NSW DCCEEW and the local council, demonstrating a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship and species protection.

The Northern Beaches Council invites community input on the Osprey Nesting Platform project. Residents can view the plans and provide feedback by:

Completing the comment form below,
Emailing council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au, or
Writing to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82 Manly NSW 1655.

Please include ‘Osprey Nesting Platform’ in the subject line of all email or written feedback. Comments are open until Wednesday, 26 June.

Published 21-June-2024

Avalon Beach Residents Oppose Senior Living Complex Development on Kevin Avenue

Concerned locals at Avalon Beach stand united against a controversial proposal that seeks to transform two cherished family homes on Kevin Avenue into a senior living complex, sparking fears of lost character, increased congestion, and the erosion of the area’s natural beauty.

The project (DA2024/0044), which is estimated to cost $8.6 million, aims to establish a 10-unit senior living facility at 25-27 Kevin Avenue. This development plan has caught the attention of Avalon Beach residents and stirred significant community opposition, highlighting concerns over the potential loss of the suburb’s unique “character and beauty.”

Kevin Ave Avalon — *Photo Credit: DA2024/0044*

Over 100 submissions from locals have been flooding the Northern Beaches Council, most of which express strong opposition to the development. The public notification period ran from 13 to 27 February 2024.

Critics have expressed their resistance to the development for several reasons. These include fears of increased traffic on already busy roads, loss of green spaces and tree canopies, and concerns over the adequacy of public transport options for seniors. The opposition is rooted in the belief that the development would significantly depart from the area’s current aesthetic and scale.

“I wish to object to this development taking place in Kevin Avenue. It is a difficult road to navigate at the best of times,” Brenda Haig said in her submission to Council. “Quite often it is highly congested with parked cars and traffic as it’s the only safe thoroughfare with lights to Barrenjoey road. The building of these units will be totally inappropriate by impacting the green corridor, water run off and privacy. The scale and density is an over development for this street.”

“The proposed development in Kevin Avenue, Avalon Beach will be a quick money-making venture for the developer,” says Jennifer Hall. “The proposal exceeds height limits & is high density in a low density residential area. The traffic is already like a dodgem race as the limited parking on both sides of Kevin Avenue restricts traffic visibility. The morning & afternoon is a traffic jam as people use the only lights allowing a safe right hand turn into BarrenjoeyRd! This is a disastrous proposal for Avalon!!”

“It’s too much and not needed here it will not alleviate the lack affordable housing in the in the area it will only compound it, the only people who will benefit are the developers,” wrote Les Manning, another resident.

In response to the proposed development, locals have launched a social media campaign, spreading an “urgent appeal — protect our community” message across various platforms. The campaign reflects a broader apprehension regarding the “relentless pursuit of profit by developers” and the precedent such a project could set for future developments in Avalon Beach.

“Your support in objecting to this proposal will defend the very essence of Avalon and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come,” the campaign stated.

The owners of the properties have not made any comments regarding the community’s response as the DA is still under assessment.

Published 27-March-2024

Avalon Lifesaver in ‘Freak’ Surf Accident Becomes Advocate for Beach Safety Campaign

Photo Credit: Surf Life Saving Australia

Mark Head, a seasoned Avalon lifesaver with the Avalon Surf Life Saving Club, has become a prominent advocate for the latest summer beach safety campaign in the Northern Beaches.

In September 2023, Mr Head, a veteran with 39 years of experience as a lifesaver, was struck by a rescue board during a training exercise at Avalon Beach. The board caught the lip of a wave, flipped backward, and struck him in the forehead, leading to a life-altering spinal cord injury.

Mr Head’s life took an unexpected turn when he was discovered underwater after eight minutes and required nearly 90 minutes of CPR to be revived. It was, by all accounts, a “freak accident” but it left the Avalon lifesaver paralysed due to severe spinal cord injuries.

Advocating for Safety

Despite his experience, Mr Head has chosen to advocate for beach safety as part of the Northern Beaches Council’s campaign. He has observed that even children, unfamiliar with the potential dangers of the ocean, often run into the surf without fully comprehending the risks. His message resonates, particularly on days when the ocean appears calm but can still pose hidden dangers.

At the campaign launch, Mr Head emphasised the need for greater awareness among beachgoers, particularly parents and children, about the potential hazards of the ocean. In the previous year, six people tragically drowned in the unpatrolled beaches.

The statistics revealed that approximately 10.8 million people visited the region’s 24 beaches, with 1,427 rescues performed. Additionally, council lifeguards and volunteer lifesavers conducted 425,000 “preventative actions,” such as guiding swimmers to stay within flagged areas, avoiding rip currents, and cautioning board riders to steer clear of the flags.

Avalon Beach — Photo Credit: Google Maps

Clinton Rose, Beach Safety Manager at Northern Beaches Council, stressed that the campaign’s ultimate goal is to eliminate drownings on local beaches during the summer season. The council has allocated resources and personnel to ensure beach safety, but community cooperation is essential. The educational program aims to equip individuals with the knowledge to navigate rip currents, swim within designated areas, avoid swimming alone, and provide safety guidelines in case of emergencies.

The Responsibility of All Beachgoers

Tracey Hare-Boyd, CEO of Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches, acknowledged the region’s commendable track record of no lives lost between the red and yellow flags. However, she emphasised that drownings can occur on unpatrolled beaches or when lifesavers are off-duty, especially in the warm evenings.

As the summer season approaches, Northern Beaches Council’s beach safety campaign provides invaluable guidance. The top four beach safety tips include swimming at patrolled beaches between the flags, reading safety signs for crucial information, always swimming with a companion for mutual safety, and remaining calm while seeking help in the water by raising one arm to attract attention.

Published 8-Jan-2024

Mystery Surrounds Avalon’s Marara Estate Sell-Off

Photo Credit: Marara Estate

The sale of part of Marara estate in Avalon Beach has left locals intrigued. After 13 years on and off the market, the property, owned by Mortgage Choice co-founder Peter Higgins, was finally sold in April.

However, the identity of the new owner remains a mystery, adding an air of curiosity to this long-awaited transaction. Higgins retained the original homestead and boat shed on a 4,260-square-meter block. Another 8,339-square-meter portion, complete with its boat shed, fetched around $40 million. Yet, the buyer’s identity remains undisclosed, sparking speculations within the community.

Rumours link the mysterious buyer to engineer-turned-property developer Sammy Soliman, known for his work on the Verona cinema in Paddington. Though unconfirmed, this association adds to the intrigue surrounding the sale.

Plans for a new house with an office pavilion overlooking Pittwater, designed by local architect Mark Hurcum, have been submitted under Higgins’ name due to delayed settlement terms. The Northern Beaches Council holds the pending development application.

Marara’s history dates back to Higgins’ 2004 purchase from the estate of gynaecologist Meg Mulvey, widow of the late gynaecologist Sir Herbert Schlink. The property, acquired by Schlink in 1930, bears a rich historical legacy.

The estate’s name, Marara, originates from Dr. James Elliott, who commissioned a cottage in 1917. Elliott named it after the flying fish, ‘Marara,’ which fascinated him in Careel Bay’s waters.

Among Sydney’s top 10 luxury sales, Marara stands out. While other waterfront properties dominated the list, with sales in Bellevue Hill, Point Piper, Vaucluse, and Tamarama, Marara’s sale remains a topic of local interest.

Residents eagerly anticipate the reveal of the estate’s new owner. The historical significance and allure of Marara continue to captivate Avalon, making it a focal point of intrigue within the community.

Published 29-December-2023

Avalon Beach Water Quality Stays ‘Very Good’ While Mona Vale Beach Downgraded

A new report on the water quality of beaches around NSW showed that Avalon Beach has maintained its “Very Good” standing. The report also indicated some fluctuations, notably the downgrading of Mona Vale Beach and ongoing issues with Narrabeen Lagoon.

Per the NSW State of the Beaches 2022-2023 report, released by the Minister for the Environment, Avalon Beach, along with Palm Beach and Whale Beach, sustained its water quality rating. This achievement is particularly impressive given the adverse weather conditions during the reporting period.

Mona Vale Beach, a popular coastal destination, has been downgraded from “Very Good” to “Good” due to an increase in faecal contamination. This drop in water quality can be attributed to heavy rainfall and potential pollution sources. The latest data shows elevated Enterococci levels, occasionally exceeding safe swimming limits, especially after light rain events.

The report also highlighted that almost all monitored beaches in NSW had excellent water quality, which represents an increase from 94 per cent in the previous year, despite the region experiencing record rainfall and flooding during the reporting period.

Several other beaches have been upgraded in the report, with Coledale, Fingal Bay, South Stockton Beach, and Malua Bay achieving higher water quality grades. Two other beaches, Toowoon Bay and Caseys Beach, have been upgraded to “Good”.

Estuarine Swimming Sites and Their Challenges

Meanwhile, estuarine swimming sites, including Narrabeen Lagoon (Birdwood Park) Lagoon and Bilarong Reserve Lagoon, continue to face water quality challenges. Both lagoons were rated as “Poor” in water quality, as in the previous year’s report.

Birdwood Park, located at the entrance of Narrabeen Lagoon, is influenced by wet weather events and whether the lagoon is open to the ocean, making it susceptible to faecal contamination from lagoon discharge. Bilarong Reserve, on the other hand, retains pollution inputs due to its distance from the lagoon entrance and limited flushing by clean ocean water.

The report underscores that water quality at these lagoon sites is generally suitable for swimming during dry weather, with a high percentage of samples within safe swimming limits. However, after rainfall, Enterococci levels consistently exceeded safe limits.

Animal and Human Faecal Contamination

Contamination of recreational waters with faecal material from both animal and human sources can pose significant health risks to beachgoers. Common pathogens found in these waters include bacteria, protozoans, and viruses, which can lead to gastroenteritis and other infections.

Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, individuals with compromised immune systems, tourists, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds are at greater risk of microbial infections when exposed to contaminated water.

Impact of Wastewater Treatment Plants

Wastewater treatment plants, such as the Warriewood Wastewater Treatment Plant, have been identified as potential sources of faecal contamination at some beaches. Enterococci levels at Warriewood Beach have steadily risen, despite the report indicating that the plant’s capacity is not constrained.

The ongoing impact of these treatment plants and other pollution sources remains a concern, with the report highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and measures to address pollution and maintain water quality standards.

Actions Taken and Future Plans

Efforts to address water quality issues at certain beaches include sand clearance operations at the Narrabeen Lagoon entrance. A change in strategy, with more frequent but smaller sand clearance operations, aims to maintain water quality and prevent prolonged closures of the lagoon entrance. This approach, recently adopted by the council, reflects a commitment to resolving ongoing water quality challenges in the area.

Despite some challenges, the majority of beaches in NSW continue to offer safe and excellent water quality for swimmers, and the State of the Beaches report serves as a valuable resource for beachgoers, providing real-time information and guidance on beach conditions, especially after rainfall events.

For more detailed information on beach water quality and specific ratings, you can refer to the full report.

Avalon Customer Contact Centre to Permanently Close

Did you know that despite efforts to the contrary, plans to close the Avalon Customer Contact Centre will now move forward?

Following a decision that enjoys majority support, the centre will cease to operate by November 2023. However, the move has not been without its share of opposition.

The Avalon Preservation Association (APA) expressed concerns about the diminishing services available to the residents of Avalon and its surrounding areas.

Craig Boaden, President of the APA, highlighted that the closure of the customer service centre was part of a broader trend of service reductions that have been impacting the community. Boaden emphasized that not everyone relies on the internet for their transactions and questioned the decision to eliminate a service that served a vital role for many residents.

The recommendation to close the Avalon Customer Contact Centre was presented by Council staff, citing that the centre had an average footfall of only 13 people per day.

David Kerr, the Director of Community & Belonging at Northern Beaches Council, outlined that the cost of each visit to the centre was significantly higher compared to other locations, amounting to nearly $90 per visit as opposed to $16 at alternate centres, such as in Dee Why and Mona Vale. The closure is expected to result in an annual cost saving of approximately $270,000 for Council.

Cr Miranda Korzy (Greens) challenged the projected savings, expressing concerns about potential job redundancies and the allocation of the staff to handle incoming phone calls.

She argued that the cost savings might not be as significant as estimated. On the other hand, Cr Sarah Grattan (Manly Ward), pointed out the distribution of services across different Council wards and the relatively low footfall at the Avalon centre.

Ms Grattan underscored that the service will not be cancelled. Instead, it will be moved to a nearby location as there is convenient public transportation available between Avalon and Mona Vale.

She also said there’s a need to make challenging decisions occasionally to achieve cost savings and subsequently channel those funds back into the community. However, she believes that decisions should be made in consultation with the community to identify a more beneficial utilisation of this Council property.

Pittwater Ward Cr Michael Gencher, who was among those advocating for deferral, inserted a rider on the motion that opened the door for exploring alternative uses of the space once the customer service centre is closed. He emphasized the importance of making decisions in the community’s best interests and repurposing the space to cater to other community needs.

The final decision to close the Avalon Customer Service Centre, with the provision to explore alternative community services for the space, was approved by most of the councillors.

Published 24-Aug-2023

The Evolution of Avalon’s Iconic Rock Pool: From Blown-Up Rocks to Baywatch

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council / northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Did you know that in the late 90s, a few episodes of the popular American action drama television series, Baywatch, were filmed at the Avalon rock pool? Get to know more about the history of one of the most popular swimming spots in Northern Beaches.

Avalon Beach is one of the most popular and picturesque beaches on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and at the southern end of the beach lies the Avalon Rock Pool. The rock pool has become an icon of the Northern Beaches and a popular spot for photographers, with its stunning location where waves crash over the walls. The pool is surrounded by rocky cliffs, and the area has undergone many changes since the rock pool was first built.

Avalon Rock Pool: From inception to expansion

The rock pool is 25 meters long and was built in 1917, thanks to the efforts of the residents and developer Arthur J. Small. Small was responsible for many early subdivisions in Avalon and pushed for the construction of the pool. The council agreed to build the pool upon receiving a donation of £30 from local residents. The pool was excavated into the rock shelf, which was a roughly rectangular shape, measuring about 12 m × 5.5 m.

Throughout its history, the Avalon rock pool has undergone multiple transformations and expansions. In 1922, the pool was extended by 5.5 meters, accompanied by the addition of a timber dressing shed for ladies.

Barbara Ratte (nee Sworder) at Avalon Rock pool c1920 | Photo credit: Northern Beaches Council Library Local Studies, Record Number: AV-129 / northernbeaches.recollect.net.au

Subsequent developments in the late 1920s involved deepening the pool by demolishing rocks to create a larger swimming area, complemented by the construction of protective walls. In 1937, further expansion took place, resulting in a pool that now spans approximately 30 meters in length and is enclosed by sturdy, high concrete walls.

In May 1938, the council estimated the cost of a children’s pool at £75, but lack of funds delayed the project. The following year, the council committed to building the 8 m × 5 m children’s pool, which was completed by August. Subsequent improvements took place in 1967 and the late 1970s, including repairs to the northeastern side and the concreting of the pool’s floor.

The Baywatch backlash

In 1998, Avalon boasted a population of over 9,000 residents and caught the attention of the producers of the popular American soap opera Baywatch. Several episodes of the show were filmed at the Avalon rock pool, adding a touch of glamour to the serene location.

However, controversy arose when the Baywatch crew unexpectedly detonated a yacht near the pool, causing alarm among the community. Swimmers were hurriedly asked to vacate the pool to accommodate a rescue scene being filmed. Unfortunately, in the commotion, a woman in her eighties sustained an arm injury, promptly attended to by the TV crew.

The proposal to turn Avalon into the primary filming location for the entire Baywatch series, spanning seven months a year for six years, triggered concerns among local residents. Worried about increased weekend visitors and restricted access to the beach and pool, an Anti-Baywatch Action group rallied support, collecting petition signatures.

Strong negative sentiments expressed at a council meeting led to the abandonment of further filming plans in Avalon, with the production relocating to Hawaii.

Avalon Rock Pool today

The Evolution of Avalon's Iconic Rock Pool: From Blown-Up Rocks to Baywatch — Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council / northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

Today, the rock pool is a popular destination for swimmers, surfers, and photographers, and it continues to be maintained and updated by the local council. The area around the pool has also been improved over the years, with a wire fence installed at the base of the cliff to trap falling rocks and protect bathers from potential hazards.

It features a shallow toddler pool for little ones to enjoy. After a refreshing swim, treat yourself to a nourishing snack at one of the nearby local cafes. To access the rockpool, make your way from the carpark off Barrenjoey Road, where pay-and-display parking is available.

Published 13-May-2023

Avalon Beach Named As One Of The Safest Northern Beaches Suburbs

Avalon Beach has been named as one of the safest northern beaches suburbs, based on the latest data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR).

Read: Demand Surges in Avalon Property Market as Buyers Discover ‘Paradise’

According to BOCSAR’s latest crime report, which was recorded between January 2022 and December 2022, Avalon Beach only had a total of 100 serious offences, which included incidents of home theft, car theft and assault.

In the entire Northern Beaches area, violent offences have reduced by 6.2 per cent whilst property offences have diminished by 12. 5 per cent on a five-year trend.

Old Barrenjoey Rd, Avalon Beach (Photo credit: Google Street View)

In the last 12 months, however, the two crime categories with the large increases were car thefts, which grew to 17 per cent in 2021 and retail theft with a 23.7 per cent increase in the same year.

In an official statement, BOCSAR said the rate of offending for many crimes was interrupted by the pandemic but the number of crimes for car theft and retail theft are now starting to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Berowra Heights, considered as one the safest northern beaches suburbs, recorded the lowest number of serious crimes, with only 24 in the previous year, with a population of 5,458 people. The three leading types of serious crimes recorded in Berowra Heights were malicious damage, assault, and stealing from dwelling.

Read: Keeping Cats Safe at Home Program Launches in Avalon, 10 NSW LGAs

Other suburbs with the lowest serious crime rates include Beecroft (57 serious offences), Cherrybrook (98 serious offences), and West Pennant Hills (95), Fairlight (38), Wahroonga (160), and St Ives (137).

Meanwhile, the areas with the highest rates of serious crime in 2022 included the Sydney CBD which consists of the suburbs of Haymarket, The Rocks, Barangaroo, Millers Point, Dawes Point, with 1559 assaults, 260 sexual assaults, and 608 incidents of malicious damage to property.

Published 8-April-2023

Premises in Avalon Beach Are Among One Million Additional Homes and Businesses to Be Eligible for NBN Full-Fibre Upgrade

Photo credit: fancycrave1 from Pixabay

One million additional homes and businesses across Australia, including premises in Avalon Beach, will be eligible for a full-fibre upgrade as part of NBN Co’s ongoing upgrade program.

National Broadband Network (NBN) and the Australian Government have recently announced the rollout of additional homes and businesses that will get an upgrade to full-fibre broadband connection by ordering an eligible wholesale speed tier (with up to 58 per cent located in regional areas and the rest in metro areas)

A full-fibre broadband connection offers access to higher speed tiers which means a better and more reliable internet experience including faster downloads and uploads, faster game upgrades, and faster streaming.

NBN Co said that it expects eligible homes and businesses within these suburbs will be able to access a full-fibre broadband upgrade from 2024 whilst the remaining locations to be upgraded are expected to be announced by early 2024.

Up to 10 million premises across Australia or about 90 per cent are targeted to get access to NBN Home Ultrafast with wholesale download speeds of 500 Mbps to close to 1 Gps by the end of 2025.

To trigger an upgrade, customers at eligible premises need to place an order with a retailer which is based on one of NBN’s three highest residential wholesale speed tiers.

“Today’s announcement is good news for customers living and working in more than one million homes and businesses across Australia because they will soon be able to access the fastest residential speeds available on the nbn network,” Kathrine Dyer, Chief Operating Officer at NBN, said.

“We are unlocking social and economic benefits across Australia by pushing fibre deeper into communities. Fibre is inherently more capable of delivering faster upload and download speeds, is generally more reliable than copper connections and reduces our ongoing maintenance and operating costs.

“So far, we have identified the suburbs and towns across Australia where customers living and working in around 3 million premises currently served by nbn Fibre to the Node will be able to access full fibre upgrades by the end of 2025.

“In just six years data use has tripled on the nbn network – and that exponential growth is expected to continue as customer demands increase to meet new technology.”

To find out if you’re eligible for a full-fibre upgrade register at nbn.com.au/FTTPupgrade.

New South Wales suburbs and towns where additional homes and businesses will be eligible for full fibre:

Adamstown*, Adamstown Heights, Airds, Albury*, Alexandria*, Allambie Heights, Ashmont, Avalon Beach*, Avoca Beach

Bangalee, Bar Beach, Barnsley, Barrack Heights*, Basin View, Bathurst*, Belmont North*, Beresfield, Bilgola Plateau, Blackbutt*, Blackheath, Blayney, Blue Haven*, Bolwarra Heights, Bonnells Bay*, Booragul, Bowral*, Bowraville, Bradbury*, Broadmeadow, Budgewoi, Buff Point*, Bundanoon, Bungendore

Calala*, Callala Bay*, Callala Beach*, Campbelltown*, Cardiff, Casino, Castle Hill*, Caves Beach*, Cessnock, Charlestown*, Chinderah, Clyde, Coledale, Cooks Hill*, Coolangatta, Cooma, Coonabarabran, Cooranbong, Corowa*, Cowra*, Cringila, Cronulla*, Crosslands

Dalmeny*, Darlinghurst*, Dee Why, Denhams Beach, Double Bay, Dubbo*

East Albury*, East Ballina*, East Tamworth, Eden, Edgeworth*, Elderslie*, Eleebana*, Elermore Vale, Epping, Erina*

Figtree*, Fingal Head, Forbes, Forster*

Gateshead*, Gerroa, Gilgandra, Gladesville, Glen Innes, Glendale, Glenfield Park*, Glenmore Park*, Glenroy, Gorokan*, Goulburn*, Grafton, Granville, Griffith*, Gulgong, Gunnedah, Gwynneville

Halekulani, Hamilton*, Harrington, Haywards Bay, Helensburgh, Hillsborough, Hillvue*, Hinchinbrook, Holmesville, Homebush West, Hunters Hill*

Islington*

Jamisontown, Jerrabomberra*, Jindabyne

Kanwal*, Kariong*, Katoomba*, Keiraville*, Kelso*, Kensington, Killingworth, Kincumber*, Kings Langley, Kingscliff*, Kingsford, Kirrawee, Kooringal*, Kotara, Kurri Kurri

Lakelands, Lambton*, Laurieton, Lavington*, Leura, Lisarow, Lithgow, Long Beach

Macksville, Macquarie Hills*, Maianbar, Maitland*, Maloneys Beach, Mannering Park, Marmong Point, Maryland*, Medowie, Merewether*, Merimbula, Middleton Grange, Mitchell, Mittagong, Mollymook, Mollymook Beach*, Montefiores, Moree*, Moss Vale, Mount Austin, Mount Hutton, Mount Kembla, Mount Warrigal*, Mudgee*, Murwillumbah,

Nambucca Heads, Narara*, Narrabri, Narrandera, Narrawallee, New Lambton*, Niagara

Park, Norah Head, North Albury*, North Batemans Bay, North Kellyville, North Lambton, North Manly, North Nowra*, North Tamworth, Nowra

Oak Flats*, Old Erowal Bay, Orange*, Ourimbah, Oxley Vale

Parklea, Picton, Port Kembla*, Port Macquarie*, Primbee

Quakers Hill

Raymond Terrace*, Rhodes, Rozelle, Ruse*, Rutherford*

San Remo*, Sanctuary Point*, Scone, Shell Cove, Shoalhaven Heads*, Shortland, Singleton*, Skennars Head, Smithfield*, South Albury, South Bathurst, South Grafton, South Nowra, South Tamworth, South Turramurra, South West Rocks, Speers Point, Spring Farm, St Helens Park*, Stockton, Sunshine Bay, Surfside, Surry Hills, Sussex Inlet*, Swansea

Tahmoor, Telarah, Terranora, Terrigal*, Thirlmere, Thirroul*, Thornton*, Thurgoona*, Tuggerah, Tuggerawong, Tumut, Tweed Heads South*

Ulladulla*, Umina Beach*

Valentine

Wadalba, Wagga Wagga*, Waitara, Wallabi Point, Wallsend, Wangi Wangi, Warners Bay*, Warrawong*, Watanobbi*, Wauchope*, Wentworth Falls, West Albury, West Bathurst*, West Kempsey, West Tamworth*, West Wallsend, West Wyalong, Wetherill Park*, Whitebridge, Windale, Windradyne*, Wollongbar, Wollstonecraft, Wombarra, Woodcroft, Woolwich*, Woronora Heights, Wyee, Wyoming*, Wyongah

Yamba*, Yass, Young

#Indicates identification of additional footprint in suburbs and towns previously announced as part of NBN Co and the Victorian Government’s co-investment program.

The upgrade program was boosted by the Australian Government’s additional $2.4 billion investment.

Published 3-March-2023