Avalon Beach Archives

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 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.

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

Plan for New Cycleways Along Avalon Beach Scrapped

Photo Credit: Hans / Pixabay

The plan to have new cycleways along Avalon Beach has been scrapped by the Northern Beaches Council, following some backlash from resident groups.

My Place: Avalon – Avalon Beach Place Plan, which identifies improvements and programs for the area, was officially adopted during a Council meeting held in late July 2022.

However, the proposed cycleways within the Avalon Beach village were scrapped, with Council recommending that the proposal be “re-investigated” within 12 months, following unfavourable feedback from the community towards the project.

The public exhibition had received 736 submissions on the draft Place Plan, many of which were critical of the proposed cycleway. The key issues raised include:

The concrete divide between the cycleway and the road would be a trip hazard
Extending the cycleway across Barrenjoey Road would be dangerous for cyclists and motorists
The cycleway will disrupt residents getting in and out of Old Barrenjoey Rd (south)
Intermingling cyclists is a dangerous outcome, for the elderly and young pedestrians
Oppose the bike path due to the loss of trees
The cycleway will result in the loss of 30 parking spaces
A dedicated cycle path on Old Barrenjoey Rd would be a disaster and only cause high anxiety between the community and the Lycra brigade who travel at high speed
Some community support for the Alternate Avalon Bike Path Plan – Avalon Preservation Association that locates the cycleway in the laneways

A Council document stated that the cycleway would have provided the community with a safe cycling route and that it was developed as a response to the community’s expressed desire for active transport options apart from vehicles.

It likewise stated that the design did not incorporate a long concrete divide between the cycle path and car parking spaces as there are other materials and structures that could be used as well as breaks that would allow prams/wheelchairs and walkers access.

“No parking spaces would have been lost as a direct consequence of the proposed cycleway and no disabled car parking spaces will be removed as part of the design concept. In total 11 parking spaces will be removed from Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade to cater for the intersection redesign and incorporated footpath widening,” the document added.

“We recognise the local community is passionate about the environment and protection of trees and vegetation and the design of the cycleway was undertaken to minimise tree removal. However, as part of the design, six trees in the centre of the Old Barrenjoey Road (south) and three small trees along the western footpath edge need to be removed.”

“As part of the Place Plan extensive additional planting would be undertaken throughout the village,” Council stated as a response to the concerns over the loss of trees as part of the Place Plan.

Considering the concerns raised, the proposed cycleway will not proceed despite the mitigation measures available.

“Our 10-year plan for Avalon Beach sets out both longer-term projects such as redesigning the Old Barrenjoey Road and Avalon Parade intersection and quick win projects that have already been completed such as improving Dunbar Park playground in 2021,” Mayor Regan said..

Council will trial temporary southbound shared along Old Barrenjoey Road between Avalon Parade and Woolworths car park entrance. Before a permanent shared zone is considered, however, the community will be invited to have their say.

Improvements on the Avalon Beach streetscape will also be part of the plan including resurfacing footpaths and roads, landscaping, installing new street furniture, increasing the opportunities for art in public spaces and performance spaces, and improving lighting. Greening of the area will also be a major component of the plan.

Endangered Sea Turtle Found on Avalon Beach Rescued and Released in Port Stephens

Avalon, an endangered Hawksbill sea turtle that washed up on Avalon Beach in November 2020, has been nursed back to health and was recently released in Port Stephens.

Now weighing more than 13 kilograms, Avalon was extremely malnourished at 3.8 kilograms when it was discovered struggling to forage for food nearly two years ago. She had barnacles and algae growth on her, which suggested that she was on adrift for quite some time.

The turtle was placed under an intensive care program with SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium Curatorial Supervisor Ben Wynand and his team. She became healthy, strong and fit for release.

As soon as Avalon was in the water, she swam with all her strength at Zenith Beach, a natural turtle habitat around the Shoal Bay headland.

Also rescued and released at Port Stephens were Cutler and Warnie, a pair of Loggerhead Sea Turtles found in Victoria. The experts said that Cutler and Warnie suffered from Floater Syndrome, which prevented them from going underwater due to their buoyancy.

Sea Life Aquarium curator Laura Simmons said that they decided to bring the turtles to Zenith Beach as it had the perfect condition for Avalon, Cutler and Warnie to thrive.

Ms Simmons believes that the turtles could remain in Port Stephens for some time if there is great food and the water temperature is ideal. But turtles tend to travel a lot thus Avalon and the other turtles could be in Queensland’s water up north in no time.

Turtles wash up on the beach for many reasons but some have been unable to swim because they’ve gotten sick from ingesting plastic.

New Twist to Prison Escapee Darko “Dougie” Desic’s Story Revealed

Photo Credit: GoFundMe / gofundme.com

A new twist to the story of prison escapee Darko “Dougie” Desic, who turned himself in after 30 years of living as a handyman in Northern Beaches, has been revealed.

Desic broke out of Grafton correctional facility on July 31, 1992, after serving 13 months of his three-and-a-half years of a prison sentence for growing marijuana, using hacksaw blade and bolt cutters; he was 35 years old then.

He said he escaped prison out of fear of being deported after completing his prison term to what used to be Yugoslavia, where he believes he would be punished for failing to complete his compulsory military service.

He remained under the radar for 30 years whilst living in Avalon and working as a cash-in-hand labourer, until the pandemic happened. Left with no means to support himself and homeless, the now 64-year-old opted to hand himself to Dee Why Police Station.

Grafton Correctional Centre | Photo Credit: Photographic Collection from Australia, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, / Wikimedia Commons

Before he was sent back to prison, Darko took the time to make one request that will end up touching someone’s life. He asked his friend Scott Matthewson to search for the owner of a gold medal that he found whilst living a life on the run in Northern Beaches. The rightful owner of the gold Victory Medal turned out to be Ernest Charles May from Melbourne.

May was awarded the gold medal in 1919 after serving in the Great War. He was wounded three times, had miraculously survived being buried in a collapsed trench before getting gassed with sulphur mustard.

The war veteran gave his World War I medal to his nephew John Paul Bell back in 1962 who had it hanging on his key ring when he lost it whilst walking on Avalon Beach. Mr Bell then learned about Desic’s story whilst reading his Pittwater Life magazine which showed a photo of his uncle’s medal.

Locals who have known “Dougie” for years rallied behind him upon learning that he was in jail and organised a GoFundMe to help him “rebuild his life”.

“Seems like he was a small offender and the laws were harsher back then for people growing pot. Meanwhile, he has stayed out of trouble and has had this problem hanging over his head for half his life. Also, he has helped our community and been a decent fellow,” the fundraiser stated.

“Remember he has been in our community for thirty years and ended up homeless on our beach at Avalon. Never did he hurt anybody. He is in jail now.”

“Dougie” is set to be granted parole as early as August 2022 but he could face deportation upon release.

Avalon Beach Gentleman Resolves to Clean Up Careel Creek for the New Year

If you’re passing by Careel Creek, you’ll likely see a wonderful Avalon Beach local, Lionel Kools, who has made cleaning up Careel Creek his New Year’s resolution, after a cathartic realisation some months ago.

Lionel shared that he used to be ticked off seeing rubbish around Careel Creek each time he walked his dog at lunch. Around November 2021, he spotted a long-necked turtle in the water.

“She was the valid reason to buy a wader and jump into the water,” Lionel wrote.

Careel Creek Lionel Kooks — *Photo Credit: Lionel Kools/Facebook*

Since then, Lionel has been voluntarily cleaning-up after gaining a deeper understanding of what Careel Creek represents for him.

“Careel Creek is somehow a mirror of our emotional content; It can be filled with content that we do not necessarily own, want and/or carry against our will. Careel Creek is tidal, and like our emotional content, it goes backwards and forwards without our permission and control.

“I picked the Careel Creek clean-up as a New Year resolution because this yearly goal is perfectly unachievable. Cleaning Careel Creek is a business of layers, not everything can be taken out in one go. The more you clean, the more you see, the more need to be addressed, just like our emotional content that requires attention – ongoing attention!”

“Before starting on this journey, I was getting pretty mad about strangers damaging our beautiful nature. This feeling is over! I can’t control people; I can only change and adjust how I relate to them.”

On 15 Jan 2022, Lionel joined the first Careel Creek Cleaning Session of the year and removed about 600 kilograms of wastes — from old bike parts, to signboards, to heaps of plastic — at the playing fields and the mangroves.

Earlier, he has inspired four people to join him in cleaning as well.

Careel Creek Lionel Kools — *Photo Credit: Tom Borge McGee/Facebook*

“Lionel ‘Creek Lord’ Cools (sorry mate 🤣) was back at it again this morning, cleaning up and promoting the aesthetics and ecological wellbeing of the valuable, but long term abused and neglected waterway… full of flora and fauna but also much polluting garbage,” shared Tom Borge McGee.

“Was great to join him this morning and together with Vicky and Michael, who literally went home and geared up to join us after stopping to chat on their morning walk (lords). We pulled a lot of ‘creek bounty’ including a large pram, scooters, bikes and an enormous array of mainly plastic garbage that must weigh above 30kg at least.”

But more needs to be done and Lionel will be there to do just that, whilst also encouraging the community to do their part. He has gotten in touch with the Northern Beaches Council to pick-up some of the rubbish that can’t be easily removed. He has also gotten in touch with Tony Hawk, one of the world’s best skateboarders, to “endorse” cleaning up Careel Creek.

Video Credit: Lionel Kools/Cameo

Far from being called a hero, Lionel said that he’s doing this New Year’s resolution for his love of nature…and that long-necked turtle.

“I do not have any political, religious or personal motivation behind my love for nature,” Lionel said. “My action does not make a hero, a God, a Lord, the Creek Lord or whatever. I thank you for your praises, but nature is the true hero here, and the turtle has touched the soft spot in my heart just like you do as a loving community.”

Nash & Banks Flagship Store Now Open in Avalon Beach

Photo credit: Nash & Banks / Facebook

Great news, sustainability heroes! Popular online shopping site Nash & Banks has opened its flagship brick-and-mortar store in Avalon Beach.

As an online shopping platform, Nash & Banks features more than 3,000 carefully curated products with some only available in the store. They make sure that each beauty product, garment, and homeware item adheres to one or more of their core values: ethical, sustainable, minimal waste, artisan, vegan, Australian made, gives back, and natural.

Now, Nash & Banks takes a leap forward with a bigger and better project, their Avalon Beach shop, which will allow their loyal and new patrons to actually see, feel, and experience the products.

Much like the online shop offerings, the physical store will feature home decors, vegan Australian-made personal care products, synthetic-free perfume and candles, vegan chocolates, clothing, jewellery and loads of other products specially made for its pro-sustainability customers.

Nash & Banks bags — Photo credit: Nash_&_Banks / Facebook

They also made sure that the store’s fit-out is consistent with the Nash & Banks brand. From choosing only a green energy supplier to utilizing reclaimed timber and eco-friendly non-toxic paint, each process ensured that sustainable materials were prioritised and minimal waste was produced wherever possible.

Nash & Banks store interior — Photo credit: Nash_&_Banks / Facebook

Even the brickwork was handmade using traditional artisan methods and windows were covered with repurposed packaging paper prior to opening.

According to its founder, Niccii Kugler, who used to work for an NGO in Costa Rica, the idea of an environmentally-friendly store came after she gave birth to her child. It was at that time that she realised the escalating environmental cost of overconsumption and felt that she needed to do something in her own capacity to help bring about change.

Her search for alternative brands that align with her vision allowed her to connect with a like-minded community of artisans and innovators. Handpicking and vetting the creators and designers was a tedious process but it was all to ensure that they only deal with brands that demonstrate one or more of Nash & Banks’ core values.

The store is located at Shop 1 / Angophora Arcade 55 old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach. The store is open from 9.30 am to 5 pm.

Nash and Banks |Shop 1, ‘Angophora Arcade’ 55 Old Barrenjoey Road, Avalon Beach, NSW 2107

Your Feedback Please! Survey About Woolworths Metro Avalon

Following confirmed plans that the Avalon Beach Woolworths outlet in Old Barrenjoey Road will be transformed into a Woolworths Metro store, three groups have come together to collect more feedback from the residents.

The Avalon Preservation Association, Palm Beach Whale Beach Association, and the Clareville and Bilgola Plateau Residents Association are looking to survey a large group of residents to determine how much the planned change will impact the community. The groups also plan to speak with senior executives at Woolworths based on the responses in the survey.

In late October 2021, Woolworths said that there were no plans to switch to a Woolworths Metro after a Bilgola resident learned about the potential changes from a staff when she asked about the price changes to the Woolworths Supermarkets special catalogue. However, a week after the confusion, Woolworths Metro General Manager Justin Nolan confirmed that this branch will become a Metro store by Easter 2022.

As a new Woolworths Metro Avalon, shoppers could expect a more extensive inventory of fruits and vegetables, essentials, meat and seafood, packed dinners, and other ranges of grocery products.

Mr Nolan also said that they will have community drop-in information sessions before implementing the changes. Customers will have more information in the coming months.

Woolworths Metro Survey

Click to download the survey form here and then mail or drop off responses to:

Management Committee
Avalon Preservation Trust
Incorporated as Avalon Preservation Association
PO Box 1
Avalon Beach NSW 2107

Meanwhile, a resident said she received information from the corporation’s legal team that Woolworths Metro Avalon isn’t the typical Metro store that residents have in mind. Instead, it will be a “Neighbourhood Metro,” which is already in more than 50 locations across the country, and not an “On the Go” Metro most commonly found in the CBD.

“Neighbourhood Metro stores focus on a strong fresh food offer, particularly fresh Australian fruit and vegetables, artisan bakery, entertaining etc. This is backed by a great range of everyday essentials for a grocery shop, tailored to meet the needs of the local community.”

woolies-avalon — Photo Credit: Google Maps

However, the residential groups said that there are concerns about the product ranges that will be offered in a Neighbourhood Metro.

“Everyday grocery items may not be so readily available, or prices may rise. This could mean it may then be necessary to travel to Woolworths in Mona Vale or Coles in Newport, or order online.”