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Northern Beaches’ local officials have placed a formal Public Notice calling for community submissions on the proposed classification of 27 Elizabeth Street, Avalon Beach (Lot 9 DP 773307) as Community Land under the Local Government Act 1993. Submissions close on 17 March 2026.

The notice marks the next formal step in a process that began at the 20 May 2025 council meeting, when councillors voted in a confidential session to accept an offer from a local Pittwater resident to gift the block to council at no cost to council, except for the legal costs incurred by the owner for the transfer.

The identity of the landowner has been kept private, in line with their wishes, and council has provided no further details about the property beyond what is required for the statutory process. What the public notice does confirm is that the council resolved to acquire the land for public open space purposes and, following the transfer, to formally classify it as Community Land.

Cr Miranda Korzy shared details of the decision in her ‘From the Chamber’ update following the meeting. Council, she wrote, would “formally thank the landowner for the proposed donation, acknowledging the significant contribution it makes to enhancing the connectivity and habitat values of the surrounding wildlife corridor and supporting long-term community and environmental outcomes.”

That phrase, wildlife corridor, is worth noting. Privately held land within such corridors can play a critical role in maintaining habitat connectivity for native animals across the landscape. If the proposed classification proceeds, the land’s habitat values will be protected under the strongest provisions available under NSW local government law.

Under the Local Government Act 1993, Community Land is council-owned land designated for public use, such as parks, reserves, and sports grounds, that cannot be sold. Any lease or licence granted over it is capped at a maximum of 30 years. Council is also required to prepare a Plan of Management that sets out how the land will be used, categorised, and protected into the future.

In practical terms, once classified, the land cannot be sold regardless of future decisions, and its use will be governed by a mandatory Plan of Management. Northern Beaches has also indicated it will rezone the land to open space following classification.

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The 28-day public notice period exists for a reason. Under Section 34 of the Local Government Act 1993, Northern Beaches is legally required to consider all submissions received before presenting a further report to councillors to determine the proposed classification. Submissions close 17 March 2026, and can be lodged in three ways:

By completing the submission form at northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

By emailing council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

By writing to Northern Beaches Council, PO Box 82, Manly NSW 1655

For enquiries, contact Northern Beaches Council on 1300 434 434.

Published 28-February-2026

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