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Long Reef Golf Club Plan In Collaroy Knocked Back

Photo Credit: DA2025/0764

Long Reef Golf Club’s $21.6 million clubhouse redevelopment in Collaroy has been refused, leaving plans for alterations, additions and car parking works unapproved.

Collaroy Clubhouse Proposal Refused

Long Reef Golf Club’s proposed clubhouse redevelopment at 2 Anzac Avenue, has been refused after assessment of a development application seeking major changes to the existing club facilities.

The application, listed as DA2025/0764, proposed alterations and additions to the clubhouse, along with car parking works. The cost of work was recorded at $21,596,132.

The application was submitted on 23 June 2025 and placed on exhibition from 14 July 2025 to 11 August 2025. It was determined on 15 April 2026, with the application status recorded as refused.

The proposal had been recommended for approval by professional planning staff before it was unanimously refused at determination stage.

Long Reef Golf Club — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0764*

Scale And Information Gaps Cited

The refusal centred on concerns about the proposed building’s size and bulk in its coastal setting on community-owned land.

The application was also considered incomplete, with further information required before the proposal could be properly considered. Those issues meant the clubhouse redevelopment did not proceed to approval.

The proposal would have changed the existing Long Reef Golf Club clubhouse and included associated car parking works, making it a substantial application for the Collaroy site.

Long Reef Golf Club Responds

Long Reef Golf Club General Manager Ben Russell said the existing clubhouse, which is about 60 years old, was no longer fit for purpose.

He said the club’s goal remained to create a modern and sustainable asset for the Northern Beaches. He also noted that the proposal had been supported through the assessment process before the refusal.

Mr Russell said the decision identified a need for further technical information and clarification about specific site details. He said the club believed many of those matters had already been addressed through its submission and technical material.

The club has indicated it expects to provide further clarification through a review process, with the aim of demonstrating the project’s compliance and long-term benefit.

clubhouse redevelopment, — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0764*

Long Reef Golf Club Plan Remains Unapproved

The current application record lists no related applications for DA2025/0764.

For now, the Long Reef Golf Club redevelopment remains unapproved. The proposal’s future will depend on any further review process or additional material pursued by the club.

Published 29-Apr-2026

Griffith Park Boardwalk Reopens After $2.1-M Coastal Upgrade

The boardwalk at Griffith Park in Collaroy is open again after a $2.1 million upgrade that replaces a section of coastal infrastructure previously vulnerable to storm damage and erosion.

Read: Swift Rescue Saves Injured Surfer At Popular Long Reef Break

The project scope included design work, site investigations and full construction. The structure was relocated further inland, where it is less exposed to storm damage and erosion. The project also included the upgrade of a 20-metre beach access ramp.

Photo credit: Facebook/NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure

Delivered by Northern Beaches Council and funded through the NSW Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, the project replaced and realigned around 110 metres of boardwalk and bridge, and upgraded a 20-metre beach access ramp.

The boardwalk forms part of the Long Reef Headland coastal loop, which is popular with walkers, families and visitors year-round. It is a well-known whale-watching spot and a popular destination for walkers, families and visitors year-round.

Long Reef Headland (Photo credit: Google Maps/Xufei Sun)

Visitors can view 230-million-year-old red claystone cliffs, known locally as the ‘chocolate shales’, along with panoramic views across Dee Why and Collaroy beaches. At low tide, extensive rock platforms are accessible, rich with fossils and marine life. Swimming and surfing are also popular at the reserve.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Sue Heins said the project had involved broad consultation.

“We have worked closely with our community and stakeholders to deliver a solution that protects the environment, honours cultural heritage, and enriches the experience for all who enjoy this stunning stretch of coastline,” Cr Heins said.

Read: Collaroy’s Long Reef Surf Life Saving Club Opens New Sustainable Home

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the funding was aimed at improving public access to shared spaces.

“This upgrade is a fantastic boost for the local community, making it safer and easier for people to enjoy one of the Northern Beaches’ most loved coastal walks,” Mr Kamper said.

The boardwalk is now open to the public.

Published 27-April-2026

Collaroy Golf Clubhouse Redevelopment Nears Decision on $21.5m Proposal

Photo Credit: DA2025/0764

A proposed redevelopment of the Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy is nearing a decision, with plans to replace the existing oceanfront clubhouse with a larger two-storey building featuring expanded dining, event, and public-use spaces.

Decision Looms for Collaroy Proposal

The development application, lodged in June 2025, is approaching determination, with a decision expected by 15 April 2026 following assessment and a recommendation for approval.

Planning documentation dated 14 April 2026 clarified approved land use definitions and confirmed that updated parking design requirements apply specifically to the new parking areas.

Coastal Site in Collaroy Set for Change

Near Fishermans Beach, the Long Reef Golf Club clubhouse has occupied its site for decades. The proposal would replace the current single-storey structure with a two-storey building while maintaining a similar footprint.

The redevelopment introduces a revised internal layout and expanded outdoor areas intended to support member facilities alongside broader public access. The changes would extend the range of uses across the site, particularly in hospitality and events.

Collaroy Golf Clubhouse — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0764*

Mediterranean-Inspired Design and Expanded Layout

The proposed clubhouse draws on interwar Mediterranean design, reflecting architectural styles associated with Sydney’s coastal pavilions. The layout includes spaces positioned to take advantage of the surrounding coastal setting.

At ground level, plans include indoor dining, a members’ lounge with terrace access, and a garden terrace overlooking the beach. A covered outdoor dining area and a coffee kiosk are also proposed, allowing passersby to access services without entering the main building.

The upper floor would introduce additional lounge areas, a bar, and outdoor terraces designed to maximise coastal views. Multi-use rooms across both levels are proposed for members, visitors, and events.

Community Concerns Raised During Assessment

Submissions lodged during the assessment period have raised concerns about noise, traffic, parking demand, and the scale of the redevelopment. These issues form part of the considerations ahead of the final decision.

Visual impact assessments indicate that any loss of views for nearby properties would range from negligible to minor.

Parking Expansion and Operational Changes

The proposal includes an increase in parking capacity from 43 to 92 spaces, incorporating accessible bays, staff parking, and overflow areas.

Operational changes are also outlined, including the removal of 11 gaming machines. Club material indicates a shift toward hospitality and event income, intended to help maintain affordability for both members and the public.

coastal developmen — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0764*

If approved, construction is expected to take at least 18 months. Temporary arrangements are under consideration to allow continued operations during the redevelopment period.

The decision will determine whether the Collaroy clubhouse proceeds with the proposed redevelopment or remains in its current form.

Published 12-Apr-2026

Man Rescued From Pool After Fall At Collaroy Home

Photo Credit: Pexels

A man in his 60s was rescued from a backyard swimming pool at a residential property in Collaroy after falling from height and sustaining injuries.

Fall From Height Sparks Emergency Response In Collaroy

Emergency services were called to a home in Collaroy on Monday, 23 March 2026, after reports of an injured man in a backyard pool.

The man, identified in one report as 62, had been working at the rear of the property when he fell from height onto a hard surface near the pool before ending up in the water. Accounts differ on whether the fall occurred from scaffolding or a roof.

A family member entered the pool and helped keep him above the surface until paramedics arrived.

Collaroy pool rescue — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Multi-Agency Rescue Effort At Residential Property

NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and Fire and Rescue NSW attended the scene, with one report stating that four ambulance crews, including intensive care paramedics, responded.

Paramedics found the man still in the water and applied spinal precautions before carefully removing him. He reported landing on his back and experiencing pain, particularly in his back and side.

Rescue crews then carried him from the steep backyard to a waiting ambulance on the street, managing the terrain to ensure safe transport.

CareFlight Collaroy — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

CareFlight Called As Crews Assess Injuries

A CareFlight rescue helicopter was tasked to the incident and landed at a nearby school oval in Collaroy at about 2:10 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Police cleared the landing area ahead of arrival. Medical teams conducted further assessment for possible spinal and internal injuries, with one report noting the use of portable ultrasound equipment.

The man remained conscious throughout the response and was later transported by road to Royal North Shore Hospital in a stable condition shortly before 2.45 p.m.

What Remains Unclear

While the sequence of events is consistent, the exact structure from which the man fell has not been clearly established. No further update on his condition has been confirmed.

Published 26-Mar-2026

E-Bike Riders Cause Chaos at Long Reef Golf Club as Calls for Regulation Intensify

Dozens of young e-bike riders descended on Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy last month, leaving wheel marks across greens and adding fuel to growing calls for tighter regulations on electronic bicycles across Sydney’s northern beaches.

Read: Police Flag Safety Response After E-Bike Rideouts Affect Collaroy Area

Police were called to the popular golf course in January after reports of a large group of youths riding through the facility. By the time officers arrived, the riders had dispersed. NSW Police confirmed inquiries are continuing.

Video footage of the incident, shared on social media, captured the scale of the incursion that disrupted play and caused minor damage to the meticulously maintained course.

Long Reef Golf Club general manager Ben Russell revealed the incident was far from isolated, saying the facility experiences vandalism from young people on e-bikes multiple times each week. He described the acts as senseless, though noted that damage to date has been repairable and hasn’t forced any holes out of play.

While the damage from the January incident wasn’t extensive—some wheel marks and small indentations on the greens—Russell emphasised that the disruption to golfers was significant. He estimated around a dozen individuals appeared to be instigating the behaviour, showing no respect for others and being verbally confrontational, whilst the remainder seemed to be following the crowd.

Russell said approximately a dozen instigators demonstrated zero respect for those around them and were verbally abusive, while the rest appeared to be young people simply following along. With characteristic dry humour, he added that he had never seen that many young people turn up genuinely interested in playing golf before.

The incident forms part of a broader pattern of mass e-bike gatherings across Sydney’s northern beaches and beyond. Local outlet Manly Observer posted footage on the same day showing large groups of e-bike riders travelling through area streets. Similar congregations were captured on video in Cronulla over the weekend, suggesting the phenomenon is spreading.

Local MP Jacqui Scruby, Independent Member for Pittwater, responded to the Long Reef incident with concern, calling for stronger accountability measures. She expressed shock at seeing the videos and photos of irresponsible riding across the golf club’s greens.

Scruby acknowledged that while many e-bike riders behave responsibly, incidents like these demonstrate the need for greater rider accountability. She argued that measures such as registration plates would help police identify rule-breakers and deter bad behaviour by making riders easier to identify.

The local MP has drafted legislation aimed at addressing e-bike safety and accountability issues. Her proposed bill includes improved education for young riders, a licensing scheme, and enhanced enforcement powers. Scruby said these initiatives, if adopted, would work effectively to prevent similar situations in future.

The Pedestrian Council of Australia has also weighed in on the issue, with chairman Harold Scruby warning parents about potential liability. He told Nine News that parents need to understand that if their children are riding unregistered, uninsured vehicles, they could be held liable for any injuries caused.

Photo credit: Long Reef Golf Club/Google Maps

E-bikes have faced mounting scrutiny following recent tragedies and safety concerns. Premier Chris Minns announced plans in December to halve the power limit of e-bikes, a move that came on the same day as a fatal e-bike accident at Ultimo. That death was one of four e-bike fatalities recorded in NSW in the early weeks of 2025.

Medical and legal professionals have joined calls for mandatory insurance coverage for e-bike riders, similar to the compulsory third-party insurance required for motor vehicles. A parliamentary inquiry has recommended insurance for private e-bikes, with shared e-bike schemes already required to carry compulsory third-party coverage.

Read: Long Reef Golf Club Proposes $22 Million Upgrade in Collaroy

For Long Reef Golf Club and its members, the January incident serves as a stark reminder of an ongoing challenge. As Russell continues to repair minor damage and work with authorities, the broader community grapples with balancing young people’s freedom to enjoy outdoor activities with the need for safety and respect for public and private spaces.

Published 6-February-2026

Police Flag Safety Response After E-Bike Rideouts Affect Collaroy Area

Photo Credit: Pexels

Police have flagged enforcement action across Sydney’s Northern Beaches following a series of mass e-bike rideouts, including an incident at a Collaroy golf course that raised safety and compliance concerns.

Collaroy Golf Course Incident

In January, a large group of young e-bike riders entered Long Reef Golf Club during daylight hours. Riders were filmed moving across course areas and riding over grass mounds, disrupting play.

Golfers contacted police after reporting dozens of riders on the course. Officers conducted patrols, but the group had already left by the time police arrived. Reporting differs on the exact size and timing of the group, with estimates ranging from more than 30 to about 60 riders on a Friday in January.

Club representatives later said the damage was not extensive, but the incident caused significant disruption.

Rideouts Draw Attention Across Northern Beaches

Large e-bike rideouts involving groups of young riders have been occurring across the Northern Beaches, with gatherings organised through social media and digital flyers. Some rideouts have drawn dozens of participants, with reports indicating crowds of up to about 100 riders in certain cases.

Footage described in reporting shows groups riding together on public roads and near intersections, prompting concerns about traffic disruption and rider safety. Police say they have been monitoring planned rideouts for several weeks.

Police Compliance Activity

Northern Beaches Police confirmed officers attended the advertised starting point of a planned rideout at Brookvale Oval, where police maintained a visible presence.

Police conducted compliance checks focusing on helmet use, adherence to road rules, and whether e-bikes had been illegally modified to exceed the legal 25 km/h speed limit.

Under current road laws, e-bikes altered beyond legal limits may be treated as unregistered and uninsured motor vehicles. Police reiterated that offences such as speeding or riding without a helmet can attract fines of up to $3,000.

Collaroy e-bike rideouts — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Broader Safety Concerns

Similar e-bike gatherings were reported in other Northern Beaches suburbs, including Manly, Dee Why and Manly Vale. National reporting also highlighted comparable incidents in Cronulla and Melbourne, indicating the issue extended beyond the local area.

Cycling industry representatives noted that while e-bikes offer mobility benefits, unsafe riding behaviour and the use of high-powered or modified bikes increase risks for riders, pedestrians and other road users.

e-bike rideouts — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Ongoing Monitoring

Police said monitoring of e-bike activity across the Northern Beaches remained ongoing, with enforcement action taken where unsafe or anti-social behaviour was identified.

Members of the public with information about dangerous e-bike use were encouraged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

Published 3-Feb-2026

Teenager Fights Flames at Collaroy Plateau With Garden Hose

A quick-thinking teenager grabbed a garden hose to fight flames erupting from a neighbour’s backyard shed at Collaroy Plateau this morning.

Emergency services were called to Fuller Street just before 11:15am on Monday following reports of thick smoke billowing from behind a two-storey timber-clad residence.

Ryan Barnes, 18, was alerted to the blaze after hearing unusual popping sounds from the neighbouring property. After he and his parents detected smoke, they discovered flames already emerging from the shed structure.

Mr Barnes’ father, Greg, passed a hose over the fence, allowing his son to attempt to control the fire before emergency crews arrived. However, the intense heat eventually forced the teenager to retreat to safety.

Several residents contacted Triple Zero, with Greg Barnes reporting that sirens were audible before he had even finished his emergency call. Despite the early intervention with the garden hose, the fire rapidly intensified and spread to nearby fencing and a tree.

Firefighting crews from Narrabeen and Dee Why stations reached the scene shortly after 11:15am. They connected hose lines to a street hydrant positioned directly in front of the affected property and deployed breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze.

The two crews used a substantial water volume to halt the fire’s progression, successfully extinguishing it by 11:45am. Fuller Street remained closed to traffic between Acacia Street and Grevillea Street during the emergency response.

The timber shed suffered complete destruction, though firefighters managed to limit additional damage to surrounding fences and minor heat damage to the main residence. No injuries occurred during the incident.

The property’s occupants were away when the fire started and returned to speak with firefighters about the incident. According to Fire and Rescue NSW Narrabeen Station Officer Scott Bennett, the shed’s complete destruction has complicated efforts to determine what sparked the blaze, with the cause remaining unknown at this time.

Published 2-February-2026

Patagonia Coffee Van Faces Potential Closure Over New Rules in Collaroy

Photo Credit: Patagonia NB/Instagram

A mobile coffee and food caravan operating in the Long Reef Headland car park at Collaroy is facing an uncertain future due to the imposition of stricter conditions on its operation.

Background and Permit Conditions

Since August 2024, a mobile food caravan, Patagonia Northern Beaches, has been operating from the public car park at Long Reef Headland in Collaroy, providing takeaway food and beverages. The business was approved under a one-year agreement issued by the NBC. In June 2025, Xavier Ambrosio, the owner, was instructed to remove seating and small tables after a single public complaint claimed the furniture posed a safety hazard.

Officials confirmed that permission for such furniture had not been included in the existing permit. Although the owner had paid over $6000 for a parking permit, they had not paid any outdoor dining levy.

New Compliance Measures Introduced

Ahead of the permit’s renewal, Mr Ambrosio received updated terms and conditions from the NBC. These include a requirement to remove the caravan from the site every evening, a ban on amplified or live music, a restriction against connecting to public water sources, and a prohibition on providing any form of seating or shelter such as tables, chairs, or umbrellas.

Additional conditions state that customers must not queue, loiter, or sit in the car park. The updated enforcement follows reports of noncompliance issues with other mobile vendors as part of the NBC’s broader management of open public spaces.

mobile coffee van — *Caption: Official proposal for tables and chairs sent to NBC.*
*Photo Credit: Patagonia NB/Instagram*

Community Response and Business Impact

Despite the clampdown, community support for the caravan has been strong. A petition gathered over 600 signatures requesting that the owner be allowed to provide seating. The business reportedly serves up to 300 coffees on weekends and has become a regular stop for both locals and visitors.

Mr Ambrosio has offered to pay the necessary outdoor dining fees and submitted a request to NBC seeking approval for limited seating next to the van. A meeting with NBC is scheduled to discuss the matter further.

food caravan — *Caption: Official proposal for tables and chairs sent to NBC.*
*Photo Credit: Patagonia NB/Instagram*

Uncertain Future for Mobile Vendor

Mr Ambrosio has stated that if the new terms are enforced in full, the operation may close. However, he remains open to working with NBC to find a solution. For now, the outcome depends on ongoing discussions and whether a compromise can be reached that aligns with community use of the Collaroy space.

Published 24-July-2025

Men for Menopause Golf Day Set for Collaroy

Photo Credit: Pexels

A charity golf day will be held in Collaroy, bringing together community groups to raise funds and support awareness around menopause education and support.

Men for Menopause Golf Day at Long Reef Golf Club, Collaroy

A one-day event combining sport and social awareness will take place on Friday, 5 September 2025, at Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy. The Men for Menopause Golf Day, hosted by Aviiana, Golf Australia, and Prevention magazine, aims to raise funds for the Debbie Gaunt Foundation while encouraging conversation around menopause.

Community Engagement Through Golf

The event will run from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering 18 holes of golf, breakfast, and a buffet lunch. Attendees will also receive a goodie bag valued at $100. The day is designed to create open discussion on menopause, helping men become better informed and more supportive to those affected.

Competitions and Prizes

Participants will have the opportunity to compete in several contests, including Foursome, Longest Drive, Straightest Drive, and Closest to the Pin. A silent auction will run during the event, featuring prizes from golf brands like Titleist, Srixon, and Callaway, along with travel and jewellery items.

Ticketing and Facilities

The entry cost is $195 per person, covering the full day of activities and inclusions. Limited golf carts are available for hire directly through the Long Reef Golf Club. Breakfast includes an egg and bacon roll, coffee, and juice, while lunch features a barbecue buffet and a complimentary drink.

Men for Menopause — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

get tickets

Access and Parking

Free parking is available at the golf club, with overflow parking recommended along Anzac Avenue and surrounding streets, which offer six-hour free parking.

Inclusive Participation

While the theme centres on men learning to support women through menopause, the event welcomes all genders to participate and enjoy the day.

Looking Ahead

Proceeds from the event will support the Debbie Gaunt Foundation, reinforcing the focus on long-term awareness and education around menopause.

Published 21-July-2025

Long Reef Golf Club Proposes $22 Million Upgrade in Collaroy

Photo Credit: DA2025/0764

A $22 million redevelopment has been proposed for Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy, aiming to modernise the clubhouse and improve community access.

Background and History of the Clubhouse

Long Reef Golf Club in Collaroy has lodged a development application to refurbish its clubhouse, originally built in 1965. While the golf course dates back to 1921, the clubhouse has undergone only incremental additions over six decades. The club now hosts approximately 70,000 rounds of golf annually, making it one of the busiest in New South Wales.

Long Reef Golf Club renovation — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0764*

Design Plans and Features

The proposed redevelopment involves replacing the existing one-storey structure with a two-storey building while maintaining a similar footprint. The redesign includes indoor dining, multi-use rooms for both members and the public, and various terraces with seating capacities ranging from 30 to 170 patrons across both levels.

The ground level will feature member and community rooms for hire, a members’ lounge and terrace, indoor dining areas, a garden terrace for 96 people, and a covered outdoor terrace for 50. The upper floor will add more multi-use spaces and terraces, expanding the venue’s potential for events and community use.

Community Integration and Facilities

A new coffee kiosk is included in the plans to accommodate passersby without requiring them to enter the clubhouse. This aims to separate member and public areas more effectively and make the club more welcoming to local residents.

Club officials said the intent is to generate income through increased event and hospitality services, keeping both member and public fees affordable, rather than relying on member subsidies.

Collaroy development — *Photo Credit: DA2025/0764*

Parking Expansion and Gaming Room Removal

To support extended operating hours and a higher volume of visitors, the club plans to expand parking capacity from 43 to 92 spaces. This includes an overflow area, new accessible bays, and dedicated staff parking.

The club will also remove its existing 11 pokie machines, which have not been a major source of revenue. No gaming area is included in the refurbishment plans, aligning with broader concerns about gambling harm in the Northern Beaches area.

Coastal Resilience Measures

The clubhouse is situated near Fishermans Beach but is reportedly shielded from the types of coastal threats faced further north in Collaroy. Nevertheless, a Coastal Engineering Report has outlined precautions such as using water-resistant materials, elevating power points, and installing laminated glass doors. These steps are designed to withstand rare storm events, including a one-in-one-hundred-year scenario.

Project Timeline and Next Steps

The development application is currently with NBC, with exhibition yet to open as further documentation is compiled. The club expects that once approved, construction would take at least 18 months. Plans are in place to minimise disruption, including potentially using the existing Pro Shop as a temporary facility.

Published 14-July-2025