McDonald’s Development Rejected in Balgowlah Over Community and Traffic Concerns

A proposed McDonald’s outlet in Balgowlah has been formally rejected following concerns from residents, planners, and NSW Police over traffic, amenity, and antisocial behaviour.



Background and Application History

In February 2025, McDonald’s submitted a $4 million development application (DA2025/0132) for a new restaurant at 37 Roseberry Street, Balgowlah. The plan included a drive-through, parking for 41 vehicles, and round-the-clock trading. Following widespread community objections, the proposed hours were amended to 5 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. Despite the changes, the application was escalated to the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel for determination.

McDonald’s rejection
Photo Credit: DA2025/0132

Explanatory Details and Rejection Grounds

On 2 July 2025, the panel unanimously refused the application. Panel members cited unresolved concerns around traffic congestion, particularly given the site’s proximity to the Manly Vale B-Line stop and its location near residential areas. Police had previously raised concerns about public safety. They referenced 112 incidents recorded within the vicinity over the past two years. A comparable 24-hour McDonald’s nearby recorded 58 incidents in the same period.

The panel noted that the applicant failed to adequately demonstrate that the development would not cause unreasonable impacts to the surrounding road network or contribute to further antisocial behaviour.

community opposition
Photo Credit: DA2025/0132

Community Sentiment and Local Opposition

Residents submitted 740 formal responses during the consultation period. There were only two supporting the proposal. A Facebook group formed to mobilise opposition gathered over 400 members, and an online petition against the development attracted close to 4,000 signatures. Community concerns included road safety for pedestrians, increased vehicle movements, noise, odour, and the site’s interface with nearby homes and schools.

planning application,
Photo Credit: DA2025/0132

McDonald’s Response and Future Actions



McDonald’s has not confirmed whether it will seek a review or appeal the panel’s decision. A company spokesperson stated that they are reviewing the outcome and considering their next steps.

Published 12-July-2025

Local Restaurant Guide – 2093

We’ve combed Balgowlah, Balgowlah Heights, Clontarf, Manly Vale, and North Balgowlah for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!



1. KUZIRA Japanese Dining


About KUZIRA Japanese Dining
4.9 Google Rating


Shop 8/371 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093

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Google Reviews

Samuel T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I opened up my order to find they had generously upgraded my Teriyaki Salmon with rice to a full Bento Box!
Every part of the meal was presented well and tasted amazing. It was my first time ordering from the restaurant and I will definitely be visiting for dinner soon.

Ki P
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It was an amazing experience to enjoy high-quality Japanese food in Australia. Every dish was fresh with perfect texture, and the staff were incredibly friendly. It made my trip to Manly truly memorable.

Darcy S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great food and hospitality

2. Chez Maurice Et Linda


About Chez Maurice Et Linda
4.6 Google Rating


292 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093

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Bradley H
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wonderful French food at Balgowlah. Everything we had tasted so good and will definitely be back to try more

Nic Y
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfortable & cosy, 10/10 service & BYO

Ami L
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent food, good atmosphere, and excellent service.

3. Monkey King Thai – Balgowlah


About Monkey King Thai – Balgowlah
4.7 Google Rating


Shop 26/197 – 215 Condamine St, Balgowlah NSW 2093

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Carlos J T
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I had ordered few time for takeaway, but this was my first time dining in.
The food was delicious! As a starter we had the puff curry, and as a main the panang curry and stir fried oyster sauce with beef. All of the dishes were really good.
The atmosphere was great, nice music and a nice outdoor area. The service was friendly and good.
I will come again!

K Clarke
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The food is fresh and they have a very good lunch special menu.

David B
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
There’s a reason it has 810 reviews, it’s the Best Thai this side of the Spit Bridge

4. Tamagawa Japanese Restaurant


About Tamagawa Japanese Restaurant
4.5 Google Rating


Shop 4/318 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093

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MACP’S
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Really love every bits of the food that they serve here. Taste really authentic, so many different variety. The atmosphere is really cute. Don’t judge by the design or the restaurant service scape, it’s more about the taste of the food really. Everything is top notch. Well done👍 .

Raoni C
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Super friendly staff, delicious tuna belly, grilled calamari. Top quality sushi and sashimi. My new favorite for best value is the chirashi bowl. Clam miso soup is also delicious.

Paul C
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Relaxed dining, friendly service, food always delicious and freshly prepared. Very popular with locals for eat in or take away. My favourites are the Queenscliff set for lunch, Gyoza, Rainbow Rolls, Tempura, Miso Ramen or the tasty Agedashi Tofu. Some great draught beers on tap or try the Choya plum liqueur after your meal!

5. Cielo Pizza


About Cielo Pizza
4.7 Google Rating


457 Sydney Rd, Balgowlah NSW 2093

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Freya C
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best pizza on the beaches and our go to spot!! Lovely staff, great atmosphere and quick service! The pepperoni and margarita is incredible, with authentic flavours and perfect crust. Also can never go wrong with the Nutella pizza! Great pricing with 25% off on Wednesdays!! Thanks Joe will definitely be back for more!!

Mrinal C
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We were so hungry that dug straight in 🙂
Joe was a wonderfull host & great with kids – even shouted us a garlic bread and bottle of wine – Pizza’s were great – we got the Vege, Margherita and Lamb! Salad is a must try!



Louis V
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The food was amazing and Joe’s warm hospitality made my dad’s birthday a night to remember. From the greek salad to the delicious fig and prosciutto pizza to the pork ragu everything was 10/10. The last traditional old school Italian shop on the northern beaches. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting a great night feed with good laughs!

Millin’s Free Range Butcher Crowned NSW’s Best for Sausages

Millin’s Free Range Butcher in Balgowlah Heights has officially been named home to the best sausages in New South Wales, beating butchers across the state to take out two top gold awards at a major industry competition.



Local Butcher Makes Statewide Impact

Earlier this year, Millin’s Free Range Butcher won gold for its Traditional Australian Beef and Satay Malay Chicken sausages at the NSW Sausage King finals. The shop also claimed silver for its Lamb & Raisin sausage and a beef burger blend. Owner Stef Millin has spent over a decade refining his craft, entering the competition regularly. 

He started in 2001 and opened the Balgowlah Heights store in 2011 after earning top honours as a TAFE apprentice. Today, his butcher shop is well known across the Northern Beaches for its handmade smallgoods and locally sourced meats.

Handmade Sausages and Homegrown Ingredients

The secret behind the win lies in the quality and preparation of the sausages. Millin and his team use only grass-fed beef from regions like Barrington Tops and the Hunter Valley, as well as locally raised lamb and Borrowdale free-range pork. Each sausage is hand-mixed, hand-linked, and made fresh in-store.

The award-winning Chicken Satay Malay sausage, for example, includes a base of peanut, chilli, and coriander, flavours Millin says are bold but balanced. The butcher shop’s approach involves continuous product testing, new flavour trials, and a commitment to consistency, freshness, and flavour.

Community at the Core

Millin credits his success not just to his personal skill but to the effort of his entire team. He says it’s the teamwork behind the scenes that has allowed the store to grow and compete at the top level.

Over the years, Millin’s has earned a strong reputation among locals, with regular customers dropping in not just for sausages but also for gourmet items like chicken schnitzels, house-smoked bacon, and seasonal roasts.

The butcher shop operates out of New Street West and also offers home delivery to the Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore, making it easier for local families to support a business rooted in their own backyard.

Looking Ahead with a Passion for the Craft

As a regular contender in meat industry contests, Millin’s shop is no stranger to the spotlight. But the recent gold wins are a reminder that small, community-based shops can still shine in a field filled with larger commercial operations. 



Stef Millin continues to explore new sausage blends and keep quality at the forefront, with an eye on future competitions, and, more importantly, feeding the neighbourhood with food that’s thoughtfully made.

Published 20-June-2025

McDonald’s Revises Balgowlah Bid After Local Backlash

McDonald’s has lodged an amended development application for a new outlet in Balgowlah following nearly 600 public objections to its original proposal earlier this year.


Read: Community Concerns Grow Over Proposed 24/7 McDonald’s in Balgowlah


The fast-food giant’s initial plan to build a 24/7 restaurant at 37 Roseberry Street sparked widespread concern among locals, with residents citing potential issues including increased traffic, noise, litter, anti-social behaviour, and a negative impact on the character of the area. Northern Beaches has now opened a second public consultation period for the revised proposal.

McDonald’s
Artist’s impression of proposed Maccas at 37 Roseberry Street (Photo credit: Northern Beaches DA Tracker – DA2025/0132)

In response to the backlash, McDonald’s has made several notable changes to its master plan. These include reducing the proposed operating hours from 24/7 to 5:00 a.m.–midnight daily, scaling back signage to reduce visual impact, and addressing traffic flow concerns with a new roundabout design for the Roseberry and Hayes Street intersection.

Environmental concerns, including waste management, noise, air quality, and odour, have been addressed in line with regulatory standards. While the nutritional content of McDonald’s food is not a planning consideration, the company noted it offers a range of healthier menu items.

SLR Consulting Australia, acting on behalf of McDonald’s, stated that the company had reviewed public feedback and made changes “where appropriate” to address community concerns.

McDonald’s
Plans (Photo credit: Northern Beaches DA Tracker – DA2025/0132)

Since the second consultation period opened on 22 May, more submissions have been lodged by local residents. 

One local wrote, “I am a resident in the area and strongly oppose the recent re-submission of a DA by McDonald’s for a new store in Balgowlah/Manly Vale. I do not believe that the majority of locals want this. Something that makes this area special is that it is not full to the brim of large international junk food chains. There is a KFC, I know, but it needs to end there. If someone wants a Maccas, they can already go to the one in Brookvale on Mitchell Road.”

Another submission echoed similar sentiments: “Please do not allow McDonald’s to build in or around Rosebery Street. There is already a successful McDonald’s in Brookvale next to Petbarn with plenty of room for the drive-in takeaway convenience.”

All objections received—both from the initial and current consultation periods—will be considered by Council in preparing a report for the Northern Beaches Local Planning Panel, which will make the final decision on the application.


Read: Effie’s: Former Corner Store in Balgowlah Now a Gorgeous New Cafe and Wine Bar


Submissions are open until Wednesday, 5 June 2025 and can be made through the Council’s website.

Published 23-May-2025

Balgowlah Vets Urge Public to Support Pet Blood Donations

Veterinary staff in Balgowlah are calling on residents to register their pets as blood donors, amid a growing need for life-saving transfusions at SASH Northern Beaches.



Ongoing Demand for Pet Blood Donations in Balgowlah

A 24/7 veterinary hospital in Balgowlah is urging local pet owners to support a critical need for animal blood donors. Staff at Small Animal Specialist Hospital (SASH) Northern Beaches say they are facing increasing demand for transfusions to treat dogs and cats with acute injuries, surgical blood loss, or autoimmune conditions.

Balgowlah pet blood donation
Photo Credit: SASH

Expansion of Services and Local Presence

SASH Northern Beaches, located on Roseberry Street in Balgowlah, is the newest facility in the SASH network and the first specialist-led, round-the-clock emergency animal hospital based in the Northern Beaches. While its services also extend to nearby areas such as the Lower North Shore, the hospital is primarily positioned to meet demand within the Northern Beaches region. 

The purpose-built site includes departments for surgery, internal medicine, critical care, anaesthesia, diagnostic imaging, and behavioural services.

Since its launch, the Balgowlah location has joined SASH’s broader effort to build its in-house blood bank, first established in 2007. The Balgowlah team is now actively seeking community participation to meet local transfusion needs.

SASH canine blood donation
Photo Credit: SASH

Criteria and Process for Donating

To ensure safety, dogs must meet specific health and behavioural criteria. Eligible dogs are generally aged between 1 and 7 years, weigh at least 14 kilograms, preferably over 25 and be in good health with no history of major illness or transfusion. They should also be friendly, vaccinated, and able to lie still for up to 10 minutes.

For cats, donors must weigh over 4 kilograms, be aged between 1 and 8 years, and be indoor-only pets. Sedation is standard for feline donors due to their naturally anxious behaviour.

Pets are screened through physical examinations and blood testing to confirm they are suitable for the program.

Local Capacity and Benefits for Owners

Currently, most donors come from pets owned by SASH veterinary staff. However, with a large local population of medium to large dog breeds, staff believe there is significant untapped donor potential across the region.

Donors receive veterinary checks and blood testing—usually valued in the hundreds—as well as their choice of premium pet food or parasite prevention products.

SASH feline blood donation
Photo Credit: SASH

Lifesaving Implications

Blood collected from donor animals is processed into red cells and plasma. Each dog donation may assist multiple recipients. SASH states that if donated blood is not used at the Northern Beaches location, it is transported to other SASH clinics across Sydney as required, ensuring it is not wasted.

Veterinarians note that transfusions are commonly needed for pets undergoing tumour removal surgery, suffering from anaemia, or affected by poisoning or immune-related blood disorders.

Community Involvement Encouraged

The team at SASH Balgowlah is working to build stronger community engagement by encouraging residents to register eligible pets as blood donors. Only animals that meet specific health and behavioural criteria are accepted, with temperament and medical suitability assessed during screening to ensure donor welfare.



Pet owners in Balgowlah interested in registering their animals can contact the SASH Northern Beaches hospital directly or submit an expression of interest through its official website.

Published 14-May-2025

Facebook Australia Boss Sells Balgowlah Heights Home

Facebook Australia chief Will Easton and his wife Joanna have sold their renovated Balgowlah Heights home for more than $5 million, according to local sources.



Photo Credit: cunninghamsre.com.au
Photo Credit: cunninghamsre.com.au

The five-bedroom, three-bathroom residence has undergone extensive modernisation since the couple purchased it for $2.19 million in 2013, transforming it into a contemporary coastal home.

Photo Credit: cunninghamsre.com.au

Situated on an 834-square-meter block, the property features abundant natural light and offers convenient access to Balgowlah Heights Village’s shops, dining, and educational facilities. The home is also nestled among picturesque harbour reserves, including Forty Baskets, Dobroyd Head, and the popular Manly to Spit walking track.

Photo Credit: cunninghamsre.com.au
Photo Credit: cunninghamsre.com.au

Easton returned to lead Facebook Australia in 2017, having previously headed the company’s emerging markets division for Asia Pacific. The former Google and Microsoft executive has recently been at the centre of industry controversy following Meta’s decision to withdraw from Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code.

Photo Credit: cunninghamsre.com.au

The code, implemented in 2021, had directed approximately $600 million to Australian media organisations for content sharing arrangements. Meta’s exit has been linked to job losses across multiple news outlets, including Nine Entertainment. The tech giant has also publicly opposed the Australian government’s proposals to introduce taxation on technology companies to support journalism.



The property was scheduled for auction on Saturday, May 10, with James Haywood of Cunninghams Real Estate handling the sale. Mr. Haywood was unavailable for comment.

Published 19-April-2025

Structured Learning Lifts HSC Results at Balgowlah Boys High

A structured teaching model at Balgowlah Boys High School has driven a sharp rise in HSC English performance, positioning the school among the state’s top achievers.



Turning Point in Balgowlah

When Paul Sheather began leading Balgowlah Boys High in 2009, the school faced low enrolment and was ranked last in a local HSC league table. With fewer than 400 students and minimal academic recognition, the school underwent a significant transformation.

Over more than a decade, enrolment grew to approximately 1140 students, with consistent academic gains recognised in official results.

Focused Rules and Structured Teaching

Three clear rules—respect fellow students, complete classwork, and follow teacher instructions—form the foundation of the school’s approach. Academic performance, particularly in English, has shown measurable improvement. In 2024, Balgowlah Boys High recorded a 42 per cent Band 6 rate in Advanced and Extension English, placing it in the top 20 comprehensive schools for the subject.

Daily 20-minute sessions on grammar, spelling, and reading comprehension support literacy outcomes. A cross-faculty program for sentence construction, developed by a former English teacher turned deputy principal, forms a key part of the literacy strategy.

Challenges in Boys’ Literacy

A 2025 national report on boys’ education identified consistent underperformance among male students in writing and reading, particularly during the transition from primary to high school. Boys were twice as likely to fall into the lowest performance bands in literacy, with a widening gap in reading enjoyment from Year 4 onwards.

The report noted that education policies had not substantially addressed boys’ academic challenges since the last federal review in 2002.

Balgowlah school
Photo Credit: NBSC Balgowlah Boys Campus

Comparison With Other Schools

Balgowlah Boys’ 42 per cent Band 6 success rate in 2024 placed it alongside high-performing schools such as Willoughby Girls (48 per cent) and Killarney Heights High (52 per cent). In contrast, some other comprehensive schools reported lower rates, including Burwood Girls (36 per cent) and Carlingford High (28 per cent).

Facilities and Academic Balance

The campus includes dedicated rooms for science, construction, music, and the arts, along with a gymnasium and a senior common room. Smartboards are installed in every teaching space. A wide range of co-curricular activities—chess, drama, music, debating, and leadership programs—are available.

Students are expected to participate actively across academic, cultural, sporting, and extra-curricular areas. The school’s philosophy is focused on preparing students with the skills and confidence to engage in broader society.



Balgowlah Boys High continues to apply structured, explicit teaching practices that align with classroom management and literacy development. The school’s approach is based on routine, clarity, and engagement across disciplines.

Published 12-Apr-2025

North Harbour Marina Expansion Plan Draws Opposition in Balgowlah

A proposed upgrade to North Harbour Marina in Balgowlah has triggered strong community opposition, with over 300 public submissions raising environmental and safety concerns.



North Harbour Marina, formerly known as Davis Marina, is located in Balgowlah on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The site’s property developer owners submitted a development application (DA2024/1216) to NBC in September 2024, proposing alterations and additions to the existing marina facilities.

The application, currently under assessment, outlines a $257,500 upgrade aimed at enhancing services for boating customers and includes the addition of nine berths, a waterside kiosk, and storage for 72 dinghys.

Proposed Changes and Intended Use

According to documentation lodged with the application, the owners seek to remove or relocate 14 existing swing moorings to create a 50-metre-wide navigation channel through Jillings Cove. The plan also includes construction of a kiosk with outdoor seating, opening as early as 6 a.m., and accessible to the general public.

Although the development does not propose an increase in the overall marina footprint, the berth sizes will be limited to vessels no longer than 15 metres. The proposed dinghy storage aims to address current clutter along the foreshore.

marina renovations
Photo Credit: DA2024/1216

Public Opposition and Community Sentiment

The proposal has drawn significant public interest, with over 300 submissions received during the exhibition period from 19 February to 19 March 2025. The majority of these oppose the development.

Local residents have cited concerns about potential environmental impacts due to larger and more frequent vessel traffic. Safety concerns have also been raised, particularly relating to kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders who regularly use the harbour.

Balgowlah marina upgrade
Photo Credit: DA2024/1216

The North Harbour Community Group expressed fears over a “loss of amenity” for local recreational users. Group secretary Terry Le Roux said most marina users would not be local residents, while locals risk losing access to calm waters.

Nearby resident Kerry Smallman raised concerns about increased traffic and pressure on limited parking around Gourlay Avenue as a result of the proposed kiosk.

North Harbour Marina proposed plans
Photo Credit: DA2024/1216

Next Steps



The application remains under assessment by NBC. A final decision is yet to be made, and the community awaits the outcome as concerns continue to be voiced.

Published 29-Mar-2025

Double Win For Local Butcher At Sausage King Awards

Balgowlah Heights has a new claim to fame as local favourite Millin’s Free Range Butcher brought home two prestigious first-place trophies from the NSW Sausage King awards.



Millin’s Free Range Butcher claimed top honour for their Thick Beef Sausages in the Traditional Australian Beef Sausage category.
Photo Credit: Millin’s Free Range Butcher

The New Street West shop’s declaration that “the bangers are better at Balgowlah Heights” was proven true when they claimed top honours in both the Traditional Australian Beef Sausage category and the Poultry Sausage division with their satay Malay chicken sausages.

Their Chicken Satay Malay Sausages were also awarded the top honour in the Poultry Sausage division.
Photo Credit: Millin’s Free Range Butcher

For the tight-knit Balgowlah Heights community, the wins represent more than just recognition of quality meat products – they highlight the suburb’s growing reputation for artisanal food offerings.

Owner Stef Millin, a familiar face to locals who frequent the New Street West shopping precinct, accepted the awards after 12 years of competition entries. The business also secured impressive second-place finishes for their Morroccan Lamb & Raisin Sausages and their beef, Spanish onion, carrot, and parsley burgers.

Their Morroccan Lamb & Raisin Sausages secured an impressive second-place finish for the Gourmet Lamb category.
Photo Credit: Millin’s Free Range Butcher

The Balgowlah Heights shop has developed a dedicated following among northern beaches residents who appreciate the butchery’s commitment to sourcing premium grass-fed meats from the Barrington Tops and Hunter Valley regions, as well as lamb and pork from Cowra.

Millin’s has become a cornerstone business in the Balgowlah Heights shopping strip, with their focus on quality ingredients and innovative flavour combinations making them a destination butcher for discerning local customers.



The awards add to Millin’s previous accolades, including several state awards and a national title for Best Butchers’ Beef Burger in 2019, further establishing Balgowlah Heights as a food lover’s destination on Sydney’s northern beaches.

Published 13-March-2025

Balgowlah Heights Man Faces Court Over Alleged Kangaroo Cruelty

A 20-year-old Balgowlah Heights resident is contesting multiple animal cruelty charges after allegedly deliberately running over kangaroos with a utility vehicle near Lithgow last July.



Leo Boland has pleaded not guilty to charges including torturing, beating and seriously injuring an animal; recklessly beating and seriously injuring an animal; and failing to disclose the identity of a driver or passenger as required.

Court documents reveal the disturbing allegations stem from a July 19 incident approximately 60 kilometres north of Lithgow, where Boland allegedly used a Holden Colorado ute to chase down and deliberately strike multiple kangaroos, including a joey. Police further allege that one kangaroo’s body was mutilated following the incident.

The case has direct connections to the northern beaches area, with the investigation led by local police after the incriminating Snapchat video came to their attention in September. Boland was subsequently charged on October 18.

In Manly Local Court on Wednesday, the police prosecutor stated that authorities had seized a mobile phone belonging to an unidentified passenger in the vehicle. When questioned on October 4, Boland allegedly refused to reveal the passenger’s identity.

While Boland was absent from Wednesday’s court proceedings at Manly Local Court, Magistrate Daniel Reiss scheduled an August 21 hearing expected to last between three and four hours.



The charges facing the Balgowlah Heights resident are serious, with police documents alleging he caused “prolonged suffering” to the animals and had “the intention of inflicting severe pain, committed a serious act of cruelty.”

Published 5-March-2025