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Spit Bridge and Military Road Gridlock: Residents Push for Urgent Action

A citizen-led petition is drawing attention to one of Sydney’s most notorious traffic bottlenecks: the Spit Bridge and the Military Road corridor. The campaign is led by community advocate Mark Longhurst, who wants to ensure that congestion issues are addressed before new housing places additional pressure on the area.

Read: 107 New Apartments Fast-Tracked in Mosman

The Spit Bridge, a steel and concrete girder structure with a bascule lift span over Middle Harbour, has long been a pinch point for commuters. Located 10 kilometres north-east of Sydney’s central business district, it connects Spit Road in Mosman with Manly Road in Seaforth as part of State Route A8. The bridge must open multiple times each day to allow boats to pass, creating frequent delays during peak hours.

Traffic along Military Road and Pittwater Road has frustrated drivers for decades. With new housing targets, the pressure on these roads is expected to increase. Mosman is required to accommodate at least 500 additional apartments and townhouses by 2029, while the northern beaches region is slated for nearly 6,000 new homes. The petition highlights that without infrastructure improvements, the corridor’s roads and public transport may struggle to cope, affecting liveability and increasing health risks for local communities.

The petition, titled “Spit Bridge Gridlock Needs a Solution,” requests a detailed review of the Spit Bridge and surrounding corridor to assess its capacity to handle additional traffic. It calls for strategic planning to address current congestion and the expected increase in vehicle numbers resulting from new housing. Suggested solutions include widening the bridge, raising its height to reduce the need for lift operations, and exploring new public transport options, including a Metro line.

Local representatives have expressed support for reviewing the area’s transport infrastructure. Independent Wakehurst MP Michael Regan has raised concerns about congestion and noted that the previously proposed Beaches Link tunnel could have helped ease pressure on the Spit Bridge corridor and provided additional public transport options.

The Spit Bridge and Military Road corridor have inherent limitations. Even measures such as widening the bridge may not fully resolve congestion because of pinch points along Military Road. The petition emphasises that planning for additional public transport options is needed to complement any road-based solutions.

The petition seeks 20,000 signatures to allow it to be formally submitted to Parliament. It underlines the importance of reviewing the corridor’s capacity and planning infrastructure before additional housing is developed. For communities on the Lower North Shore and northern beaches, this represents an effort to ensure that liveability is maintained as population grows.

Read: New Mosman Mega Lot Signals Shift in Cowles Rd Housing

The petition closes on 12 February 2026. Longhurst and supporters hope that reaching the signature target will help prompt action to address the long-standing traffic congestion that affects daily commuting along Spit Bridge and Military Road. The campaign frames congestion relief as essential for maintaining safe, accessible, and functional roads in the region, as well as adequate public transport options for current and future residents.

Published 8-December-2025

Young American’s Dream Australia Trip Cut Short by Devastating Balmoral Beach Accident

Photo Credit: gofundme / Olivia Allen

A young American’s long-awaited Australian adventure has taken a tragic turn after a swimming accident at Balmoral Beach left him paralysed just two days after his arrival in Sydney.

Max Allen, 23, from Arizona, was staying with the Scott family in Mosman when the incident occurred on 6 September. The recent university graduate had travelled to Australia on what was meant to be the trip of a lifetime, arranged through his friendship with local resident Ollie Scott, whom he knew from their time as college roommates in America.

The accident happened during an early morning swim when Max struck a hidden sandbar whilst diving into waist-deep water, fracturing his C5 vertebra and leaving him paralysed from the chest down.

Sofie Scott, Ollie’s mother and Max’s host, described the morning as picture-perfect when the two young men decided to head down to the beach for a swim. The pair had simply placed their towels on the sand and run straight into the water, with both attempting to dive – but whilst Ollie dived high, Max unfortunately dived low into the concealed sandbar.

The impact knocked Max unconscious and left him floating in the water. In what the family described as a miraculous intervention, an off-duty lifeguard happened to be on the beach and immediately responded, stabilising Max’s head and keeping him in the cold water to help prevent spinal swelling.

Following emergency treatment, Max underwent a six-hour operation at Royal North Shore Hospital, where surgeons removed the fractured vertebra, performed a bone graft, and secured his neck with plates and screws.

Max’s parents, James and Julie Allen, flew from the United States to be with their son. James Allen expressed profound gratitude to the first responders, paramedics, surgeons and medical staff who gave Max a second chance at life.

The young man has since moved out of intensive care into the Acute Trauma Centre and has regained some movement. However, the road to recovery will be extensive, with plans to eventually return him to the United States for ongoing rehabilitation in Denver, Colorado.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to help the family manage what they describe as a “tsunami of unexpected bills”, including the need to reconfigure their home and lives around Max’s changed circumstances. The fundraising page indicates Max had been planning a year-long stay in Australia on a work visa.

The Scott family, who have become deeply involved in supporting Max during this difficult time, are encouraging the Mosman community to rally around the young American. They’ve suggested that local people in their twenties might consider visiting Max in hospital, as he could benefit from meeting new faces during his lengthy recovery.

Sofie Scott emphasised Max’s positive spirit despite the circumstances, describing him as someone who experienced only 36 hours of his dream Australian adventure before tragedy struck.

Published 18-September-2025

Healthcare Entrepreneur’s Four-Level Mosman Residence Hits Market with $22M Guide

Photo Credit: Atlas

After calling 21 Hopetoun Avenue home for nearly two decades, healthcare industry veteran David Armstrong and his wife Kirsten have decided it’s time to downsize and have placed their impressive Mosman residence on the market.

The property, nestled in Mosman’s prestigious Golden Triangle, comes with a $22 million guide price and represents one of the area’s more substantial offerings this spring selling season, according to listing agent Michael Coombs from Atlas Lower North Shore.

The Armstrong family’s four-bedroom, five-bathroom home spans four levels and showcases 645 square metres of internal living space on a 544 square metre block. The residence takes full advantage of its north-facing orientation, offering sweeping views across Chinamans Beach to Clontarf.

What sets this property apart is its hotel-like grandeur and entertainment capabilities. The home features a dedicated entertainment level complete with wet bar, games room, fully equipped cinema with automated acoustic curtains, and distinctive porthole windows that provide underwater glimpses into the mineral saltwater pool.

The main living level houses a marble kitchen fitted with Miele appliances, multiple living areas, and opens onto a courtyard featuring water features and an all-weather automatic awning system. The design allows for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining, whether hosting intimate dinner parties or larger gatherings of up to 50 guests.

A custom six-person lift services three levels of the home, whilst the top floor is dedicated to rest and relaxation with three bedrooms, each featuring private ensuite bathrooms, plus a library and additional courtyard space with harbour views.

The property’s lower level provides practical luxury with a four-car garage offering street-level access and an impressive wine cellar capable of storing 1,500 bottles.

Throughout their renovation, the Armstrongs worked with award-winning builders Total Co-ordination, engaged Corben Architects for design work, and enlisted Carlos Correa Design for interior styling. The result incorporates high-end joinery, extensive natural stone, comprehensive home automation, security systems, audio-visual integration throughout, air conditioning, heated floors, and gas fireplaces.

The location places residents within easy walking distance of both Chinamans Beach and the Balmoral esplanade, making it particularly attractive to families seeking a coastal lifestyle with city convenience.

David Armstrong brings extensive experience from the aged care sector, having founded the Amity Group, which was later acquired by British healthcare company BUPA in 2007 for $1.2 billion. His background in healthcare has informed many of the thoughtful accessibility features incorporated throughout the residence.

The property represents a significant addition to Mosman’s spring property market, particularly within the sought-after Golden Triangle precinct. With Mosman’s median house sale price sitting at $5.5 million over the past 12 months, this listing positions itself at the premium end of the local market.

For the Armstrongs, the sale marks the end of a chapter in their family home, as they transition to a new phase of life requiring less space but no compromise on luxury and convenience.

Published 4-September-2025

Waterfront Sophistication at Azul

Azul at The Spit continues building on its growing reputation with a full day of Father’s Day dining options. The venue, positioned right on the water, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner services to accommodate different family preferences.

Their breakfast offering stands out at $59 for adults and $30 for children, featuring champagne on arrival to set the celebratory tone. The menu showcases signature dishes including Moroccan Beef Quesadilla and Knafeh Pistachio French Toast, blending international flavours with the relaxed waterfront atmosphere that has made Azul increasingly popular with locals.

Family Fun at The Buena

The Buena has designed its Father’s Day celebration with the whole family in mind, creating an atmosphere that balances great food with entertainment for children. The venue’s Lamb Roast Share Special takes centre stage, designed for families to enjoy together around the table.

Fathers receive a complimentary Stone & Wood beer as part of the celebration, whilst children can enjoy face painting activities running from 1pm to 3pm. This combination of quality dining and family entertainment reflects The Buena’s reputation for creating inclusive experiences that work for all ages.

Book a table now!

The venue promises its characteristic festive atmosphere and local community feel, making it an ideal choice for families wanting a relaxed celebration close to home.

Rooftop Views at The Fernery

The Fernery offers perhaps the most distinctive Father’s Day experience with its rooftop setting providing sweeping harbour views. The venue has created a focused special featuring a hearty Pork Knuckle paired with a schooner of Bentspoke Crankshaft IPA for $49 per person.

This represents excellent value for a substantial meal in a premium location, and The Fernery maintains its full à-la-carte menu alongside the special for those preferring different options. The venue caters to both lunch and dinner service, giving families flexibility in their celebration timing.

The rooftop location provides the perfect backdrop for a Father’s Day toast, with uninterrupted views across the harbour creating a memorable setting for family photographs and conversation.

A Celebration Close to Home

These three venues demonstrate Mosman’s strength in hospitality, each offering a different approach to Father’s Day dining whilst maintaining the high standards locals have come to expect. From Azul’s waterfront sophistication to The Buena’s family-focused fun and The Fernery’s elevated harbour views, fathers have excellent options within the suburb.

The variety ensures families can choose an experience that matches their style and budget, whether seeking an intimate meal with views, a celebration that entertains children, or a rooftop experience that makes the most of Mosman’s natural harbour setting.

Advance bookings are recommended as Father’s Day typically sees strong demand across all local restaurants.

Published 3-September-2025

Lost Penguin Treated in Mosman Released at Curl Curl Beach

Photo Credit: Taronga Conservation Society Australia

A Little Penguin rescued near Newcastle was treated in Mosman before being released into the ocean at Curl Curl Beach.

Rescue at Belmont

On 19 July 2025, a Little Penguin was found on the Pacific Highway at Belmont near Newcastle, far from the nearest water. Concerned motorists contacted Hunter Wildlife Rescue, and volunteers secured the bird before transferring her to Taronga Wildlife Hospital in Mosman.

Mosman Little Penguin — *Photo Credit: Taronga Conservation Society Australia*

Care at Taronga Wildlife Hospital

Veterinary staff discovered the penguin was underweight at just under 800 grams and dehydrated. She was given fluids, a health check, and placed in a marine rehabilitation aviary where her feather waterproofing was restored. After five weeks of care, she had regained strength and reached a healthy weight of 1 kilogram.

Release at Curl Curl

On 25 August 2025, the penguin was released at Curl Curl Beach by veterinary nurse Lauren Sumner. Some reports specify North Curl Curl, while others note Curl Curl generally. During the release, the penguin swam strongly into the surf, adapting quickly to the waves.

*Photo Credit: Taronga Conservation Society Australia*

Conservation Concerns

Little Penguins, also known as Fairy Penguins, are the world’s smallest penguin species, growing to about 30 centimetres and weighing around 1 kilogram. They are the only penguin species to breed on the Australian mainland, with colonies along the southern and eastern coasts. In New South Wales, the only confirmed mainland colony is at Manly, though some reports also reference Pittwater.

Numbers have dropped sharply in recent years, from 19 breeding pairs in 2024 to around 15 pairs in 2025. The species is considered of least concern globally, but in New South Wales they are classified as threatened, with the Manly colony listed as endangered.

Ongoing Challenges

Threats to Little Penguins include habitat loss, pollution, and predation from foxes, as well as domestic dogs and cats. Taronga Wildlife Hospital treats around 125 native species each month. To increase capacity for injured and endangered animals, a new wildlife hospital with specialised pools for seabirds and turtles is under construction at Taronga Zoo Sydney, expected to be completed in 2026.

Published 2-Sep-2025

Iconic Mosman Wellness Hub Hits the Market for $14M

Photo Credit: Ray White Lower North Shore Group/Facebook

The Mosman Wellness Hub in Mosman Village is up for sale for $14 million. It houses eight health and wellness businesses that serve the local community.

A Hub for Health and Wellness

The Mosman Wellness Hub has been under private family ownership for more than 30 years and includes a heritage-listed cottage at the front with two modern commercial buildings at the rear. Together, these spaces offer around 1,180 square metres of lettable area for a mix of wellness-focused tenants.

*Photo Credit: Ray White Lower North Shore Group/Facebook*

Eight businesses operate within the hub, including City Cave, Alma Yoga, Studio Pilates, Body Matters, Mosman Osteopathy, and Soul Mosman, generating about AUD 712,911 annually plus GST. The hub has become a daily destination for locals, offering a range of services that support both physical and mental wellbeing for the community.

Location and Community Connection

The Mosman Wellness Hub sits at the heart of Mosman Village, just steps from cafes, shops, and the Mosman Bay Ferry. Certain spots within the hub offer sweeping views of the Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline.

Locals frequent the hub not only for wellness services but also as a place to connect and meet others. Its prime location keeps the community coming back and draws steady interest from visitors.

Investment Perspective

The Mosman Wellness Hub is on the market, but its importance reaches beyond dollars and cents. Fully leased, it delivers a reliable income while highlighting strong demand in Sydney’s Lower North Shore.

Blending a heritage cottage with modern facilities, it preserves local character while meeting today’s needs. Rarely does a property so deeply rooted in the community offer both financial appeal and local relevance.

Looking Ahead

With an auction date set and interest already underway, the Mosman Wellness Hub is expected to stay a central part of Mosman Village. Its long-term value extends beyond buildings and lease income to its role as a local health and wellness destination.

The sale is being managed by Ray White Commercial Sydney North. Interested parties are encouraged to inspect the property ahead of the auction on 2 September 2025.

Published 20-August-2025

Gold Snapper Seafood Brings Fish and Chips Back to Military Road

Photo Credit: Gold Snapper

Military Road is set to smell of fresh fish and hot chips once again, with Gold Snapper Seafood preparing to open its doors at 904 Military Road this Saturday, 23 August.

The new seafood outlet represents the fourth location for owner Sudhir Sehgal, who already operates successful stores in Glenmore Park, Menai and Gregory Hills across Sydney. Gold Snapper prides itself on sourcing the finest local catches, ensuring you get the best quality seafood.

The shopfront holds special significance for longtime Mosman residents, having previously housed the much-remembered Blue Dolphin takeaway. The address has experienced several reinventions in recent years, with locals hoping the new venture will provide the consistency the location deserves.

Mr Sehgal emphasises his commitment to traditional values, focusing on fresh, quality seafood served at reasonable prices without unnecessary frills. The menu reflects this philosophy, featuring classic fish and chip shop items alongside healthier grilled options.

Traditional favourites making their return include battered saveloys at $4.50, Chiko rolls for $3, pineapple fritters at $3 and potato scallops for $1.50. The establishment will also offer grilled alternatives, preparing fresh fish, octopus, prawns and calamari for health-conscious diners.

The extensive menu showcases both affordable staples and premium offerings. Fish and chips packages start at $13, while those seeking something special can opt for items such as the lobster roll priced at $24 or salmon poke bowl for $18. Seafood platters include fried calamari portions at $9 for six pieces and prawn cutlets at $17.50 for half a dozen.

Community response to the upcoming opening appears positive, with residents expressing cautious optimism about the latest addition to Military Road’s dining options. The hope among locals is that Gold Snapper will establish the lasting presence that has eluded this particular address in recent times.

Gold Snapper Seafood will open its doors at 904 Military Road, Mosman this Saturday, 23 August, joining the growing network of the brand’s Sydney locations.

Published 20-August-2025

Mosman Resident Takes NSW Government to Court Over Housing Reforms

Photo Credit: Mosman Collective/Facebook

With plans for taller apartment buildings looming, a Mosman local is taking the NSW government to court, determined to preserve the suburb’s village atmosphere.

Legal Challenge Against State Planning Changes

Judith Pearson, an 89-year-old Mosman resident, is taking the NSW government to court over plans to allow higher-density housing in her suburb. She argues the changes will ruin Mosman’s character and overwhelm its infrastructure.

*Photo Credit: Mosman Collective/Facebook*

The state’s new planning rules aim to ease Sydney’s housing shortage by permitting more townhouses and apartments in well-located suburbs. Pearson says the reforms disregard local voices and risk permanent damage to the area’s heritage and lifestyle.

Community Concerns Over Development Impact

Residents have raised concerns about overshadowing, tree loss, traffic, noise, and changes to Mosman’s character. A $43.9 million proposal for Awaba Street would replace five houses with a six-storey, 29-unit apartment block. The plan has prompted petitions and many written objections. Locals fear the area’s distinct community feel could be lost.

Many residents support a housing plan tailored specifically for Mosman, developed with community input, to balance the need for new homes with preserving the suburb’s character.

Government’s Housing Targets and Council Responses

Mosman Council must add 500 new homes by 2029. This target is modest compared to neighbouring areas such as North Sydney and Waverley. Even so, some councils, including Mosman and Woollahra, have weighed court challenges but backed off due to costs and uncertain outcomes.

NSW Planning Minister Paul Scully has maintained that suburbs like Mosman must accept increased growth to help ease the state’s housing pressures. The Department of Planning said the reforms aim to provide more housing options after decades of under-supply.

Broader Implications for Sydney’s Suburbs

Pearson’s challenge is the first of its kind by a private citizen in NSW against the mid-rise housing reforms. If successful, it could influence how future development policies are applied in established communities across Sydney.

The case highlights the ongoing tension between addressing housing shortages and protecting the heritage and lifestyle valued by long-term residents. For many in Mosman, the fight is about having their voices heard and ensuring growth respects the suburb’s unique identity.

Published 11-August-2025

Couple Trades Mosman Waterfront Home to Be Closer to Grandchildren

Photo Credit: Belle Property

A couple is putting family ahead of prestige, preparing to farewell their luxurious Mosman waterfront apartment to move closer to their beloved grandchildren.

Garry and Toni Norris have called their three-bedroom apartment in the exclusive Pindari development home, but their priorities have shifted as their family has grown. The semi-retired business consultant and his wife are now searching for a property with a garden and potentially a swimming pool on the northern beaches, where they can better support their daughter and take a more hands-on role as grandparents.

The decision represents a significant lifestyle change for the couple, who have invested considerable time and money into transforming their Parriwi Road apartment into a showcase property. Their current home boasts water views across to Chinaman’s Beach, the 250-metre stretch of sand at Mosman’s northern perimeter, along with house-like proportions that set it apart from typical apartment living.

The apartment spans 341 square metres across three bedrooms and two bathrooms, featuring an impressive 12-metre-long living and sitting area that flows into a nine-metre dining space. The couple have enhanced the property with spotted gum timber floors, renovated bathrooms, a concealed sound system, and a double-sided fireplace for year-round comfort.

Perhaps most notably, the property includes a substantial east-facing terrace complete with a fully appointed outdoor kitchen, perfect for entertaining against the backdrop of Middle Harbour. Additional features include extra storage solutions and an oversized double garage with lift access, providing the convenience that makes apartment living appealing to many Mosman residents.

The Pindari development itself reflects the tight-knit community feel that characterises much of Mosman, with nine of the ten apartments being owner-occupied and an active body corporate maintaining the building’s standards and community spirit.

Set to go to auction on 30th August with a $7 million price guide, the property sits just a seven-minute walk from Mosman’s shopping precinct, offering easy access to the suburb’s cafés, boutiques, and services that make it one of Sydney’s most sought-after residential areas.

Belle Property’s David Benjafield, who is handling the sale, noted that the Pindari complex is tightly held, with properties rarely coming to market. The apartment’s proximity to both Chinaman’s Beach and Mosman Village’s amenities makes it particularly attractive to buyers seeking the Mosman lifestyle.

For the Norris family, however, the pull of spending more quality time with their grandchildren has proven stronger than the appeal of harbour views and prestigious addresses. Their move reflects a growing trend among retirees who are choosing to prioritise family connections over location prestige, particularly as they seek homes better suited to hosting younger family members.

The couple’s search for a property with outdoor space and child-friendly features on the northern beaches represents not just a change of address, but a conscious decision to restructure their retirement around the next generation.

Published 8-August-2025

107 New Apartments Fast-Tracked in Mosman

Photo Credit: Google Maps

A large-scale housing development in Mosman has been fast-tracked following the amalgamation of two key sites on Military Road into a single residential proposal.

Major Residential Project Approved Outside Local Process

Developers have moved ahead with plans to construct 107 apartments in Mosman, bypassing local authorities’ processes by securing State Significant Development (SSD) status for a combined 3,207 square metre site.

The project joins two properties—494–500 Military Road, home to Honeysuckle Garden nursery, and 516 Military Road, previously occupied by Midas Tyre and Auto Service—into a single development site with four street frontages.

The SSD designation was granted on 12 June 2025, placing the project under the assessment of the Housing Delivery Authority (HDA), an agency formed in late 2024 to accelerate large-scale residential approvals.

Mosman development — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Development Plans and Features

The proposed development will consist of a building up to eight storeys in height, delivering 107 apartments, with 3% allocated for affordable housing. Both existing businesses on the site are set to be demolished.

The HDA will manage the assessment process, which includes the release of architectural designs, a community feedback stage, and a final decision expected within 275 days of the declaration.

Community Response Highlights Mixed Views

Public response has varied, with some residents welcoming increased housing in the area, while others have expressed concerns over the loss of local businesses and strain on infrastructure.

Comments have referenced the long-standing presence of Honeysuckle Nursery and the community garden behind it, which many hope will be preserved or relocated. Others cited traffic congestion on Military Road, the impact on schools, and reduced access to local services as key issues.

Some community members noted the existing pressures on public transport and lack of additional infrastructure planning to support the proposed increase in residents.

Mosman properties — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Council Reaction and Concerns

Local representatives have raised issues regarding the pace of development approvals and the exclusion of council input. Concerns were raised about potential overdevelopment, inadequate infrastructure modelling, and community consultation timeframes.

The site forms part of broader changes introduced through updated Low and Mid-Rise (LMR) planning controls. Within one week, over half of Mosman’s five-year housing target of 500 new dwellings has been proposed under these reforms.

What Happens Next

The HDA will carry out the next steps, including consultation, assessment of the proposal’s compliance, and a final ruling. Mosman authorities are reviewing the development’s potential impacts but does not hold final approval authority.

The community remains divided, with the future of the community garden and traffic concerns among the unresolved issues as planning progresses.

Published 14-July-2025

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