A new Community Safety Action Plan 2026-2031 has been implemented to help ensure everyone who lives, works and visits the Northern Beaches feels safe and supported.

Over 12 months, Council gathered research, community feedback and lived experiences to identify opportunities to build on the previous Community Safety Plan and develop practical actions to create a safer and more inclusive community for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.

The Action Plan aligns with Council’s long-term strategies, including the Better Together Social Sustainability Strategy 2040 and the Community Strategic Plan 2040.

Some of the key achievements from the previous plan include a review of alcohol restrictions in public spaces, raising community awareness of elder abuse, scams, fraud and online safety, establishing Public Transport Safety Meetings to address transport related safety challenges and establishing the Northern Beaches LGBTQ+ Working Group.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said the Northern Beaches is predominantly a safe place to live, work and visit and we’re committed to building and maintaining community safety by undertaking regular reviews.

“Community safety is everyone’s responsibility. Creating a safe Northern Beaches relies on the shared efforts of people who live, work and visit our area.  It’s not just about physical protection, but also about belonging, connection and inclusion at every level, from the individual to the collective.

“The Action Plan focuses on Council’s role in supporting community safety and explains how we work with other organisations to create a safer, more connected Northern Beaches for all.

“We play an important leadership role by planning and managing public spaces, providing community and recreational facilities, and supporting initiatives that address local safety concerns.

“Safety is strengthened through strong partnerships between the community and government and non-government organisations including the NSW Police Force, the Department of Communities and Justice, NSW Health, Transport for NSW and many local service providers that support our community every day. Working together helps make sure services are coordinated and meet local needs.” Mayor Heins said.

The 4 focus areas of the new plan include:

• Safe to be me: Safety starts with people feeling safe to be themselves.
• Safe at home: Making home safer by improving access to information and support services about domestic and family violence, online safety and homelessness.
• Safe to travel: Supporting people to travel safely through the Northern Beaches by raising awareness of e-bike rules, improving lighting and our active transport infrastructure.
• Safe to connect: Supporting people to participate fully in community life by improving safety and accessibility in public spaces.

“We want to support every community member, particularly people with diverse needs and backgrounds, to feel confident to participate in community life and strengthen their sense of belonging, safety and wellbeing. Regular assessment of community safety allows us to ensure that resources are efficiently directed to where they are needed most.” Mayor Heins said.

View the new Community Safety Action Plan 2026-2031, and the Community Safety Insights Paper, which provides more context. For more information about the Plan visit Council’s website.

As an operational plan under Council's Strategies and Plans framework, the Community Safety Action Plan does not require public exhibition or Council adoption, allowing it to be updated as community needs and safety priorities evolve over its five-year term.