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Driver Collapses in Cromer, Smashes Through Homes and Power Pole

Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Advocate/Instagram

A sudden medical episode sent a Cromer driver careening into homes and street fixtures, startling schoolchildren and damaging properties.

SUV Smashes Through Cromer Street, Startles School Community

A white BMW SUV tore through a quiet Cromer street, crashing into multiple properties and frightening schoolchildren after the driver suffered a medical episode near Cromer Public School.

*Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Advocate/Instagram*

On Friday, 11 April, a 22-year-old driver lost control of his SUV on Cromer’s Carcoola Road, slamming into a parked Toyota Estima before veering across the street, wiping out pedestrian signs and mounting the kerb.

Chaos Near School Grounds

The SUV ploughed through two brick fences, snapped a power pole, damaged a water meter, and tore off its front passenger door before coming to a stop.

Children at the school saw the crash unfold, with some running to the fence before bystanders pulled them back. Locals found the driver dazed and helped until emergency crews arrived.

Emergency Response and Recovery

The driver was treated on scene and taken to Northern Beaches Hospital, while fire crews worked with Ausgrid to secure the broken power pole and clean up the wreckage.

Police officers from the Northern Beaches Police Area Command shut down Carcoola Road temporarily while investigators examined the scene. No other injuries were reported.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Safety Concerns

Cromer locals are raising concerns about traffic safety near the school, with Friday’s crash sparking calls for better protections on Carcoola Road.

As of now, no charges have been laid, and police have not confirmed whether the medical episode was a pre-existing condition or a sudden event. Investigations are ongoing.

Published 16-April-2025

Cromer Residents Furious as Grover Avenue Plan Causes Traffic Headaches

Cromer residents expected safer roads, but instead, they got a traffic nightmare. Following a minor adjustment, a once-smooth intersection at Grover Avenue has been narrowed to a single lane, forcing cars to queue up and sparking outrage in the community.

A Plan Gone Wrong

The roadworks, aimed at enhancing traffic safety with two roundabouts at Fisher Road and Middleton Road, were initially well received. As part of the project, the community was consulted on additional improvements, including upgrades to an existing pedestrian crossing and minor intersection changes. However, when construction began at Grover Avenue, residents were blindsided by the modifications that had never been discussed.

Previously, the street allowed one inbound lane and two informal outbound lanes, ensuring smooth traffic flow. Council’s consultation suggested a potential change to consolidate outbound lanes for pedestrian safety.

However, the final design unexpectedly restricted the entry point to Grover Avenue to a single lane, creating a bottleneck. Locals say this has made access dangerous, particularly for families attending sports events at St Matthews Farm Reserve, which sees up to 400 vehicle movements per hour during peak times.

Community Backlash and Safety Concerns

Outraged residents confronted representatives at a community meeting on 25 February, questioning why the project had deviated from the consulted plans.

Several locals raised safety concerns, arguing that the changes had made the road more dangerous, not safer. One long-time Cromer resident reported a near head-on collision due to the sudden narrowing of the road. During the community meeting, multiple incidents of cars struggling to navigate the restricted entry were observed.

Narrabeen Ward’s Cr Ruth Robins and Cr Vincent De Luca OAM acknowledged the community’s frustration, with Cr De Luca criticising the repeated failures in delivering infrastructure projects as promised. He pointed to similar issues in Manly, Curl Curl, and Freshwater, where decisions had sparked backlash.

The Director of Transport and Assets, Campbell Pfeiffer, admitted that Council had failed to inform residents of the last-minute changes. He stated that a subsequent road risk assessment led to the decision to narrow the entrance, but staff had neglected to consult the public before implementing it. Mr Pfeiffer apologised for the oversight and assured residents that their concerns were being taken seriously.

Next Steps

Work on Grover Avenue has been paused and three alternative design options have been released for public consultation.

OPTION A

Option A – Adjust Kerb Alignment Slightly

The kerb alignment on the northern side of Grover Avenue could be shifted 0.5m north, which would widen the road at the entrance.
However, this change would not provide enough space for a left-turning vehicle to wait while another vehicle passes.
A timed “No Right Turn” restriction (7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays) is proposed.
This restriction would force vehicles heading south on Fisher Road North during weekend sporting events to turn left out of Grover Avenue and use the roundabout to make a U-turn.

OPTION B

Option B – Moving the Crossing

The pedestrian crossing on Fisher Road North would be relocated away from the petrol station to the southern side of Grover Avenue.
This would allow the northern kerb in Grover Avenue to revert to its original location.
To maintain walking and cycling connectivity, an additional pedestrian crossing would be installed in Grover Avenue.
Bus stops would need to be relocated slightly south.
Updated on 3 March: The plan now includes a “no stopping” line on Grover Avenue, which was not originally indicated.

OPTION C

Option C – No Right Turn (7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday)

A timed “No Right Turn” restriction (7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays) would be implemented.
Vehicles wanting to head south on Fisher Road North during weekend sporting events would be forced to turn left out of Grover Avenue.
These vehicles would use the roundabout to make a U-turn instead of turning right directly.

The consultation period for these options is open until 14 March 2025, and the Council promises to review feedback before proceeding with any further changes.

Published 7-March-2024

Cromer Running Track Shutdown Enters Second Year, Frustrating Athletes

The synthetic athletics track at the Sydney Academy of Sport and Recreation in Cromer has been closed for over a year, leaving athletes, schools, and sports clubs without a vital facility. What was once a thriving hub for Northern Beaches runners and field athletes is now an abandoned site, with no clear timeline for its reopening.

The track was shut down in December 2023 due to significant damage, where the surface began bubbling and detaching—issues believed to be caused by drainage failures and flooding.

Although an insurance settlement has been reached, the funding only covers basic repairs, leaving a multi-million-dollar shortfall for long-term upgrades. New South Wales has yet to confirm when or how the track will be fixed, adding frustration for local athletes and sports administrators.

Sydney Academy of Sport in Cromer — *Photo Credit: NSW Office of Sport*

Community Impact and Membership Decline

The closure has had a direct impact on Manly Warringah Little Athletics, with membership numbers dropping from 900 to 750 over the past two seasons. Organisers fear another decline next season, as many families expected the track to be repaired by now.

The alternative grass track at the academy has proven unreliable, suffering from overuse and poor weather conditions, forcing event cancellations and further disrupting training.

The lack of elite athletics facilities in northern Sydney means many athletes are now forced to travel over an hour each way to venues such as Sydney Olympic Park and Centennial Park. The strain is particularly felt by junior athletes, wheelchair athletes, and school groups, who relied on the Cromer track for accessible training and competitions.

Sydney Academy of Sport — *Photo Credit: NSW Office of Sport*

Athletics NSW Calls for Infrastructure Investment

Athletics NSW CEO Christian Renford has highlighted the broader issue of inadequate athletics infrastructure across NSW. He noted that the site was the only synthetic track north of Sydney Harbour, and its loss has left a major gap in facilities. The next available track for Northern Beaches athletes is in Gosford—a 180 km round trip.

Athletics NSW is currently conducting a statewide facility review to assess the critical shortage of athletics venues. The organisation warns that without urgent investment, NSW will struggle to support grassroots participation and athlete development, potentially weakening Australia’s performance at future international competitions.

Push for Action

Local MPs Michael Regan (Wakehurst), Jacqui Scruby (Pittwater), and Dr Sophie Scamps (Mackellar) are advocating for urgent funding from both state and federal governments. Dr Scamps has taken the matter to Federal Minister for Sport Anika Wells, while Mr Regan and Ms Scruby have approached the NSW Premier and Minister for Sport to prioritise the project in the 2025/26 NSW Budget.

The MPs argue that the track is more than just a sporting facility—it is an essential community space that benefits schools, disabled athletes, and recreational runners. With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics approaching, they stress the importance of ensuring high-quality athletics facilities are available for future generations of Australian athletes.

Despite promises of action, there is still no confirmed start date for repairs. The track requires warm conditions for resurfacing, meaning work can likely only be completed during the summer months. However, with funding gaps and bureaucratic delays, there are concerns that the project could stretch beyond 2025, leaving athletes without a proper training venue for a third consecutive season.

Published 7-March-2025

Cromer Crossroads: Safety and Flow Drive Proposed Upgrades

Photo Credit: NorthernBeachesCouncil

A plan has been announced to enhance safety and traffic flow at a key intersection in Cromer. The plan focuses on South Creek Road, Fisher Road North, and Middleton Road and aims to benefit all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

Recognising the area’s high traffic volume from various modes of transport, the project prioritises safety and connectivity for all users. The planned upgrades aim to improve vehicle flow, alleviate congestion, reduce traffic speed, support freight movement in the Cromer industrial zone, and improve access to public transport.

Key to the plan is the construction of two new roundabouts and the conversion of an existing zebra crossing into a raised pedestrian crossing. The roundabouts, designed to accommodate heavy vehicles, will incorporate pedestrian refuges to enhance crossing safety.

Proposed Works

New roundabout at South Creek Road and Middleton Road with pedestrian refuges
New roundabout at Fisher Road North and South Creek Road with a pedestrian refuge
Replacement of the existing zebra crossing on Fisher Road North with a raised pedestrian crossing

The Northern Beaches Council emphasises that an internal traffic modelling study has been undertaken and supports the concept plan. This study analysed traffic and pedestrian counts, road geometry, and the impact on speed and traffic delays.

Community input on the proposed changes are now being sought. Residents and stakeholders are invited to share their views and help shape the future of this vital Cromer intersection.

Published Date 30-August-2024

Bones at Cromer Construction Site Confirmed Non-Human

Police have confirmed that bones unearthed at a construction site in Cromer are non-human after workers discovered the bones under a concrete slab near the entrance of a workshop in the Northern Beaches hub.

Initial concerns prompted forensic experts to assess whether the remains were human. The bones, now identified as animal remains, were found during renovations at a motor vehicle repair business.

Northern Beaches Police were alerted and attended the scene at a commercial premises on South Creek Rd at around 10:45 a.m. on 19 June 2024. On Wednesday night, police secured the area opposite St Matthews Farm Reserve and skate park as forensic teams worked to clarify the nature of the bones.

Police issued a statement confirming that the remains were not human, and no further investigation would be necessary.

The automotive repair shop where the discovery was made resumed its normal business operations, with customers returning as early as 7:00 a.m.

Published 25-June-2024

Defy Gravity at Bounce Cromer: A New Adventure Hub Opens in Town

A new adventure hub has recently opened its doors in Cromer, promising to take thrill-seekers on an unforgettable journey. Bounce Cromer, the latest addition to the Bounce family, is a 2,300 square metre facility that was built in a former industrial park.

Read: Precision Golf to Build Largest Indoor Trackman Facility in Cromer

The centrepiece of this adrenaline-fueled venue is the “Free-jump arena,” a sprawling space that features 50 interconnected trampolines, tumble tracks, and banked walls.

Photo credit: BOUNCEinc Cromer/Google Maps

Sports enthusiasts can also indulge in a game of dodgeball or shoot hoops on the full-height basketball rings. But the real draw is the giant soft landing area, where visitors can unleash their inner daredevil and experience the thrill of massive airborne stunts, all whilst practising their aerial moves in safety.

For those seeking an extra challenge, the X-park is the place to be. This obstacle-filled circuit offers various levels of difficulty, allowing for personal progression and creative expression. Adventurers can test their balance and flexibility on the “high ropes,” navigating a series of twists and turns whilst suspended in the air.

Younger visitors haven’t been left out either. The miniBOUNCE Zone is an interactive play area designed exclusively for walking-age children up to 5 years old, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy the Bounce experience.

One of the must-try attractions at Bounce Cromer is “The Wall,” where high-performance trampolines are paired with walls of various heights, allowing for freestyle trick experimentation.

Bounce Cromer’s opening follows the successful launch of the brand’s Sydney venue at Homebush in 2023.

Impressed by the overwhelming response, the owners decided to expand to Cromer, drawn to the suburb’s “vibrant energy and passion for adventure.”

Conveniently located near public transportation and boasting an onsite cafe, Bounce Cromer is poised to become a new hub for thrill-seekers and family fun. The venue is open from Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 am to 7 pm, and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Read: Cromer Park Now Has a World-Class Football Field

For more information, including pricing and booking details, visit Bounce’s website and plan your high-flying adventure today.

Published 10-April-2024

New Business Park Revitalises Cromer Landmark

A new era has dawned on the former Roche Pharmaceuticals site in Cromer, with the official opening of the Northern Beaches Business Park marking the transformation of the area into a thriving hub for businesses and the community.

The opening, held on 15 Nov 2023, commenced with an Indigenous Smoking Ceremony, a symbolic gesture of respect and connection to the land. Raymond Weatherall, a member of the Gamilaraay Nation and the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, performed the ceremony, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the area.

The park’s development has brought together key stakeholders, including Richard Crookes Construction (site developers), EG Funds Management (project investors), Wakehurst MP Michael Regan, and Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins. Their collaborative efforts have resulted in a vibrant space that honors the site’s heritage while embracing innovation and sustainability.

A Hub for Youth and Community

The Northern Beaches Business Park encompasses 11 warehouses, four offices, an on-site café, and a self-storage unit, all carefully designed to integrate with the existing landscape. The 26,902 square metre site preserves key structures and associated features of the former Roche headquarters, including the hexagonal tower, an iconic landmark since the 1960s.

Several of the new leaseholders will cater to the younger demographic, bringing exciting facilities to the Northern Beaches.

Precision Golf, an indoor golf driving range and mini putt putt course, swung open its doors on 20 November, offering a fun-filled activity for all ages.

Carlile Swimming is setting up its third learn-to-swim center on the Northern Beaches, providing essential aquatic skills to the community.

Bounce Trampolines, known for their freestyle trampolining adventures, will also be adding their presence to the park.

EG Director Roger Parker acknowledged Roche’s long-standing presence in Cromer, highlighting the company’s contributions to the community.

“From Roche’s first building on this site in 1964, until the business relocated in 2017, many important and life-saving medications were made here,” he stated.

Mr. Parker also expressed gratitude for the support of the Northern Beaches Council in approving the project.

“With their great support, we’re delighted that this first stage of repurposing the Roche site to create the Northern Beaches Business Park is now officially complete.”

Local officials also commended the project’s commitment to conservation.

“The design of the original building and its integration with the landscaping were unique at the time,” Mayor Heins remarked. “I’m pleased to see that this heritage is being embraced and continued.”

A Vision Realized

The Northern Beaches Business Park stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation. It represents a transformation not only of a physical space but also of the community’s aspirations. The park’s diverse mix of businesses and facilities promises to revitalize the area, fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Published 22-Nov-2023

Bounce Cromer Proposal Unveiled: A Game-Changing Sports Facility In The Making

Plans have been submitted for Bounce Cromer, an awe-inspiring indoor sports facility that is set to redefine the local sports scene with an array of adrenaline-pumping activities and state-of-the-art amenities.

Read: Precision Golf to Build Largest Indoor Trackman Facility in Cromer

The sports facility being planned for 4-8 Inman Road, Cromer would incorporate as many as 50 trampolines, so visitors can defy gravity and bounce to their heart’s content.

Additionally, Bounce Cromer will feature two basketball courts, catering to both amateur hoopsters and aspiring athletes looking to sharpen their skills. Adventure enthusiasts will find themselves scaling new heights on an expansive climbing wall, whilst dodgeball enthusiasts can engage in friendly competition on a dedicated court. To add to the excitement, an exhilarating obstacle course will challenge participants to push their limits.

Not only will the indoor sports facility provide endless fun and fitness opportunities, but it also promises to stimulate the local economy and create employment opportunities. Bounce Inc’s track record of success, with 33 venues spread across 16 countries, including approximately 15 in Australia, demonstrates the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.

By introducing this facility in Cromer, the project seeks to bring new jobs and bolster the local economy whilst retaining the area’s industrial heritage within a beautifully landscaped setting.

The $1 million investment reflects the commitment to delivering state-of-the-art equipment, ensuring a world-class experience for everyone who steps foot inside the facility.

The development comprises the change of use of an existing commercial development to accommodate the indoor trampoline centre.

Read: Cromer Park Now Has a World-Class Football Field

The proposal, if approved, will enable locals and visitors alike to enjoy the facility from Monday to Sunday, between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Published 1-May-2023

Precision Golf to Build Largest Indoor Trackman Facility in Cromer

Golfers could soon practice and gain better games on the green once Precision Golf opens the largest indoor Trackman facility in the world in Cromer.

Precision Golf announced its plans to build a 25-Trackman driving range at Inman Rd in Cromer by 2023. The company lodged DA2022/1807 in early November, detailing plans for the $2-million state-of-the-art facility. Northern Beaches Council is still assessing the development application as of press time.

Once approved, the Trackman at Cromer will also feature an 18-hole indoor putt-putt course, putting greens, simulator ad club fitting bays, function rooms for parties and meetings, infrared saunas, warm-up gym area, showers and changing rooms with lockers, and a golf retail store.

Precision Golf will also offer coaching services for individuals or groups with an in-house golf Osteopath who will guide and train golfers with the proper techniques.

“With people now taking up golf more than ever – we realised the health benefits of 18 holes of golf and much research has been done on poor habits, lack of flexibility and proper warm up techniques, our in house Osteo specialising in golf related issues and preventative measures is on hand and at your disposal,” Precision Golf stated in its announcement.

The Cromer indoor golf course will cater to both beginners and professionals, as well as families or groups who love this sport. If approved, the site plans to open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday and 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Proposed Upgrade of Northern Beaches Secondary College Sportsfield in Cromer Under Review

The proposed upgrade of the Northern Beaches Secondary College sportsfield in Cromer is one step closer to reality as Council reviews the feedback from the community in preparation for formally lodging a development application.

Based on the 2017 Northern Beaches Sportsground Strategy report shared by Council, there is a shortage of sportsfields in the Northern Beaches.

To remedy the shortage, short-term measures were proposed to be undertaken to improve the capacity of existing sports grounds including the installation of lights, drainage improvement and reconfiguration of the fields.

Concept and lighting plans Northern Beaches Secondary College sportsfield — Concept and lighting plans | Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council / yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

The proposed upgrade of the Northern Beaches Secondary College (NBSC) sportsfield at 120 South Creek Road was submitted for community feedback in the second quarter of 2022. The feedback period ended on 24 July 2022.

A community engagement report will soon be published as Council after completion of the review.

Concept and lighting plans 2 Northern Beaches Secondary College sportsfield — Concept and lighting plans | Photo Credit: Northern Beaches Council / yoursay.northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

The Council report also identified other opportunities to utilise school sites for community use after school hours. Hence, Council entered into a 10-year licencing agreement with the Department of Education to use the NBSC Cromer Campus playing field for community sports after school hours.

As part of the agreement, Council will improve the sportsfield facilities which will include the installation of four new light posts for additional evening training and competition opportunities.

Upgrades to the amenities area are likewise included in the proposal. These upgrades include the drainage system, irrigation, new turf, repositioning of the goal posts and installation of water fountains.

In 2018, playgrounds, ovals and sports courts in 81 public schools were opened for community use during school holidays as part of the expanded “Share Our Space” program. The expansion of the program was the result of a successful trial at Mona Vale Public School from 23 December 2017 to 21 January 2018.

The upgrade works on the Northern Beaches Secondary College Cromer Campus sportsfield amenities area are expected to be completed by December 2028 whilst the new lights are expected to be ready for use by late December next year.

Northern Beaches Secondary College Cromer Campus | 120 S Creek Rd, Cromer NSW 2099