Comment now on draft Beach and Foreshore Access Strategy

Wollongong City Council is asking for community comment on a draft Beach and Foreshore Strategy that sets out how to provide easier access for people with disability to our beaches.

As part of the draft Strategy, Council has recommended that it prioritise enhancing disability access at Austinmer, Thirroul, North Wollongong and Port Kembla beaches.

Providing ramps and beach matting – this will sit on the top of the sand – will enable people with disability to enjoy sand and surf, an experience many of us take for granted. Wollongong City Acting Lord Mayor Councillor David Brown said: “We’ve been working with our community for some time to improve accessibility throughout the City.

“While we provide many services and infrastructure that all people can enjoy, such as shared pathways, play spaces, pools and walking tracks around foreshore areas, the beaches themselves have proven challenging.

“This draft strategy sets out ways we can overcome this including trailing the access matting. During consultation people have said they wanted to enjoy the sand and surf and that being in a wheelchair or dependent on a mobility device was a hindrance to access the beach.

“We believe by offering these opportunities at four popular beaches we will be better able to plan for improved access for all to our beaches.”

The strategy will provide a planned approach on ways Council can support people with disability to access our beaches and foreshore areas. This includes people with prams and people with limited mobility.

The draft Beach and Foreshore Access Strategy 2019 – 2028 is now available on Council’s website  until 19 March.

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