New wheelchair accessible jetty

Disability accessible jetty in Gwandalan

A new wheelchair accessible jetty has been completed in Gwandalan, offering people with disabilities the opportunity to go fishing.

The newly upgraded jetty is wider with lower handrails to ensure it is accessible to wheelchair users.

Gary Blaschke, who runs the Disabled Surfers Association on the Coast, and who was involved with this project, said that it is great to see a wheelchair friendly jetty on the Coast.

“This jetty is the only one of its kind here, which is nice,” he said.

“I had a guy reach out to me on Facebook to say how wonderful it is as they had somewhere that he and his brother could bring their disabled mother to go fishing together.

“It’s not that much different to a regular jetty, it’s a little wider, and the handrails are a little lower than normal to make it easier for wheelchair users to cast their lines.

“We’re also looking into installing permanent rod holders to make it easier.

“It’s also pretty close to Gwandalan Bowling Club that has really good disabled amenities and it’s a step in the right direction for accessibility here on the Coast,” Blaschke said.

The jetty is located behind the Gwandalan Bowling Club on Gamban Rd.

Harry Mulholland