A range of accessibility infrastructure improvements at Central Coast beaches is making it easier for locals and visitors with disability to take advantage of the region’s beachside hotspots over the holiday period.
Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said becoming familiar with accessible infrastructure and improvements can make a big difference to beach trips for people with disability.
“Summer is such a wonderful time to get out and about on our stunning Central Coast,” she said.
“It’s so pleasing to witness our accessible infrastructure improvements, to the benefit of both Central Coast residents and our visiting tourists this holiday season.”
Central Coast Council publishes an Accessible Beaches brochure which profiles 10 Central Coast beaches and includes information on accessibility features, such as beach matting, free beach wheelchair hire, continuous pathways, nearby public transport points and accessible toilets, in an accessible format with images, icons and pinpoint map.
Beaches featured include Patonga Beach, Pearl Beach, Umina Beach, Ocean Beach, Terrigal Beach, Avoca Beach, The Entrance Ocean Baths, Toowoon Bay and Canton Beach.
Tesch said Council was doing a stellar job.
“It’s assuring that for locals and for visitors with a disability or limited mobility, free beach wheelchairs are available for use at 13 of our 15 patrolled beaches,” she said.
“Beach wheelchairs can be booked via QR code, via the Central Coast Council website, or, during patrol season, by asking a lifeguard on duty.
“Until April, beach matting will be installed at Umina Beach, Ocean Beach and Terrigal.
“There is accessible beach matting year-round at Toowoon Bay Beach and accessible parking out the front.
“Beach wheelchairs are available for public use.
“A recent addition to the upgraded Visitor Information Centre at The Entrance is a 24/7 adult accessible change facility (AACF), accessible via the Master Locksmith Access Key (MLAK).
“An MLAK is available at the customer service desk.”
Tesch said Surf Lifesaving volunteers often assist people with disability to access wheelchairs to get from the clubhouse to the water.
She encouraged people with disabilities to call the relevant Surf Life Saving Club ahead of a trip to the beach.
“Regardless of which accessible beach on the Central Coast you intend to visit, it’s a good idea to call ahead to your Surf Life Saving Club to ensure your required beach wheelchair is available and that the matting is rolled out and ready to use,” she said.
“I will continue to advocate alongside our community to ensure everyone on the Central Coast can access our beautiful coastal environment.”
Further information about the Central Coast’s accessibility infrastructure and beach wheelchair bookings are available on the Central Coast Council website.
An Accessible Beaches brochure is also available at https://www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-10/accessible_beaches_central_coast_brochure.pdf
Printed copies are available from Central Coast libraries as well as at Gosford and Wyong Customer Service Centres.