IN 2021 physiotherapist Bec Dalzell contacted Port Macquarie Hastings Council with the idea of getting mobi matting onto beaches on the Mid North Coast.
The specially designed matting provides a flat surface to enable people using wheelchairs or scooters to access the beach.
On Friday she saw her dream come to life, as matting was rolled out at Town Beach as part of a four-week trial.
“One of the greatest assets we have in this region are our pristine beaches, and access to them should be available to all,” Mayor Adam Roberts told News Of The Area.
The aim of the trial is to see if it enables independent and dignified access to the beach for older residents, those who use wheelchairs or mobility aids, and people pushing prams.
Ms Dalzell said she was excited to see everyone enjoy the beach.
“I hope that we can get this matting onto Flynns Beach and North Haven Beach after a successful trial here,” she told NOTA.
“In my role as a physiotherapist, I talk to a lot of people about their goals, and one of the most common responses is that they want to be able to access the beach again.”
Present at the launch were several members of Ms Dalzell’s initiative, the Enable Reference Group.
It is made up of residents who have lived experience with a variety of disabilities.
The group has worked alongside Council’s Community Activation Manager Steve Bryant.
The matting was supplied by Beach Access Australia after an open tender process and is designed to be low maintenance, durable and easy to use.
It does not impact core beach operations and lifeguards are not responsible for installation or maintenance.
Council is encouraging feedback from the community on the project to allow them to assess its future.
This can be sent to community.activation@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.
By Rachael THORPE
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