Kingborough Council celebrated International Day of People with Disability on Sunday 3 December, with the launch of new accessible beach matting for Kingston Beach.
Mayor, Paula Wriedt said it was great to celebrate this special day by improving access for all to our beautiful Kingston Beach.
“Council understands that people living with disability or with limited mobility should have equitable and easy access to services and facilities,” Cr Wriedt said.
“That’s why we built an accessible beach ramp opposite the public toilets in 2021.
“The Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club received grants for two beach wheelchairs that are available for public use.
“For anyone wishing to use their own wheelchair, or who has problems walking on the sand, this beach matting will be a great addition.
“The matting will enable wheelchair users’ better mobility on the beach with the option to reach the sea depending on tide.
“The matting will be rolled out each weekend and public holidays from December to March by the Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club volunteers and will be available on these days from 12pm until 4.30pm approximately.
“The matting will go on a national register linking everyone investigating accessible sites to the Kingston Beach.
“Council would like to thank the volunteers in Kingston Beach Life Saving Club for assisting with this community service.
“As Chair of Council’s Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee I am very excited to see this additional piece to the accessibility project completed.
“I would like to thank all the members in the Committee for their drive and support during this process, as well as our Council Staff who worked on finding the best way to make this happen.
“Kingston Beach is our most popular beach in Kingborough and this beach matting will ensure equitable access to all residents.
“We are only the second Council in the state, behind Sorrel, to install beach matting and I would love to see other Councils do the same.
“Australians love the beach and this provides the opportunity for all our community to enjoy it during the summer months.”
The beach matting is a capital works project of $10,000.
Cutting the Ribbon for the opening
Dean Young MP, Nick Street MP, Flora Fox Cr, Amanda Midgley Cr, Paula Wriedt Mayor, David Bain Cr, Meg Webb MLC, David O’Bryne MP,Tony van den Enden – CEO Surf Life Saving Tasmania and Vica Bailey MLC
Heather Anderson demonstrating how the matt works