A $1.5 million upgrade to make amenities at Blacksmiths Beach more accessible and usable marks the first of 20 similar projects over the next four years in Lake Macquarie.
An ageing amenities block at the beach has been demolished in preparation for the new structure, which will include a Changing Places facility for people with high support needs, as well as accessible, ambulant and unisex public toilets and landscaping improvements.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz said the existing block had reached the end of its service life.
"I remember coming to Blacksmiths Beach as a kid and it was the same red-brick amenities block back then," he said.
"It's high time it was replaced, particularly with the growing number of visitors we're welcoming each year to Blacksmiths Beach, and its status as host of major events like the NSW Surf Life Saving Championships."
The Australian Government has committed $120,000 to the project through the Commonwealth Accessible Australia initiative, aimed at improving accessibility in public spaces.
Federal Member for Shortland Pat Conroy said the Albanese Labor Government was committed to making facilities across Lake Macquarie more accessible.
"This is why this partnership with Lake Macquarie Council is so great to see, real collaboration delivering good results for our local community," he said.
Mayor Adam said Council was investing in accessible public amenities across the city. Three other facilities will be replaced in the 2026-2027 financial year, at Balcolyn, Pirrita Island and Blackalls Park.
Another 15 are planned between 2027 and 2030.
"Public services and amenities should be accessible to everyone, and we're committed to making sure that is the case," Mayor Adam said.
"Whether it's our footpaths, our toilet blocks, our holiday parks or our pools and libraries, we want to make sure they're available for the whole community."
The amenities upgrades also align with Lake Macquarie City Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan, which calls for more accessible amenities.
Go to lakemac.com.au
