Gold Coasters and visitors are being invited to participate in the City's Beach Access Open Day at Burleigh tomorrow.
"We leave no-one behind on the Gold Coast and we are proud of the facilities we have to make our city inclusive for everyone, '' said Acting Mayor Donna Gates.
"Beach access equipment (matting and beach wheelchairs) is now available at 10 locations throughout the city. Tomorrow's Open Day is all about fun and trying out this equipment … you can even grab a free ice cream for all participants.''
All equipment is free with the City partnering with Surf Life Saving clubs and community groups to deliver the program.
"Club volunteers roll out the mats on weekends during patrol season and the equipment supports inclusive activities like the Seahorse Nippers at North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club,'' she said.
Tomorrow's Access Day is only at Burleigh however, the City provides similar equipment at: Kurrawa Beach; Nobby Beach; North Burleigh Beach; Palm Beach (Pacific SLSC); Southport/Main Beach; Tallebudgera Creek; Burleigh Heads Beach and Southport Broadwater Parklands.
"When we first trialled our beach matting 18 months ago we had people travelling from Brisbane and northern New South Wales just to use the equipment, she said.
"For a total investment of around $350,000, it is money well spent.''
In 2014, the City launched a five-year program titled Accessible and Inclusive City Action Plan.
"This is all about removing barriers and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone who lives, works and visits the Gold Coast,'' said Acting Mayor Gates.
"The 2018 Commonwealth Games, which featured the largest para sports program in Games' history, was a shining example of how well we are doing in this space but there is always more we can do and Council will look to update its action plan this year.''
Other action plan initiatives include: supporting infrastructure such as viewing platforms along the oceanway, changing places toilets and accessible barbecues and showers.
Details of tomorrow's event:
10am-12 Noon. Free
Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club.
Video: https://beachesgoldcoast.com.au/beaches/beach-accessibility/
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e36hum0rj3bnrst/AAAOeBohS3tHdSiiO1s9wqfAa?dl=0
