26 November 2019
Mornington Peninsula Shire's popular beach matting program is being rolled out at a new location this summer, giving more people more access to our beaches.
The Beach Access program has been running at Mount Martha beach since 2016 and is now available for the first time at Mills Beach in Mornington.
The beach matting is on the sand seven days a week at both beaches and offers people in wheelchairs, or with limited mobility, the chance to get to the water's edge during summer.
The matting was rolled out on Friday 8 November and will remain until Easter weekend (Monday 13 April) 2020 with beach accessible wheelchairs available on weekends during patrol hours.
Shire Mayor Councillor Sam Hearn said: "Our beaches are for everyone so I'm extremely pleased to see this fantastic initiative extended to another location. The more people who can access this service the better.
"Council continues to work on increasing access to beaches in a number of ways."
Fellow Briars ward Councillor Bev Colomb said: "This service is a great asset for our local schools, clubs and individuals wanting better access to the beach and water at a time that suits them. I also extend our thanks to both the Mount Martha and Mornington Life Saving Clubs for their support of this important project."
Fellow Briars ward Councillor Rosie Clark said: "We are determined to make more Peninsula beaches disability friendly – the extension of this wonderful project is another step in the right direction. Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the beach."
The Shire also supports disability access at local beaches through upgrades to accessible parking, pathways and toilets in coastal areas and access audits for beaches.
The Disabled Surfers Association Mornington Peninsula has a Sandcruiser beach wheelchair available for free hire from the Point Leo Surf Life-Saving Club, and more information about beach access can be found on the Shire's website mornpen.vic.gov.au/accessiblebeaches.
