Published on Tuesday, 26 April 2022 at 10:45:54 AM
Those with mobility challenges will be able to enjoy beach access matting year-round with a new arrangement between the City of Greater Geraldton, Access To Leisure And Sport (ATLAS), and Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club (CBSLSC).
The decision came about due to the matting’s popularity throughout summer and public comments expressing a desire to maintain the matting during the colder months.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn welcomed the news.
“I am very happy the beach matting is here to stay as it is one of the most widely used features of the Geraldton Foreshore,” he said.
“The year-round availability of this feature is part of the City’s commitment to our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2019 – 2023 through developing and improving access to services, facilities, programs, and events.”
CBSLSC President Peter Nelson said the matting assists a range of beachgoers.
“Originally the idea was for the matting to be utilised by people who were using the beach wheelchair, however much to our delight we have found that all sorts of people who have mobility challenges have been accessing it,” he said.
“A group of our club volunteers dedicate an hour every month to clean and level out the ground underneath the matting to keep it functioning properly.”
ATLAS CEO Zane D’Mello said that ATLAS is happy to provide the matting.
“These kinds of assets are essential to fulfilling ATLAS’s mission to provide people with disabilities equal access and inclusion in the community,” he said.
“Through our partnerships, we help people with disability participate in sports including cycling, basketball, boxing, and swimming as well as more easily engage in social and cultural gatherings.”
Under the new agreement, ATLAS will retain ownership of the matting whilst CBSLSC will be responsible for its maintenance.
The beach access matting is available to use at Champion Bay, near the rubix cube toilets, on the Geraldton Foreshore.
For further information regarding accessibility in Geraldton and the hire of beach wheelchairs click here.
ENDS:
Photo caption: (LR) Champion Bay SLSC President Peter Nelson, City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn and ATLAS CEO Zane D Mello.
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