Construction has started
on the ramp to Flynns Beach to improve accessibility.
Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club received a grant from the State Government early this year under the Community Partnerships Program.
With the support of the then State Parliamentary Member, Peter Bessling, the Disabled Surfers Association and Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, the Surf Club submitted a Grant Application for the NSW Community Partnerships Program, which is now a reality.
Spokeswoman Melinda Cockshutt said, “We are excited about the construction starting and we also want to make the community aware that there will be equipment down on the beach.
“The current access ramp is very steep and very difficult for people with mobility issues to get down onto the beach.
“It is also very difficult for the volunteers to get the wheelchair and IRB down on the beach.
“It takes many people (at least six) and puts a bit of strain on people’s backs.
“The new ramp will enable just two volunteer lifesavers to get the IRB down on the beach.
“This is critical in terms of a rescue response.”
Mrs Cockshutt said, often rescues occur out of hours and “we don’t have a full patrol on the beach at the time (for example the Shelly Beach drownings last season)”.
“The ramp will make our Volunteer Emergency Response Team more rescue ready and provide a safe way to get the IRB down on the beach,” she said.
The new ramp, which starts at the southern end of the beach and comes back towards Purno’s Cafe and the Surf Club, will be a fantastic asset for the community to get better access to the beach,” Mrs Cockshutt said.
Construction should take about six weeks.
“We apologise for any inconvenience that it will cause,” Mrs Cockshutt said.
“We are all very excited about the completion and would like to thank the NSW State Government and local Council for supporting the construction of the ramp.”
