GOING for a dip in the water may now be something more Port Macquarie residents and visitors can enjoy, courtesy of a new beach wheelchair.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Peter Besseling used the launch of a new Sandcruiser wheelchair purchased by council for use on Port Macquarie’s Town Beach last week to emphasise the importance of access for all.
Cr Besseling said it was often the simple things like a trip to the beach and a swim in the ocean that able-bodied people took for granted.
He said it was important to start thinking about access to “difficult places” such as the beach – not just for the disabled but the elderly as well – and congratulated council’s access committee on its achievements to date.
Access was something that should be “kept at the forefront of the community’s approach to infrastructure and not considered as an afterthought”, he said.
“Given the level of mobility issues within our population, consideration of safe access should occur naturally.”
The beach wheelchair boasts large pneumatic tyres to make it easier for people to make their way across the sand to the water’s edge. It is made of marine-grade stainless steel and is expected to provide years of reliable use.
Those people wanting to use the chair will simply need to make a booking with council lifeguards during office hours on 0419 167 073. The wheelchair will be available free of charge but only on Town Beach and only when lifeguards are on duty.
Protocols and instructions for use will be available from the lifeguard tower.
