The Sunshine Coast beaches are becoming more accessible for all with a beach wheelchair and matting now available at Dicky Beach.
Through the Council’s Accessible Beach Program, beach matting, a wheelchair and life jackets have been available at Dicky Beach Surf Lifesaving Club (1A Coochin Street) for a three month trial from September.
Division Two Councillor Terry Landsberg said Council was proud to provide a third location to the accessible beach program.
“The Sunshine Coast now has wheelchair accessible beaches in three locations including Coolum, Mooloolaba and Dicky Beach,” Cr Landsberg said.
“With the warmer weather well and truly here on the Sunshine Coast, people with disability will be able to enjoy more of our wonderful beaches.”
Dicky Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Secretary Sue Williams said the club was thrilled to be able to offer a safe, accessible and inclusive environment between the flags at Dicky Beach so that all members of our community could enjoy a beach experience and the associated significant benefits to physical and mental health.
“Our new beach matting will minimise and eliminate barriers for so many people by improving ocean accessibility for people in wheelchairs, as well as parents with prams, people with vision impairment, on crutches, or with walkers,” Ms Williams said.
“Huge thanks to Sunshine Coast Council for working with us to get this improvement in place.”
Residents and visitors are asked to please book equipment by phoning 5491 5742 before your visit. Equipment at Dicky Beach will be available from 8.30am to 3.30pm.
Compass Institute Caloundra also has a beach wheelchair that can travel on sand without beach matting. It is available for hire for use at any patrolled Sunshine Coast beach. Book with Compass Institute from Monday to Friday between 9am and 3.30pm, phone 5438 2627.
For more information and accessible beach program locations please visit Council’s website.
Fast facts:
Beach matting, wheelchairs and life jackets are available to use at no charge. The equipment is suitable for both adults and children.
Surf Life Saving Clubs provide the equipment on weekends and public holidays from September until May, with the Dicky Beach trial to be reviewed in the New Year.
Please book equipment before your visit. If you are unable to make contact ahead your visit, talk with lifesavers when you arrive. If available for use, the equipment will be set up for you.
