Mornington Peninsula Shire rolls out beach access

Mornington Peninsula Shire has once again rolled out beach matting this year across five beaches in Port Phillip Bay to give people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility the chance to get across the sand to the water’s edge.

Beach matting locations are:

• Mothers beach, Mornington

• Mount Martha beach – in front of the lifesaving club

• Rosebud beach – next to the jetty

• Rye front beach – next to the pier

• Sorrento front beach - next to The Baths restaurant.

The matting is made from recycled plastic bottles, is slip resistant and provides a sturdy path closer to the water’s edge for people with limited mobility. It offers opportunities for grandparents and grandchildren to play together at the beach and wheelchair users to have sensory play in the water.

Feedback from the Shire’s beach matting trials last summer advised some people hadn’t been able to access the beach in decades.

Mayor Steve Holland advised “Wheelchair users, as well as families with prams, beach-goers with trolleys and people with reduced mobility can all benefit from the matting, making it an excellent example of our commitment to universal design.”

Disability Advisory Committee delegate and Seawinds Ward Councillor Kerri McCafferty added “Our Council and Wellbeing Plan outlines our Shire objective to provide an accessible and unique natural environment that helps our community to be healthy and well. We hope everyone has a safe and fun summer on our amazing beaches.”

The matting will be out until April 2023.

For more information about beach matting at each of the five locations please visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/accessiblerecreation

Image: Mornington Mount Martha wheelchair beach access