Mermaid Beach is the newest location to roll out the welcome mat for beachgoers with mobility issues, in time for International Day of People with Disability.
The matting will be laid every Sunday during patrol season, thanks to Mermaid Beach SLSC and Volunteering Gold Coast volunteers. A trial, in partnership with Volunteering Gold Coast, will be established at Ian Dipple Lagoon in Labrador later this month.
Mayor Tom Tate said it was important everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the city's beaches.
"Beach wheelchairs and matting are just two examples of how we are working towards making the Gold Coast a more inclusive and accessible city.
"We have a formal plan (Accessible and Inclusive City Action Plan) and we are investing in accessible beach infrastructure, with custom-built wheelchair accessible showers and changing rooms installed at some of our most popular beaches."
Beach matting and wheelchairs are at eight other locations including Burleigh Beach, Broadwater Parklands, Kurrawa Beach, Nobby Beach, North Burleigh, Palm Beach, Surfers Paradise and Tallebudgera Creek.
Beach wheelchairs are available from Gold Coast Recreation and Sport and GiveAbility - free of charge.
The City has implemented – or is planning – these initiatives in 2021:
- New Changing Places toilet facilities planned for Kurrawa Pratten Park, Robina City Parklands, Paradise Point and Tallebudgera Creek
- Accessible changing rooms with bench seats, grab rails, coat hooks and wide entry doors have been installed at Kropp Park, Currumbin and North Burleigh.
- Custom-built beach wheelchair accessible showers installed at Kurrawa, Burleigh Heads, North Burleigh, Main Beach, Tallebudgera Creek, Mermaid Beach and Winders Park at Currumbin
- Braille 'check-in' QR codes used in City community centres, customer contact centres, major sporting venues and aquatic centres
- Braille bin lid stickers available to assist residents to identify different bin types
- Changing Places and dedicated warm water pool with ramped access for water therapy at Pimpama Sports Hub
- City has supported inclusive programs and services such as Auslan tours, Changing Place facilities and new Wi-Fi hearing augmentation at HOTA Gallery.
