Beach days can be enjoyed by all

Ensuring equitable access for all was the driving force behind the creation of the All Abilities Recreation Area at East Beach.

An initiative of the George Town Council and largely funded through the Liberal’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the project is thought to be the first of its kind in the northern Tasmanian region.

The All Abilities Recreation area includes accessible seating, sensor activated shower, accessible toilets and parking, accessible BBQ tables and BBQs, ensuring that people of all ages and abilities are able to enjoy a day out at the beach.

Additionally, the recreation area now offers full abilities access to the facilities and the water’s edge from the car park, with beach wheelchair matting installed.

Carmel Clark, CEO of ParaQuad Tasmania, the peak body for Tasmanians with Spinal Cord Injury and physical disability has praised the project for delivering on its promise to improve accessibility for all.

“The beach matting will allow more people to enjoy another beautiful Tasmanian beach. The new barbecue facilities have plenty of room to move around, and tables are designed with wheelchair users in mind. These are modest, yet significant considerations on the pathway to building an inclusive community,” Ms Clark said.

Federal Member for Bass, Bridget Archer MP said the project has delivered on its promise of ensuring equitable access to all who love to visit East Beach.

“We should maximise accessibility to our public spaces, including our stunning beaches for locals and visitors alike,” Mrs Archer said.

“This East Beach All Abilities Recreation Area is a great example of how government funding can and should be used to support essential community projects.”

George Town Mayor Greg Keiser said, “This is an impressive project that shows that full inclusion can occur when there is great planning and execution in the building of community infrastructure.“