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As part of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Disability Inclusion Plan and in partnership with Mount Martha Life Saving Club, beach matting has been rolled out at Mount Martha this summer.

Beach matting offers people in wheelchairs or with limited mobility the chance to move across the sand to the water’s edge. The matting is available at Mount Martha beach daily and two MobiChairs are available on weekends until Easter Monday 5th April 2021.

Higher than usual tides have meant the matting at Mills Beach, Mornington is no longer safe to have out, however a MobiChair beach wheelchair will still be available on weekends during patrol hours in partnership with the Mornington Life Saving Club allowing access to the beach and shallow water.

The Shire is working to make more of their beaches accessible to everyone and supports disability access at local beaches through upgrades to accessible parking, pathways and toilets in coastal areas.  Access audits are performed for beaches and include accessible features in coastal plans.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Despi O’Connor notes “COVID has created some challenges for us this year, but we’re working within the guidelines to give access for all to enjoy our beaches this summer. It’s our responsibility to keep everyone safe.”

Briars Ward Councillor Steve Holland adds “we encourage all Life Saving Clubs to work with us to provide matting and wheelchairs at more beaches across our Peninsula. It’s a wonderful initiative to allow everyone to enjoy our beautiful beaches.”

To learn more about other accessible Shire beaches visit: mornpen.vic.gov.au/accessiblerecreation

Image: Still image from Mount Martha webcam 

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