Calls are growing for expanded accessible beach infrastructure across Noosa, with inclusion advocate Lucia Neely urging authorities to roll out disability access mats at more coastal locations.
“Disability mats should be rolled out on every beach,” Ms Neely said.
“Everyone deserves the right to access the beach.”
Ms Neely, a long-time advocate for inclusion in surf lifesaving and beach culture and a member of the Noosa Life saving club, said accessible infrastructure was essential in a coastal community where the ocean plays a central role in daily life.
The existing Mobi-Mat at Noosa Main Beach was installed in mid-2022 following advocacy by Councillor Amelia Lorentson on behalf of disability groups and Seahorse Nippers, with full support from council.
Prior to installation, several beaches were assessed. However, Noosa Main Beach was deemed the only suitable site due to its gradient and existing accessible infrastructure.
Noosa Council’s Acting Property Manager Hayley Jamieson said other beaches were ruled out because of steep access points, unstable sand profiles and tidal exposure.
“The project was funded by Tewantin-Noosa Lions Club, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton and Council, to provide year-round accessible beach access at Noosa Main Beach, except during major weather events,” Ms Jamieson said.
She noted that extending the mat closer to the water’s edge presents further challenges.
“Any further extension to the water’s edge is challenging due to the tides and would require technical assessment of tidal impacts, safety considerations, and ongoing maintenance implications,” Ms Jamieson said.
“Council is committed to improving accessibility where practical and consistent with coastal management requirements and strongly supports accessible beach experiences for all community members and visitors.”
Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said state-level discussions were continuing about improving accessibility at lifeguarded beaches.
“Our beaches and oceans are part of who we are and should be enjoyed by all,” Ms Bolton said. “Hence why in 2022 we were proud to help fund the original all-abilities beach mat at Noosa Heads, along with the all-terrain wheelchair last year.
“These initiatives are impactful and make a real, practical difference for our community, and we have raised with the Queensland Government the importance of making lifeguarded Queensland beaches accessible to everyone.”
Cr Lorentson said she had advocated strongly for the installation of the Mobi-Mat.
“I advocated for the installation of the mobi-mat on behalf of disability groups and Seahorse Nippers,” she said.
“With the support of former Mayor Clare Stewart, and funding from the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club and Sandy Bolton, the mat was installed.”
Cr Lorentson, a member of Surf Life Saving Queensland’s disability working group, said discussions were ongoing about how more beach mats could be rolled out across Queensland and what infrastructure would be required to support them.
The State Government declined to comment.
