Matting installed to provide wheelchair beach access

Wheelchair access to Umina Beach is set to improve with the installation of special matting, according to surf club president Mr Stephen Schahill.

Two paths will be formed with the mats, one giving access to the Umina Beach lookout directly in front of Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club and the other along the southern beach access track located on the right side of the club.

Mr Schahill said the mats were a big win for Umina and would allow more people than ever before to enjoy the beach.

"This is the first project of its kind for a beach in this area and is something our club has wanted to do for a long time but never been able to finance," Mr Schahill said.

The project has been made possible through funding from Central Coast Council and Ability Links NSW.

Mr Schahill said the matting would further complement the surf club's existing beach wheelchair facilities.

He said the club had been going from strength to strength.

"This year we reached the 1000 member milestone for the first time, have had fantastic results at local, state and international carnivals and have had plans approved for an extension of our clubhouse to take place later this year.

"This access matting will make our beach better for everyone and it was really pleasing to see when different groups work cooperatively what great outcomes can be achieved for the community," Mr Schahill said.

The matting installation is being carried out by Council and commenced on May 17.

Mr Schaill said the works were expected to be completed by mid-June, weather permitting.

SOURCE:

Interview (Dilon Luke), 22 May 2019

Stephen Schahill, Umina SLSC