Shire supports plan for beach accessibility

The Surf Coast Shire council hopes the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee’s (GORCC) plan to improve the accessibility of some of Torquay’s most popular beaches can be fast-tracked.

GORCC’s Point Impossible to Jan Juc Draft Master Plan proposes multiple changes proposed to Torquay Front Beach to enable people of all abilities to enjoy Torquay’s coast.

It suggests upgrading the amenity block at Cosy Corner to include an accessible Changing Places facility.

Changing Places are designed specifically to be accessible for people with disabilities. They include height adjustable adult-sized change table and a ceiling hoist.

Changing Places facilities were recently opened in in Four Kings Car Park in Anglesea and next to the Winchelsea Hall.

In their submission to GORCC responding to the plan, the council expressed a desire to see the implementation of such a facility fast tracked.

“Council notes the potential to attract grant funding to develop an accessible changing places facility and there recommends prioritising this in the short term (1-3 years) rather than the medium term (4-7 years).”

At the February 25 council meeting, Cr Martin Duke said he supported having another Changing Places facility in the shire.

“We’ve had the opportunity in the last couple of weeks to open some beautiful Changing Places. I think it’s great that we’ve got ones in Winchelsea and Anglesea open.

“If we can put one on Cosy Corner, I think it’s a really good step towards people able to give people with disabilities access to the whole coast.”

He also noted that GORCC had done a lot to improve beach accessibility, such as installing matting at Fisherman’s Beach to enable people using wheelchairs, crutches, walking frames and canes to cross the softer sand at the beach.

GORCC’s draft master plan also suggests a Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) compliant path and ramp be installed at Torquay Front Beach.