Have Your Say to Shape an Inclusive Future

Published 08 May 2020

Council wants to hear from you to lead the way for a more inclusive Moreton Bay, starting with beach accessibility. 

Residents are encouraged to share their feedback and experiences using the latest accessible beach trial at Bribie Island via a short online survey to help shape the future of similar initiatives across the region. 

Mayor Peter Flannery invited everyone, especially users of the Woorim Beach matting and free beach wheelchairs, to have their say online. 

“We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a day at the beach, and this fantastic initiative allows people with a diverse range of mobility levels and devices to travel over soft sand areas and straight into the water,” Cr Flannery said. 

“We want to hear your thoughts on the initiative which will help Council further improve beach accessibly by potentially rolling out similar projects at appropriate locations along our beautiful coastline. 

“Since September 2019, Council has been trialling the initiative with beach matting installed and two beach wheelchairs available for free hire through a partnership with the Bribie Island Surf Lifesaving Club and Centacare Moreton Bay. 

“Almost one in five Moreton Bay residents have a disability, and Council is committed to ensuring everyone, regardless of their age or level of ability, can enjoy our healthy and active lifestyle. 

“We’ve already seen a great community response from similar projects like the all-abilities playgrounds at the Caboolture Regional Environmental Education Centre and Lesley Patrick Park, Arana Hills. 

“The Accessible Beaches trial at Woorim Beach is a direct outcome of Council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2018-2022, a five-year plan to progressively improve the accessibility and inclusiveness of facilities, information and services across our region.” 

Councillor Brooke Savige (Div 1) said she received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local community. 

“It was fantastic for beautiful Bribie Island to host the first accessible beach trial in Moreton Bay.

"We thank Centacare Moreton Bay for kindly donating one of the beach wheelchairs and our local Surf Lifesaving Club for getting on board to support,” Cr Savige said. 

“We’ve seen a large portion of Woorim Beach visitors use the matting, so there are potentially thousands of people who now have improved access to the beach. 

“I look forward to reviewing the results of the survey to hopefully roll out similar initiatives across other popular beaches to help make our region more accessible for all.” 

To complete the online survey before 31 May, visit Council's project consultation page.