Mat makes beach enjoyable for all | Gold Coast News | Local News in Gold Coast

Residents try the beach matting at the Southport Broadwater Parklands.

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A GOLD Coast City Council initiative will allow more people to get to the water’s edge at Southport Broadwater Parklands.

The six-week beach matting trial includes roll-out access pathways over sand for seniors, people who use wheelchairs, and for families with strollers.

Members of Gold Coast Recreation and Sport, individuals and other groups of people with disabilities, took part in the launch of the trial to provide greatly improved access to Gold Coast beaches.

Division four councillor Margaret Grummit said Gold Coast was the first council in Queensland, and the second in Australia, to trial the special mat system which provides access to the water to people who might not have been close to the water before.

“I think the beach matting is a superb idea and I don’t know why we haven’t done it before,” Cr Grummit said.

“I have a brother in a wheelchair so I know how heavy they can be and how difficult it can be to go to the beach.

“If the trial is successful and well-received it would be great to see it as a permanent thing along the coast.”