A Destination for All - Coastal Accessibility Projects
Destination for all projects
Background
In late 2015, Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC) engaged Spiire Australia Pty Ltd to develop Coastal Accessibility Plans for Bruce Steer Pool (Bermagui), Short Point (Merimbula) and the Pambula Surf Club Precinct (Pambula Beach), with the overarching objective to improve overall visitor safety and accessibility to facilities and features at each site.
In 2018, BVSC received and allocated funding for the implementation of the recommendations outlined in the master plan, and initiated the “Bega Valley Shire – A Destination For All” project. The project delivers infrastructure improvements such as aquatic ramps, headland pathways and beach access pathways, at each site to transform the locations into accessible destinations. This work will be the catalyst for the establishment of the Bega Valley Shire as a leader in accessible tourism.
Works at Bruce Steer Pool were completed in July 2021 and included; an all abilities ramp access to the water, amenities building, parkland pathways, park furniture, picnic shelters and planting.
Works at Pambula Beach were completed in March 2021 and included; Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) storage facilities, car park upgrade, parkland pathways, park furniture, amenities building, playground and outdoor gym and planting.
Works at Short Point Merimbula were completed in September 2022 and included: new toilet amenities including accessible cubicle and outdoor showers, new accessible picnic tables, new timber deck viewing and seating platform, location for commercial food/beverage van, an accessible parking bay, accessible footpath linking the new amenities building to headland walk, and new sun lounges and furniture including bins.
Purpose - Why these sites?
Funding
- NSW Government - Restart NSW (Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund) - $2,271,000
- Bega Valley Shire Council - $235,000
- NSW Office of Environment & Heritage - $70,000
- Surf Life Saving NSW (Inclusive Communities) - $100,000
- NSW Dept of Primary Industry (Fisheries – Observation Platforms) - $30,000
- Community Groups (Fund-raising & In-kind) - $60,000
Total Funding = $2,766,000
Community Strategic Plan (CSP) link
This Project aligns with the goals and strategies of the Bega Valley Shire Community Strategic Plan 2040, in particular;
- Goal 2: We are an active, healthy community with access to good quality recreation and sporting facilities
- Strategy 3: Improve the accessibility of the built environment, recreation spaces and facilities
- Strategy 4: Collaborate with partners to provide facilities, activities and services that encourage more people to have active and healthy lifestyles
- Goal 3: Our economy is prosperous, diverse and supported by innovative and creative businesses
- Goal 12: Our Council is financially sustainable and services and facilities meet community need.
From our community engagement we learnt that;
- coast, beach, sea and views, landscapes and scenery are amongst the top things that residents love about living in the Bega Valley Shire (Understanding Our Place community engagement 2016)
- the community would like to see better access to, and maintenance of, areas around lakes, rivers and foreshores and better public facilities (Understanding Our Place community engagement 2016)
Council is committed to implementing the “Destination for All” projects to achieve the goals and aspirations of our community. It is well documented that good access to quality recreational opportunities provides many social and economic benefits for all in the community.
This Project aligns with the 2017-2021 Delivery Program as follows;
Delivery Program Action:
- Provide improvements to accessibility barriers in the Shire
- Identify and apply for grants and funding to support Council approved leisure and recreation projects
- Implement priority actions of the Coastal Accessibility Plans for Bermagui, Merimbula and Pambula Beach
- Identify critical linkages and infrastructure access to parks and reserves in conjunction with Council’s Access and Inclusion Committee
This Project would achieve the following Strategies and Actions identified by the BVSC Disability Inclusion Action Plan:
- Contribute towards liveable and accessible public places
- Identify and promote accessible strategy - Council venues and infrastructure
- Increase access to community assets
- Prioritise access outcomes in renewals and upgrades of community assets
- Include access and inclusion consideration in project management, design and strategy development
Who's listening
- John Grady
Manager Leisure & Recreation
Ph: 02 6499 2222
Email: jgrady@begavalley.nsw.gov.au - Amelia Souter
Project Manager
Ph: 02 6499 2152
Email: asouter@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
Project timeline
Image Gallery
Partners
- NSW Government – Restart NSW (Regional Growth Environment and Tourism Fund
- NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
- NSW Department of Primary Industry
- Community Groups
- Surf Life Saving NSW
© Bega Valley Shire Council 2024
Our council websites
Contact Us
- 02 6499 2222
- council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
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Zingel Place
PO Box 492
Bega NSW 2550 -
Monday to Friday 9.00AM to 4.30PM
Administration building Zingel Place Bega
Australia -
ABN: 26 987 935 332