Life’s a Beach with new all-terrain wheelchair

Published on Friday, 21 January 2022 at 12:31:27 PM

People with a disability will be able to enjoy the sand and surf at Binalup / Middleton Beach thanks to a new all-terrain beach wheelchair funded by the Department of Communities.

A Beach Trekker All-Terrain Wheelchair purchased by the City in 2012 has proven popular and prompted the purchase of another wheelchair to meet demand.

The new Hippocampe All-Terrain Beach Wheelchair has interchangeable floating and neutral buoyancy wheels for beach and water use to support people with varying abilities and preferences.

The chair also allows self-transfer with additional assistance, and the City is now seeking funding to purchase a hoist to maximise accessibility to the chair.

Manager Community Relations Louise Paterson said the chair was important in achieving access and inclusion at the enhanced Binalup / Middleton Beach precinct.

“The precinct already has accessibility infrastructure such as a beach accessibility ramp, beach matting and accessible toilets so the new all-terrain wheelchair is a welcome addition,” she said.

“We’re very thankful for the funding from the Department of Communities to purchase the chair.

With more than 2000 residents who identify as needing daily assistance due to disability within our community, initiatives like this make a big difference.”

The All-Terrain Wheelchair will be available for the public to use from February 2022. The Beach Wheelchair Safety Guide and User Manual and how to gain access the All-Terrain Beach Wheel can be found here.

To access the City's beach wheelchairs contact South Coast Security's 24-hour mobile service on 0417 964 102

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