Suttons Beach now accessible to all

What started as a simple trial on Bribie Island has become a life-changing success story that’s getting rolled out across the Moreton Bay Region.

Accessible beach matting was installed yesterday in Redcliffe just in front of the famous Suttons Beach Rotunda.

Mayor Peter Flannery said he was proud to be tearing down the barriers associated with sand for people with mobility challenges.

“I’ve said I want Moreton Bay to become the most accessible tourism region in South East Queensland and this new beach matting takes us 50 metres towards realising that goal,” Mayor Flannery said.

“This is an historic day for the Redcliffe peninsula because, for the first time, there are no barriers to anyone enjoying our iconic waterfront sands.”

How does it work?

“Access to the matting is provided all the way from the carpark via the newly constructed access ramp from the main pathway, so anyone with a pram or a walker or a wheelchair will have no troubles,” Mayor Flannery explains.

“And with the weather warming up, now is the time to make Moreton Bay accessible to all.”

Tourism drawcard

Cr Karl Winchester (Div 6) said Moreton Bay’s proximity to Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast was a tourism goldmine.

“We’ve seen people travel from far and wide to use the accessible matting on Bribie Island and I’m sure Redcliffe will see a similar uplift,” he said.

“Compared to rival destinations we’re more convenient to visit thanks to an abundance of parking, we have less traffic congestion, better value accommodation and our hospitality is second to none.

“This beach matting will remain in place 24/7 to give people the confidence to enjoy the beach anytime they wish to go. This is a key difference to most other beaches around the country, where the matting is rolled in and out depending on the surf liver saver patrol times.

“By December we’re also looking to have a new beach wheelchair available for free hire.”

The beach matting at Suttons Beach is part of an initial trial period during which council will monitor the mats to see how they adapts to this new location. The matting has been laid out in the shape of a square to allow for more people to use the matting while keeping a safe distance.

For more information about Council’s disability access and inclusion projects, visit the website

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