LITTLE Beach is one of the Bay’s most popular flatwater beaches.

It offers lovely grassy areas, parking, BBQs and an amenities block as well as wheelchair access into the water, making it a great accessible option for people with disabilities.

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For carers, finding the right amenities to allow their loved ones access to nature can be almost impossible.

Soon Port Stephens will have a benchmark facility which will allow everyone to access our beautiful environment and to enjoy a day out with dignity.

John Maretich, Port Stephens Council Assets Section Manager told News Of The Area, “Little Beach has been identified as a ‘Changing Places’ location that provides suitable facilities for all abilities to enjoy our beautiful environment.

“The new dedicated Changing Places amenities will be the first in the local government area.”

The Changing Places amenities include a ceiling hoist, adult sized changing table, privacy screen and additional circulation space to meet the needs of people with complex disabilities and their carers.

Residents will be pleased to know that a large portion of the Little Beach upgrade is being funded through a variety of grants.

“We have been successful in receiving various funding for this project, all funding applications had very strict criteria to be addressed – we’re proud to have been granted the below funding to help turn Little Beach into a fully accessible precinct.”

Funding for the accessible playground upgrade which has been completed came from the NSW Government’s ‘Everyone can Play’ grant, together with Council development contributions.

Funding for the new amenities has come from Council and the NSW Government via the Regional Tourism Activation Fund, the Boating Now Program and the Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program.

The new furniture, wheelchair beach access ramp and shared pathway will also be funded by the NSW Government via the Regional Tourism Activation Fund and Public Spaces Legacy Fund.

The new infrastructure will provide storage for the two beach wheelchairs that are already located at Little Beach.

Also on the list of new facilities is an all-abilities ramp that provides a permanent and easy way to reach the sand.

This, teamed with the existing wharf which provides direct access to the water, will make every aspect of the natural environment at Little Beach accessible.

“We’re really trying to make Little Beach a special precinct which is inclusive and easily accessed by all,” Mr Maretich said.

“The Little Beach precinct lends itself beautifully to this focus as it is level with easy access to the beach from vehicles.

“The nearby Halifax Holiday Park has already embraced this by providing accessible cabins with dedicated wheelchair access, manoeuvring space and accessible bathrooms.

“We want people of all abilities to be able to enjoy the beautiful beaches we have in Port Stephens.

“That’s why we’re working hard to improve the Little Beach precinct to support wellbeing, inclusivity, accessibility and making all feel welcome,” he said.

By Marian SAMPSON