Better Beach Access for Tasmania's Disabled
Author: Lin Thorp, MLC Minister for Human Services
Published: 2009/12/08 - Updated: 2025/10/01
Publication Type: Announcement
Category Topic: Australia and New Zealand - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This report outlines the launch of Tasmania's Safer Beach Access and Experience Program, a collaborative effort to boost beach safety and participation for those with disabilities and mobility challenges through site audits, tailored research, and hands-on engagement days at five coastal spots over the summer. Backed by $31,000 from the Tasmanian Water Safety Council and ongoing support from Sport and Recreation Tasmania, it draws on expertise from Surf Life Saving Tasmania, National Disability Services, and Cosmos Recreation Services, with Minister Lin Thorp emphasizing how these steps align with broader goals for inclusive recreation under the state's disability framework - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
The Safer Beach Access and Experience Program for People with Disabilities and Mobility Issues project
People with a disability will have better access to a safe beach environment this summer thanks to a Surf Life Saving Tasmania project.
Main Content
Launching the Beach Experience Days program, the Minister for Human Services, Lin Thorp, congratulated Surf Life Saving Tasmania for the initiative with expert assistance from the Tasmanian Branch of National Disability Services and Cosmos Recreation Services.
"The Safer Beach Access and Experience Program for People with Disabilities and Mobility Issues project is a great example of groups working together to provide opportunities for people with a disability to enjoy sport and recreation," Ms Thorp said. "It also shows how sport and recreation can be inclusive and accessed by all Tasmanians, with participation opportunities for people with a disability an important part of the Tasmanian Government's agenda."
"Beach Experience Days bring people with a disability together with surf life saving staff and provide safe beach access and familiarization activities. "They are part of a bigger project that is aiming to provide access to and awareness of avenues for people with a disability to enjoy Tasmanian beaches."
The Project Includes:
- An audit of the state's beaches.
- Greater awareness of beach safety within the disability sector.
- Research and development into how people with a disability can safely access our beaches.
- Working with disability service providers to develop a 'beach experience and engagement' program to be rolled out at five different locations over summer.
Surf Life Saving Tasmania received $31 000 from the Tasmanian Water Safety Council to deliver the project.
Ms. Thorp said that the Tasmanian Government, through Sport and Recreation Tasmania, provides $30 000 per year to the Tasmanian Water Safety Council for allocation to programs and services like this one that are aligned with the Tasmanian priorities of the Australian Water Safety Strategy.
Sport and Recreation Tasmania also recently released the Tasmanian Sport and Recreation Framework for People with a Disability, which will assist in the development of a more inclusive sport and recreation sector in Tasmania.
Through participation in sport and recreation, individuals develop relationships, learn and share community values and attitudes, and can gain a better understanding of others. Physically active communities are inclusive, healthier and happier, and everyone is entitled to equal access to these benefits.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: Coming straight from a government minister's office, the details here pack real authority, delivering clear, actionable examples of policy in motion that could spark similar upgrades in other regions—handy for anyone planning accessible outings, especially folks with disabilities or older adults eyeing low-key seaside getaways without the hassle. In the end, initiatives like this one quietly shift the conversation from accommodation to expectation, proving that a bit of upfront planning and pooled resources can turn public spaces into genuine commons, where the rhythm of waves meets everyone on equal footing, no exceptions - Disabled World (DW).Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Lin Thorp, MLC Minister for Human Services and published on 2009/12/08, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.