FAQs

This project stems from our commitment to improving access and inclusion for people with disabilities. We've had many conversations with our community about how we can improve access and inclusion in Wollongong. These conversations have informed our plans and strategies including our Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2020-2025, Beach and Foreshore Access Strategy 2019-2028 and Public Toilet Strategy 2019-2029. Improved access benefits the whole community, including people with prams, people with limited mobility and carers.

We're proposing to construct a concrete access ramp connecting the Port Kembla beach promenade to the sand. The concrete ramp will be built to withstand the harsh coastal environment and changing sands and tides.

The beach access ramp will get you onto the beach, but not all the way into the water. Mobi matting (explained more below) will connect people further down from the end of the ramp.

The end of the Beach Access Ramp will connect up with Mobi Matting, for people who need support to move along the beach. A Mobi Mat is plastic matting that runs along the beach. On patrol days, Mobi Matting is taken out by the life savers in the morning then rolled back in at the end of the day.

The ramp itself will be made from concrete. We will use recycled blocks of concrete from the stairway demolition to fill underneath the walkway itself.

The ramp has been designed to accommodate typical changes in the sand levels. At the bottom, the ramp will extend underneath regular sand levels, in case sand moves away from the area.  As sand moves in, we’ll use machinery to move sand away and maintain access, if required.    

At this stage, the ramp is proposed to be built during the off-peak season in winter 2022. Construction is estimated to take approximately 2-3months, with good weather and favourable site conditions.                                 

Equipment and machinery will need to be set up on or near the promenade. At these times we’re expecting the promenade to be closed to pedestrians. We expect there to be construction noise at times.                                                         

Absolutely! If you'd like to talk to us about the proposal, please contact the Engagement Team to arrange a time to speak with us.

After the engagement period ends an engagement report will be written that outlines community feedback. The information provided in this report will inform the final plan. At this stage construction is planned for winter 2022. Appropriate construction notifications will be provided before any work starts.