Floating pontoon at Mordialloc Creek a win for accessible boating

Floating pontoon at Mordialloc Creek a win for accessible boating

Community members with limited mobility will soon be able to enjoy improved access to recreational boating facilities at Mordialloc Creek after Kingston Council approved a proposal to construct an accessible pontoon there.

A new disabled access ramp will link the existing promenade with the proposed eight-metre long and nine-metre wide floating pontoon, creating easy access to boats in the popular fishing and boating precinct. Works will also be undertaken to the adjacent carpark to provide two additional disabled car spaces.

Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos said Council was committed to improving accessibility across Kingston and giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy our foreshore and the beautiful Port Phillip Bay.

“Boating and fishing is a popular past-time for many in our community and we want to make sure all residents can continue to access and enjoy our waterways well into the future despite any mobility issues,” said Cr Staikos. “The community has been very supportive of this proposed boating pontoon and detailed surveys have been done to ensure the construction won’t have any negative impact on our coastal and estuarine environments.”

The pontoon has been funded through a partnership with Better Boating Victoria.

A Changing Places accessible toilet facility is also being proposed for nearby Peter Scullin Reserve to meet the needs of the community, with works expected to begin in mid-2021 if approved.

The new building, estimated to cost around $1 million, will feature an art-deco design in line with the existing structures in the reserve and reflecting the foreshore area. It will also feature environmentally-sustainable design features including solar panels, rain water harvesting, natural ventilation and light, as well as energy-efficient lighting.

“The Changing Places facility will ensure people of all abilities have access to public toilets while visiting our popular Mordialloc foreshore,” said Cr Staikos. “We are always looking at ways to improve our local parks, reserves and foreshores and the facilities we offer locals and visitors to Kingston.”

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