This turtle season, help turn the tide on accessibility
CQUniversity is working to make Bundaberg’s Mon Repos beach accessible for all by expanding the Universal Beach Accessibility Hub (U‐BEACH) program to the site of Australia's largest concentration of nesting sea turtles.
The collaborative project between CQUniversity, Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, local tourism stakeholders, and the office of Stephen Bennett MP, seeks to ensure that people of all ages and abilities can experience turtle hatching events.
CQU neurological physiotherapy lecturer Sasha Job said the goal of U-BEACH is to help people living with disability or mobility limitations to access and enjoy the beach.
“Following record turtle numbers last season, I was regularly approached by both locals and visitors wanting to know how they or their loved ones with mobility needs take part in the turtle encounter,” Ms Job explained.
“Expanding our U-BEACH program to Mon Repos would be a significant step toward inclusive tourism and environmental education in the Bundaberg region.”
Ms Job said the project is currently in development after completing community consultation to identify key barriers preventing access for people with disabilities and older individuals and conducting preliminary accessibility audits.
While some pathway upgrades have already been completed as part of the site’s redevelopment and parking improvements are underway to reduce walking distances and eliminate the need for shuttle services, she highlighted the need for specialised equipment.
To assist this initiative, CQUniversity is currently calling on the community to support U-BEACH through the annual CQUniCares Appeal.
Appeal funds will be used to provide equipment – including beach wheelchairs and matting – free of charge for visitors to the Mon Repos beach and Turtle Encounters.
Additionally, CQU is working with local disability service providers to offer optional support services for a fee, ensuring an inclusive and supported experience for all.
“Our goal is to raise enough funds to provide an accessible beach experience not just during turtle season, but 365 days a year,” Ms Job said.
“One hundred per cent of the donations will go directly to funding for specialist equipment and training, changing lives of elderly people and others with mobility limitations.”
Gifts over $2 are tax deductible.
Find out more or donate today, at the CQUniCares Annual Appeal website.
