DR MICHAEL HOLLAND MP
MEMBER FOR BEGA
FIONA PHILLIPS MP
MEMBER FOR GILMORE
NSW LABOR WILL DELIVER UP TO $32,000 FOR ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADES FOR THE NEW FLOATING PONTOON ON THE BATEMANS BAY FORESHORE
Dr Michael Holland and NSW Labor if elected will provide up to $32,000 to help deliver accessibility modifications for the new floating pontoon on the Batemans Bay foreshore under a Minns Labor Government.
Opened last year, the new floating pontoon was designed to increase berthing capacity and access to the town for various vessels, however important accessibility features have been left out of the final design.
Following discussions with the Batemans Bay Business & Tourism Chamber, this commitment will go towards the installation of a mobility hoist to help those who require additional assistance accessing boating and water activities.
"I've had multiple constituents contact my office concerned about accessibility options for members of our community that face mobility issues," said Dr Michael Holland.
"This installation of the mobility hoist will allow them access to a whole new range of water activities, and open up greater possibilities for tourism activation in the disability space".
Funds will also go towards an apron for the existing pontoon to allow for mooring and passenger transfer for seaplanes, which was highlighted in the original concept design but excluded from the final delivery.
These small modifications will not only increase physical access to our town centre and the Clyde River but also open up the possibility of seaplane routes servicing Batemans Bay and beyond.
Quotes attributable to Dr Michael Holland, Labor Member for Bega:
"Water access is so important for our coastal towns such as Batemans Bay and these upgrades could open up a whole new avenue for tourism here"
"We have many residents living in our community that face significant challenges in accessing public spaces. This is a fantastic step to making our boating and water activities more accessible to everyone who visits our town."
Quotes attributable to Fiona Phillips MP, Labor Member for Gilmore:
"This commitment, from Dr Michael Holland and a Minns Labor Government, will go a long way towards ensuring that all members of our community have equal access to water activities in Batemans Bay."
"We understand that accessibility is a major concern for many of our local people, and this funding will help address those concerns by installing a mobility hoist and an apron for seaplane mooring and passenger transfer."
"These modifications will not only make Batemans Bay more accessible for those with mobility issues but also open up new possibilities for tourism. I’m excited to see what opportunities lie ahead for Batemans Bay and beyond."
Quotes attributable to Charles Stuart, Treasurer - Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber :
"The Batemans Bay Business and Tourism Chamber is delighted with the commitment of our local member, Dr. Michael Holland to the much needed incisive features to our new pontoon wharf. Dr Holland has been very supportive of a number of Chamber initiatives and we thank him for his drive and enthusiasm."
MEDIA CONTACT: SARAH KERKHAM 0422 011 137
