ALL of us at some time in our lives, through age, injury, illness or disease, will have difficulties in getting to where we want to go. 

It might be a park, the shops, the beach or a restaurant.  

For some it might be temporary, but for others it is permanent. 

But in all cases access difficulties can be prevented, overcome or alleviated.

When you think that by 2021 over two million of the expected 25 million Aussies will be over 65, then it makes sense to make it easier to get around.  

It makes economic sense for our area to be more accessible because seniors are travellers.

They spent $895million on domestic travel last year and this is expected to double in 50 years. 

Word of mouth recommendations have the biggest impact on travel decisions. 

What could be better for our economy than to be known as the area where it is just so easy to get around. 

And, of course, what about our local ageing/injured access challenged individuals and families?

A more accessible community doesn’t just happen. 

It is the result of effective and early consultation and planning and ongoing communication throughout the design and construction stage. 

Some years ago four “mature age” golfing friends were discussing this issue on the 14th hole of the Pambula Merimbula Golf Course in the context of the impending re-development of the two Merimbula boat jetties. 

The question posed by local identity Alan Shand was this: How does a person in a wheelchair, on crutches, with a gammy leg or just frail, get into a boat when it is using a set of stairs?

Clearly pontoons would be the way to go as that would allow good/okay access anytime. 

However, the plan was for pylons not pontoons. 

Something about endangered Posodonia sea grass of which there is less than one per cent in the Merimbula estuary. 

Sounded crazy!

The four golfers decided to form the Bureau of Accessible Tourism (BOAT) 2010 in order to attempt to get better access to the water for “access challenged” individuals (people with prams, older people, injured people, people in wheelchairs and so on).

Through its agitation and representation, BOAT played a significant role in ensuring viable access to the jetties off the Lakeview Hotel and the Boat Ramp in Merimbula. 

Both new jetties have pontoons.

Since then, BOAT members have monitored various projects on the Sapphire Coast highlighting deficiencies and making recommendations to the council. 

BOAT members have worked closely with the shire's Access and Inclusion Committee, has made presentations to councillors and council staff and has made many presentations around the shire to various community groups.

However, progress is slow. 

You only have to take a look, stroll or ride around the shire to see that the reaction is slow to a real problem.  

Ask yourself how does a woman with a pram get into the Merimbula Information Centre? The door is very narrow and there is a lip. 

How does a person in a wheelchair get up to the barbecue area at Bar Beach? A steep grassed hill.

How does anyone safely get down to the beach at Short Point, Merimbula let alone access challenged people? 

And there are countless businesses up and down the shire that make access an issue for many customers/potential customers. 

The only chemist in Bermagui has quite a large step to get into the store and if you are in a wheelchair try buying a paper at the newsagency in Bega then you have a problem. 

A number of banks in Bega make access a real problem for customers. 

We understand there is complexity and cost associated with getting good access, but it makes sense. 

More people in the shop or business means - more business. 

More people who can access business and community facilities in the shire – more tourists will come and they will tell others. 

Word of mouth is a big factor in getting future business. 

More recently the Pambula Beach river mouth project has fallen well short of its stated objectives of providing suitable access to this pristine recreational area. 

At the moment there is no access for anyone who is access challenged and quite dangerous even to carry a kayak from the car park to the beach. 

In terms of the river mouth redevelopment, there was never the intention to phase in (eventually) good access to the sand. 

The early discussions - to which BOAT contributed - focused around access as being an integral part of the whole development. 

Now it is part of Phase 2!

Early comment from holidaymakers is one of amazement. 

“Looks great, but how do you get to the beach?”

A set of stairs in the centre is the only way. 

Try bumping a pram down these while hanging on to the first child and carrying the beach umbrella, sand castle making apparatus etc!

Access at the river mouth has to be fixed ASAP as tourists - possibly repeat tourists - are not impressed. 

And what about the locals?

BOAT urges the council in particular to lead with this issue as an example of its commitment to access in the shire. 

It should also be an important priority of our tourism associations, community groups, chambers of commerce and, of course, landlords and lessees.  

Better access right across the shire will be better for all of us and our guests.