The Bermagui Beach Hotel installed a lift before last summer which allows people in wheelchairs, those using prams and anyone with mobility issues to easily access its premises.

Sue Thomas, who requires a wheelchair and used to sit on the Bega Valley Shire Council access and inclusion advisory committee, said improving access into businesses expanded their clientele as it meant people with restricted mobility could attend and would bring family and friends with them.

She said getting up ramps could be difficult, so she was pleased a lift had been installed at the hotel.

"Not only can you get in, you know you can get in safely," she said.

"Some people think one step is access.

"I've gone over backwards a few times trying to get over a step."

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One of the owners of the hotel, Yannis Gantner, said installing a lift was not the cheapest option, but they wanted to make the pub accessible to everyone.

"It's been used more times than I expected," he said.

"The bathroom and whole pub is accessible too."

Chair of council's access and inclusion advisory committee Ron Finneran said businesses needed to make sure they advertised if they were accessible on their websites, because if a tourist to the region or local had restricted mobility they would research which places were accessible in a town before they went there.

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"So you can go there with a degree of confidence you know you can enjoy yourself," he said.

He said accessibility advocates would like council to place even greater emphasis on accessibility for all along the Sapphire Coast.

A council spokesperson said through the access and inclusion committee businesses have been encouraged to upgrade accessibility to cater for people with mobility issues, but this was voluntary.

"As an organisation council is committed to continually working to improve our assets and facilities in regard to accessibility requirements on top of compliance with relevant standards," they said.

Examples they gave include stabilised gravel walking trails, the addition of ramps onto beaches and small linking paths to picnic tables.

"The recent rural village playground design process is an example of where making improvements to accessibility was an important part of developing more inclusive facilities," the spokesperson said.

They said there were many examples of council works and projects that have been completed or underway focused in this area, including the Ford Park and Bega Park inclusive playgrounds, the BVSC Coastal Accessibility Plans (Destination for All), the Tathra "Everyone Can Play" Inclusive play space currently under construction, the Tathra Headland Walk, and the replacement of the Tathra Headland viewing platform.

The spokesperson said the Access Improvement Grants program were a key component of council's efforts to encourage businesses to make their services or premises accessible.

These grants aim to support projects that improve access for residents and visitors within the Bega Valley Shire, such as accessible paths including ramps, modification/re-engineering of barriers like steps, to retrofit amenities including toilets, and install handrails or grab bars.

Applications for this year's round of grants have opened, for more information click here.