A survey to gain a better understanding of those who currently have trouble accessing the beach is calling for respondents living in the Bundaberg region or who regularly access beaches in the Bundaberg region.
Project Coordinator Sasha Job of CQUniversity said it was important that as many people as possible fill out the survey.
“We are hoping to hear from people aged 65 years or older and people living with a disability or mobility restriction, temporary or permanent, who currently access or want to access Bundaberg region beaches,” Sasha said.
“The survey will give us a greater understanding of people’s current levels of physical activity and preferred beach locations and patterns of beach use.
“We also want to know about the challenges faced when getting to the beach and accessing the beach and surrounds, activities participated on the beach and how a visit to the beach affects mood, health, well-being and participation in physical activity.
“We’d also love to hear people’s ideas on how beach accessibility may be improved.
“Our ultimate goal is improved beach access for older people and people living with a disability or mobility restriction.
Sasha is hoping to have at least 100 people fill out the survey.
“That will give us a sufficient community sample so we can then analyse the information to help inform research and planning initiatives for accessible beaches in the Bundaberg region.
“Council is supporting this initiative and once we have presented preliminary information in October we hope to launch our first accessible beach at Bargara at Nielson Beach.”
Those who are aged 65 years or older and/or live with a disability or mobility limitation, can fill out the survey online Anonymous Survey Link or by phone: 4150 7702.
