Lake Macquarie’s first fully accessible fishing platform is now open in Bolton Point.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the platform meant anglers of all abilities, including those in wheelchairs, could safely and easily wet a line in one of the best estuaries for fishing on the NSW coast.
“The idea for an accessible fishing platform was raised about five years ago,” she said.
“We listened to those requests, sought a grant from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust and have now completed construction on what will be a wonderful facility for our community.”
Bolton Point was identified as a suitable location due to its large concentrations of fish, and the presence of an existing wharf upon which the platform could be built.
“The wharf has been widened to cater for wheelchairs and other support aids for people with limited mobility who want to get out over the water and fish,” Cr Fraser said.
The northern side of the wharf remains available for boats to berth alongside using mooring cleats, while the southern side is now dedicated to fishing.
Two disabled parking spaces have also been added to the adjoining car park as part of the project, along with new signage informing the community of the new shared fishing space.
Let’s Fish Lake Mac organiser and keen local angler Michael Guest said fishing was a social and recreational outlet for hundreds of thousands of Australians of all ages and abilities.
“Providing better access and more access for everyone to enjoy the lake is just a fantastic thing to do in the first place,” he said.
“And building things like this that allow people of all abilities to enjoy Australia’s biggest pastime – that can’t be a bad thing.”
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