We have been successful in receiving various funding for this project, all funding applications had a very strict criteria to be addressed. We're proud to have been granted the below funding to help turn Little Beach into a fully accessible precinct:

• Funding for the accessible playground upgrade (now complete) was received from the ‘Everyone Can Play’ grant together with Council development contributions.
• Funding for the amenities has come from Council and the NSW Government via the Regional Tourism Activation Fund, Boating Now Program and Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program.
• The new furniture , wheelchair beach access ramp and shared pathway will also be funded by the NSW Government via the Regional Tourism Activation Fund and Public Spaces Legacy Fund.

Due to the number of projects involved in this upgrade the timing varies. The most up to date information regarding timing is mentioned in the table above and is updated weekly.

Unisex toilets are common practice with most local councils around the state as we move towards delivering an improved public space for parents, carers, and children whilst increasing the general public's safety.

• Privacy: eliminating urinals with self-contained toilets offers greater privacy.
• Improved public safety: self-contained toilets remove internal hallways or corridors, where people can gather, hide or linger.
• Access for parents, carers, and children: as a parent or carer, you’re able to take children or older persons under your care into the same toilet, rather than having to leave them unattended.
• Reduces wait times: people of the same gender can use unisex toilets at the same time, rather than leaving a toilet vacant while someone waits.
• Cleanliness: the open and airy design and metal materials allow for faster cleaning and drying.

We're are currently in our peak Summer holiday season, meaning more people are using our amenities. If you see something you'd like us to know about, report it to us anywhere, any time through the ‘report and request’ tool.

The dedicated Changing Places amenities will be the first in the Port Stephens area. The only other facilities in the Hunter region are the publically owned facility in Caves Beach, and a privately owned Changing Places amenities at Westfield Kotara.

The Changing Places amenities at Little Beach will include a ceiling hoist, adult-sized changing table, privacy screen and additional circulation space to meet the needs of people with complex disabilities and their carers.

These amenities are close to completion and we encourage people with all abilities, their families and their carers to come and enjoy Little Beach this summer.

The Little Beach Changing Places amenities will require a Master Locksmiths Access Key (MLAK) to use the facility.

Learn more about Changing Places amenities here.

Port Stephens, in particular Nelson Bay, is a popular tourist location. One of our key focus areas in our Community Strategic Plan is Community Wellbeing. With our aim to support wellbeing, inclusivity, accessibility and making all feel welcome. Creating the Little Beach accessibility precinct is a win for the community and accessible tourism.

At present Little Beach is our primary focus to create a precinct which encourages accessible tourism.

The new all abilities ramp to the sand provides a permanent and easy way to reach the sand and when used in conjunction with the beach wheel chairs the existing wharf provides direct access to the water - so no matting required.

Yes, we already have 2 chairs in storage at Little Beach.