BEACH matting for wheelchairs will soon be rolled out across Frankston Beach as part of a push to make the foreshore the most accessible in the country. The pilot program is being undertaken by Accessible Beaches Australia and Frankston Council.
Measures set to be taken at Frankston Beach by summer 2026 include the installation of accessible beach matting, beach wheelchairs, bookable day beds, designated drop-off zones, and the addition of staff to help people in and out of the water.
Accessible Beaches Australia founder Shane Hryhorec said he hopes that Frankston will be the first beach of many to adopt the accessibility measures. “This is going to change the story for people with disability,” Hryhorec said. “I visited Antibes in France last year — one of the most accessible beaches in the world — and now we’re trialling that same model here in Frankston. If it works, we’ll replicate it across the country.”
Frankston mayor Kris Bolam said “our beach is our greatest asset. We have more than 30,000 residents identifying with disability, and we’re determined to make sure everyone can enjoy this space. “Partnering with Accessible Beaches and local stakeholders brings us closer to becoming Australia’s most inclusive beach.”
The ABA receives funding support from Equity Trustees and the Victoria Magistrates Court Fund for its projects.
First published in the Mornington News – 4 November 2025
