Nelson Bays’ Little Beach Accessible Fishing Platform Construction Underway FEATURED Nelson Bay (Tomaree Peninsula areas) Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - July 24, 2018 Councillor Jaimie Abbott with Mayor Ryan Palmer at the Little Beach Wharf which is currently being upgraded to include an accessible fishing platform. Photo by Marian Sampson. THE disabled access ramp into the water at Little Beach is undergoing an upgrade which will see a wheelchair friendly and safe fishing platform added for anglers. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE The wharf will feature modified railings which are designed specifically for people who are in a wheelchair so they can fish from the platform. The disabled access to the water will not be hampered by the new platform. Mayor Ryan Palmer told News Of The Area, “The project is being funded by the NSW Government.” The work is being completed through funding from the Recreational Fishing Trust and will represent an investment in Port Stephens of over $98,000. Councillor Jaimie Abbott told News Of The Area, “This is a really exciting project which will see a brand new platform, bigger than the previous one.” “The safe access will be secured with a slip-resistant decking. “For a few years now, disabled residents and tourists have not been able to access the water to fish from it, so this will be a fantastic access point once finished by the end of next month,” she said. The Recreational Fishing Trust is the NSW Fishing Licence Fees being reinvested into infrastructure and improving fishing in New South Wales by the Department of Primary Industries. Projects to be funded through the trust include accessible fishing, fish restocking, education programs, schools education, increasing participation in recreational fishing. Also funded are fishing platforms, artificial reefs, cleaning facilities, safety infrastructure and research on fish and recreational fishing. Fishing licences also fund the enforcement of fishing rules in New South Wales waters. Under a separate program DPI also funds foreshore replanting and rehabilitation projects. Upon opening the accessible fishing ramp will see those less able to access a great fishing spot where there are regular catches of leatherjacket, bream, snapper, and flathead. By Marian SAMPSON
