There will be a new addition on two popular Wollongong beaches this summer.
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Wollongong City Council has rolled out beach matting at Thirroul and Port Kembla beaches so all residents can enjoy the ocean.
The beach matting provides a stable non-slip surface to travel on the sand.
The matting means people with disability, people with limited mobility and parents with prams who previously were limited to promenades will now be able to more easily access the beach.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said he was pleased the matting would help all residents access the beach during the busy summer season.
"The addition of this matting means that more of our residents and visitors will get to enjoy the beauty that our beaches have to offer," he said.
"Fresh sea air and sand between your toes is one of life's simple joys and by having this matting out on our beaches means it's easier for people to take advantage of what's on our doorstep.''
The addition of beach matting was identified within council's Beach and Foreshore Access Strategy and is part of its focus on making the city more inclusive.
The council has plans to extend the use of the semi-permanent matting - that's pegged into place - to other beaches in future summers.
Beach wheelchairs are also available to book.
The beach matting was originally developed and deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq by the US Military and coalition troops for beach landing operations.
The 2019/2020 beach season officially launches on September 28.