Community throws support behind beach matting at Gracetown

Our summer accessible beach matting trial has come to an end

Two weeks ago, accessible beach matting at Swimmers Beach in Gracetown was removed. The matting had been in place since December as part of a trial aimed at increasing accessibility at one of the Shire’s most popular swimming beaches. 

The trial ran from 18 December 2025 to 23 February 2026, made possible through the generous free loan of 30 metres of Mobi-Mat from Enable WA’s events trailer, which was added to the Shire’s existing 10 metres of matting.

Feedback from the community during the trial has shown strong support for improving beach access.
The initiative stemmed from priority strategies in our Access and Inclusion Plan 2023-2027, where the community identified accessible beach access as a top priority. Gracetown was selected as the first trial site due to its flatter terrain and proximity to parking, shade and toilets.

What we heard

Results of our community survey showed more than 90% support for beach matting at Gracetown, with just over half of respondents identifying as matting users.

Additional feedback was received via phone, email and in-person conversations during the trial. Comments were overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the matting as “essential” and “a wonderful addition”.
People told us the matting made the beach easier and safer to access – particularly for older adults, people using wheelchairs and other mobility aids and devices, parents with prams and people with reduced mobility.

A selection of community feedback included:
•    “It has made it MUCH easier for people with mobility challenges to get closer to the beach. One gentleman was in tears because he could swim again.”
•    “As an octogenarian who’s been a Gracetown beachgoer for 60 years… with the special parking bays set aside and the clear path on matting to the beach [access] is a dream.”
•    “You are opening up the opportunity of going to the beach that many would not have been able to experience.”

Next steps

We are now completing a full evaluation of the trial and exploring funding options for future matting purchases. While some funds are available this financial year, additional capital investment is required to purchase a matting system that can be installed year after year. 

The Shire is currently:
•    seeking external grant funding
•    exploring additional capital options through the budget process
•    aiming to install matting at this location again from December to April each year, weather dependent