A WERRIBEE South resident is urging Wyndham Council not to remove a jet-ski ramp at Werribee South beach.
The council has announced plans to remove the ramp after a rezoning of Port Phillip Bay resulted in jet-skis being required to launch from the main boat ramp.
But Ian Gray, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and is in a wheelchair, wants the council to keep the ramp so disabled people can access the beach, saying there is no other way for people with mobility problems to get to the water’s edge.
Mr Gray also believes that now jet-skis have been moved to the mouth of the Werribee River, the area around the ramp would become much safer, making it an ideal swimming spot.
“I swim for exercise but have never dared to swim in the bay because of the danger posed by boats and in particular jet-skis,” he said.
“I believe removing the ramp would be a major mistake because it could provide access to the water for people in a wheelchair or it could be used to launch kayaks.”
Wyndham Disability Action Group vice-chairman Wayne Slattery said the ramp could provide invaluable access for disabled people.
“It is an excellent proposal. At the moment accessing the beach in a wheelchair is difficult. I would say keeping the ramp would have a lot of advantages. The council has the option to do something with it and make a difference.”
The council’s chief executive Kerry Thompson said the ramp could not be retained because it was not designed for wheelchair access.
The council had been advised that the ramp could not be made compliant with Disability Discrimination Act requirements.
Ms Thompson said the council was working on making the beach accessible for all residents.
“Work has been done to modify the boat ramp at Werribee South to allow canoe entry for people with special needs and local residents were involved with planning and design.
“The future development of the Werribee South beach precinct will continue to address this important issue and will include specifically designed facilities that allow safe access and parking for all community members.”
