Camden Haven resident Mike Ipsen says he’ll be out fishing the day the construction of the new fishing platform is completed.
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The platform will be located on the Lake Cathie foreshore, alongside the existing footpath and links to the disability friendly car park at Aqua Crescent.
The project is part of a wider initiative by the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to plan for the future of the Lake Cathie foreshore.
A draft master plan is being developed from input received from the think tank, postcard survey campaign, council’s website and other community feedback.
The plan will be launched at an upcoming Family Fun Day at the Lake Cathie Foreshore on Saturday, November 18.
Mr Ipsen is part of the Hastings Access Commitee and said as he is in a wheelchair he has had trouble in the past with his fishing line getting snagged on the rocks at the location.
He said the platform will allow people to access the deeper water of the area.
Mr Ipsen spent nine years cruising on a yacht in North Queensland and he enjoys the experience of eating the fish as much as catching it.
He enjoys eating the flathead and whiting from Lake Cathie.
Mr Ipsen said Lake Cathie is a great family spot and the fishing platform enhances the facilities at the location to make it enjoyable for everyone.
“it makes it inclusive,” he said.
The project forms part of council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan and continues to deliver on the vision of creating an accessible community for all.
The project is supported by the Hastings Access Committee, Alzheimer's Australia & Dementia Friendly Communities, Lake Cathie Progress Association, Lake Cathie Amateur Fishing Club and House with No Steps.
Council has invested $50,000 to fund the construction of the new platform, with an additional $140,000 being provided through a grant from the NSW Department of Primary Industries Recreational Fishing Trust.
The new fishing platform is planned to be completed prior to Christmas (weather permitting).
The fishing platform will have hand rails on the sides and a low guard rail along the water side to allow ease of casting for people in a wheelchair.
Port Macquarie Hastings Council Cr Lee Dixon said he is excited the platform is due to be completed in time for the holiday period as it will be a ‘great asset’ for the community’.
Cr Dixon said he uses the existing platform at Dunbogan often with his grandchildren.
He said the future of the foreshore at Lake Cathie is heavily focused on what the community would like to see for the area and the plan is based on extensive consultation.
