The platform is 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. 

The Myer family and the Egan family are neighbours at Bonny Hills who often come to Lake Cathie to fish. 

The children were impressed with the new platform and its facilities, which included rod holders. 

Anthony Egan said the area of Lake Cathie is great to take the kids to fish. 

The families mostly catch flathead and brim species while in the location. 

Anthony said while the water may look better when it’s open to the ocean, it doesn’t impact the fishing. 

“It doesn’t seem to make much difference,” he said. 

Camden Haven resident Mike Ipsen told the Camden Haven Courier in November that 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. 

Mr Ipsen is part of the Hastings Access Committee 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. 

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 invested $50,000 to fund the construction of the new platform, with an additional $140,000 provided through a grant from the NSW Department of Primary Industries Recreational Fishing Trust.

The fishing platform has hand rails on the sides and a low guard rail along the water side to allow ease of casting for people in a wheelchair.