Eurobodalla Council is upskilling locals to work on the construction of the $8 million Mogo Trails project.
The 155km trail network will comprise about 125km of new trail, as well as formalisation of the 30km of existing mountain bike trails in Mogo State Forest and Deep Creek Dam. It is based on the masterplan approved in 2020 and will connect to Mogo and Batehaven.
Eurobodalla Council's Employment Revolution Project is offering a free intro to bike trail construction short course to eligible locals in a bid to help fill the 25 jobs expected for the Trails' construction.
The training, from Monday 21 to Monday 28 March, includes First Aid and CPR, White Card, using hand and power tools and chainsaw operations and is also suitable for anyone looking to upskill and work in the construction sector. The March training follows a booked-out session in February.
Employment Revolution will help with recruitment for the roles. Martin Wisata, director of the company contracted to deliver the Trails, Rocky Trail Destination, said anyone who completed the training would be guaranteed an interview.
"We're getting closer to breaking ground on this exciting project that's set to revitalise the region and have the potential to attract up to 45,000 visitors in its first year of operation," he said.
"We've already started walking the proposed corridors to assess the landscape for the final track alignment. We're working with Council and Forestry to review the final design before progressing environmental and cultural approvals.
"All going well, we're aiming for construction to get started in March."
Next Level Mountain bike has been busy planning its work crews and procuring equipment to get ready for the work.
There are 10 training places for people living in Eurobodalla, who are no longer enrolled in school and 17 to 24 years old or unemployed/underemployed people of any age. The training is funded by the NSW Government's Smart and Skilled program, which precludes students enrolled in school.
