The new trails will run through the Mogo State Forest and Deep Creek Dam. Photo: Eurobodalla Shire Council.
A joint grant of $8 million has allowed for the building and upgrading of mountain bike trails on the South Coast, with construction to commence next week.
Once completed, the new Mogo Trails will span 155 kilometres and will have the potential to attract upwards of 45,000 visitors per year.
In collaboration with the Forestry Corporation of NSW, the project has been jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments’ Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, which contributed $5 million, and the NSW Government’s Growing Local Economies Fund, which contributed $3 million.
Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Mogo Trails manager Shane Spicer said after years of planning and consulting with community groups, stakeholders and users, the $8 million project in Mogo would finally be delivered.
“That’s building 125 kilometres of new trail and then formalising, and upgrading 30 kilometres of existing trail through Mogo State Forest and Deep Creek Dam,” Mr Spicer said.
“All the current, volunteer-built trails will remain open in the short term, but we’re asking riders to stay off freshly built trails, follow advice on safety signs, and stay away from construction crew until the trails are opened.
“Along with the Narooma Mountain Bike Club’s new trails in the Bodalla State Forest that are expected to open early this year – and existing state forest networks at Eden, Bermagui, Burrill Lake and Nowra – this hub at Mogo will see NSW’s South Coast become something of a mountain bike mecca.”
The Eurobodalla Shire Council’s director of planning Lindsay Usher said the new trails would boost the local economy by $12 million within the first year.
“There’s an explosion of mountain biking in our region and across the world and we are lucky to have plenty of multiuse forest right on our doorstep,” Mr Usher said.
“Research has shown that every dollar invested in cycling infrastructure returns almost $5 to the economy in health benefits.
“Mogo and nearby towns and villages can capitalise on this growing market of enthusiasts year-round, giving local accommodation providers, food outlets and retailers a boost through the colder months when traditionally things are too slow.”
The Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional New South Wales, Paul Toole, said the trails would be a major drawcard for locals and tourists.
“It’s exciting to see work get underway on the Mogo Trails,” Mr Toole said.
“This project will see even more people travel to spend more time in the picturesque Eurobodalla Shire.
“Projects like these make a real difference to communities, and that’s exactly why the NSW Government is backing council, to transform Mogo into a mountain bike mecca.”
To find out more about the new Mogo mountain bike trails, visit the Eurobodalla Shire Council’s Mogo Trails page.
