Over 120 km of new mountain bike trails might be on the way for Mogo and Batemans Bay as a way to revitalise the area after being ravaged by fires. That is, if the Mogo Adventure Trails Hub Masterplan goes ahead.
The project aims to formalise and improve a network of approximately 30km of existing trails, whilst developing 125.6km of new trails, a major entry hub and a pump track.
Masterplan Details
These new trails will include 66.3km of green (easiest) routes, 42.7km of blue (intermediate) and 11.3km of black (advanced). You can find the full map of proposed trails here.
Mogo and Batemans Bay will each have a trailhead, with less formal entrances along the peripheries of the network.
Strengths of the Area
Key strength of having a mountain bike park in this area include:
- Location: proximal to major population areas of Canberra and Sydney Trail Master Plan
- Climate: the local climate is highly-appealing for year-round riding
- Coastal location: the coastal location of the area will appeal to visiting riders
- Topography, terrain and elevation: the target area has moderate slopes and good elevation opportunities
- Urban infrastructure: the target area provides strong connectivity into townships for a genuine ride-in, ride-out opportunity
- Soil type: the shaley clay in the target area provides excellent year-round riding potential and wear characteristics
- Regional positioning: there are limited mountain bike destination opportunities within a 3hr driving radius of the target area
Economic Benefit
According to DirtArt, the project managers of the Masterplan, the Mogo project anticipates a year-one indirect economic impact of over $11.8m from over 45,000 visits. It will create approximately 10 jobs during construction, and is expected to create 20 full time equivalent new jobs once operational, across an anticipated 6+ new businesses.
However, much of the land for the project will be land managed by Forestry Corporation of New South Wales, who are currently evaluating the project.
Eurobodalla Shire Council are calling for community submissions on the project via letter, email or online form here. Submissions close Thursday 15 October 2020, 4.30pm.
“If this project goes ahead it will make the Eurobodalla Shire a mountain biking landmark not just in NSW, but also across Australia. It would provide great opportunities for riders of all abilities and also help to boost the local economy,” commented Kim Lavender, Bicycle NSW Communications Manager.
We encourage everyone to write a submission for the Mogo Adventure Trails Hub Masterplan. Find out more details here.
