Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development
The Honourable Andrew Fraser

Thursday, June 04, 2009

World class mountain bike trail for Mary Valley

A group of 10 long-term unemployed jobseekers are gaining new skills while they help to build a world-class mountain bike trail at Amamoor in the Mary Valley.

Parliamentary Secretary for Employment and Economic Development, Jan Jarratt, said the Queensland Government was funding the Australian Industry Engineering and Manufacturing Network Cooperative Limited (AIEMnet) to coordinate the jobs project.

“AIEMnet has been awarded $132,420 to boost participants’ employment prospects and create an exciting new facility for the region,” Ms Jarratt said.

“Participants will assist with the upgrade of existing walking tracks, and upgrading these to mountain bike trails in the Mary Valley.

“Despite the global downturn, the Queensland Government’s continued commitment to infrastructure spending will create many opportunities for those who have landscaping and construction skills and experience.”

AIEMnet General Manager, Peter Gregory, said the finished facilities will include downhill and cross-country trails.

“Work will include preparing the site, clearing weeds and landscaping as well as building retaining walls, trail features and obstacles,” Mr Gregory said.

“Participants’ hands-on experience will be backed up by accredited training in chainsaw usage and senior first aid.

“This exciting project is a win-win for participants and the local community.”

Queensland Water Infrastructure Pty Ltd has contributed funds toward the project which will be used for materials and training delivered by the Wide Bay Institute of TAFE.

During 2008-09 the Queensland Government will invest $81 million in the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative to give more than 21,500 long-term unemployed and underemployed people job-related assistance and skills training to maximise labour force participation and increase Queensland's prosperity.

Twelve months after receiving employment and training assistance 71 per cent of participants are in employment.

For more information on the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative visit www.employment.qld.gov.au or call 1300 369 925.

Media contacts:  Treasurer’s office — 3224 6361 or 3224 5982
                               AIEMnet — Peter Gregory on 4121 7856

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