THE Federal Government provided $750,000 through the Jobs Fund scheme. Federal Member for Bass, Geoff Lyons, said the project created 21 full time jobs and 30 traineeships for local people. “This development project has brought much-needed jobs to the people of Bridport and enabled the track workers to gain a Certificate II in Conservation Land Management.” “The money invested in the walking track is having a flow-on benefit to the community...

“This track is a credit to everyone involved …it has already become a popular attraction for Bridport.” Bridport Walking Track Opened MORE than 200 people celebrated the opening of the $1 million Bridport Walking Track on Friday. Diana Hardy-Wilson, one of the initiators of the track and a member of Bridport Innovations which received funding for the project, said the track had been 20 years in the making. Ms Hardy-Wilson paid homage to...

The highly anticipated official opening of the 4.7 km Bridport Walking Track River-Forest section, took place on Friday July 29th.  The 30 trainees and team leaders who built this track completed their formal training in Certificate II Conservation and Land Management, and were graduated on the day. On July 14th at 1.15pm precisely, the track was completed; the last wheelbarrow load of top gravel had been screed and wacker packed, and the...

The Bridport Walking Track (BWT) is a 40 week construction project. Figures at a glance 4,457m (4.45 kms) of track to be constructed in 40 weeks Team Work 30 trainees working in 2 teams of 15 each working on-track 4 x days per week from 8am – 4pm.  Classroom training 1 x day per week per team. Segments of Track Work The track team (trainees) work on separate sections and segments of track at varying times across the period based on materials,...

Thirty trainees have successfully completed their three month probation period on the BWT (Bridport Walking Track) project.  With a third of the track finished (approximately 1.5 kms), and six months of construction ahead, work is progressing well and according to schedule.  Training and assessment of the following modules: Install Aggregate Paths, Treat Weeds, and Communications in the Workplace, along with value added components: Level 2...

There is exciting news to convey as we embark on week 3 of the Bridport Walking Track building experience. Team leaders Nick and Tim report that 78 metres of base/top gravel has now been laid, and is ready for final compacting. Another 41 metres of base gravel is also ready for a top layer dressing. The gravel, transported to the site by local contractors, has been obtained from special ‘track grade quarries’ in the area....

9 apprentices and their team leader embarked on  ground breaking, track building work this week at the  Maxwell Street end of the Bridport Walking Track. They are pleased to report that the first 50 metres of track has been prepared for aggregate path installation. “The enthusiasm of the crew is obvious,” reports team leader Nick Shuter and “it will be a challenge to contain their gung-ho attitude and passion for this outdoor...

In the pre-construction phase of the extension to the Bridport Walking Track, the Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) team was on site last week to conduct a risk assessment. The track will, in part, follow the Brid river, weir and water race that delivered water to the town of Bridport in the 1930’s. Preserving the heritage of this site; the native flora such as Dicksonia antarctica and the fauna, with minimal impact in terms of...

Conservation Volunteers Australia -CVA is the training organisation contracted to build the track that will encircle the town of Bridport.  Program Manager, Judy Barnett, and  Team Leaders Tim Jensen, and Nicholas Shuter, have been employed to facilitate the project. The Walking Track Extension project is an exciting value-added training opportunity for 30 participants to learn skills and experience in track work construction. They will receive...

Environment Minister Praises Bridport Community The Advertiser October 21, 2009 Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage, Michelle O’Byrne opened Bridport’s foreshore walking track on Saturday. The track has been given a new lease on life with heritage signs and solar lighting. Ms O’Byrne, said the initiative demonstrated the heart behind the Bridport community. “Bridport has much to be proud of, and this latest project is another feather...