MidCoast Council has opened up the site as a training site that TAFE NSW will use to provide hands-on experience for its students.

It’s a far cry from the four walls of a traditional classroom, providing an opportunity for local students undertaking courses such as the Certificate III Civil Construction to apply their learning in a real-life scenario at Minimbah.

Works to complete the Great Lakes Landfill, located along Aerodrome Road in Minimbah, were placed on hold at the time of the May 2016 council merger, when waste operations from all three former council areas were consolidated.

But for now, MidCoast Council believes the 184 hectare site provides an ideal training facility for local students.

Civil Construction students using the new training site will have the opportunity to develop skills in using large earth-moving plant and equipment, as well as being involved in the preparation of water management infrastructure that may be used for future landfill operations.

“We’re thrilled to be able to offer local students a realistic environment, within the local area, to learn, practice and apply their skills,” waste health and regulatory services manager, John Cavanagh said.

“Supporting local education, and particularly skill development relevant to local infrastructure needs like better roads and drainage systems, is a real win for our community”.

This project is part of MidCoast Council’s commitment to supporting the local community to achieve positive outcomes.