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Education | September 23, 2019

Kealy hosts visit by Shadow Minister for Education to Longy

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy has hosted a visit to the electorate by the Shadow Minister for Education, Cindy McLeish MP, taking the opportunity to tour Longerenong College and show Ms McLeish first-hand the Agribusiness Centre buildings which are significantly dated and require works.

The Liberal Nationals made a commitment before the 2018 election to redevelop the Agribusiness Centre to ensure the College could continue to build on its reputation as a world renowned provider of agricultural education. 

The commitment built on the $2 million provided by the Liberal Nationals in 2014 to refurbish 108 student rooms and six disabled access rooms.

“Through its strong reputation in delivering first class agricultural education excellence, Longy draws students from right across Australia and even overseas, supporting world-class food and fibre production,” Ms Kealy said.

“Skillinvest and Longerenong College do an amazing job training agriculture’s next generation and the refurbishment of their Agribusiness Centre will provide a vibrant educational environment and optimise learning opportunities for students.

“I am so proud to support the educators and students in their efforts to have the Agribusiness Centre refurbished and cement the Wimmera’s reputation as a centre of excellence for agricultural production, research and training.

“I have repeatedly called on the Andrews Labor Government to fund this project but they have not provided $1 to assist the College in their tireless efforts to deliver quality agribusiness training in western Victoria.”

Ms McLeish said the Coalition were committed to first-class educational facilities in regional areas and believe in backing projects that local communities have identified as priorities.

“City-centric Daniel Andrews has shown time and time again that he is not interested in anything beyond the tram tracks of Melbourne.

“All young people deserve quality learning environments whether they live in the city or country,” Ms McLeish said.