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Education Agriculture | April 20, 2017

Kealy – still no funding for Longerenong

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy MP is disappointed that the Andrews Labour Government has failed to provide funding for the next stage of redevelopment works at Longerenong College.

“The Liberal-National Coalition provided $2 million in funding to Longerenong College In 2014 to refurbish 108 student rooms and six disabled-access rooms,” Ms Kealy said.

“The Minister for Training and Skills, the Hon. Steve Herbert was full of praise for the project during a visit to the facility early last year, so it is very disappointing that he has not seen fit to announce funding for the refurbishment of the facilities agribusiness centre, the next stage of redevelopment works.

“The Labor Government is always talking about the importance of partnerships to provide meaningful opportunities for local people. Yet they have failed to provide vital funding for this important project which would cement the Wimmera’s reputation as a centre of excellence for agricultural production, training and research.

“It is yet another example of Labor being all talk and no action”, she said.

Student numbers at Longerenong College continue to grow, forcing the college to put a cap on student numbers from 2015.

“The increase in student enrolments is a credit to the management and staff and demonstrates the ongoing demand for the agricultural courses that the college offers”, Ms Kealy said.

“Students and teachers deserve access to first-class facilities whether they are studying in the city or the country.

“I am calling on the Andrews Labor Government to immediately fund the redevelopment of Longerenong’s agribusiness centre, allowing the college to continue to provide the quality learning environment that students and staff are entitled to and expect”, she said.