News

Education | February 18, 2016

Labor fails to provide Longerenong funding

Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy is bitterly disappointed that a visit to Horsham by the Minister for Training and Skills, Hon. Steve Herbert did not include an announcement of additional funding for the next stage of redevelopment works at Longerenong College.

“Longerenong College received $2 million from the State and Federal Governments in September 2014 to refurbish 108 student rooms, along with six disabled-access rooms,” Ms Kealy said.

“The Minister had glowing reports of the redevelopment works achieved through funding by the previous Liberal-National Coalition. It is very disappointing that the Minister cannot see the value of continuing with the next project stage and to fund the refurbishment of Longerenong’s agribusiness centre.

“Minister Herbert talks about the importance of partnerships to provide meaningful opportunities for local people, yet the Labor Government has not offered their support.

“The Labor Government has again failed to provide vital funding to cement the Wimmera’s reputation as a center of excellence for agricultural production training and research. This is yet another example of Labor being all talk and no action,” she said.

Emma Kealy MP and Peter Walsh, Leader of The Nationals toured Longerenong College last month to see their recently refurbished accommodation block and to discuss further redevelopment opportunities.

“It was wonderful to see current works nearing completion in time for students to return to a new year of study, supported by new facilities,” Ms Kealy said.

“It is vital that Longerenong College is supported with quality learning environments and services.

“Students and teachers deserve access to first-class facilities whether they live in the city or the country,” she said.

Student numbers have grown by about 10 per cent each year, forcing the college to put a cap on numbers from 2015.

“Student enrolments have consistently increased at Longerenong College and this is a credit to the management and staff and demonstrates the demand and success for their agricultural courses,” Ms Kealy said.