Longerenong promise

Victoria’s Coalition has promised to cement Longerenong College’s reputation as a centre of agricultural research and training excellence if it wins next month’s state election.

The Liberal-nationals have pledged $525,000 to help the college refurbish its ageing Agribusiness Centre.

Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy announced the promise during a visit to the college yesterday.

Ms Kealy has long championed the project as part of the college’s evolutionary push forward.

She has also repeatedly called on the Andrews Labor government to fund the $1.2-million Agribusiness Centre redevelopment, which college leaders have identified as a priority project.

“Longerenong College isn’t only training the next generation in farming and agribusiness in the Horsham community, its courses draw students from right across Australia and now overseas, supporting our world-class food and fibre producers,” she said.

“I am proud to make this exciting announcement for Longerenong College and the broader agricultural community to give students and staff the educational facilities they expect and deserve.

“In 2014, the Liberal-nationals provided $2-million to refurbish 108 student rooms and six disabled access rooms and I am proud to be able to support the next stage of refurbishment at Longerenong College, if we are elected to government in November.”

Longerenong College is attracting tertiary education interest from people across Australia and has responded to demand by opening doors to international students.

Four international students, from England, Scotland and South Africa, have toured the college in the past fortnight.

“Significantly, Longerenong College has developed such a standard in tertiary agricultural education that it has now stepped into the world of international studies,” Ms Kealy said.

“Having the ability to attract students from overseas to study in the Wimmera is more than a feather in the college cap. It is a reflection of how important this historical institution is becoming in the agriculture-industry landscape.

“It’s a no-brainer that its agribusiness centre, the hub of where these students develop their skills for a growing industry, needs support for an upgrade.

“Premier Daniel Andrews talks about the importance of agriculture, but has failed to provide $1 to assist Longerenong College in its efforts to deliver quality agribusiness training in western Victoria. Only a Liberal-nationals government will deliver a better deal and is committed to first-class educational facilities in country areas.”

Candidate welcome

Ms Kealy also took the opportunity to welcome Labor candidate for Lowan Maurice Billi to the election.

“It’s healthy to have competition but I am immediately concerned that it would be difficult for someone from Stawell to familiarise themselves with the many communities in the 40,000 square kilometres of Lowan in such a short amount of time,” she said.

“It smacks of Labor tokenism.”