“That ICPA Qld lobbies the relevant Ministers and the Premier to commit to the establishment of a State-run boarding facility in conjunction with a dedicated Agricultural High School in Queensland, with planned expansion to additional locations, to ensure greater choice and accessibility for rural and remote families.”
Queensland is falling behind other States when it comes to providing State-run Agricultural High Schools with boarding facilities. Interstate counterparts have well-established State-run Agricultural High Schools with boarding facilities, and Queensland children deserve the same opportunities.
The establishment of a State-run boarding facility in conjunction with a dedicated Agricultural High School would provide greater choice and accessibility for rural and remote families, particularly those who may not be able to afford independent boarding options. Existing State-run boarding options in Queensland are limited in both availability and capacity, reducing affordable secondary schooling choices for geographically isolated families.
While some independent boarding schools and urban State high schools offer agricultural programs, many rural and remote students miss out on these opportunities simply because of where they live and the lack of accessible boarding options. Rural and remote children should not be disadvantaged in accessing agricultural education because of their geographical location.
