Under the watchful eye of Member for Burdekin, Dale Last MP, the promise of new facilities at Home Hill State High School has been carefully monitored and it has now become apparent that the deadline has not been met.
Mr Last asserts that greenhouses and a shed that were promised to the school were expected to be complete by the second half of 2023, however, the time frame has lapsed and so too have the promises.
“You would think that, in an area like ours, providing the resources to educate students for the ag and horticulture industries would be a priority,” Mr Last said.
“The reality is the project is three years behind schedule and the Minister’s most recent commitment to the project hasn’t been honoured.”
“In October last year, parents of students at the school raised the issue and I took it straight to the Minister.
“Minister Grace’s response was that it would be ‘ready for use in the second half of 2023’ but that obviously is not going to happen.”
“The parents, students and school staff deserve answers, not more delays.”
The Burdekin economy is largely dependent on a skilled agricultural workforce with 20 per cent of the population working within the sector.
There are over 1000 sugar and produce growers in the region, with an annual output of $2.1 billion.
With these figures in mind, it is easy to see how essential facilities, like those promised to Home Hill State High, are integral to both students and the future of the broader community.
Mr Last said resources for schools were one of his highest priorities given the need to equip students for future careers, the benefit for the community and the already high workload for teachers and staff.
“Facilities like these are essential for our schools because they mean we have students who graduate with skills they can use locally that also make an impact on the community through primary industries,” he said.
“Teachers are doing their best but, because they don’t have the resources they need, it means extra work for them and outcomes for students that aren’t as beneficial as they could be.”
“In government terms this isn’t a huge project but the benefits that it will provide for students at Home Hill High are huge. All we are asking for is for the Minister to honour her commitment and for students in our area to get their fair share.”
“You can’t make promises and not keep them, especially promises about our kids future.”
Home Hill High students enjoy agricultural lessons and would really benefit from new facilities. Photo supplied
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