First step towards new future for Longreach Pastoral College

An economic development body representing the seven local government areas of central western Queensland will start the interim management of a former state government agricultural education campus in Longreach.

The Remote Area Planning and Development Board has signed a Licence to Occupy the Longreach Pastoral College until November 2020.

RAPAD Chairman Councillor Rob Chandler says the licence allows the community to start utilising the facilities while a longer-term plan is developed in conjunction with the State Government.

“The community is hungry to get some certainty about access to the facilities, such as the accommodation so it can be utilised for planned events, this agreement allows us to breathe life back into the campus,” he said.

The Queensland Government will fund RAPAD to administer the development of an in-depth business plan which will consider all opportunities for sustainable future.

“We will to continue to work with the State Government to transition the college into a local entity in the next five years that can meet the needs of the community, employers and industry,” Councillor Chandler said.

“RAPADs approach going forward is to work in partnership with all levels of government and industry to develop a sustainable college of international standard in an agricultural region,” he said.

We pay tribute to the hard work carried out by the consultative committee over the past year, particularly Charles Burke and Alison Mobbs.

“Thanks also goes to the North West and the South West local government regions for their support which shows that 60% of Queensland is behind the future of this facility,” said Cr Chandler.