Overhaul for education

In a bid to prevent WA's agricultural education system falling behind the rest in the nation, the State Government rolled out an urgent review this week.

Against the backdrop and discontent of a recent decision to abandon courses at Curtin University's Muresk campus and relocate them to Perth, Education Minister Liz Constable called for the first review of the sector since 1981.

"The agricultural industry faces challenges from rapidly changing markets and cost pressures, encompassing the need to incorporate new technology and to pursue new opportunities," she said.

"This review will identify current and future requirements of the agricultural sector in WA for university graduates and examine whether agricultural education is presently being fully catered for by the university sector or training sector."

Former Muresk director Ian Fairnie welcomed the move.

"From the several hundred people I have spoken to about 50 to one said they would not have attended Muresk if the course was in Perth," he said.

"If that happened there would be some significant losses to agriculture.

"This decision is timely and clearly because of the many concerns that have been raised all over the State."

Dr Constable said it was vital agriculture had access to well-trained farmers, researchers and service providers because without them supporting the sector was impossible.

"It will explore the need for expansion, rationalisation or restructuring of programs and effective co-operation between the organisations involved and facilities available for agricultural education," she said.

Agriculture Minister Terry Redman said a strong agricultural sector creating jobs and export revenue was vital to the State's economy and a well-trained workforce paramount.

The review will also examine the role of Muresk and its future in providing tertiary agricultural programs.

A forum will be held on February 12 in Mundaring to discuss Muresk's role.

For more details, contact Ian Fairnie at ianfairnie@gmail.com.

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