Pastoralists are calling out for the establishment of a new training site to be located in the north of the state.
At the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of SA annual conference, a motion requested the state government implement post-secondary agricultural training targeting pastoral areas.
In explaining the motion, ICPA North West branch member Petie Rankin said there had been no formal training based in the region for the past decade.
Livestock SA northern region chairman Colin Greenfield said there were a number of young people who wanted to work on stations but had nowhere to learn.
“They need to get training somewhere,” he said.
“A lot of people went to Longreach, Qld, or Katherine, NT, but there is simply nothing in SA. We need the funds to enable us to establish a site in Port Augusta or the regions somewhere.”
ICPA North West branch president Lynly Kerin, who put forward the motion, said there were often staff on stations looking for training, but nothing was based in the north, or even Mid North, which created extra burdens, such as accommodation needs or extended periods away from work.
“Young staff want to be trained – we can teach them but they don’t get a certificate,” she said. “Even senior staff still need to be able to access some form of formal training.
“If there is no training, they will seek it elsewhere.”
Ms Kerin said ICPA delegates had spoken with government representatives, who had suggested some of the recent $187 million announcement towards post-secondary school training might be put towards the agriculture industry.
tafeSA interim chief executive Alex Reid said training was regularly reviewed to ensure needs were met.
“tafeSA is looking at utilising our campuses in Roxby Downs, Port Augusta and Coober Pedy for more training opportunities,” he said.
“If there is strong demand for training in particular areas then tafeSA can provide the service.”
