Researching an old local newspaper recently, I came across an article that held a very positive story for Gunnedah and it set me wondering whatever happened to the proposal and whether the idea of an agricultural college could still be resurrected.
Dated February 11, 1999, the article indicated that a steering committee had been formed the previous year to further consider and develop the project.
The organising committee had already received in principle support from Tocal College with the centre in Gunnedah seen as an outreach wing of the Paterson facility.
There was even a proposal to base the college at the Gunnedah Soil Conservation Research Station, which was seen as ideal due to its already established plant and buildings, preferred soil types and other structures, including sheep and cattle yards, shedding, office and classroom facilities, workshops, plant propagation facilities, trial plots, laboratory and storage sheds.
The aim was for the college to be largely self-sufficient but federal and state funding would be needed initially.
The plan was to offer an advanced diploma level course in conjunction with Tocal, in an attempt to enhance the agricultural skill base within the New England and North West region.
The proponents believed that the concept had tremendous potential, not only for Gunnedah, but for the entire region as it would establish a major educational facility in the shire with the ongoing benefits believed to be enormous. The proposal was to have the college operational as an outreach centre in the Year 2000.
Perhaps this once mooted idea could still become a reality for the Gunnedah shire.
Marie Hobson, Gunnedah
