Labor’s pledge on mines, TAFE

LABOR candidate for Southern Downs Louise Ryan says she will protect TAFE and restore landholders’ and communities’ rights to object to mining projects if elected this Saturday.
Ms Ryan said Labor was committed to investing $5 million to increase the number of courses available through VET in schools and make it easier and more affordable for Stanthorpe and Warwick residents to access quality vocational education and training in their own backyard.
“We have seen the Stanthorpe TAFE campus close its doors just last year and I’ve spoken to lots of people across the district who are worried about the future of the Warwick campus,” Ms Ryan said. “Only Labor will ensure that Warwick will continue to receive high quality TAFE services.
Ms Ryan said Labor would also reinstate laws allowing community members to oppose potential mining projects in the region.
“I grew up on a farm which has been in my family for four generations. If there was a possibility of a mining project commencing there, I would want to have a say and so would my neighbours,” she said.
“But right now, local families don’t have that right because the LNP Government changed the law so landholders and communities don’t get a say.”