I am amazed and disappointed to read of the moves by Armidale Dumaresq Council to rezone land currently used for agriculture and environmental education at Armidale High School. This shows a lack of understanding of the importance of education and agriculture to our district.
Armidale High School has a proud academic, cultural and agricultural record as witnessed again this week by the bronze medal won by Year 12 student Lucinda Yeomans at the National World Skills, Primary Industries.
Have any of our councillors visited schools situated in industrial areas? If so, they would have seen the difficulties faced by teachers and students. It is absurd to think this would be wilfully destroyed or compromised when alternative industrial lands, which would not compromise education and lifestyle, are available.
As a former teacher and principal of both a SSP and Central School I witnessed firsthand the multiple benefits of a comprehensive agricultural program — benefits for not only aspiring HSC students but also for those with special needs. The facilities at Armidale High School must be preserved.
Irene Lockrey,
Invergowrie
