The Australian Lot Feeder’ Association (ALFA) has welcomed the Queensland Government decision to keep the two residential agricultural colleges at Emerald and Longreach open.

In a media release issued on Thursday Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) president Jim Cudmore stated that both colleges had a long history of providing practical skills based agricultural training with the cattle feedlot industry a direct beneficiary.

“The future of agriculture revolves around continually up-skilling and educating the young people in our industry and ensuring that such pathways and opportunities are available,” he said.

“However, it is clear from the Ernst and Young report that the current model needs to be reviewed in order for the colleges to be relevant, financially viable and sustainable into the future.”

“This will undoubtedly pose challenges but we applaud the Queensland Government for proactively taking the first step to positively address these matters."

Further details about the State Government's plans for the colleges is likely to be forthcoming in the state budget, to be handed down on September 11.