Up to 70 former graduates and families of students are expected to attend a meeting at the Esperance Bay Yacht Club at 6pm on March 1 to protest against plans by Curtin University to have agriculture and agribusiness taught at its Bentley campus.

Local long-time farmer and Muresk graduate David Smallwood said politicians from throughout WA had been invited to the rally to listen to local concerns and act on them.

“We want the politicians to listen to what we want,” he said.

“We hope the graduates will be powerful enough, vocal enough and strong enough to get their viewpoint heard.

“We are looking to having Muresk re-established in its own right as an agricultural college, its motto is practice with science and that has been its great benefit over the years.”

Former National Party leader and Deputy Premier Hendy Cowan is carrying out a three-month review of agricultural education for the State Government, including the future role of Muresk and its place in providing a tertiary agricultural program.

Mr Smallwood said Muresk’s rural location near Northam provided a vital link between scientific education and applying that knowledge in farming environments as part of students’ learning experiences.

“As Muresk graduates we are all pretty hot under the collar that this agricultural icon of WA is about to be lost forever,” he said.

“A huge number of Muresk graduates have become farmers or provided vital technical support to the agriculture industry over the years.

“One farm management advisor group here employs 25 people, 20 of whom are Muresk graduates.”

Mr Smallwood hopes the meeting can send a loud and clear message to keep the institution open for the benefit of the WA agriculture industry.

“What we are very concerned about is the new concept to put out students with degrees without any practical ability whatsoever,” he said.

Parents who are looking to the future for their children and parents of children who have been through Muresk are also welcome to attend the meeting to voice their concerns.

Mr Smallwood said CBH chairman Neil Wandel and local director Steve Tilbrook were also supporting the campaign to keep Muresk open.

Similar meetings have already been held in Geraldton and Mundaring.

Former Muresk director Ian Fairnie will be attending the meeting.

It will start at 6pm and include a dinner, cost $30 a head.

To book for catering purposes call Anita Sevenson on 0437 716 839.