Over the last week we have received many calls, letters and email from students and other concerned parties regarding the closure of a horticultural training ground for students in the TAFE NSW system.
The Epping Annex on Chelmsford Ave forms an important part of horticultural training in NSW. With the majority of nursery and landscape professionals having come through the Ryde TAFE campus, which utilises the Epping Annex, it plays an integral part in the rounded training of horticultural professionals by giving them practical experiences in an outdoor classroom that no walled and roofed alternative could possibly replicate.
What makes this satellite facility different to the classrooms and work areas at the Ryde site is the 5ha of open space to grow, manage and observe horticultural projects and be taught in the field practical skills. This space allows for hands on activities and experiences crucial to generating competent horticulturists with the necessary skills and experience to work in this extremely 'hands on' industry.
Five teachers and about 100 students will be affected by the decision to cease operating the course from Epping and relocate into the classrooms of the Ryde campus.
Whilst there are no immediate plans made public for the site, this decision to vacate does come at a time when Meriton Apartments are busy developing the huge ex Channel 7 studios site that abuts the Epping Annex grounds.
With such a green focus being put on everything these days, driving everything from politics to consumer choices, it would appear that greed is still the stronger persuasion with the probably future sell-off of such vital educational assets a massive loss to the future 'greeners' of this world.
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