February 15, 2022
The suspension of school camps until at least March 4 is having a devastating effect on an often overlooked industry sector, the LNP has warned.
Term 1 is usually the busiest time of the year for independently run camps such as Camp Duckadang, north of Linville, but COVID precautions have led Education Queensland to cancel all excursions.
The LNP Opposition has called on the State Government to release a package to support the school camps industry, which it says is teetering “on the brink”.
Shadow Education Minister Dr Christian Rowan said school camps were an important experience for students.
“We cannot afford for them to go under,” Dr Rowan said.
“The reality is your child may not go on school camp this year because this State Government isn’t willing to support small and family businesses.”
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said there were several camps in the local area which were being affected by the State Government suspension.
“The first term of the school year is the busiest 10 weeks of the year for school camps and the loss of this business is a huge blow for the school camp sector,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“They are experiencing a loss of income and the livelihoods of the staff are being put at risk.
“We also need certainty that this ban on school camps won’t be extended.
“We know that so many students have missed out on the important experience of school camps over the past two years due to COVID restrictions and we don’t want this to continue, especially if it’s only because these small businesses have gone under as they have not received any support from the government.
“The LNP is calling for the Labor Government to provide some clarity and release a business support package to this vital part of the education experience for our students.”
