Wandoan in limbo during transition

CHANGE IS COMING: Wandoan Chamber of Commerce president Ray Mortimer said there were a lot of new businesses in town due to the mining boom but school numbers were in decline. Picture supplied.

WANDOAN is in a state of limbo, waiting for the mining boom to hit but already suffering as country people leave.

Last week, Central Telegraph reported the town's rural fabric is being torn apart as the resources boom starts to take over the area.

Wandoan Chamber of Commerce president Ray Mortimer said there were a lot of new businesses in town but school numbers were in decline as about 40 families had left the district.

“It is changing from a nice country town into a mining town,” Mr Mortimer said.

“We've lost some good families.”

Most of the landholders covered by Xstrata's mining lease on the Wandoan Coal Project have already sold, except for a small number objecting to the mine in the land court.

Some coal seam gas workers have been in the area, but it is not expected to hit full steam until next year.

Official Education Queensland figures show the school's enrolment has fallen steadily over the past five years from 137 students to just 112 this year.

Opposition leader and Callide MP Jeff Seeney admitted Wandoan was a concern.

“It's in a valley between two peaks,” Mr Seeney said.

“People have left the district but he new people involved in mining have yet to arrive.

“Hopefully that gap won't last too much longer.”

Education Queensland's regional director, Darling Downs and South West, Greg Dickman, said the falling enrolments at the school would not impact on resourcing or teacher numbers.

“At this time, there is no indication that Wandoan State School is losing teachers, funding or education resources based on its enrolment figures,” Mr Dickman said.

“While there has been a slight decline in student enrolments since 2007, this has not to-date affected the number of teachers at the school.

“Full-time staff numbers at the school have remained steady since 2007.

“The number of teachers employed at the school is also forecast to stay much the same next year.”

Mr Dickman said the school's infrastructure, works and maintenance budgets have remained steady or increased over the past five years.

“Students at Wandoan are continuing to receive a quality education,” Mr Dickman said.

SCHOOL SLIDE

Wandoan State School enrolment

figures

2007 - 137

2008 - 126

2009 - 124

2010 - 116

2011 - 112