Community & Business
1 December, 2025
Clifton State High in new ag program
Clifton State High School is one of 15 schools to join the 2026 Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Program (GISP), creating a pipeline of skilled workers to drive innovation in one of Queensland’s most important industries.
CQUniversity has confirmed 15 schools, including Clifton State High will be part of Stream 1 of the 2026 Agribusiness Gateway to Schools Program, which is being funded by the State Government through the Department of Trade, Employment and Training.
The schools were chosen from a competitive field of 41 applicants from across Queensland.
The program links students and teachers with farmers, Agri-tech innovators, and industry leaders, delivering hands-on experience and opening clear pathways to rewarding careers in Queensland’s growing primary industries sector.
In 2026, participating schools will range from schools wishing to commence agriculture for the first time, to those supporting new agriculture teachers and their agricultural programs, to schools building new industry partnerships and working across multiple school departments.
Each successful Stream 1 school also receives $2,500 from CQUniversity and industry partners to support the creation of new resources, networks, opportunities and tech for agribusiness education.
They will have access to the CQU team for 12 months, to facilitate connections, events and activities with the Queensland agricultural industry, and grow student aspirations for an agribusiness career.
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the selected schools were poised to embrace all facets of Queensland’s diverse and prosperous agriculture sector, helping create a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
“Agriculture has always been a cornerstone industry in Queensland, trading in best practice and providing quality products to Australia and the world,” Ms Bates said.
“As the sector continues to evolve – embracing science, technology and sustainability – our agriculture workforce will evolve along with it.
“I’m excited to see CQU grow the Agribusiness Gateway by reaching into new schools, connecting students with industry, and encouraging even more young Queenslanders to pursue rewarding, skilled ag careers.”
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the Crisafulli Government is committed to building a strong pipeline of skilled workers who are drawn to primary industries, a vibrant sector which offers its work force long-term careers.
Dr Jaime Manning, Senior Lecturer in Agriculture with the Agri-tech Education and Extension team, said the strong interest was exciting for the future of the sector.
“The quality of the applications from new locations and schools across Queensland really showed the widespread demand for support to start developing agricultural interest, skills and a future workforce in our schools,” Dr Manning said.
“We are excited to support our successful schools for their journey into agriculture, discovering agri-tech, and developing programs to empower future farm innovators.”
Apart from Clifton State High, other southern Queensland schools chosen to be part of Stream 1 of the 2026 Agribusiness Gateway to Industry Schools Program are Concordia Lutheran College in Toowoomba, St Joseph’s School at Stanthorpe, Rosewood State High School, Sunnybank State High School and Tamborine Mountain State High School.
