Delegates from 25 branches from across the state will vote on over 60 motions aimed at ensuring geographically, isolated students gain equal access to education.

Queensland vice-president Wendy Hick has lived at Thortonia Station, north of Camooweal, with her family for 20 years.

During that time she has educated her two sons via distance education, before sending them to boarding school down south.

Ms Hick said the cost of accessing boarding education and issues such as costly communication services are exacerbated in the current dry period as parents are “finding it more and more difficult to find the funds”.

She added that the with Grade 7 fully moved to secondary school state-wide this year had tested families’ resilience even more.

Ms Hick was elected federal president at the national ICPA conference held in Brisbane in July, bolstering the north’s voice within the lobby organisation.

“We’ve got some issues that are unique to our area, but we’ve also got some issues that we are seeing Australia-wide also,” Ms Hick said

Holding a state conference was vitally important in shaping Queensland’s policy for the next 12 months, to ensure regional issues are addressed, Ms Hick added.

The two-day conference is hosted by Cloncurry branch this year, which is celebrating its 40^th anniversary since starting.

“It’s a real opportunity to have it here and it’s fantastic to see so much local support – it’s been tremendous,” Ms Hick said.

“I think it’s extremely important the state conference keeps moving around the state to highlight and showcase what great things are on offer in those regions.

“But also what the issues particular to that region are so people can get hands on experience driving through, driving up the highways, through the paddocks and seeing just how things are out here.”

The conference runs September 9 and 10 and features a number of guest speakers and dinners on top of usual business.