Gippsland › Latest news › One Gippsland
Free kinder program welcomed for Gippslanders welcomed but infrastructure challenges remain for shire councils
Victoria's free kinder program praised, infrastructure challenges concern regional councils.
The Victorian government has committed to an overhaul of early childhood education, under the Best Start Best Life program, which will see kindergarten free across the state for three and four year olds from 2023. While One Gippsland welcomes the government's investment in kindergarten and early childhood education to help address the chronic child care shortages in regional Victoria, ageing or lack of infrastructure remains a significant issue for local government.
One Gippsland welcomes best start policy, but infrastructure costs concern regional councils in providing early learning services
Funding challenges ahead
Additionally, the patchwork of asset ownership in many areas means that local governments may only own a percentage of the facilities but are expected to plan for upgrades to buildings that they do not own.
One Gippsland notes the Victorian government's funding allocation for planning and forecasting as part of the Best Start initiative. However, the ability to support the program's infrastructure requirements in a rate capped environment remains very difficult for One Gippsland councils. For more information, please visit our Early Learning and Education Policy Position Paper website.
Pictures from One Gippsland website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com

All-abilities pontoon underway at Blue Rock Lake to boost safe, inclusive boating and fishing access

Melina Bath says regional Victoria missed out while Glasgow benefits, with Victorians paying for Labor's failure

Venus Bay SLSC gets gold and bronze for the Open Female category at Victorian IRB National Championships

Darren Chester says Ministers have 'blood on their hands' for ignoring repeated crash warnings on Princes Highway

Darren Chester showed support for 'Everything Disability and Ageing Expo' held at Club Eastwood on 18 July 2025

Darren Chester visits George Grey Centre as they celebrate 60 years of empowering people with disabilities

East Gippsland Council to cease insurance for Crown assets, saving $57K and support to committees will continue

Lakes Entrance intersection upgrade stalled as questions mount over delays, costs and government silence

Martin Cameron along with the Nationals vow to fight Labor bill allowing forced access to private farmland for transmission projects
