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Child Care A Priority For CouncilAn unsuccessful application to the Victorian Government for funding to develop an Early Childhood Centre in Wonthaggi will not affect Council’s commitment to addressing Bass Coast’s child care issues. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 23rd February 2006 - Back to News Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Neville Goodwin, said finding a solution to the childcare issues remained a priority.
"This is an extremely important issue for our community.
"There is a critical need for childcare services in this area," said Cr Goodwin.
Bass Coast Shire Council, Billson Street Primary School, Wonthaggi Kindergarten and other stakeholders had worked together on a proposal to develop a $1.6 million Early Childhood Centre on the primary school site.
The proposal sought funding of $500,000 from the Department of Human Services (DHS) and $350,000 from the Department of Education and Training (DEAT), as part of a $16 million State Government funding program to establish children’s centres in Victoria.
Council’s contribution to the Early Childhood Centre project totalled $675,000 and was to be split over a number of years.
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Services Manager, Neville Kurth said Council was notified late last year that the application had not been successful.
"Obviously, it’s disappointing that we weren’t able to secure the funding," said Mr Kurth.
"We were advised that although we did meet the criteria, there were other projects that met it to a higher degree.
"Funding applications are always extremely competitive.
"Only one project in the Gippsland area - a $2 million Intergenerational facility in Churchill - received funding," continued Mr Kurth.
Cr Goodwin acknowledged that while the environment for preschools and day care for children was changing, there was still considerable work to be done to find a solution to the child care shortage problems.
"Not receiving funding for our proposal is a very disappointing outcome for this community," said Cr Goodwin.
"Council is looking closely at what the future options might be in terms of addressing these issues.
"There is a long day care facility proposed for Inverloch which has already received a planning permit," continued Cr Goodwin.
"And the ABC Centre in Wonthaggi is about to open, although I believe that places for preschool and day care services are already fully booked."
Cr Goodwin confirmed that Council officers have met with DHS and the Kindergarten Committee members to formulate a new strategy to address the need for an Early Childhood Centre.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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