Land for the potential centre, which is expected to utilise $1 million funding pledged to council from Yanco Delta Wind Farm project proponents Origin Energy, will be selected over coming weeks.
Edward River Council has formally endorsed a working relationship with River Region Early Education, formerly known as the Deniliquin Children’s Centre.
Together, they aim to address what they both feel is one of the region’s most pressing challenges - access to childcare.
They will investigate and campaign for the development of a new 110-place childcare centre in Deniliquin, designed to meet the growing needs of local families, employers and service providers.
Edward River Mayor Ashley Hall said the partnership “is a major step forward for our community”.
“It’s a practical and positive move that we expect will help unlock real opportunities for families, businesses and our local workforce,” Cr Hall said.
“Council is proud to partner with River Region Early Education in working toward delivering solutions that will benefit our region for generations to come.”
Council will work closely with RREE to identify a suitable site, including investigating council-owned land, and support funding opportunities to bring the project to life.
The initiative aligns with council’s Community Strategic Plan, particularly its goals around inclusive communities, liveable environments and a strong, sustainable economy.
RREE general manager Felicity Michael said efforts to address the critical shortage have been ongoing for some time.
About 69 per cent of children in the Edward River Local Government Area do not have access to a childcare place, with waitlists exceeding 300 families.
And the places have been restricted further with the recent closure of the Deniliquin Early Learning Centre.
“River Region Early Education is positive about the partnership between our organisation and the Edward River Council as an urgent step to address the impact of the critical shortage of childcare places in our community,” Mrs Michael said.
“Together we can move forward to support families, employers, business and service providers as a matter of urgency.”
The shortage in childcare places has become a major barrier to workforce participation and population retention, particularly in key sectors such as health, education, retail and agriculture.
Council’s support for this project is part of a broader commitment to advocate for and enable sustainable, high-quality early education solutions across the region.
Councillors unanimously supported the partnership with RREE at this week’s council meeting, and expressed hope it would lead to suitable solutions.
Council has highlighted that the partnership with RREE is non-exclusive, and that it would continue to engage with other providers to identify and ensure both shorter-term and longer-term, community-driven outcomes.
15°C