By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
AS families continue to miss out on preferred local kindergartens across Casey, missing out altogether is on the cards for Clyde North families.
The State Government has announced grants to tackle rising kindergarten enrolments in some of Victoria’s fastest growing areas, as a Clyde North kindergarten hits capacity.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos on Friday 13 May called on local councils and kindergartens to apply for grants to build and significantly refurbish kindergartens and children’s centres across the state.
But Liberal MP for Bass Brian Paynter said communities in Casey would very soon be under serviced.
The 2016/’17 Victorian Budget will provide $10 million to fund major capital projects for kinders in growth areas such as Casey.
But Mr Paynter said $10 million across all the growth areas isn’t going to fit the bill.
“There’s only one kinder in Clyde and it has hit capacity this year at 135 children,” he said.
“The State Government only allocated $10 million, we need access to more funding than that if we are to ensure it’s allocated to our areas.
“And if there’s ever an area in need, it’s Clyde North.”
Casey council statistics show council-operated kindergarten enrolments alone grew by 9 per cent since 2014.
“We really want to encourage people to live in these areas, but there are basic infrastructure needs that are a State Government responsibility,” Mr Paynter said.
The $10 million injection comes on top of the State Government’s $50 million plan to provide modern and flexible early childhood centres across Victoria.
Other educational grants available include up to $1.6 million to build children’s hubs for early years and family services, including maternal and child health services, playgroups and parenting support.
These are besides $650,000 in grants to build brand-new early learning facilities and up to $350,000 for significant upgrades to existing facilities.
In December last year, Casey Councillor Geoff Ablett said Pearcedale was in “desperate” need of another kindergarten facility.
Saying the area had “grown exponentially and it needs to accommodate the numbers.”
Ms Mikakos said, “we are boosting funds available for our highest growth areas.”
“We are calling on local governments to apply for these grants so the right early childhood services are available to families close to home.”
