Childcare traffic row

By Alison Noonan
HAMPTON Park residents fear a proposal to build the largest childcare centre in Casey on busy Hallam Road will cause traffic chaos.
Local homeowner Michele Halsall said property owners were up in arms over plans to construct a 150-place centre directly opposite Edeys Run and close to an existing primary school.
Mrs Halsall claimed the facility would increase noise and traffic in the residential area and lead to a lack of privacy for homeowners.
The Hampton Park woman has urged neighbours to object to the plan, claiming there are already five childcare centres within a seven-kilometre radius of the proposed centre.
Tony O’Hara, a member of the Hampton Park Roads Committee, said he was also opposed to the development that would attract extra traffic on the already “congested and hazardous” Hallam Road.
Mr O’Hara said nearby St Kevin’s Primary School recorded about 500 car movements per day, which combined with the increase in traffic at the childcare centre could create a dangerous situation for students and parents in the area.
River Gum Ward councillor Wayne Smith said residents and the childcare centre applicants would have the chance to present their arguments at an upcoming council meeting before a planning permit was granted.
The City of Casey confirmed the proposed facility would be the largest individual child care centre in the city, but said its own program was the biggest in the municipality, placing 828 children with a variety of childcare providers.