Moree has the biggest shortage of available childcare places in the region, but relief is on offer should the Coalition win the upcoming federal election.
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said The Nationals are prioritising much-needed childcare and aged care in the Moree Plains Shire, with major funding announcements across the region.
Campaigning with the National Party’s candidate in Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, Mr Littleproud announced a future Coalition Government will invest $700,000 towards the Gwydir Childcare Expansion, to accommodate up to 40 extra babies and toddlers.
“Labor has failed to give regional Australia and areas such as Moree more childcare accessibility as well as affordability,” Mr Littleproud said.
“A future Coalition Government will help deliver a new extension to the building at Gwydir Childcare.
“This funding will allow the centre to expand its capacity and give Moree parents the extra childcare places they need.”
Most of New England is a childcare desert according to research by Victoria University. Moree has just 0.093 child care places per child, one of just a small number of regions nation wide with less than 0.1 places per child.
The Mitchell Institute researchers say reliable access to early learning is critical to families regardless of where they live. It helps support parents to participate in the workforce, which results in enormous economic and social advantages. Additionally, high-quality early learning can give children the best start in life and helps them thrive.
Mr Chaffey said as the former Mayor of the Gunnedah shire and as chair of the NSW Country Mayors Association, he had seen first-hand the impact of Labor’s lack of funding for childcare infrastructure.
“There is a shortage of childcare places in Moree Plains Shire, making it difficult for parents to find suitable placements for their young children,” Mr Chaffey said.
“I am proud to be part of a team that supports our local parents and is dedicated to giving Moree Plains Shire more childcare opportunities with this funding announcement.”
Mr Chaffey said a future Coalition Government will also invest $87,321.20 towards the Mungindi Childcare completion, to install fencing and a fire system, a gazebo with privacy screens, and shade cover for the under 2-year-old playground area.
“Childcare is needed in Mungindi to provide early childhood education and give our children the best opportunity to develop,” Mr Chaffey said.
“By helping to provide childcare for those from 0-5 years, we will unlock opportunities and possibilities for those who need it most.”
Moree Plains Shire Mayor Cr Susannah Pearse said council is very grateful for the investment in childcare across the Shire.
“This injection of funds will allow us to cater for up to 40 additional 0-3-year-olds at Gwydir Daycare and complete outdoor works at Mungindi,” Mayor Pearse said.
“Access to childcare remains a significant limiting factor for local women returning to the workforce and for skilled workers looking to move our Shire. Investment in childcare is an investment in our Shire’s future.”
Mungindi Aged Care Centre Committee will also receive $119,368 should the Coalition be elected in a few weeks time.
“The funding will help install a solar system, replace fencing and a retaining wall and install a CCTV system,” Mr Chaffey said.
“The aged care centre is of great benefit to Mungindi, allowing elderly residents to retire in their own community. A future Coalition Government will help give the centre the upgrades it desperately needs and support aged care in Mungindi.”
The federal election must be held by May 17, with April 12 believed to be the most likely date.
Top image: parents and staff of the Gwydir Childcare centre with Moree Plains Shire Deputy Mayor Wayne Tighe (L), The Nationals candidate for Parkes Jamie Chaffey (C) Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud and Moree Plains Shire Mayor Susannah Pearse (R). (supplied)
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