A proposed new childcare centre in Cairnlea catering for up to 116 children will ease the “restricted market” Brimbank parents have had to negotiate for several years.
Many parents have found it hard to access childcare locally, with the average occupancy rate at Brimbank centres about 87 per cent, a recent planning permit application reveals.
“(It) suggests a restricted market, in which most centres have solid occupancy,” it found.
“Evidence suggests the market has been restricted for a number of years.”
The proposed Cairnlea early learning centre would be developed at a former sales centre on Furlong Road, and would employ up to 22 staff, opening from 6.30am until 7pm, Monday to Friday.
First centre since 2007
The council is expected to make a decision on the application in coming months.
With no new centres established since at least 2007, occupancy rates have continued to climb, the permit application noted.
It said the childcare ‘market’ is “dominated by older facilities”.
“A well-managed purpose-built facility could be well received by local families” it stated.
There are also plans for a 100-place centre at Ardeer.
Western Metropolitan MP Cesar Melhem told state parliament in March that access to childcare for local families remained “a challenge”.
“This is particularly so for parents who work irregular hours, since it can become difficult to commit to regular childcare places,” he said.
“Occasional care is also an important service for parents who may work shorter shifts, or need to attend training or medical appointments.”
