Development applications lodged for new child care centres, extensions to meet demand
At least three development applications have been lodged with FNQ councils for new child care centres and extensions to existing developments, as the region contends with “chronic” shortages. Read what it means for parents.
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Three development applications could offer hope for FNQ parents needing childcare places as the region contends with “chronic” shortages.
According to one development application lodged with Cairns Regional Council and two with Mareeba Shire Council, more than 310 places could be up for grabs.
The DAs are timely considering the Cairns City’s population is predicted to grow to around 265,000 by 2050 and in January 2023 a year-long, $11m inquiry by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will probe the rising cost of childcare fees.
Leichardt MP Warren Entsch said he considered childcare places as critical an issue for Cairns as housing, and “both are chronic in their shortage”.
“These two issues need to be addressed and accelerated in our region as both have a negative impact in the community,” he said.
“I welcome the government review.”
On September 16, Property Projects Australia lodged a DA for a new childcare centre to Cairns Regional Council on behalf of Andrew Thomas of AB Thomas Quay Lago Pty Ltd, for a site at 2–4 Lago Crescent, Mount Sheridan.
The 611sq m centre would accommodate up to 81 children and 12 full-time staff on a 2243 square metre site.
According to council records, the same applicant was previously given approval to build 20 residential units on the property on December 11, 2019.
The site is currently occupied by a commercial development of approximately 445 sqm.
Up on the Tablelands earlier this month, Gilver Planning lodged a DA with Mareeba Shire Council on behalf of Mareeba Child Care and Kindergarten Inc for an extension to childcare facilities at the Mareeba Kids Campus Constance Campus and Mareeba Kids Campus OSHC.
Meanwhile, on July 7, Planning Plus lodged a DA for a new childcare centre on behalf of Giuliano Cordenos, Gina Cordenos and Stephen Cordenos for a 4061 sqm site at 47 Anzac Ave, Mareeba, which would cater for up to 134 children with a total floor area of 902 sqm.
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Originally published as Development applications lodged for new child care centres, extensions to meet demand
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