Tim Reed responds to concerns about proposed Palmwoods childcare centre

A developer has responded to residents’ concerns surrounding the location of his proposed new Sunshine Coast hinterland childcare centre. Read what he had to say:

The developer behind a new “organic” childcare centre on the Sunshine Coast has responded to concerns from residents who fear it could cause more congestion on the Palmwoods road.

The farm-inspired 82-place centre has been put on public notification, with residents given the opportunity to have their say about the development until March 7.

Developer Tim Reed told the Sunshine Coast Daily they had received positive feedback since the application was lodged with council at the end of December.

However, some members of a Palmwoods community Facebook group expressed concern over the possible congestion the centre could bring to the road of Palmwoods-Montville Rd.

“The school traffic is heavy enough without more traffic that will be coming and going from the over 50s village and now an 82-place childcare centre,” one resident wrote.

Another woman disagreed and said she didn’t see how the childcare centre would affect traffic, “I have been taking my kids to various childcare centres over the years and have never once seen traffic issues.”

Mr Reed said he was “not concerned” about the traffic issue as they planned to widen the road by 80m and had completed a full report with the Department of Main Roads.

“We’ve done everything that we are supposed to and we should actually improve that road through there and not bottleneck it,” Mr Reed said.

“I think we will improve the area by doing this development.”

Developer Tim Reed has defended his proposal of an “organic” 82-place childcare centre at Palmwoods.

The 2,927sq m building has been designed with emphasis on natural features including materials like stones, woods and a soft, neutral colour palette.

Mr Reed said he wanted the centre to be different to typical plastic-filled day care centres by ditching the screens and opting for veggie gardens, animals and plenty of hands-on activities.

“We have gone above the outdoor playscape that is required and will have different multipurpose rooms, cooking schools and craft rooms,” he said.

“Children who play in diverse settings play in more diverse, imaginative and creative ways, and show improved language and collaboration skills.

“Our team have an emphasis on play where shoes are optional and getting dirty is compulsory, it is about returning children to their ‘wildhood’.”

The project will include a total of five activity rooms and 28 car spaces.

Subject to council approval, Mr Reed said he hoped the development could be completed by the end of 2022.