Two centres, 200+ children: Childcare centres proposed near local schools

If given the green light, two childcare centres would provide two Moreton Bay suburbs with a major boost in affordable childcare offerings. SEE THE PLANS

Two planned childcare centres in neighbouring Moreton Bay suburbs are poised to provide boosts to employment and affordable, ‘high standard’ childcare offerings for local families.

The first application, lodged on December 23, 2022 by Flux Property Group Pty Ltd is for a two-storey centre at 68 Old Gympie Road, Kallangur, that would cater for 103 children.

If approved, the centre would represent an expansion for Eden Academy, a boutique and holistic childcare program, with 12 other centres across Queensland.

The plans include six activity rooms, with a 555 sqm outdoor play space on the first level and 183 sqm outdoor play space at ground level.

The centre would employ 26 staff and provide 30 carparking spaces, including 17 for staff and 12 for visitors.

Eden Academy, Kallangur, would be two-storeys and cater for 103 children. Picture: Moreton Bay Council/ DA Tracker

The centre would be located 150m south of Kallangur State School and within a kilometre of two Mother Duck Childcare centres, which offer a combined 145 childcare places.

An Economic Needs and Impact Assessment by Ethos Urban, reads that the Eden Academy centre at Kallangur would provide an important community service, by supporting female workforce participation, increasing childcare choice for parents, providing synergies with the adjacent state primary school and creating jobs in the local area.

“The proposed childcare centre would add to the choice of childcare centres in the local area, and would particularly provide a centre which is convenient to access near the Kallangur State School and other community uses,” the reports reads.

“The population of the Catchment Area is projected to increase from 23,600 people at 2021 to 28,400 people at 2036.

“A demand analysis undertaken for the Catchment Area indicates sufficient demand for the proposed childcare centre.

“The socio-demographic profile of the Catchment Area is reflective of younger family households who earn marginally lower incomes and are more likely to rent compared with Greater Brisbane.

“The Catchment Area contains an above average proportion of residents aged 4 years and younger and a higher proportion of single parent families.”

Eden Academy, Kallangur would be the chain’s 12th location across Queensland, offering a boutique and holistic education program. Picture: Moreton Bay Council/ DA Tracker

Just a six minute drive down the road is where another application for a childcare centre has been made, at 50 Dayboro Road, Petrie.

Lodged on December 22, 2022 by Devio Holdings Pty Ltd, the proposal involves the redesign of a double-storey house, owned by Robust Revolution Pty Ltd, into a centre that would cater for 80 children.

The two-storey centre’s ground floor would be comprised of the entry foyer, reception, staff facilities, two indoor spaces and a smaller outdoor play space for younger children.

The remaining indoor spaces and staff facilities are located on the upper level, adjacent to the main outdoor play space and veranda.

A new crossover to Dayboro Road will be provided to access the at-grade parking situated under the upper-storey outdoor play space.

The proposed childcare centre at 50 Dayboro Road, Petrie, would cater for 80 children and be 200m from Petrie State School. Picture: Moreton Bay Council/ DA Tracker

Pedestrian footpaths and bicycle parking will also be provided at the front of the site.

“The proposed Child Care Centre has been designed to minimise and mitigate potential impacts upon the adjoining residents and streetscape,” the application reads.

“This has been achieved through maintaining a residential scale (building height, setbacks), activating the street frontage, reducing the potential dominance of the carpark, incorporating landscaping around the building and installing the appropriate acoustic treatments.

“Overall, the building has been designed to a high standard and will activate the street through its orientation and architectural features.”

The centre would be only 200m from Petrie State School and 1km west of The Mill PDA, a planned 460 hectare Moreton business, health and lifestyle precinct.

“The proposed development will not undermine the viability of the developing district centre at The Mill at Moreton Bay PDA,” the application reads.

“Notwithstanding, The Mill at Moreton Bay will continue to be the focal point for community gatherings and education, with significant development and investment occurring over the coming years.”