Cairns childcare centre: Whitfield early learning development unveiled

A new childcare operator has unveiled plans to build an ultra-modern double-decker early learning centre and set a new industry benchmark for Cairns.

A NEW childcare operator has unveiled plans to build an ultra-modern double-decker early learning centre and set a new industry benchmark for Cairns.

The sector is experiencing hot demand right now with the National Skills Commission’s latest skills priority list finding childcare workers were among the top 7 per cent of all occupations in short supply.

There was no current shortage of workers in Queensland but the report still deemed future demand for professionals to be strong.

Either way, ITK Enterprises has spotted a gap in the market and is ready to strike.

Cairns Regional Council has received a development application to demolish a duplex and house at 15 and 17 Marino St in Whitfield to make way for a new early learning facility.

The property is surrounded by residential homes – but the developer is adamant the two-storey “contemporary” centre will not feel out of place on the suburban street.

The application also makes it clear this centre aims to be at the forefront of modern childcare in Cairns.

“The objective of this proposal is to deliver a childcare centre that features leading practices in design, architecture, child minding and child safety,” it states.

“It is the intent to provide a ‘benchmark’, for child care service, which properly responds to the environment and appropriately, supports the children’s and carers’ needs.”

The new building will span two storeys with a gross floor area of 692sq m, catering for up to 95 children. The site is directly across the road from Whitfield State School.

ITK is not the only new competitor on the scene with Redlynch Real Estate gaining approval last month to build a childcare and out-of-school-hours care centre at 48-52 Redlynch Intake Rd.

That proposal would require the demolition of an old weatherboard home owned by Alan and Ivy Rigg – the latter a veteran champion vegetable grower in the Cairns Show horticulture pavilion.

The spike in new centres follows a federal government decision to bring forward child care subsidy increases by four months to March 7 next year.

Families with multiple children in care will have their subsidy rate increased by 30 per cent for their second child and any younger children, to a maximum rate of 95 per cent.

Australian Childcare Alliance president Paul Mondo has applauded the fast-tracking move as a way to simultaneously support families and “the bedrock of Australia’s economy”.

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Originally published as Cairns childcare centre: Whitfield early learning development unveiled