Turvey Park childcare centre submitted for Wagga council approval

A 44-place Wagga childcare centre is back before council for approval after its previous refusal, with residents calling the project ‘a catastrophe waiting to happen’.

A childcare centre in Turvey Park has been put before Wagga Council for approval following its original refusal in May, with new additions and modifications to its plans.

A controversial childcare centre offering dozens of places for children is set to be green lit by council after it was rejected, despite angry residents saying the development was a “catastrophe waiting to happen”.

Money Aint Got No Owners pushed for the $894,300, two-storey Turvey Park development to be approved by Wagga Council in May however it was voted down during an ordinary meeting.

The project, which would demolish two existing buildings on Halloran St to create a 44-space centre for children from zero to five, was envisioned to assist with the growing population of the Riverina town and its need for childcare facilities, according to one of its developers Darren White.

Agenda documents for Monday’s meeting have recommended the approval of the development subject to conditions after the developers sought a review of the determination.

Some of the additions included increasing the floor level by 700mm in case of a flood event, a turning bay in the car park to replace one car space, reducing the capacity to 44 children along with reviews of stormwater management and traffic congestion.

An artist impression of the centre. Picture MMDC Pty Ltd

In more than a dozen submissions against the project, neighbours queried its proximity to Turvey Park Public School and flow on traffic congestion, with one submission saying it was a “catastrophe waiting to happen”.

“As it stands now it’s bedlam and you want to add to this,” one person wrote

A bird’s eye view of the site. Picture: Wagga Council

The current site. Picture MMDC Pty Ltd

Another said the modern structure “does not fit in” with the 1950s housing style of the area while the narrow roads and traffic would create an “unsafe situation”.

Mr White said the developers had experts examine concerns raised by council including traffic congestion, with a survey stating the street had enough capacity for the development.

“We respect people’s right to have their say … but all we’ve ever wanted is for council to take the DA on its merits,” he said.

The developer said an article from this publication about the need for more childcare centres in Australia spurred him and his associates to head to Wagga.

“[Wagga] has a desperate need for childcare centres right now to cover that shortfall … they’re going to need more types of these developments in the next 10 to 20 years,” he said.

The centre is proposed to operate from 6.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday and will employ 12 people. It would include four separate rooms with a kitchen, laundry, reception, office, meeting and staffrooms along with outdoor play areas and 11 car spaces.

Council will vote on the review on Monday night.