Oak Tree Academy a step closer to construction as demand outweighs supply for long daycare services

Plans for a proposed childcare ‘academy’ have taken another step forward, as the demand for long daycare services in the Lockyer Valley region continues to outweigh the supply. More here.

A development permit has now been approved for a proposed childcare centre in the Lockyer Valley region which boasts the capacity to host up to 110 children.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council moved on the decision at the April 23 ordinary meeting, sending the proposed Oak Tree Academy in Withcott into the next stage of development.

Brisbane-based development company LB6 Holdings Pty Lts submitted its plans to council at the end of 2023 in a bid to bring additional long daycare services to the region.

Oak Tree Academy is set to be built on land at 9 Briggs St in Withcott, which will see the existing dwelling on the site demolished, located just metres from Withcott State School.

9 Briggs Rd, Withcott is the proposed site for a new childcare centre 'Oak Tree Academy' as planning approvals move forward. Photo: Google Maps

Designed for children from infants to five-year-olds, the proposed single-story building is set to operate between the hours of 6.30am-6.30pm Monday to Friday with 19 full time staff members.

The overwhelming need for further long daycare facilities in the region was highlighted in part of a childcare needs assessment submitted to council by Business Geographics Pty Ltd which identified that there were 481 children under the age of five in the local catchment.

Conceptual plans for the proposed Oak Tree Academy on Biggs Road in Withcott. Artwork by Raunik Design Group.

Withcott is presently home to one long daycare facility, with access to a total of two in the catchment that host a total of 136 places, according to the assessment.

Community consultation on the proposal occurred in February, with council receiving more than 50 submissions which included only one that raised concerns with the proposal.

The proposal was approved with conditions that further plans around stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, flood risk management, and construction and environmental management be submitted to council for approval prior to construction.

Originally published as Oak Tree Academy a step closer to construction as demand outweighs supply for long daycare services