Mackay council approves $22,000 discount on infrastructure charges for Genius Childcare Centre
The community's appetite for more childcare in Mackay is undiminished, with councillors approving a $22,000 discount for a new centre.
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Mackay’s appetite for more childcare offerings was reaffirmed on Wednesday with councillors voting unanimously to give a $22,500 discount to developer Zandabay.
The company is building the new 126-place Genius Childcare Centre at 1-3 Napier St in South Mackay, with development permits approved in August.
Construction costs are pegged at $3.5m for the two-storey building that includes seven activity rooms, four sleep rooms, two outdoor play areas, staffroom and kitchen, multiple toilet amenities, multiple preparation areas and various storage areas.
Construction is due to begin in early 2023 with the opening scheduled for mid 2024.
In October, the company applied for a concession on infrastructure charges, which the council offers developers as part of a general policy to attract investment to the region.
A reduction in charges up to 50 per cent is permissible for businesses and with net charges calculated at just over $45,000, the company nabbed a $22,500 concession.
Before a Mackay Regional Council general meeting on Wednesday, council officers recommended approval of the concession, noting the positive economic impact the centre is expected to have on the region.
“Construction costs of $3.5m will result in an increase of total regional output (including direct, supply chain and consumption effects) by up to $7.674m,” the meeting agenda document states.
“When operational, the centre will generate approximately 19 permanent positions.
“The centre is expected to service the employment node of Paget – approximately 800m to the south of the site.
“There is demand for childcare services in the Mackay region.
“This is supported by an internal review of childcare centres, availability of spaces for children under five years, wait lists for places in centres and population growth.”
At the meeting, Deputy Mayor Karen May spoke in favour of granting the concession.
“It is a great project and as we know there is a high demand for child care in our region,” she said.
The concession is dependent of three factors: the development must open by 26 October 2024, no additional infrastructure costs must be incurred by the council (including establishment and bring forward costs) and the developer must utilise local contractors and suppliers.
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Originally published as Mackay council approves $22,000 discount on infrastructure charges for Genius Childcare Centre
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