Child care cost blow out

YOUNG families could fork out an additional $26 a day for Bannockburn child care services, if a draft budget fee-rise proposal is passed.

Under the Golden Plains Shire’s draft budget, currently on public display, Bannockburn Children’s Service child care fees would rise almost 24 per cent — from $109 per day to $135 a day.

Children who attend five days a week would be entitled to a $40 discount, but parents would still pay $90 more per week than they do under the current fee structure. In comparison, City of Greater Geelong’s draft budget — released last week — indicated long daycare at seven centres across the region would increase by about $33 per week.

Bannockburn Children’s Service parent committee member Brooke Lynch said she believed five parents had already withdrawn their children from the centre after being alerted of the proposed increase last Monday.

“There had been no discussion with any parents (of the proposed rise) and it was never discussed with the committee,” Ms Lynch said.

Ms Lynch said a number of parents had taken to social media to voice their concerns and had contacted councillors. She said the fee increase would significantly impact parents and could force some parents to stop working.

“It would cause many of the families distress,” Ms Lynch said. “For many, (childcare) would become the second highest weekly outgoing cost and force parents to make decisions about work.

“Bannockburn is a growing community ... and this rise really shows council is not in tune with its residents.”

Golden Plains Shire chief executive officer Eric Braslis said the proposed fee increase would allow the council to continue to run a high-quality service.

“Council is very sensitive to the impact of any increases to fees, rates or charges on our residents and takes the effect of this change very seriously,” Mr Braslis said.

“The reason for this increase is to allow Council to better meet the cost of running a high-quality, best-practice service, such as the Bannockburn Children’s Service offers.”

He said all feedback provided by families, including an intention to leave the service, was being collated and the council would respond to concerned parents and carers as soon as possible.

Councillor Owen Sharkey urged parents to make draft budget submissions and to contact councillors if they were concerned. Submissions close on Monday June 28.