Council approval for child care

A 120 place child care centre has been supported by Baw Baw Shire.

Council has approved the Princes Hwy child care centre with a notice of decision.

There were 11 objectors to the development who have the right to appeal council’s decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

One objector told council last week she would prefer to hear the noise of highway traffic than the “piercing shrill of screaming children.”

The applicant, Murray Jeffrey, told council it was “sad” that adjoining residents felt that way.

Mr Jeffrey and his wife Shona, have developed and operated three child care centres at Drouin, Bunyip and Waterford Rise. They no longer operate the three businesses.

He said they had been in the industry for 22 years and had a passion for children’s education and care.

It is expected 22 staff will be employed at the centre.

Mr Jeffrey said a child care centre was different to a school and there was not a rush of traffic at one time of the day.

Mr Jeffrey said they found the “objection to the noise of children quite sad.”

“We can guarantee our centre will be a real buzz for the town,” he said.

The application sought to develop the child care centre on a residential zoned lot, with access to the Princes Hwy service road at the western end of the town.

The child care centre will be purpose built to cater for five age groups of children from birth to five-year-old. After school care also would be provided.

The development includes three outdoor playground areas.

Thirty-one car parking spaces are provided on site, which Mr Jeffrey said was more than required.

Council received 11 objections to the application. Eight objectors addressed councillors.

Objections related to increased traffic and safety issues entering the highway from the service road; car parking; noise; negative impact on residential amenity; inconsistencies with the neighbourhood character; and, appropriateness of the location for the type of land use.

Addressing the council meeting, Haans Lane resident Helen Briggs said a she was not opposed to a child care centre but it would be better located near the school.

She raised concerns about the noise from the centre. “I would prefer to hear the low hum of traffic than the piercing shrill of screaming children,” she said.

David Jarman agreed he would prefer to hear the sound of highway traffic than playing children.

He said a 120 place child care centre was too large for the area.

Chris Mollard said he was concerned the centre would create 200 more car movements each day, which created safety concerns as cars entered the highway from the service road.

Adjoining neighbour Rob Dodson said access to the highway was dangerous for the existing residents let alone people from the child care centre.

“In a mostly retired community, this development is as much sense as a school or McDonald’s in this part of our village,” he said.

Moving the application be approved, Cr Danny Goss said it was the type of proposal that supported economic development in the shire.

He said the child care centre would create more than 20 jobs and inject more than $1 million worth of wages into the economy.

Cr Goss said the operators were experienced and reputable people.

“I understand the objections and I think they are valid but I don’t agree with them.

“Noise from the highway traffic and trains was really significant.

“To create a vibrant, happy community these types of services are required,” he said.

Cr Peter Kostos said it was okay for objectors to say the child care centre should be built on another site, but the land had to be available to do so.

“This was available to buy. I think if we let it develop, let it operate for 12 months, maybe the objectors will see it won’t be as bad as they think,” he said.

Cr Michael Leaney said he was not convinced it was a suitable location for a child care centre.

“I think there will be a loss of amenity. It may be minor but this site could be used for a better development such as units,” he said. Cr Goss called for a division. Supporting the proposal were Crs Goss, Kostos, Joe Gauci, Keith Cook, Jess O’Donnell and Darren Wallace. Crs Leaney and Mikaela Power voted against.