Expansion for just built Drouin kinder

A state government funding offer of $350,000 to expand the Drouin early learning centre has been accepted by Baw Baw Shire Council, but it will have to find co-contribution funds for the project.

Despite opening only two years ago, the Drouin Primary School early learning centre is already struggling to meet increasing demand.

The proposed extension includes an additional program room, providing 44 new places, as well as an additional consulting space for maternal and child health.

A report to council said there was a current shortage of kindergarten places in Drouin. Councillors reported there were no vacancies for 2019.

Council’s draft Municipal Early Years Infrastructure Plan identified Drouin as requiring more than 200 places by 2036.

Officers said the 1164 lot Weebar Rd development south of the central business district was expected to add pressure on early years services, including kindergartens.

Construction of the initial stages of the Weebar Rd subdivision has begun with first residents expected to take occupancy late next year.

Council officers recently submitted an application to the Department of Education and Training (DET) for grant funding towards the expansion of Drouin Primary early learning centre.

Council was successful in receiving $350,000 for the expansion works. Concept plans are already complete for this project.

It is expected total cost of the works will be more than $760,000, requiring a total council contribution of about $410,000.

Officers said there was a strong community expectation regarding council’s provision of kindergarten infrastructure.

“There is significant community anxiety and unrest regarding the upcoming place shortage. A recent survey of families indicated high levels of dissatisfaction related to inadequate kindergarten places, and the poor condition of existing facilities,” officers said.

Cr Tricia Jones said Drouin was under pressure for providing kindergarten places and now the new facility at Drouin Primary School needed expanding.

“We have to put in $400,000. It is a state government facility and yet we have to continue to pay.

“There are some other opportunities for kindergartens to be built at Weebar Rd but that is down the track,” she said.

Cr Jessica O’Donnell said the area was outgrowing available kindergarten spaces very quickly. “This is expansion of a facility built only a couple of years ago.”

Cr Darren Wallace said the matter would go to council’s mid year budget review for consideration.

“We have to find that money because it is unfunded in the budget.

But this needs to be a priority because the sooner this project starts the better,” he said. Cr Peter Kostos said it was “glaringly” unfair. “We have to put ratepayers’ money into these projects and then maintain them for the next 10 years,” he said.