New Childcare Centers for Regional Tasmania Backed by Over $30 Million Investment

Six new childcare centers are slated for construction across regional Tasmania, backed by over $30 million in combined federal and state government funding. This initiative aims to address a shortage of childcare services in underserved communities.

Funding Breakdown

The federal government will provide $25.5 million through its Building Early Education Fund, with the state government contributing an additional $5 million and land for several sites.

New Locations and Timeline

New facilities will be established in Huonville, Bruny Island, Bothwell, St Mary’s, Westbury, and Latrobe. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2027, with some centers projected to open by late 2028. Not-for-profit providers will be invited to tender for these new facilities.

Addressing Community Needs and Economic Impact

The investment seeks to support families experiencing difficulty finding childcare placements, enhance economic productivity by enabling parental workforce participation, and prepare children for school.

Communities, particularly those like Bothwell which currently lack childcare options, have reportedly sought these services for years.

Many families have faced long waiting lists or extensive travel distances to access childcare, impacting parents' ability to work or train and children's school readiness. Some of the new centers will be located on school grounds to facilitate easier drop-off and pick-up for families.

Related Initiatives and Workforce Support

This announcement follows a prior joint funding package for Latrobe, where federal and state governments provided $534,000 to establish a temporary childcare center after an existing provider unexpectedly closed. Lady Gowrie Tasmania is set to open this interim service on February 16, accommodating 55 children, while a permanent center is built later in the year.

Demand for childcare places continues to surpass availability, with providers reporting extensive waitlists. To help mitigate workforce shortages in the early childhood sector, the federal government has also funded a 15% pay rise for educators, complemented by state government scholarships.