Childcare services in Rosebery are a step closer following the Council meeting on 23 July, where Council determined a plan of action and release of information relating to a Rosebery Childcare report included in the closed session of the meeting.
With demand for childcare increasing, and only one provider located on the West Coast (in Queenstown), Council will now proceed to negotiate with Coastal Family Day Care to activate 13 Blackwood Avenue, Rosebery as a family day care use, for a minimum of two years.
General Manager Scott Riley has been authorised by Council to finalise all negotiations, property modification changes and execute the lease with Coastal Family Day Care. Mr. Riley is also to action a planning application for the property to be used for family day care.
When a previous model to deliver the childcare service in Rosebery didn’t proceed, Council worked in partnership with key stakeholders, including the Western Region Strategic Partnership and Coastal Family Day Care to find a solution.
The Council-owned Blackwood Avenue property has been vacant for some time and listed for sale. The property will now be removed from the market and held for the purpose of family day care use.
As part of their decision to support the service, Council will provide a letter of support for any grant applications sought by Coastal Family Day Care to assist with funding the service establishment.
Council will also continue working with the Western region Strategic Partnership and other key industry stakeholders.
Council’s support for the establishment of childcare services in Rosebery continues their commitment to build strong industry partnerships to delivery projects and programs for community benefit, as detailed in the West Coast 2035 Community Plan. The West Coast 2035 Plan also highlighted the importance of Council’s role in supporting the delivery of childcare services to the region, as a vital aspect in the support of families and local industry.
West Coast Council also supports the regions only other childcare service – owning the building in which Thrive operate in Queenstown.