IMPROVED PLANNING TO UNLOCK CHILDCARE PLACES

Planning Minister Rob Stokes has welcomed the formation of a new Joint Working Group, which will look into making it easier to establish new childcare services.

Mr Stokes said the working group has representatives from the Department of Planning and Environment, the NSW Department of Education and the Office of Local Government to explore simplifying the planning system as it applies to childcare centres. 

“The NSW Government is moving ahead on its election commitment to cut red tape and streamline the approval processes for childcare services,” Mr Stokes said.

“We are now looking at ways to reform the planning system to make it easier to set up a childcare centre.”

Minister for Early Childhood Education Leslie Williams said the changes would support the NSW Government’s investment in early childhood education and care.

“Families across the State need to have quality early childhood education and care available where and when they need it. It is important that we support childcare centres to open up more spots for families,” Mrs Williams said.

Member for Coogee Bruce Notley-Smith said it was important the NSW Government helped and supported childcare providers where it could.

“I am in awe of the work done every day at local childcare centres like St Jude’s Child Care here in Randwick, and I am pleased the NSW Government wants to help make their lives a little easier,” Mr Notley-Smith said.   
 

The working group is consulting with peak childcare bodies and local government representatives to develop options that will eliminate duplication, overlap and inconsistency between local government and Department of Education requirements for childcare centres, with the overall aim of increasing childcare place numbers.

A proposal paper with recommendations will be handed to the Government at the end of the year.