Kinder expansion promised for Gippsland region: Vic Government

Approximately 450 extra kindergarten places – equivalent to more than eight new early education services – will be created by 2029 in Latrobe City as part of the Victorian Government’s plan to invest $1.68 billion in new-build and upgraded early childhood infrastructure over the next decade, the Victorian Government has said.

 

The City of Latrobe is located in Gippsland in Victoria’s east, and includes the major towns of Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and Churchill.

 

State Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing made the announcement while visiting a Goodstart Early Learning centre in Morwell.

 

Ms Mikakos also announced that more than 400 places – equivalent to nine local services – will be created in the neighbouring Baw Baw Shire Council region, and approximately 244 new places – equivalent to about six new centres – will be created in the Wellington Shire Council region.

 

The announcement follows on from the Victorian Government’s commitment to invest $5 billion over the next decade to deliver a full 15 hours of three year old kindergarten from 2020, if the party is re-elected. A reform which the government says will create massive demand for early childhood services.

 

The state government said that the introduction of three-year-old kinder will be the biggest early education reform in Victoria’s history.

 

Ms Mikakos said “We’ve promised to rollout three-year-old kinder and we’re backing it up, undertaking the biggest early education build our state has ever seen. Only Labor will make sure local kids get the opportunities they deserve.”