The New South Wales Government has approved plans to sell land currently occupied by KU Laurel Tree House Children’s Centre in the Sydney suburb of Glebe, local news source City Hub has reported. 

The decision has been a divisive one in the local community, with Member for Balmain Jamie Parker joining with many constituents who stand in opposition of the sale. 

“We are in a time of high demand for quality childcare,” Mr Parker told City Hub. 

“I’m calling on the Minister to cancel this sell-off and ensure that public assets are used for public purposes rather than sold for profit.” 

The KU service has operated from its present site for more than 35 years, with a lease arrangement which is due to expire at the end of 2021. 

“The community have reacted strongly with a message that we don’t want the centre to be closed,” Mr Parker said, sharing that parents using the service were “shocked by the announcement” and have rallied to support its continued operation. 

Sydney’s Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, has lent her support, asking the Government to reconsider. 

“The Lord Mayor has requested the Ministers [for Education and Water, Property and Housing] urgently investigate the retention of the property as a childcare centre and consult with the community to determine the level of support for the service at a local level,” a City of Sydney spokesperson told City Hub.  

An online petition against the Land and Housing Corporation’s proposal has attracted over 700 signatures, with aspirations to halt the sale and save the KU service atop the reasoning for the campaign. 

To access the original coverage of this story, please see here. For more information about KU Children’s Services, please see here.