City of Port Phillip will hold off on sale of three services pending funding arrangements

The City of Port Phillip has made a decision about the potential sale of three of its community-run early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres, agreeing to not sell them, subject to finalisation of funding arrangements.

The centres in St Kilda, Balaclava and Elwood will be rebuilt or renovated should funding be received, following Council Officers holding discussions with the Victorian and Australian Governments in relation to major upgrades to its childcare centre portfolio. 

“While these confidential discussions are still underway, we have released this update for transparency,” the Council said.

“We can report there have been productive conversations with the Victorian Department of Education and Training about long-term early childhood infrastructure needs across our City, including at those three centres. Discussions with the Department about potential co-funding arrangements under the Building Blocks Partnership program are progressing well.”

Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party and Member for Caulfield, David Southwick welcomed the decision, saying affordable local childcare is essential for the wellbeing of parents and children alike.

“This is a win for our local kids and their families. Be it here in the City of Port Phillip, or across Victoria, I want all people to have access to only the very best early childhood services.”