Mornington calls for more investment to support Councils to deliver kindergarten reform

Mornington Peninsula Shire has called on the Victorian Government to provide more support to councils to support with project costs, fit-out costs or the increased maintenance costs placed on councils to manage additional or expanded facilities to cater for demand from the introduction of ‘Free Kinder’ and up to 30 hours per week of ‘Pre-Prep’ for four year olds.

“Right now, the future of some local kindergartens is in jeopardy due to the impact of an expanded kindergarten program and lack of appropriate funding,” said ornington Mayor Steve Holland. 

“We are committed to continue our long-standing partnership with the State Government through planning for the needs of children and families in our municipality, but we cannot fund these necessary upgrades or continue to maintain these facilities on our own.”

Across the Mornington Peninsula, there are 70 services providing funded kindergarten programs. Of these, 27 sessional kindergartens are based in Shire-owned buildings. One facility is also located on a primary school site and is leased by the Shire from the State Government. 

These 28 services are governed by volunteer parent committees of management or an Early Years Manager and the buildings are maintained by Mornington Peninsula Shire.

“Mornington Peninsula Shire, like all councils, is under no obligation to provide kindergarten infrastructure, although we have done so for many years. We have historically worked in partnership with the State Government, Early Years Managers and the individual committees of management that run the kindergarten programs,” a statement from the Council notes.

The latest reform, the statement continues, puts “an enormous pressure” on the Shire and all other local governments.

“Of the 28 Shire-owned or maintained facilities delivering kindergarten programs, 25 facilities will likely need to change the way they operate or require significant investment in infrastructure to deliver on the expanded reform. While some facilities may have capacity for traditional or modular extensions, many sites can’t accommodate for an additional room as there is simply not enough space. These services may be required to relocate,” the statement continued. 

While the Victorian Government has promised $1.8 billion towards the rollout of its reform, including funding available through the Building Blocks Grants Program, the major upgrades needed in Mornington are estimated to cost close to $53.6 million for traditional builds. 

“With an annual capital works budget of $50 million this is not something Mornington Peninsula Shire can fund on its own,” the statement continues. 

The (Government) funding available, in the Council’s position, does not fully cover project costs, fit out costs or the increased maintenance costs placed on Council to manage additional or expanded facilities.

“We are in the process of working with the State Government to determine what solutions and options are available, including progressing those projects and grant applications that were already underway prior to the recent announcements,” the statement concludes. 

To read the Council’s statement in full, please see here.