Tasmania expands access to early education in Huon Valley

A new early learning centre in the Huon Valley is set to expand access to early childhood education and care (ECEC), with a co-located model designed to support participation, transitions and community engagement.

The Australian Government and Tasmanian Government, in partnership with Huon Valley Council, have announced the development of a new early learning service adjacent to Huonville Primary School.

The project is funded through the national Building Early Education Fund and represents a significant investment in early learning infrastructure in regional Tasmania.

The service will offer up to 130 long day care places and 70 outside school hours care (OSHC) places, supporting around 200 children once operational. Construction is expected to commence in January 2027, with completion anticipated in early 2028.

The project is being delivered through a shared funding model, including contributions from the Australian Government and the Tasmanian Government, alongside investment from Huon Valley Council, which will operate the service.

This approach reflects a broader policy focus on strengthening access to community-based early learning services in regional areas, where supply has historically been constrained.

The investment aligns with national priorities to improve participation in early childhood education, particularly in communities experiencing population growth and increased demand for services.

The centre will be built on land owned by the Department for Education, Children and Young People, directly adjacent to Huonville Primary School.

Co-located service models are increasingly recognised for their role in supporting:

• smoother transitions from early learning to school
• continuity of learning and development
• stronger collaboration between educators and teachers
• reduced logistical pressures for families

This model supports children to develop familiarity with school environments prior to commencing formal education, contributing to confidence and engagement.

The Huon Valley has experienced sustained population growth, contributing to increased demand for early learning places.

The new service is expected to:

• expand access to early education in the region
• support workforce participation for families
• strengthen local education infrastructure
• provide a centralised hub for early learning and care

Improving access in regional communities remains a key focus across jurisdictions, particularly where service availability has not kept pace with population changes.

The project reflects several trends shaping the ECEC sector:

• Growth in community-based provision - Investment in council-operated and not-for-profit services continues to play a role in improving affordability and long-term sustainability.
• Integrated education settings - Co-located early learning and school environments are supporting continuity of learning and more connected service delivery.
• Focus on regional equity - Targeted infrastructure investment is addressing geographic disparities in access to early learning.

Expanding access to early learning services supports broader economic participation, particularly in regional areas.

The Huon Valley early learning hub represents a long-term investment in children, families and community infrastructure.

By increasing access to high-quality early learning and strengthening connections between early childhood and school settings, the initiative supports improved developmental outcomes and more consistent participation in education from the early years.

Read the full media release here.