LEADER of The Nationals, David Littleproud, and party candidate for Parkes, Jamie Chaffey, joined Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse and deputy mayor Wayne Tighe on Thursday to announce major funding across the region.
Also present were Moree councillors Dominique Hodgkinson and Debbie Williams, Mungindi Aged Care Centre secretary-treasurer Maree Bingham, Mungindi Community Education Association president, Lisa Orchin and Moree Gwydir Daycare children’s services manager, Rachel Cubis.
Mr Littleproud said the Nationals are prioritising childcare and aged care facilities in the Moree Plains Shire, with major funding earmarked for Moree Gwydir Daycare, Mungindi Childcare and Mungindi Aged Care Centre.
Mr Littleproud said he was proud to announce a future Coalition Government will invest $700,000 towards the Gwydir Childcare Expansion, to accommodate up to 40 extra placements.
“A future Coalition Government will help deliver a new extension to the building at Gwydir Childcare,” Mr Littleproud said.
“This funding will allow the centre to expand its capacity and give Moree parents the extra childcare places they need.”
Mr Chaffey said ensuring Moree had enough childcare facilities was a priority.
“There is so much opportunity here, but one of the barriers, from what I’ve been hearing as I campaign, is there’s not enough childcare facilities,” Mr Chaffey said.
“There are three long-daycare facilities in town, with about 215 positions, but the waiting list is almost as long again.
“There will be construction of a brand-new building that will go just to the side of the current structure, and this will accommodate up to 40 placements.
“I am proud to be part of a team that supports our local parents and is dedicated to giving Moree Plains Shire more childcare opportunities with this funding announcement.
“There is still more work to do, but a significant investment of $700,00 is going to make a big difference to Moree,” he said.
Moree Plains Shire mayor Susannah Pearse said plans to extend Moree Gwydir Daycare will now be set in motion.
“This project would not be able to happen without this $700,000 investment,” Cr Pearse said.
“Now that we have this commitment, we’ll start preparing the design for the building. It’s intended that it will be an extension, and we will progress those plans.
“Hopefully, we’ll have it completed and open in the next couple years, ready to welcome 40 new kids,” she said.
Mr Chaffey said a future Coalition Government will also invest $87,321.20 towards the Mungindi Childcare completion, to install fencing and a fire safety system, gazebo with privacy screens, and shade cover for the under two-year-old playground area.
“Childcare is needed in Mungindi to provide early childhood education and give our children the best opportunity to develop,” Mr Chaffey said.
“By helping to provide childcare for those from 0-5 years, we will unlock opportunities and possibilities for those who need it most.”
Mayor Susannah Pearse said council is very grateful for the investment in childcare across the Shire.
“This injection of funds will allow us to cater for up to 40 additional 0-3-year-olds at Gwydir Daycare and complete outdoor works at Mungindi,” Cr Pearse said.
“Access to childcare remains a significant limiting factor for local women returning to the workforce and for skilled workers looking to move our Shire. Investment in childcare is an investment in our Shire’s future.”
Mr Chaffey said Mungindi Age Care Centre Committee will also receive $119,368 under a future Coalition Government.
“The funding will help install a solar system, replace fencing and a retaining wall and install a CCTV system,” he said.
“The aged-care centre is of great benefit to Mungindi, allowing elderly residents to retire in their own community. A future Coalition Government will help give the centre the upgrades it desperately needs and support aged care in Mungindi.”
Mungindi Age Care Centre secretary-treasurer Maree Bingham said the border-town community was fortunate to have a hardworking committee behind the facility.
“We are so grateful. We’ve got a fantastic committee, and our aged-care facility was built 40 years ago by people in the community that now need that care,” she said.
“I’d just like to see those people grow old with dignity.”
