July 28, 2008
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has undertaken to formally write to the Rudd Government to seek funding advice for the proposed Yarram childcare development.
Mr Chester met with project team members in Yarram on Friday and commended the group on its efforts to establish the new service.
“Alison Payne and the project team are working hard on the project and they have my full support,” Mr Chester said.
“All levels of Government should be supporting this important initiative and once the feasibility study is completed there needs to be a concerted effort to fund the project as a matter of urgency.”
Mr Chester said the lack of suitable childcare was a limiting factor for professional people wishing to pursue their careers in the Yarram district.
“Childcare services provide the community with greater flexibility and it will help to attract and retain skilled workers in the future,” he said.
“At a time when we are all feeling the financial pressure of higher petrol prices; increased interest rates; and rising grocery prices – it is unavoidable that many families will need both parents participating in the paid workforce.
“Establishing childcare services in Yarram will provide the added bonus of a local training opportunity for young people seeking to pursue a career in the profession.”
Mr Chester gave an undertaking at Friday’s meeting that he would write to the Rudd Government to seek details of its approach to childcare service development and seek details of funding criteria.
“While the feasibility study process gets under way, the project team can explore funding opportunities through all levels of government,” Mr Chester said.