Childcare ‘in wrong place’

By Paul Dunlop
A CHILDCARE centre will be developed in Bunyip despite claims it is being built in the wrong place.
Residents opposing the town’s first childcare centre are concerned its location south of the crest of a hill in busy Hope Street could create safety problems.
Objectors said cars parking outside the centre would block the view of other motorists as well as put children at risk as they crossed the road to get to school.
But the proposal for the 75place facility was approved by Cardinia Shire Council in a unanimous vote at a town planning meeting last Monday.
Cr Bill Pearson admitted to concerns about the location but said Bunyip needed a childcare centre and the application deserved support.
“I have my misgivings about the position but it’s a good proposal, a good centre; it’s a pity I think it’s not quite in the right place,” Cr Pearson said.
The Bunyip Ward councillor said the site had recently been the scene of a tragic accident and residents were concerned it could happen again. But colleague Kate Lempriere said a decision could not be based on fear of what might – or might not – happen.
“Accidents can happen anywhere. It’s unfortunate and a tragedy but (it’s not) something we can base a decision on,” Cr Lempriere said. “To make a decision out of fear, we’d never develop anything anywhere.”
The childcare centre will cater for up to 75 children aged from one to six years and will employ 10 staff.
Housed in a colonialstyle building with plenty of playground space and car parking, the centre will offer longday care, before and afterschool care, as well as school holiday care.
Council received eight objections to the application of Murray and Shona Jeffrey. However, shire officers recommended the development go ahead.
The Jeffreys have previously built and operated a similar centre in Drouin and said the Bunyip centre would address a need in the town as well as service the surrounding areas of Longwarry, Garfield, Modella and Catani.
Cr Ed Chatwin said it was the best childcare centre proposal he had seen since being elected to council last November.
Cr Pearson, who led council’s vote of support, said he believed it would be beneficial for Bunyip. He said the Jeffreys has a reputation has good operators.
“This proposal meets all the requirements,” he said. “If we were to refuse this it would go to VCAT and (council’s decision) would be thrown out.”