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Child care planning policy in need of review

Mayor for Cumberland, Steve Christou is calling for a review into the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) governing child care centres.
15 Oct 2019 - Children & Families
Childcare centre

Media Release - 15 October 2019

 

Mayor for Cumberland, Steve Christou is calling for a review into the State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) governing child care centres.

In proposing a motion at the annual Local Government NSW conference, Mayor Christou said current planning policies must consider key factors that impact the quality of child care facilities in Cumberland and across NSW.

“We represent a large area of Western Sydney and as a young Council, we are committed to protecting the interests of families living in our community and ensuring high-quality care for our kids,” he said.

“Introduced in 2017 by the NSW Government, the Child Care SEPP was designed to streamline development approvals for this type of development.

“In practice, however, crucial factors – like a child’s age, child-to-staff ratios and operational or management plans for a centre – are not considered in the planning process.

“A child care centre must be in a location that is safe for kids and as a Council we have raised concerns about centres being located on or near major roads.

“Council should be able to consider a proposed child care centre’s size and design.

“Child care services should also be located in areas of need and not in areas of oversupply.

“These are key policies governing the assessment of childcare facilities across NSW. It’s impacting child care planning in Cumberland and everywhere across NSW.

“For these reasons, we ask that Local Government NSW and the NSW Government review the current policy and assessment criteria and help us ensure that child care centres are meeting best practice.”

The conference will run from 14-16 October 2019.