Call to streamline childcare centre DA approvals

Central Coast Council’s Economic Development Committee has asked for a report on how development applications for childcare facilities can be streamlined in the face of a critical shortage of childcare spaces in the region.

Committee Chair, Councillor John McNamara said families were struggling to find suitable placements for their children, impacting their ability to work and support their households.

Councillors were disappointed to learn that some childcare DAs were currently taking up to 500 days for approval, he said.

McNamara said the current backlog in approvals was placing enormous pressure on parents, employers, and the broader community.

“Our local families are crying out for accessible childcare, yet approvals are taking far too long,” he said.

“Parents are being forced to either reduce their working hours, leave jobs, or travel long distances just to secure a place for their children.

“The delay in processing childcare DAs is unacceptable, especially when we already have applications submitted and ready to go.

“This is an economic and social issue that affects our entire community, and we must act urgently to resolve it.”

Council currently has about 14 DAs for childcare centres that have a potential to deliver up to 1,400 childcare places per day.

The committee has asked Council’s Acting Director of Environment and Planning to prepare a report on how childcare DAs can be assessed more efficiently.

“Our goal is to find a way to streamline this process so that new childcare centres can open as soon as possible,” McNamara said.

“Families should not have to wait years for solutions that are within reach today.

“The Central Coast’s growing population and rising workforce participation mean demand for childcare will only continue to increase.

“The Economic Development Committee will be working closely with senior Council staff, State Government, and industry stakeholders to ensure that childcare infrastructure keeps pace with community needs.”