Boost for regional childcare services

Monday, 30 January 2017
 
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• $3 million investment into childcare services in regional WA
• Made possible by Liberal National Government's Royalties for Regions 

The Liberal National Government today announced it will invest a further $3 million into enhancing the sustainability and quality of childcare services in regional Western Australia.

Community Services Minister Paul Miles said the investment was the second stage of the Regional Community Child Care Development Fund, aimed at improving the long-term viability and quality of services.

"Families in the regions need the same level of access to quality childcare as those in metropolitan areas, if communities are to thrive," he said.

"They also face unique challenges in comparison to their metropolitan counterparts due to issues such as distance, isolation and a lack of resources."

Mr Miles said the funding would go towards implementing the Education and Care Services Plan for Regional Western Australia, which would set out strategies to address the unique challenges faced by communities and service providers across regional WA.

"Funding will also go towards two new models for governance and service delivery in the Wheatbelt and the South-West - these models reflect the diversity and configuration of services in the specific regions," he said.

"Feasibility studies will also be undertaken in other regions in recognition of the unique operating environments that services operate under."

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said Royalties for Regions was continuing to enhance services and make life easier for parents in regional WA.

"We know that quality childcare options enable parents to participate in the workforce and help make our regions a more attractive place to live for young families," Mr Redman said.

"Royalties for Regions is helping to improve the quality of life in our regions through the provision of quality services."

Fact File

• The Regional Community Child Care Development Fund aims to improve the sustainability, quality and accessibility of education and care services in regional WA
• Royalties for Regions promotes and facilitates economic, business and social development in regional WA for the benefit of all West Australians