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Huge New Kinder Build For Geelong

09 October 2018

As part of its massive investment in three-year-old kinder, a re-elected Andrews Labor Government will undertake our state’s biggest early education build, with almost 1000 new and upgraded kinders across the state.

Making sure families have peace of mind and our kids are ready for school, Labor will invest more than $1.68 billion over the next decade, which will see around 785 new kinders built and 170 existing services expanded. With Victoria currently home to around 2400 kindergartens, represents a nearly 40 per cent bump in services across our state.

In Geelong, Labor’s commitment to deliver a full 15 hours of three-year-old kinder is expected to create around 1000 extra kinder places by 2029, equivalent to more than 20 new early education services.

In order to kickstart work as soon as possible, a re-elected Labor Government will begin working with councils and communities on their local kinder rollout from day one.

Labor’s investment includes a massive injection of funds into our existing Children’s Facilities Capital Program, which provides financial support to local councils and organisations to fund their own builds and upgrades.

The introduction of three-year-old kinder will be the largest social, economic and educational reform ever undertaken in early childhood learning in Victoria’s history.

Under Labor’s almost $5 billion investment, every Victorian child will have access to at least five hours of subsidised three-year-old kinder by 2022, progressively scaled up to 15 hours per week over the next decade

It also represents good news for families struggling with the cost of living. Right now, many are forced to scrimp and save to cover the costs of three-year-old kinder – around $5000 a year for 15 hours – while the vast majority see their kids miss out. But under Labor’s plan, around a quarter of Victorian families will pay nothing at all.

For families with a higher income, the Labor Government will cover 65 per cent of their child’s kindergarten costs, consistent with the current subsidy for four-year-old kinder. This represents a saving of at least $3500 for families whose children attend a standalone kinder.

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville

“Three-year-old kinder will change lives, but it will also require a big investment in local kinder rooms and buildings. When it comes to delivering, only Labor has the track-record local families can rely on.”

Quote attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens

“Every parent knows the difference kinder can make. The availability of three-year-old kinder gives children the best start in life. With this investment, we’ll make sure families in Geelong have the fantastic kindergartens they deserve.”

Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren

“A re-elected Labor Government will make sure our kids get the opportunities they deserve, and that families have the peace of mind they need.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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