An independent childcare site developer has purchased a block of land within Graeme Shaw's 'Fairley' development and has indicated that there will be a DA for a long-hour daycare centre lodged in the new year.
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Mr Shaw claimed it was a positive step forward in growing the area.
“It will help to cater for the people as it will be early and late drop-off care. It is something that is desperately needed,” he said.
“I have wanted a childcare centre since day one. It has always been on our plans for five to six years and when we put everything out to the public and submitted the DA, the centre was always going to be part of it.”
Mr Shaw added that the two new Yass centres, one on Rossi Street and one on Shaw Street, won't affect the centre's success at Fairley.
“We definitely have the numbers and I think this will really help the area continue to grow.
“Given its location I think that it is perfect for parents to drop their children off on their way to work if they commute,” he said.
Councillor Jasmin Jones agreed that it would be beneficial for the Yass Valley and if the DA was approved, it would complement not compete with the service offered by MECCA.
“Securing quality childcare is one of the most stressful considerations for parents returning to the workforce. With more than 49 per cent of our workforce travelling outside of the LGA [each] day, I believe families from Yass will also be interested in places because of the direct route to their employment," Cr Jones said.
In October, council passed a motion by Cr Jones to support economic development research and strategy for childcare.
“Families have told [Yass Valley] Council that this issue is a big deal. It's in our community strategic plan to address it so I’m glad the market has responded so quickly and confidently to the potential in Murrumbateman,” she said.
She added it would bolster the argument for a public school in the area.
"The consistent expansion and success of local preschool MECCA combined with a long day centre will show further tangible evidence to the education department of both rapid population growth as well as local families preference for local services over Canberra's; one of the increasingly tiresome arguments the department wheels out as an excuse not to build a public school."
Stage one of the development is expected to be finalised by April, and completion is scheduled for the end of 2015.
