An extra 120 preschool spaces will be created in Queanbeyan thanks to the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $7.5 million Start Strong Capital Works Grants Program.
Nationals Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the Queanbeyan and District Preschool Association has secured a $600,000 grant to transform their Cooma Street property in Karabar into a three classroom preschool.
“This investment will make a huge difference in our community, creating much-needed preschool spaces for local families,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We are seeing significant growth across the region, particularly in areas like Googong and Jerrabomberra, and we know that this is putting extra pressure on existing preschools, who already have a waiting list for next year.
“This major transformation will not only significantly increase access to early childhood education locally, but it will ensure our children have the best start to their learning journey.”
Queanbeyan and District Preschool Association Managing Director Nicky McCarthy said the support from the NSW Nationals in the state government will ensure the new preschool will be delivered early next year.
“The grant provides critical funding to renovate the Association’s Cooma Street property into a new three classroom preschool, providing a significant boost to the local preschool network,” Ms McCarthy said.
“With construction to start shortly, the Association will work closely with the NSW Department of Education, our families and the broader community to deliver this new preschool in early 2022.”
The Start Strong Capital Works Grant Program supports services to increase the number of preschools places available, equipping more children with the social, cognitive and emotional skills that set them up for future learning in their life.
For more information on the Start Stronger Capital Works Grants, visit education.nsw.gov.au
