Time is running out for dozens of Latrobe families facing a childcare crisis, with Mayor Peter Freshney saying a federal funding decision is needed as soon as possible to save the day.
The state government committed $200,000 this week towards establishing a replacement childcare centre after Catholic Education Tasmania announced St Patrick’s Child Care Centre would close on Christmas Eve.
But the state funding covers less than a third of the $650,000 needed to refit a building and make it compliant for childcare use.
“We need $450,000 from the feds,” Freshney told Tasmania Mornings.
“The timeframe is dwindling … and it’s critical we get an answer around the funding this week.”
Lady Gowrie is ready to step in as the new provider and the centre could be operational by early 2026 if funding is secured.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the federal government has a crucial role to play. “They are needed to get this over the line,” he said.
“And I hope, for the sake of our local families, that they see how important this is.”
Mayor Freshney said families would face impossible choices about cutting work hours, resigning from jobs or using unregulated childcare that “may not be safe”.
“You don’t want to be in their shoes,” he said. “We will move heaven and earth to find a way through this but the timeframe is really, really critical.”
Education Minister Jo Palmer said she had heard firsthand from local families about the potential impact.
“We want to make sure dedicated educators stay in their jobs and that families can remain in the communities they know and love,” she said.
Catholic Education Tasmania announced the closure in August, saying it needed to refocus on its core mission of providing kindergarten to year 12 education.
The closure affects an area already experiencing significant demand for childcare services.
Mayor Freshney said the situation was “evolving hour by hour” and council was considering all options, including potential council funding contributions.
The state government is working with federal Labor Senator Anne Urquhart to secure the remaining funds.
“We’re not 100% of the way there yet, but it’s important that families know the situation,” Premier Rockliff said.
