GOVERNMENTS are being urged to overhaul childcare and kindergarten funding amid fears Wyndham’s influx of young families is outstripping services.
A week after the latest census data revealed Wyndham was the fastest-growing part of Victoria, a report to the council underscored a shortfall in state and federal funds.
The report showed the population of children under five had climbed 36per cent since 2008, from 11,562 to 18,066 children, while birth rates increased from 2312 to 3059 (32per cent). Children under five account for 10per cent of Wyndham’s population and forecasts predict this age group will continue to be the most populous until 2021.
The council will use the report to advocate for improved funding for child health and kindergartens, calling for a revamp of the state government’s funding formula.
The Education and Early Childhood Development Department pays about $2000 for each child enrolled in kinder and provides “cluster management” funding, based on the number of sites in a municipality.
While Wyndham has a similar number of kindergarten children to Casey, a growth area in Melbourne’s east, it receives less funding because it has fewer kinder sites.
Cr Bob Fairclough said the formula failed to recognise Wyndham’s population explosion. “Wyndham received $80.55 per child from the state government, whereas Casey receives $131.70 per child.”
The report also highlights problems with the 50-50 maternal and child-health funding split between the state government and councils, stating Wyndham’s baby boom had led to a 12per cent cost hike for the council.
Saltwater Coast resident Paul Lewis said affordable houses, big backyards and proximity to the city meant scores of young families would continue to move to Wyndham.
“Wyndham needs more support from government. They really need to step in.”
Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Wendy Lovell last month announced Jamieson Way, Tarneit, Quantin Binnah and Alamanda kinders would share in $1.8million to ensure they could offer a minimum of 15 hours per child as part of new national requirements.
But council chief executive Kerry Thompson said more kinder rooms were needed before council could offer 15 hours a week at most of its centres.
