IN July last year, Goondiwindi Regional Council approved an application from the Nambour Christian College Childcare Centre for the expansion of its not-for-profit Goondiwindi childcare centre.

The project, including the creation of new facilities and the hiring of additional staff, capitalised on the Council’s pre-lodgement process, with early collaboration between the NCC and Council to refine the application before submission.

The expansion is expected to create around 50 additional full-time childcare positions at the centre, and provide a much-needed boost to childcare access in the region.

Council says this will create employment opportunities as well as improve the quality and availability of childcare services in our community.

NCC in now preparing to seek formal quotes for the building works.

Goondiwindi mayor, Lawrence Springborg said Council is committed to supporting families and strengthening the workforce through projects of this type.

“With unemployment in our region well below the state average and ongoing pressure on housing, it’s vital that families can access services that help them return to work,” Cr Springborg said.

“These expansions are another step towards maintaining a community where people can live, work, and raise their families with confidence.”

Councillor Rob Mackenzie said the NCC project involved close engagement across Council teams, including Town Planning, Works, Building, Water and Sewerage, and provided advice on the Town Planning scheme and regulatory standards.

“Recognising that development applications cover a broad cross section of detail, our experienced staff worked closely with applicants to provide clear guidance and find practical solutions within the legislative framework,” Cr Mackenzie said.

An NCC spokesperson said working with Goondiwindi Regional Council was a smooth process.

“We value Council’s practical approach and the support of all their team, who have been instrumental in helping us to prepare a submission that met the local Town Planning Scheme, which I believe avoided unnecessary delay for this project,” the spokesperson said.

“Our focus is to provide high-quality care and education to all children and to support families and educators by providing opportunities to pursue work and training that will strengthen the local community and support economic growth.

“NCC looks forward to being able to increase our current service to meet the increasing demand for care in Goondiwindi.”

Council also recently met with representatives from Goondiwindi & District Childcare to discuss plans and progress on an approved development application to expand kindergarten services.

Further to support for early learning expansions, Council has also previously engaged with training providers to support the local childcare workforce.

In 2024, Cr Springborg met with TAFE Queensland’s general manager for the south-west region, Ms Kate Venables, to discuss specific training needs of early childhood educators in our area.

“These collaborative efforts, from advocacy and training to planning approvals, are all essential components of a strong, thriving community,” Cr Springborg said.

“We look forward to seeing both projects’ progress.”

Council also recently met with the local Texas and District Kindergarten to assist with advocacy relating to not-for-profit centres in small regional communities.

The challenges associated with operating these facilities, such as limited volunteer capacity, resources and funding, were discussed in detail.

With the Federal Government’s Three-Day Guarantee for childcare starting from January 1, 2026, demand for early childhood services in the region is expected to increase.

Council encourages anyone with a development or building concept to talk to Council early or visit Business Planning Development.