Greater Shepparton City Council is receiving $300,000 for planning and studies into the need for new childcare and kindergarten facilities in the region.
The Victorian Government funding is from the 2023 Building Blocks Planning grants, announced by Early Childhood and Pre-prep Minister Ingrid Stitt on Tuesday, July 25.
“We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services across Victoria to expand access to early education and help our children learn, grow and thrive,” she said.
“These grants will help eligible organisations plan projects that increase access to kindergarten for local families – providing the funding needed to help get these projects off the ground.”
Fifteen local councils and kindergarten service providers across the state will benefit, with 19 new kindergartens receiving support.
Greater Shepparton will receive two $150,000 grants from the $2.5 million allocated to this project.
A council spokesperson said the grants will be used for planning and feasibility studies “in regards to the Shepparton north and Mooroopna north/west growth corridors”.
“These grants are for planning only and will not fund any infrastructure projects,” they said.
“However, it is hoped that quality documentation and research will support further applications for funding to build additional early childhood facilities where the studies identify a need.”
This comes after council announced it was closing its family daycare service in late September.