224 & 230 Bell Street, Heidelberg Heights 3081 VIC

Bell street is already a high traffic area, and with more than 15 new childcare centres currently being built in and around the vicinity this will no doubt increase traffic and noise to the surrounding areas. Additionally, there are more than enough childcare centres in the area as is; in fact, the closest one to this newly proposed childcare centre is less than 500 meters away. Furthermore, the proposed location is right next to the popular fast food chain McDonald’s. We believe that this location is likely to negatively influence the food choices of the young children attending the centre, whereas instead we should be promoting healthy eating as much as possible.

To Whom it may concern
I am writing to express my objection to the planning permit of 224 & 230 Bell Street, Heidelberg Heights, Victoria, 3081. I understand that the development will be undertaken by Gemela Pty Ltd who are planning to build an operate a childcare centre at this location
The objection is focused on the economic and structural challenges the childcare sector is currently facing. The demand for childcare places might exist however due to COVID 19 there has been a drastic reduction in skilled educators. The drop is due to several reasons the most important of which are listed below:
1) Limited to no immigration
2) Lack of trained resources
3) Educators have upskilled and changed sectors and industries
To date there is already a shortage of over 12 000 qualified teachers and long day care centres are finding it increasingly challenging to find qualified team members. This added complexity has put strain on the centres ability to provide quality care and therefore is impacting the social development needs of the community which in turn has an economic impact. A lack of quality care can also lead to safety issues for children if centres are running with inadequately qualified team members as a result the shortage.
We urge that you consider all mitigating circumstances and consider all factors that influence the provision of quality care in this sector and limit to number of applications that are approved.