Development applications (DAs) for about 14 child care centres are sitting with Central Coast Council.
They have the potential to deliver up to 1400 child care places per day on the Coast.
At the April 1 meeting of Council’s Economic Development Committee, Councillors highlighted the urgent need to fast-track these DAs.
Councillors were disappointed to learn that some childcare DAs are currently taking up to 500 days for approval.
The Coast is facing a critical shortage, with families struggling to find suitable placements for their children, impacting their ability to work and support their households.
Committee Chair Councillor John McNamara said the current backlog in approvals is placing enormous pressure on parents, employers, and the broader community.
“Our local families are crying out for accessible childcare, yet approvals are taking far too long,” McNamara said.
Parents are being forced to either reduce their working hours, leave jobs, or travel long distances just to secure a place for their children.
“The delay in processing childcare DAs is unacceptable, especially when we already have
applications submitted and ready to go.
This is an economic and social issue that affects our entire community, and we must act urgently to resolve it.”
To address the issue, the Environment and Planning Directorate has been asked to prepare a report on how childcare DAs can be assessed more efficiently.
“Our goal is to find a way to streamline this process so that new childcare centres can open as soon as possible,” McNamara said.
“Families should not have to wait years for solutions that are within reach today.”
He said the Central Coast’s growing population and rising workforce participation meant demand for childcare would only continue to increase.
“The Economic Development Committee will be working closely with senior Council staff, State Government, and industry stakeholders to ensure that childcare infrastructure keeps pace with community needs,” he said.
