Councillor Belinda Neal has alerted the public early on a rate rise of 10% proposed for the council’s eight child care centres on the Coast.
The proposed rise is included in Council’s 2025-26 financial year budget and would take effect from July 1.
The draft budget is expected to be made public tonight, with the councillors debating the issues contained in it at the March 28 council meeting.
That council meeting will be held from 6pm at the Gosford Regional Library in Donnison St and is open to the public.
Cr Neal is encouraging residents who are concerned about the proposed fee increase to contact councillors and to attend the meeting.
Residents can speak on the item at the Public Forum held at 6pm before the council meeting starts at 6.30pm.
You need to register to speak.
Cr Neal said the conservative majority of councillors support the 10% increase.
The conservative majority is made up of eight councillors: Trent McWaide, John McNamara, Jared Wright, Rachel Stanton, Doug Eaton, Lawrie McKinna, John Mouland and Kyla Daniels.
Cr Neal is part of the minority 7; with councillors Sharon Walsh, Helen Crowley, Margot Castles, Kyle MacGregor, Jane Smith and Corinne Lamont.
Cr Neal said the increase would place additional pressure on families already struggling with the rising cost of living.
And she said it would encourage private sector childcare centres to put up their costs so the broader community would be affected.
C Neal said childcare must remain accessible and affordable for local families.
“Families across the Central Coast are already dealing with higher costs for housing, groceries, energy and fuel,” she said.
“A 10 per cent increase in childcare fees would make life harder for many working families and could place additional pressure on parents trying to balance work and family commitments.”
More than 330 kids attend Council-run centres.
Some focus on high need areas including children with a disability and families needing support.
Councillor Neal said she believes Council should be focused on supporting families rather than increasing fees.
“Childcare is not a luxury — it is an essential service that helps families participate in the workforce and supports children’s development,” she said.
“I believe we should be doing everything we can to keep childcare affordable for local families.”
Details:
Council Meeting
24 March – 6:00 pm
Gosford Regional Library, Donnison Street, Gosford.
Community members are welcome to attend.
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