The Victorian Government has pledged to establish 50 new Early Learning Victoria centres across the state, with 28 proposed for regional areas.
On this list is Seymour; however, the town is yet to have a confirmed timeline for the opening of the site.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland said the government was leaving Seymour in the lurch.
“Seymour and surrounding communities deserve better than a government that abandons its commitments and denies local families affordable and accessible childcare options,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage childcare, and Victorian families are paying the price.”
Shadow Education Minister Jess Wilson said the government was abandoning its commitment.
“Whether schools or childcare facilities, Labor is walking away from its commitments and leaving Victorian families without the education and care options they deserve,” Ms Wilson said.
“The Allan Labor Government’s abandonment of this project casts doubt over the future of all 50 promised childcare facilities across the state.”
This year, the government has opened three new kinder facilities across the region, including the Wallan Secondary College Kindergarten, the Yea Uniting Kindergarten and MacKillop Early Learning Centre.
In 2026, four new services are set to open across Mitchell and Strathbogie shires, and in 2027, 356 new kinder places are expected to be made available to families in Benalla and Wallan.
A government spokesperson said Ms Cleeland had been part of the movement to stop the delivering of these services, and Seymour will receive an Early Learning Victoria centre in the coming years.
“Annabelle Cleeland is one of the Liberal and National party blockers in parliament who tried to prevent us from delivering 50 early learning and childcare centres to the areas they’re needed most,” the spokesperson said.
“The Seymour centre will open well before 2032 and other Early Learning Victoria centres will open from this year through to 2032, helping to meet strong demand in communities.
“Annabelle Cleeland should stop making it harder for regional families to get the best possible start in life for their children and support our efforts to make that best start accessible for everyone.”
For more information on the status of the proposed Early Learning Victoria centres, head to tinyurl.com/w8tkcv8x
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