THE Greater Shepparton City Council has approved the signing of the lease to operate the Mooroopna Integrated Early Learning Centre (MIELC).
The MIELC, which is under construction on the Mooroopna Primary School site, will be a 102-place facility. According to Council, this will consist of:
• A 33-place year before school kindergarten room
• A 33 -place pre-kindergarten room
• A flexible 36 place space for children under three years
• A commercial kitchen, laundry, bathrooms, storage
• Service leader office space
• Administration office space
• Working space and tea room shared amenities will be allocated within the school facilities to broaden professional collegiality
• Outdoor space to meet regulatory requirements will be onsite in two areas adjacent to the under three-year-old area and the over three-year-old area
Speaking at the December Council Meeting, Cr Seema Abdullah said Council has both the experience and capability to operate the MIELC.
“It is not wrong to say the Greater Shepparton region is in dire need of investment in early years education,” she said.
“In this context, it is really encouraging to see the State Government prioritise the construction of this centre a part of the Shepparton Education Plan.
“This centre will be a state-of-the-art building with services designed to provide quality education and care for families in Mooroopna.”
Cr Geoff Dobson added, “It’s interesting, when you look at this service which is provided by Council, it’s a lesson for those people who think Council is all roads, rates, and rubbish.”
Council will be responsible for the fit out, staffing and operation of the MIELC. The forecast impact on Council’s budget is expected to reduce from costing $187,097 in 2020/21 to costing $28,154 in 2023/24.
