I believe that our community needs a purpose built childcare centre that includes an Out Of School Hours (OOSH) service as well. The current childcare centre is based in the original town hall. It may have been suitable 15- 20 years ago when it catered only for preschool aged children. Today the centre caters for 2 - 5 years olds in one large room. This means 4-5 year old children miss out on vital learning equipment because it could be deemed hazardous for two year olds.

There has been talk about renovating the hall to accomodate this need. This would only be a bandaid as there is inadequate storage, inadequate design for appropriate supervision at all times. We need to move into the 21st century with modern facilities that cater for under two’s, 2 - 3’s, and 4 - 5 year old children.

Why change a perfectly good building that could be used by other community groups such as a a performing arts or theatre group etc? If the Marina goes ahead and employment opportunities increase, then families will need adequate childcare for both preschool and school age children.

If you agree why don’t you convey your thought to the Shoalhaven Harbour group who are in the consultation phase with our community in regards to what our community needs.