Public comment period open for proposed Mt Barker childcare centre

A four-week public comment period has opened for a proposed childcare centre on the corner of Lowood Road and Short Street in Mt Barker.

The childcare centre, Skylar Early Childhood Education and Care, would occupy the former Westpac bank building. The bank closed in 2018.

Because the proposed centre is in an area zoned for commercial use, the public must be given a chance to provide feedback on preliminary plans before the Shire of Plantagenet Council decides whether to approve the proposal.

The proponents of the centre — husband and wife Joanne and Andrew Talmage — hope to be able to open it in the first half of 2023 in order to address a shortfall of childcare places available in the town.

The town is serviced by just one 24-place childcare centre with a waiting list.

“We’re looking to meet the need of the community,” Ms Talmage said last month.

“There is a huge need as there is only one childcare centre in Mt Barker which is full with a wait list.

“So there are families which just don’t have access to child care and having to travel half an hour for child care is very difficult.”

Plans can be viewed on the Shire’s website or at the Shire’s administration building.

Submissions must be made in writing by November 25.