Council is calling on families with young children to complete a survey to help with future planning and advocacy for childcare services.
Mayor Chris Potter said the survey would help the organisation better understand what the local level of demand for childcare was.
“While Council hasn’t been involved in the delivery of childcare, we are regularly talking to government about this important service, as well as private operators looking to set up new childcare businesses in our community,” Cr Potter said.
“In order for Council to have informed conversations we need to get a better understanding about what our families need now and into the future.
“There are many wonderful childcare providers throughout the shire, however they can’t keep up with the demand.
“The survey should only take a few minutes to fill in and is entirely anonymous, but will give Council invaluable data to help us advocate for more services in our community.”
Childcare is a vital service to help parents, and in particular women, return to the workforce after having children.
The Barwon Regional Economic Development Strategy 2022 shows that the healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, education and training and manufacturing sectors are all large employers of women, and in the Colac Otway area many of these sectors are experiencing workforce shortages.
“Having access to childcare close to home is essential for greater workforce participation which in turn supports our local economy,” Cr Potter said.
“I encourage parents to fill out the survey to help Council with our understanding and advocacy in this area.”
Council’s survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8XCJXXT
