City reassures St Leonards over land sale – but facility gap remains

THE City of Greater Geelong has responded to community concern about a proposed land sale in St Leonards, assuring residents that its commitment to delivering early learning and community facilities in the area remains unchanged.

The site at 36 Dudley Parade – once home to the St Leonards CFA – is one of six proposed land sales across the municipality, as the city looks to drive down its debt over the next four years.

“We appreciate the feedback and advocacy surrounding an early learning and community centre for the growing St Leonards area,” Tennille Bradley, the city’s executive director of placemaking, said.

“The Dudley Parade site in question has been assessed as unsuitable in size and location for a centre.

“We can assure community members that the land sale is independent from our commitment to ensuring the St Leonards community is provided with access to early learning and community facilities.”

But while a Victorian government plan to deliver 50 new childcare centres in high-need areas across the state, including on the Bellarine, may go some way toward filling the township’s early learning gap, the facility is still at least two years away, and its location has yet to be determined.

“We welcome the Victorian government’s commitment to provide one of the 50 new government-owned early learning and childcare centres – offering long day care and integrated kinder programs – in the Portarlington, Indented Head or St Leonards areas,” Ms Bradley said.

“Whilst the centre’s delivery and location are the responsibility of the state government, we have advocated for it to be delivered in St Leonards.”

A spokesperson for the Education Department confirmed the early learning centre would be built between 2028 and 2032, with further details, including its final location, expected to be announced later this year.

But it remains unclear when a community hub will be established for the St Leonards community, despite agreements with local land developers ensuring more than $2.5 million has already been earmarked for its delivery.

“Our priority remains ensuring the best outcome for the community and efficient use of the developer contributions collected to benefit St Leonards residents,” Ms Bradley said.

The centre was promised to St Leonards in 2016, after a structure plan, adopted by the city in 2015, identified the need for a multi-purpose hub within the town, able to provide improved social, community and health services.

Members of the St Leonards community gathered at the Dudley Parade site last week to voice their opposition to its proposed sale, calling on the city to guarantee the hub’s build before selling off the land.

Community consultation on the sale of 36 Dudley Parade is open until July 20.

For more information, head to yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au