The Longreach Regional Council will receive $150,000 from the federal government to help fund an expansion of the Longreach Childcare Centre that will double its capacity.
The planned expansion of the centre will take place within the existing centre footprint, without the need to construct any new buildings, which will save money.
Council Mayor Tony Rayner said the renovations could create up to 108 extra childcare places and support the employment of up to five additional roles once completed.
As the operators of the service, it has seen a significant spike in enrolments and enquiries for bookings at the centre, and has unlocked some flexibility to accommodate extra enrolments.
However, the centre is reaching capacity constraints, particularly in its babies room.
Cr Rayner said they were committed to supporting the service in the absence of a viable private sector alternative.
"It's so important that we continue to support the centre, and keep up with demand" he said.
"The centre supports vital workforce participation outcomes in our communities.
"I'd even go so far as to say it's one of the most important things our council does to support the local economy."
The need to expand the centre was underlined earlier this year when the Central West Hospital and Health Service advised that a record number of births were due to take place at the Longreach Hospital in the next 12 months.
Some 100 babies will be born in Longreach this year, at least half of which will be born to families residing in the Longreach region.
With no comparable child care service available in the community, council is forecasting a higher than usual increase in demand will occur from 2022.
This demand is projected to continue for at least four to five years, given many of these children are likely to require care until they start primary school.
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Cr Rayner said council had advocated strongly in support of its application to the Australian Government Community Child Care Fund.
"We are proud of the submission we put together and we backed that up by meeting with Ministers in Canberra to fully apprise them of our requirements" he said.
"We've had great support all the way and we look forward to working closely with the Department of Education Skills and Employment on delivering this project."
Work on the Longreach Childcare Centre Expansion is expected to commence in December this year.
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