The Australian and Tasmanian Governments along with the Huon Valley Council have reached an historic agreement under the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund to deliver a new early childhood education and care centre in the Huon Valley.
The Australian Government will contribute $5 million for this project through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, and the Tasmanian Government will also invest $5 million into the project.
The remaining funding will be provided by the Huon Valley Council.
The Huon Valley Council will deliver and run the service, which will see the construction of a new early childhood education and care facility on Department for Education, Children and Young People land adjacent to Huonville Primary School.
The new service will deliver up to 130 long day care places and 70 outside school hours care (OSHC) places, supporting up to 200 children in total.
Construction is expected to commence in January 2027 and be completed in March 2028.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Education, Jo Palmer:
"Our Government is incredibly excited to be contributing $5 million towards this significant project that will expand early learning for local families, ensuring more children in the Huon Valley get a strong foundation for life and learning.
"Co-locating an early childhood education and care centre on school grounds will help children transition smoothly into kindergarten, giving them confidence and a sense of belonging from day one.
"It's wonderful to see our community come together to create a space where children can grow, explore, and thrive, giving families the support they need and our children the best possible start.
"We are working together with the Federal Government and Council to deliver for families in the Huon Valley."
Quotes attributable to the Liberal Member for Franklin, Jacquie Petrusma:
"This is a fantastic outcome for families in the Huon Valley.
"We know how important it is for our children to have a strong foundation for learning, and access to quality early education plays a key role in setting them up for success both in school and later in life.
"That's why we are working closely with the Australian Government and Huon Valley Council to ensure families in the Huon Valley have access to quality, affordable early childhood education close to home."
Quotes attributable to the Federal Minister for Early Childhood Education, Jess Walsh:
"I am so proud the Australian and Tasmanian Governments are partnering with the Huon Valley Council to deliver more early learning places for children and families in the Huon Valley.
"Every child deserves access to quality early learning – no matter their postcode.
"Our $1 billion Building Early Education Fund is delivering more quality not-for-profit early learning centres where Tasmanian families need them most.
"Co-locating this centre with the school will give families one less drop-off to juggle and help children move smoothly into school."
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Fisheries and Member for Franklin, Julie Collins:
"This new centre will be transformational for the Huon Valley – giving families a single, central education hub.
"I made this commitment at the last Federal Election, and I am pleased to see it progressing.
"Delivering a new education centre in Huonville is a massive win for local families and ensures more children have access to quality education closer to home."
