Council-run early learning forecast to lose $122,000 after funding and enrolment changes

Georges River Council’s early-learning services are forecast to record a $122,000 deficit after the council reduced their operating result by $139,000. The change affects council-run services across the local government area and reflects changes to employment conditions, government funding and service utilisation.

The adjustment was linked to the combined impact of the Local Government (State) Award, Start Strong Long Day Care funding and utilisation patterns. Council also noted revised operating models, grant applications and other funding initiatives intended to support the long-term financial sustainability of the services.

Councillors Nancy Liu and Peter Mahoney amended the motion to add a request for consultation with NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car. The request calls for local-government early-childhood providers to be consulted on upcoming funding changes and reforms.

It also recognises councils’ role in providing accessible, high-quality early learning and their experience operating under the National Quality Framework and other regulatory requirements. The amended motion passed unanimously.

No immediate service closure or fee change was recorded. The revised forecast places the council-run service network under financial pressure and ties its longer-term outlook to service planning, utilisation and external funding opportunities.

South Hurstville Kindergarten received an “Exceeding National Quality Standard” rating in its recent assessment. The result provides a positive quality measure alongside the financial pressure facing Early Learning Services.

Council will pursue the listed sustainability measures and write to Car seeking consultation on future funding changes. No implementation date was specified for revised operating models or other service changes.