A new business plan for the Bogan Bush Mobile (BBM) could see the “valued” service continue “relatively unchanged”, Bogan Shire Council general manager Derek Francis said.
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The plan was adopted by council at a meeting on Thursday, but must now be approved by the Department of Education for the bush mobile to be eligible for child care subsidies under the federal government’s new funding model.
“It seems as though we can transition to the new process and new system relatively unchanged from the service that we’re currently providing,” Mr Francis said.
“There was a lot of concern that the changes would mean significant costs for families, either in fees and charges or in reduction of the service, but the business plan that has been prepared shows that while there will be some changes we should be able to operate close to the way we have been.”
Some of the changes include requirements for: for parents to apply for the Child Care Subsidy (CCS); parents to sign care of their children over to staff even whether they are staying or leaving the premises; BBM to provide staff to cover child-staff ratios to allow for parents to leave the venue if they desire, and; some changes to fees.
The council has kept fees as low as possible, with support to be provided to families still needing to apply for the CCS.
Estimated upfront contributions would start at $1.18 per hour or $2.35 per day in 2017-18 for carers earning under $65,710. The contributions would be scheduled to rise to $1.88 per hour or $3.76 per day in 2021-22.
Carers under the Additional Child Care Subsidy (grandparents, those requiring practical help to support children's safety and well-being and those transitioning to work) would face smaller upfront contributions.
“Council is keen to ensure we can continue to provide the service to communities, particularly remote families,” Mr Francis said.
“It can be the only interaction those children have with other children and we believe it's a very, very important service.”
He said it would be good for the matter to be resolved.
“Provided the department approves the business plan in its current format, I think most people would be happy,” Mr Francis said.
“It's been a bit of a cloud hanging over our heads for close to two years now so I think people will be pleased to hear that.
“[The service] is really valued by our families.”