MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire is seeking community feedback on the condition and capacity of its kindergarten infrastructure as it considers how to respond to expanded kindergarten hours introduced by the state government.
The council is reviewing 25 kindergarten buildings it owns and maintains, many of which are unable to accommodate the increased demand.
In 2022, the state government introduced the Best Start, Best Life reforms, which are expanding three-year-old kindergarten hours from five hours to 15 hours a week by 2029.
There will also be a ten-year transition beginning in 2026 that will increase four-year-old kindergarten hours from 15 to 30 hours per week.
The shire does not currently operate kindergarten programs, but 25 providers operate from council-owned facilities.
Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said many of the buildings are not equipped to accommodate the increased hours.
“Many of council’s kindergarten buildings only have one room,” said Batty.
“They can’t provide the extra hours mandated by the state government without adding another room or drastically cutting their future enrolments.”
Batty said in some locations there isn’t enough space to add another room.
A council review estimates upgrading the existing buildings would cost more than the shire’s entire capital works budget for the current financial year.
“It’s an investment that cannot reasonably be met by ratepayers alone,” said Batty.
“While the state government has provided some funding for kindergarten infrastructure, it’s nowhere near enough and would leave council with a significant shortfall to cover.”
The shire is now asking current and past kindergarten families, carers, educators, residents, and other community members to provide feedback on the condition, suitability, capacity, and location of the 25 facilities.
“Council is now faced with important decisions about the future of these facilities, and the role local government should play in responding to state government reforms,” said Batty.
“Any decision involving an investment of this scale has implications for ratepayers and must be carefully considered alongside council’s many other responsibilities.”
Batty said community feedback will help shape the shire’s response to the reforms, including any future advocacy.
“This is an issue facing all peninsula community members, not just those who use kindergartens,” said Batty.
“We need to ensure ratepayers’ money is allocated fairly across all areas such as roads, sports facilities, libraries, community services and the environment.”
Community members are invited to have their say via the shire’s website at: mornpen.vic.gov.au.
First published in the Mornington News – 25 August 2026
