Long term lease for 15 Templeton Street

The Carinya Early Education Hub requested that Council provide a long-term lease for the site at 15 Templeton Street.

Carinya required a 30‑year lease to apply for Building Early Education Fund (BEEF) funding, a Federal Government program that supports the expansion of early childhood education services in areas of need.

In accordance with section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Community Engagement Policy, Council gave notice that it was considering offering a 30‑year lease at peppercorn rent, with the site to be used solely by Carinya unless otherwise agreed.

Council sought community feedback before making a final decision.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to have their say on Shape Mount Alexander about the future of the Castlemaine Childcare Co‑operative (Carinya). We heard strong support for expanding early learning opportunities in our community through the provision of a new lease for Carinya, with 310 responses received – 305 in favour and 5 opposed.

Your feedback played an important role in Council’s decision making. At its meeting on 19 May, Council voted to support a new 30‑year peppercorn lease for Carinya at 15 Templeton Street and to provide a letter of support to help the organisation apply for state funding by 29 May.

This is an important step toward helping Carinya grow and support more local families. Thank you again for your participation and interest in this project.