FAQs
Why are we proposing to relocate the preschool?
The Gum Nut Gully Preschool building is almost 40 years old and reaching its end of life.
Expanding the preschool will allow it to provide free kinder for 3 and 4-year-old children in the area, under the Best Start Best Life reforms.
Investigations have found that site complexities make it unviable to build a modular facility on the preschool’s existing site and so an alternative location was required.
Why is the preschool’s current site unsuitable for the proposed modular facility?
Extensive tree removal and complex earth works would be required across the site and in the street to allow for the modular build and to meet accessibility requirements.
Further tree removal in the surrounding bushland would also be needed to meet with strict bushfire mitigation controls, impacting the environment and streetscape.
Why was Corsican Reserve chosen as the proposed new location?
Corsican Reserve is only 400m from the current preschool. The land is undeveloped, with no significant trees or vegetation, and there is no infrastructure on site. The site does not require rezoning for a preschool.
How will my child be affected?
There will be no impact to children attending Gum Nut Gully Preschool. Under the proposal, kinder programs will continue as normal at the existing preschool location while the new preschool is built at Corsican Reserve. When the building is completed, the preschool would move to its new location. Disruption at this time would be kept at a minimum. We would work with the preschool committee to ensure a smooth transition.
What will happen to the old preschool building?
If the Gum Nut Gully Preschool moves to the proposed new location, the existing site will be retained for community use.
What would the proposed new preschool include?
The proposed modular preschool would include two classrooms, allowing for the provision of free 3 and 4-year-old kinder programs as part of the the Victorian Government’s Best Start Best Life reforms. The building would also include staff areas, kitchen, accessible toilets, outdoor accessible playground and on-site parking for staff. Detailed plans for the preschool would be developed subject to the proposal being approved.
When would the project start?
If Council endorses the proposal, planning and design would start immediately with construction proposed to begin in 2026.
What about traffic and parking?
Under the proposal, there would be on and off-street parking. We would undertake a detailed traffic impact assessment of the area as part of more detailed planning. This may recommend parking restrictions and road line markings.
Is the Larnoo Playground Upgrade affected?
No. The Larnoo Playground upgrade is continuing as planned. We sought community feedback on the plans in late 2024.