Indigo Shire Council at its meeting on Tuesday night approved separate long-term leases for Beechworth Community Early Years Learning Centre (BCEYLC) and Beechworth Kindergarten to occupy their existing Mayday Hills premises for the provision of childcare and kindergarten services.
This week’s approval followed a unanimous vote by councillors at a special meeting held on 15 July to terminate to the Expression of Interest (EOI) process following the withdrawal of the chosen provider, Alpine Children’s Services, in April.
The decision has followed successful mediation between the two existing providers with a joint proposal suitable by both parties under new and separate lease arrangements.
Councillors given an opportunity to each address the outcome at the meeting declared overall support for the move as the best outcome while most defended earlier action undertaken with integrity last year with the EOI process for a single provider.
Cr Diane Shepheard, with a conflict of interest, could not take part in the discussions.
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Mayor Sophie Price said council welcomed the collaborative approach that has led to the outcome.
"We're delighted that through mediation, both operators have agreed to work together to continue providing quality childcare and kindergarten services to our community," she said.
“We look forward to seeing these services that are much loved in this community continue to flourish."
Cr Scott Landells at the meeting said he wished to record shortcomings in the EOI process in areas of inadequate waiting and recognition of local content.
“I couldn't understand why the EOI process would overlap a council election from commencement to conclusion,” he said.
Mr Landells said an upcoming review on council's procurement policy towards the end of the will be an appropriate time to debate those points.
“I note the public comments from each organisation that they are keen for council to conduct lease negotiations swiftly, as each day each week is costly and stressful in terms of future service provision," he said.
CEO Trevor Ierino said council is moving as fast as it can on the leases.
Mr Ierino said the head lease is subject to some changes with redrawing of boundary lines for a subdivision with subleases prepared once the head lease – nearing completion – is finalised.
“I hope this can be wrapped up within a matter of weeks,” he said.
The new lease arrangements commence on 1 January, 2026 with services continuing uninterrupted during the transition period of finalising leases.
Both providers will be able maximise use of existing facilities to meet current and future demand for childcare and kindergarten services.
Each organisation will occupy separate parts of the Mayday Hills site under individual five-year leases, with an option for a further five-year extension.
"Our priority has always been to maximise the use of the existing facility to meet demand for childcare and kindergarten services," Cr Price said.
"These new lease arrangements align with council's original intent, via an expression of interest process, to ensure Beechworth families continue to have access to a broad range of quality childcare and kindergarten services.”
Under new lease agreements, both providers will be required to develop annual plans demonstrating community engagement and efforts to maximise facility use and reduce waitlists.
Annual reports to Council will show progress against these commitments
