AN UPDATED study on child care needs in Inglewood and Bridgewater will be a key next step in a push for services in Southern Loddon communities.
Inglewood and Districts Community Bank deputy chair Max Higgs said a feasibility study and business case would give current and projected data for the project.
The bank this week called for expressions of interest from consultants to conduct the study.
Mr Higgs said the bank had written to new Early Childhood Education Minister Jess Walsh after her appointment to the Albanese Government ministry last week.
Labor during the election committed $5 million towards more child care in Loddon.
Mr Higgs said the bank board sub-committee was working with Inglewood and Districts Health Services on possible child care service options.
IDHS chief executive Dallas Coghill said: “We want to find appropriate service providers for our local communities.”
According to Mr Higgs: “We want to have the data, look at prospective sites and be in a position to apply when the funding becomes available.”
Mr Higgs said the feasibility study would update work done by Loddon Shire more than five years ago. The bank has already committed $250,000 for a child care centre. The minister was contacted for comment.