Developers have lodged plans for a 150-place childcare centre and swim school at Oakey Flat Rd, Morayfield, to address the growing demand for childcare in Moreton Bay.
Morayfield Projects Pty Ltd has submitted a development application (DA/2024/1887) in May 2024.
The proposed site fronts a major thoroughfare and aims to serve children up to five years old. The centre will include a reception area, two nursery rooms, three spaces for children aged two to three, and three spaces for children aged three to five.
Additional facilities include an office, kitchen, laundry, staffroom, and service rooms. Operating hours are planned from Monday to Saturday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Swim School
The proposed swim school will feature a 25-metre swimming pool and related structures. It will be open Monday to Saturday from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Classes will include beginners, rehab, children’s swimming, water gymnastics, learn to swim, stroke correction, squad training, aqua aerobics, hydrotherapy, and occasional in-house competitions. Four to eight children per class are expected, with class times at 7:30am, midday, 3pm, and 6pm. The swim school will employ 15-20 staff.
Design and Safety
The 1115-sqm childcare centre and swim school will be housed in single-storey buildings with 82 car spaces for both facilities. The design features large windows, weatherboard cladding, feature battens, and timber-look cladding to complement nearby houses on Jonkers Ct.
“The development activates under-utilised land that forms the gateway to the residential estates on Oakey Flat Rd and the large format retail centres on Morayfield Rd,” according to the DA.
The DA acknowledges that the site is affected by flooding from Jonkers Creek, with the northwestern section falling within high and medium-risk flood hazard zones. Measures will be taken to mitigate flooding risks and ensure the safety of the facility.
Community Benefits
The development will utilise vacant land at the gateway to residential estates on Oakey Flat Rd and retail centres on Morayfield Rd.
“The vast open play area is oriented northwest to reduce noise on the neighbouring residential site to the south,” the DA stated.
The site’s strategic location near Morayfield Shopping Centre and Morayfield State High School will enhance economic and social activity. It is bordered by Jonkers Creek and Jonkers Creek Park, with easy access via Morayfield Rd and the Bruce Highway. Public transport is available from Morayfield train station.
