The future of Jamberoo Preschool, a cherished institution in the Kiama Local Government Area (LGA), is under threat following the Kiama Council’s decision not to renew its lease.
Jamberoo Preschool, a community-owned and not-for-profit facility, has operated on a flood-prone council block since 2008, under a 20-year lease. Despite significant community investment in the school’s construction, it has suffered repeated flooding—eight times to date.
Mike Cains, leader of the ‘Fresh Start for Kiama’ group and a candidate in the upcoming local government election, criticized the council’s decision. “The council has chosen to let the lease expire in four years rather than invest in flood-proofing measures,” Cains said. A 2021 council report had recommended building a flood-proof barrier for the preschool, but funding for this project was never secured. Essential sub-road surface drainage, estimated to cost millions, could alleviate the flooding issues but remains unfunded.
Cains recently visited Jamberoo Preschool and met with its director, Belinda Hibbert. “The council has been uncooperative in finding alternative accommodations,” he noted. “They suggested the local youth hall, but it is clearly too small for a rapidly growing preschool.”
Currently, Jamberoo Preschool serves 67 families and has over 100 on its waiting list. It is renowned for its high staff-to-child ratio and quality early education.
Although grants from the NSW Department of Education are available for establishing or building new schools, they require a long-term site lease—something Jamberoo Preschool cannot provide under its current circumstances.
In a potential development, the Fountaindale Group, developers of the new Golden Valley Road subdivision, have offered a parcel of land from the old Araluen farm as a possible new site for the preschool. However, some view this offer as a trade-off to facilitate the approval of Golden Valley Road Stage Two.
“This site is attractive, featuring an old fig tree and space for a vegetable garden and chicken run,” Cains said. “Yet, Golden Valley Road Stage Two is part of Kiama Council’s long-term housing strategy, which could extend up to 20 years unless fast-tracked. To benefit the preschool, this project would need to be expedited.”
With Jamberoo Preschool’s lease expiring in four years, time is running out. “We need to secure a site and begin renovations or construction immediately to have any chance in the grant application process,” Cains warned.
Cains criticized the council for leaving Jamberoo Preschool’s future uncertain. “The council must actively work to find a permanent home for the preschool,” he said. He emphasized that Kiama Council should help villages within its LGA become more resilient and independent. “Failing to provide housing and essential services like a preschool is unacceptable if we want Jamberoo to thrive,” he added.
If elected, Cains promises to collaborate with other councillors to secure a long-term home for the preschool and introduce an “Advocacy Plan” to advance infrastructure projects and access state and federal grants. “Kiama Council needs a comprehensive advocacy plan,” Cains stated. “The previous term left us with minimal progress.”
The Kiama Labor team has also committed to finding solutions for Jamberoo Preschool. Councillors Imogen Draisma and Stuart Larkins, who are part of the newly established Jamberoo Preschool working group, are advocating for solutions at both the current site and potential new locations. Lucy Abood, a parent of children at the preschool, is also dedicated to addressing flooding and securing a new site.
Councillor Larkins noted, “Flood studies for Jamberoo-Gerringong indicate that a swale and culvert are needed to address the preschool’s flooding issues. These infrastructure costs could reach $4 million, a sum the council cannot afford. We are seeking disaster mitigation funding from federal and state governments and will continue to advocate for the preschool’s needs.”
Both Draisma and Larkins are committed to supporting the preschool’s relocation and engaging with the community on alternative sites.