Mum dismayed at Aquarena creche closure

A Geraldton mother of two has expressed dismay at the impending closure of the Aquarena crèche, as the City of Greater Geraldton seeks to cut costs and avoid raising rates.

The City today confirmed the crèche currently staffed by City officers would close on April 9, but the Aquarena would look at having a privately-run facility.

In a letter written to councillors and forwarded to the Geraldton Guardian, Insa Korth said she was surprised to be told the crèche may close in two weeks.

The mother of two children, aged 4 and 2, said she used the Aquarena on a weekly basis to exercise and keep fit and healthy.

“Without the creche, I wouldn’t be able to do that anymore, as the cost and time involved for me to hire a babysitter would be far too expensive,” she said.

“Losing the fantastic service of the creche will also have further consequences for myself and many others.

“We won’t be able to enrole our children in swimming classes due to having to supervise other younger children.

“Therefore a loss in revenue for swimming classes could be expected.

“At the Aquarena, families meet and spend time enjoying the cafe and shop at the pool, which wouldn’t happen anymore, resulting in a loss of social interaction and lifestyle in Geraldton.

“The creche is an essential component of the Aquarena and keeping it running at an affordable cost is of great benefit to many people, and also essential to the sustainability of operating a community service.”

City CEO Ken Diehm said in a statement that the decision to close the crèche had been made for financial reasons.

He said the council had made it clear a large rate rise was unacceptable and continuing to run the city in a $7 million deficit position was unacceptable.

“As a result, the City is reducing its annual operating expenses by over $3million. This is resulting in a further reduction in staff numbers and a review of all services,” he said.

Mr Diehm said the Aquarena was a key public service, but it cost the City about $1 million a year to operate and The Aquarena needed to contribute to the required savings.

“Hence the service delivery model for the crèche is being changed,” he said.

“The Aquarena crèche, as it is currently run with Council officers, will cease on April 9.

“The Aquarena will be looking at external private opportunities to facilitate this service and will be seeking expressions of interest in the near future from commercial providers and educators to continue the operations.”