Moama’s new preschool is now coming to life with construction works commencing this week on the $5.9million project.
The new preschool will further compliment the growing Moama Education Precinct and will be constructed as a purpose-built early education centre servicing Moama and surrounds.
Site establishment and preparation works have been taking place over the last month at the Boyes Road site, with contactors AV Builders Pty Ltd now ready to commence installation of underground services and construction of the building slab.
The scope of works includes construction of the preschool building, carpark and fencing.
This will then be coupled with playspace landscaping, sheds, and any associated works.
Mayor Chris Bilkey said this is an exciting time for the Moama community who have been patiently waiting for the new preschool building.
“We are thrilled that work has now commenced on this important project, which will enable the Moama Preschool to provide quality educational services to so many more families.”
“It’s been great to work alongside the preschool committee to keep this project ticking along and now we are finally seeing this exciting new facility coming together.”
The relocation and development of a new Moama Preschool building became a priority several years ago to ensure continued, expanded and improved early childhood learning opportunities for the growing population.
The project has been gaining momentum more recently with the current preschool, located at Regent Street Moama, operating at capacity with an expanding waiting list.
Behind the scenes planning was also moving along at this time, with council engaging Brandrick Architects to deliver detailed drawings and other services to ensure the project was at approval stage ready for funding.
Both levels of government then committed funds to the project in late 2021, with the State Government awarding $1.5 million under their Start Strong Capital Works Program and the Australian Government committing $2.9million under the Building Better Regions Fund.
Murray River Council had previously committed $1.5milion to the project.
“Both levels of Government have been great supporters of many of our community-driven initiatives, so it’s fantastic that they have backed a project like this that will benefit our littlest learners,” Cr Bilkey said.
Once complete, the new building will enable Moama Preschool to double the number of enrolments; from 80 to 160.
“The new preschool will be an incredible asset to the town and will add to the consolidation of the area as an education precinct that will service the growing residential development in Moama,” Cr Bilkey added.
Whilst works are in progress the community is reminded that access to the northern section of the Moama Recreation Reserve will be closed and there will be detours within the Reserve as the build progresses.
The construction of the new preschool and ancillary works will be completed by December 31 this year.