Limestone Coast Early Childhood Education and Care Report
Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast has released the Limestone Coast Early Childhood Education and Care Report and Toolkit, the most comprehensive assessment of early childhood education and care undertaken across the Limestone Coast region.
Officially launched on 7 July 2026, the report provides a strong evidence base to support future investment, planning and advocacy across the region. Using recognised planning benchmarks, including the Mitchell Institute benchmark and Social Planning benchmark analysis, the report identifies significant gaps between existing childcare provision and community demand. It estimates the Limestone Coast is currently between 260 and 490 childcare places short of demand as at July 2026. This shortage affects workforce participation, business growth, regional liveability and the long-term sustainability of local communities.
The project was informed by extensive regional research and engagement undertaken by Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast, including consultation with early learning centres, childcare providers, councils, businesses, families and community representatives, funded by the Office of Early Childhood Development. Together, the report and toolkit provide a practical roadmap for addressing childcare shortages and supporting children, families and communities across the Limestone Coast.
The resources are designed to help councils, early childhood education and care providers, developers and community organisations develop robust business cases, strengthen funding applications and support future planning and investment.
Download the documents
Download the Limestone Coast Early Childhood Education and Care Report and Toolkit here
Download the Limestone Coast Early Childhood Education and Care Sample Childcare Facility Plans here
Download the Press Release here
Why this work matters
Access to quality childcare supports children’s learning and development, enables parents to participate in the workforce, helps businesses attract and retain staff, and strengthens the long-term sustainability of regional communities. The report and toolkit provide an evidence base to support coordinated action and future investment, helping ensure children and families across the Limestone Coast have access to quality early childhood education and care, regardless of where they live.
Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast has released the Limestone Coast Early Childhood Education and Care Report and Toolkit, the most comprehensive assessment of early childhood education and care undertaken across the Limestone Coast region.
Officially launched on 7 July 2026, the report provides a strong evidence base to support future investment, planning and advocacy across the region. Using recognised planning benchmarks, including the Mitchell Institute benchmark and Social Planning benchmark analysis, the report identifies significant gaps between existing childcare provision and community demand. It estimates the Limestone Coast is currently between 260 and 490 childcare places short of demand as at July 2026. This shortage affects workforce participation, business growth, regional liveability and the long-term sustainability of local communities.
The project was informed by extensive regional research and engagement undertaken by Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast, including consultation with early learning centres, childcare providers, councils, businesses, families and community representatives, funded by the Office of Early Childhood Development. Together, the report and toolkit provide a practical roadmap for addressing childcare shortages and supporting children, families and communities across the Limestone Coast.
The resources are designed to help councils, early childhood education and care providers, developers and community organisations develop robust business cases, strengthen funding applications and support future planning and investment.
Download the documents
Download the Limestone Coast Early Childhood Education and Care Report and Toolkit here
Download the Limestone Coast Early Childhood Education and Care Sample Childcare Facility Plans here
Download the Press Release here
Why this work matters
Access to quality childcare supports children’s learning and development, enables parents to participate in the workforce, helps businesses attract and retain staff, and strengthens the long-term sustainability of regional communities. The report and toolkit provide an evidence base to support coordinated action and future investment, helping ensure children and families across the Limestone Coast have access to quality early childhood education and care, regardless of where they live.
