Key information
The Tasmanian Government is developing a process for ECEC providers that may be interested in establishing new ECEC facilities on Tasmanian government school sites to register their interest in selected sites, subject to approval.
Further information about this initiative, including announcement of selected sites, will be announced in late 2026.
Access to Government Land for ECEC Commitment
The Tasmanian Government recognises the challenges faced by many Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services in Tasmania and acknowledges the critical role the ECEC sector plays in supporting children and their families during the vital early years of a child’s life.
As part of its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future: More Quality Childcare and Early Education for Tasmanian Families, the Tasmanian Government is implementing its commitment to:
- Audit government land and release surplus land for the provision and expansion of new early childhood education and care services.
Registration of Interest and Proposal Process
Under Stage 2 of this initiative, the Tasmanian Government is developing a process for ECEC providers that may be interested in establishing new ECEC facilities on Tasmanian government school sites to register their interest in selected sites.
Further information about this initiative, including announcement of selected sites, will be announced in late 2026.
Expression of Interest
In 2025, under Stage 1 of this initiative, ECEC providers were invited to submit Expression of Interests (EOIs) for a shortlist of initial sites, provide feedback on the proposed conditions for land use, and suggest additional locations. Thirteen responses were received from a mix of for-profit, not-for-profit, and local government providers.
The process gathered feedback from ECEC providers and services on:
- particular sites and areas where the opportunities would be most viable and attractive, and
- ECEC market interest in the proposed conditions for the use of land, including some indicative legal and financial parameters.
Based on these responses, selected sites will be determined for further investigation in areas of high demand and offering strong business opportunities for providers.
Initial audit of government school sites
In 2024, the Department for Education, Children and Young People (DECYP) undertook an audit of all government school sites to identify those that may be suitable for co-located Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services.
The audit provided information on potentially suitable land based on land size and regulatory requirements for ECEC facilities.
Through the Expression of Intrerest (EOI) process, DECYP heard from ECEC providers and services on their interest in potential school sites identified through the audit and on any other locations in Tasmania where the use of suitable land on government school sites would be attractive for the development of new ECEC.
Further information
If you have any questions, please contact landaccess@decyp.tas.gov.au