Families in Far North Queensland are set to benefit from expanded access to early childhood education, with a new early learning service planned for Yorkeys Knob as part of a major joint investment by the Federal and Queensland Governments.
The initiative forms part of the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund, led by the Albanese Government in partnership with the Crisafulli Government, aimed at improving access to affordable, high-quality early learning, particularly in regional and outer suburban communities.
The new service at Yorkeys Knob will help address growing demand for early childhood education in the region, providing local families with greater access to care and learning opportunities close to home.
By delivering early learning within the community, the project is expected to ease pressure on parents, reduce travel time, and support better work-life balance, especially for working families.
Importantly, the centre will also help young children build foundational skills before starting school, improving their readiness to learn and setting them up for long-term success.
The Yorkeys Knob project is one of five new or expanded early learning services being delivered across Queensland. Additional sites include Rosewood State School, Yarrabilba State School, Clermont State School, and Chinchilla South.
Together, these projects will create at least 277 new early childhood education and care places by 2028.
A key feature of the rollout is the co-location of early learning centres on or near school grounds. This approach simplifies daily routines for families, eliminating the need for multiple drop-offs—and helps children transition more smoothly into formal schooling.
Beyond increasing access, the investment is designed to strengthen local communities and support workforce participation by making childcare more accessible.
The Queensland Government has also committed additional funding to support the early childhood workforce, including scholarships, inclusion programs, and initiatives aimed at improving quality and accessibility across the sector.
The expansion reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of where they live, can access quality early education.
Research consistently shows that early learning plays a crucial role in cognitive and social development, with lasting benefits for academic achievement and wellbeing.
For Yorkeys Knob families, the new centre represents more than just additional childcare, it’s an investment in the future of the community, helping children start school ready to learn and thrive.
With construction expected to roll out over the coming years, the Yorkeys Knob early learning service will become a key part of the region’s education landscape, delivering lasting benefits for children, families, and the broader community.
