Moncrieff Media

Locals win fight to keep ABC Ashmore Central and ABC Nerang East open

16 April 2009

A local campaign to prevent two more Gold Coast ABC Learning Centres from closing has been successful with ABC Ashmore Central and ABC Nerang East deemed viable and set to be sold to new owners.

The announcement was made today, and comes after ABC Learning’s Nerang centre was one of 55 centres forced to close its doors last December as it was deemed unviable.

Local MP Steven Ciobo, who launched a petition to save the local centres, said he is delighted local families now have certainty their children will be able to continue to receive quality childcare at ABC Ashmore Central and ABC Nerang East.

“I am pleased local parents have finally received certainty and I thank those who supported my campaign to keep the doors of ABC Ashmore Central and ABC Nerang East open,” Mr Ciobo said.

“The process has been dogged by Labor’s uncertainty and secrecy. Since last September I was calling on the Rudd Government to have contingency plans in place for ABC, but Labor had no plans.  

“The Rudd Labor Government should now stop hiding behind failed ABC Learning and reveal their own childcare plans following the announcement that 87% of ABC2 Group Centres will remain open, including ABC Ashmore Central and ABC Nerang East.

“Unfortunately Labor’s bungled process has seen one Gold Coast Learning Centre close its doors, leaving 47 families to find alternative childcare. However, I am pleased parents of ABC Ashmore Central and ABC Nerang East now have peace of mind.”