Big promises, no build as Naracoorte waits on old TAFE site project

A grand on-site announcement, artist impressions, and firm timelines promised a solution to Naracoorte’s long-running childcare shortage — but almost two years on, the proposed early learning and childcare centre at the former TAFE site has yet to take physical shape.

In May 2024, the Naracoorte community was assured a new $2 million early learning and childcare centre would be operating by mid-to-late 2025.

The project, led by Jrod Pty Ltd and supported by a $500,000 state government grant through the Enabling Infrastructure program, was unveiled at the site with minister for Regional Development Clare Scriven, member for MacKillop Nick McBride and developer Jarryd Dawson present.

Media were shown plans for the purpose-built centre, which was expected to cater for 60 children and help address a significant shortage of childcare places in the region.

Construction was forecast to begin in September 2024.

At the time, Jarryd Dawson of Jrod Pty Ltd said the significant investment from the government would directly benefit the community by addressing the pressing need for accessible childcare services.

However, with no construction activity visible on site and the promised opening date now passed, community concern has grown over whether the project has stalled or been abandoned.

This newspaper [The Naracoorte News] sought answers from minister for Regional Development Clare Scriven, asking the following questions:

1. The Naracoorte early learning and childcare centre at the former TAFE site was announced in May 2024 with construction due to start in September and an opening forecast for mid-to-late 2025. What is the current status of this project?
2. It is understood locally that the project may have been shelved. Can you confirm whether the project is proceeding, delayed, or cancelled?
3. If the project has been delayed or shelved, what are the specific reasons for this outcome?
4. What is the current status of the $500,000 Enabling Infrastructure grant awarded to Jrod Pty Ltd — has it been paid, paused, or withdrawn?
5. Has the state government been advised by Jrod Pty Ltd that it is unable to proceed with the project as originally planned?
6. Given the acknowledged shortage of childcare places in Naracoorte, what alternative plans does the government have if this facility does not proceed?
7. When can the Naracoorte community expect a clear and definitive decision on the future of this childcare centre?

In response, a statement attributable to a state government spokesperson said the government was “actively working to address the current shortage of childcare places in Naracoorte”.

“The state government is actively working to address the current shortage of childcare places in Naracoorte, as we know how important it is for children, families and the wider community to have access to quality early learning,” the statement said.

“Negotiations are underway with the federal government about a long-term solution for the Naracoorte Child Centre Project and while details cannot be disclosed at this time, we look forward to updating the community as soon as we can.”

The response did not directly confirm whether the original project is proceeding, delayed or cancelled, nor did it clarify the status of the $500,000 Enabling Infrastructure grant.

The [Naracoorte] News also sought an update from developer Jrod Pty Ltd. Questions were sent to Jarryd Dawson, asking:

1. Is the proposed early learning and childcare centre at the former TAFE site in Naracoorte still proceeding, and what is the project’s current status?
2. The project received a $500,000 grant through the state government’s Enabling Infrastructure program — how much of that funding has been accessed to date, and for what purpose?
3. What are the primary reasons the project has not yet taken physical shape on site?
4. Have there been any changes to the project’s scope, design, delivery model, or timeline since the funding announcement?
5. Is Jrod Pty Ltd still the active proponent for the development, and are there any current barriers preventing progress?
6. When can the Naracoorte community reasonably expect certainty — either a construction start date or a clear decision on whether the project will proceed?

No response was received from Jrod Pty Ltd when this edition went to press.

When quizzed about the project, Mr McBride told The [Naracoorte] News that the project had effectively stalled after an expected private partnership fell through.

“From my understanding, the Dawson family who are responsible for that site and the development, who won the grant, were dealing with an Adelaide childcare provider who withdrew their support,” Mr McBride said.

“And then it became very much in no man’s land. In other words, the Dawsons did not know where to go next.”

Mr McBride said efforts had since been made to reconnect the project with potential local operators.

“Since then — and I’d say recently — we, my office, have connected some dots,” he said.

“We connected the Dawsons with other childcare providers in Naracoorte and there were some talks and discussions taking place about new connections and a collaborative approach with providers already operating in Naracoorte.”

However, Mr McBride said he was uncertain how far those discussions had progressed.

“I’m not sure where that’s landed. I don’t know of any successes there yet,” he said.

“It would have been around six months ago that these connections were made, and I’m not sure how far they have progressed.”

He said broader childcare pressures in Naracoorte were also complicating the situation.

“There are some big issues in Naracoorte where even the provider that’s there now — particularly with the kindy and North Primary School, and the after-school care coming out of Adelaide,” Mr McBride said.

“I believe the Dawsons were working with connections there for a bigger development.”

Shadow minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Nicola Centofanti said the lack of progress was deeply disappointing for the community.

“Despite earlier commitments that it would open its doors by late 2025, the Naracoorte ECEC has not been delivered,” she said.

“Even if the centre is eventually completed, the sector is already grappling with severe workforce shortages that could limit capacity from day one, with no real plan from the Labor government on how to address this. The Naracoorte community has advocated for more childcare services for years and deserve better than repeated delays and broken promises,” Dr Centofanti said.

“The state Liberals’ will continue to advocate for childcare that is accessible to all South Australians, whether you live in the city or the regions.”

This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 11 February 2026.