Child-care fees could be increased across Lake Mac-quarie, with council looking to review leases for council-owned buildings.

Lake Macquarie City Council’s review of children and family services and facilities were just one of 50 services being assessed, with council under pressure to raise more money.

Redhead Community Pres-chool director Robyn White said the not-for-profit organ-isations that rent the buildings had no money to spare, with costs most likely to be passed on.

“It will be the parents that lose out in the end,” she said.

“We wouldn’t be able to provide quality programs for the children if our rent was to increase dramatically.”

She said the preschool already had an ongoing battle to maintain the building and was often asked to foot bills by council, such as painting the outside of the building.

Council owns 15 buildings used by child-care centres across the region, earning $33,302 in the 2008/09 financial year.

A council report said community expectations of local government had increased in recent years and council was no longer able to provide the services it once did.

Other ideas raised by the report included leasing the buildings to commercial child-care providers or sell them to existing tenants.

Project manager Glen Walker said community involvement was part of the service review.

He said a cross-section of 28 people was selected to take part in the monthly meetings.

“The committee looked at the children’s and family services in particular, and a review was generally well-supported,” Mr Walker said.

“But ultimately it will be council that will have the final say on what happens.”

Mr Walker said the recommendations would be further investigated in the next 12 months.

Reviews across the board

Lake Macquarie City Council has identified 154 “key actions” in its review to save money.

Paid parking in car parks, cafes at surf clubs, and selling parks have all been identified as money-raising ideas.

New business ideas were also raised, including the expansion of caravan parks, truck and car-washing services and using Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre as a convention centre.

The report stated the review was aimed at “supporting long-term financial sustainability” of council.