The 29 place long day care centre operated by Carpentaria Shire Council has been forced to close temporarily from June 24 to July 11 after extensive recruitment efforts by the Council failed to secure qualified staff.

Last assessed and rated in 2017, the service operates from 7:30 - 5:30 five days a week, and also offers before and after school care, meaning the closure will have a significant impact to families using the service.

Normanton is one of a number of Queensland outback communities struggling to attract and retain the staff needed to ensure continuity of care, with Julia Creek experiencing similar issues.

Carpentaria Shire Council said they had tried unsuccessfully to recruit suitably qualified staff.

"Housing has been offered as part of the package but to date we have not received any applications," the Council said.

The Council said it did not have the capacity to backfill the role with existing staff and has asked the community for support, looking for any community members holding a Diploma in Children's Services, a Blue Card and a First Aid Certificate to come forward and offer their support to keep the service open.

"Should Council not be able to recruit suitably qualified staff by 11 July the Centre shall remain closed until further notice," Council said.

"The service may open in the future under a different operating model."

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