Libraries funding package accepted

JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
The region’s libraries will accept a two-year funding agreement after winning their battle for State Government to restore its level of contributions, according to Geelong councillor Rod Macdonald.
Cr Macdonald, who chairs Geelong Regional Library Corporation, said the agreement would leave the region’s libraries “slightly behind the expected funding”.
“We’ve had our funding topped up to the same as last year but we still miss out on indexation.”
The Independent revealed the state-wide funding cuts in July.
Cr Macdonald was “pleasantly surprised” at the Government’s funding back flip.
“The community was absolutely mobilised on this issue and the numbers of letters, petitions and public expressions indicated strong support for the library system.”
Municipal Association of Victoria president Cr Bill McArthur said the campaign resulted in improved recurrent funding until development of “fairer” long-term arrangements.
“The review to be undertaken by a bipartisan libraries ministerial advisory committee offers light at the end of the tunnel for councils,” he said.