Kim Waters
THOUSANDS of bookworms and history buffs have joined councillors to lobby for funding to upgrade Geelong Library and Heritage Centre.
Geelong Library Board chairman and councillor Rod Macdonald said a 3455-signature petition highlighted “urgent need” to redevelopment the centre.
Council has put $20 million on the table for the project but needs state and federal governments to commit $15 million each.
Cr Macdonald declined to reveal whether he was frustrated the centre, in the electorate of Geelong, had failed to attract a state commitment despite both major parties pledging millions of dollars for projects in the neighbouring marginal seat of South Barwon.
“I would hope that both the government and the opposition realise the need that we have here,” he said.
Cr Macdonald said State Government had initially driven plans to upgrade Geelong’s cultural precinct, which included the library and heritage centre.
“We’ve done all the planning and now it’s up to State Government to make a funding commitment.”
Labor Member for Geelong Ian Trezise and Liberal candidate Alastair Thomson have both told the Independent they support the project but were unable to confirm funding promises.
The Independent revealed last month that Geelong’s council would withdraw its $20 million if state and federal government failed to pay their shares.
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