Cootamundra-Gundagai’s mayor has spoken out against a $5.3 million cut to the state’s public libraries.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The state government allocated $23.5 million for 2018-2019 when the budget was released in June.
That funding is down from $28.8 million in 2017-2018.
“These cuts raise significant concerns, the impact of these cuts will mean the loss of services to vulnerable populations in our community,” Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council’s mayor Abb McAlister said.
“Libraries are the cornerstones to a community, they bring people together, offer a variety of services and are valuable resources for our communities," Councillor McAlister said.
“The funding cuts could see the reduction of opening hours, cuts to programs that the community love, like the popular children's story times.
“Reductions in staff numbers, and the services they offer.”
Cr McAlister's comments echo those of Wagga City Council’s deputy mayor Dallas Tout.
Cr Tout is also president of the NSW Public Libraries Association and said the $5.3 million cut to funding would be a major blow to services which are highly valued by communities.
“This appalling level of support for public libraries is an insult to every resident in NSW,” he said.
Cr Tout said local government already footed 95.2 per cent of the cost of public library services, a figure that would likely have to rise after the government announced the cutback.
“Apart from the detrimental effect on public library infrastructure caused by the short-sighted slashing of library funding, members of the public can expect to see reductions in staffing, opening hours, collections, services and programs as councils attempt to continue to provide an equivalent level of services with a decreased pool of funding,” he said.
“It is becoming increasingly clear from my recent discussions with many councils across the state that they are no longer able to meet the ever-increasing funding gap for public libraries.
“Unfortunately, many of our libraries will be forced to wind back services which will ultimately impact on community members who are already marginalised, including young families, the elderly, refugee and migrant communities, and people without access to technology.”
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
