The state government has given Eurobodalla Shire Council $200,000 to extend Moruya Library, despite council removing the project from its list of priorities to be funded by the proposed rate rise.
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Bega MP Andrew Constance announced on Tuesday that the funds would come from the NSW Public Library Infrastructure program.
Mr Constance’s office was unable to confirm this week whether the funding would be available before the state election on March 28.
He said the project would include an “arts facility”.
“I am thrilled with the boost of funding for the well-loved Moruya Library and for the local community to have better access to its range of services,” Mr Constance said.
“This extended centre will offer a vibrant community hub, with additional space for public programs, new IT facilities, quiet reading space and improved access to library collections.”
Funds were allocated in the council’s 2014-15 budget to prepare a design brief for the project.
The council then flagged the expansion as one to be funded by a special rate variation, if it was approved in May.
It also applied for the state government funding in October.
However, councillors voted to remove the library expansion from the SRV’s proposed schedule of works in response to community feedback.
Council’s community arts and recreation director Kathy Arthur said the project was estimated to cost $2.5 million, of which $1.8 million would be sourced from the SRV, including loan funding.
“The expansion of Moruya Library is still a priority for council,”she said.
“The council resolved to investigate alternate funding options for the progression of the multi-use community and exhibition space with meeting rooms at Moruya Library, including libraries and cultural grant funding and philanthropic opportunities, noting the long term benefit that the project would generate for the community.
“The $200,000 library infrastructure grant is the first stage in this process.
“(It) will allow us to start stage one, which includes building additional space and facilities for technology, shelving and meeting rooms.”
When asked by the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner, Ms Arthur said council had not identified any specific art spaces in Batemans Bay.
“We will continue to work with the arts community and investigate opportunities to support a range of cultural events and the needs of arts practitioners,” she said.
“In the next year we will be reviewing council’s cultural plan with the community.”
