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Library Move Only An Option - Not A Decision

Latrobe City has reiterated that there are no specific plans in place to relocate the Moe library. The council statement follows recent speculation that a decision has already been made on the matter.

By Latrobe Shire Council - 12th June 2007 - Back to News

Latrobe City’s chief executive officer, Paul Buckley, confirmed that no decision has been made to move the Moe library, and before any decision is contemplated there would be full and open consultation.

"Council currently operates a 495 square metre library, last renovated in 1983. Library Victoria’s suggestion for a library servicing a population such as Moe and district’s 17,000 people, is 735 square metres. The existing aging infrastructure requires major upgrades to reach current service standards, with consideration also needed in planning for future integrated services. The changing needs of communities will be addressed in considering the provision of library services and will aim to provide contemporary service which may include new digital technology, increased opportunities to meet, learn and to socialize.

Mr Buckley said speculation over the Five Year Library Plan, released in 2006; and ideas raised as part of the Moe Search Conference – the first stage of the community consultation for the preparation of the Moe Activity Centre Plan, had fuelled rumours that a decision had already been made, but this was not the case.

"A potential relocation of the library and council service centre, is no doubt an option, together with several other options that are being considered in developing the Moe Activity Centre Plan. Many viable options are being discussed with representatives of the community in a very transparent manner as part of the associated consultative process," Mr Buckley said.

Mr Buckley said that an objective in council’s Five Year Library Plan, released in 2006, is to 'Investigate options for the future development of Moe Library and Service Centre', and as part of this investigation, three concept plans were presented to Council in October 2006.

"These included both the redevelopment of the existing site and the building of a new facility on a greenfield site," Mr Buckley explained.

"Consideration should be given to the fact that the existing site allows for only limited expansion, with no value adding for the community other than a minor increase in the library with no room for future growth.

"No decision was made regarding these concept plans, but council has highlighted the need to continue to explore options for the library in Moe."

Mr Buckley said that at the recent Moe Search Conference, suggestions were received by the participants on a range of topics and included the potential to redevelop the existing site, build a new facility at a new location, and to relocate the existing services to another existing site. "It should be noted that all options being considered for the library are located within the Moe town centre to make it visible, accessible and contribute to the growth of the centre.

"These suggestions highlighted the need to link objective’s from the Library Plan in with the development of the Moe Activity Centre Plan. This is being considered by the consultants ‘Tract’ who are preparing the Moe Activity Centre Plan for council.

"Over 80 people attended the search conference, including representatives from local schools, businesses, service clubs and churches. This was the first stage in the community consultation process, though not specific to the Moe library and service centre but the overall revitalisation of the activity centre.

"The second stage of the community consultation will take place during July where a display, addressing a range of ideas and issues raised by the community in the search conference including options for the location and design principles of the Library will be on view for public comment. This ‘speak out’ period will be well advertised, and people will have ample opportunity to ask questions and put their point of view. All of the feedback will be recorded and fed into the planning process and into the identification of some major projects and initiatives for council to pursue and implement for the Moe community," Mr Buckley added.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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