Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News

Wonthaggi Library Expansion

Wonthaggi’s library facility will be relocated to a much larger building to meet the growing needs of its users.

By Bass Coast - 26th June 2012 - Back to News

"This is one of the key initiatives in our new budget and it will provide a wonderful facility for our community.

"The new library area will cover approximately 1,100 square metres of the store, almost four times the size of the current site of approximately 200 square metres.

"We will take possession of the site in March 2013 and will use most of the $240,297 allocated in the 2012/13 budget to start fit out works early next year."

Cr Dowman confirmed that Council will seek government funding for further required fit out, and plans an opening of the new library by mid 2013. The current library facility, located in the former Wonthaggi Post Office building, will be retained for Council use once the library relocates. Nola Thorpe, a member of the Community Advisory Council for the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation said she was extremely happy about the relocation.

"This is the first time in a100 years that Council has looked positively toward increasing library facilities.

"Libraries are changing and Council’s vision for a principal library equipped with modern facilities is vital for Wonthaggi and the region.

"This move to a new site is a great step toward providing increased space for more library programs and resources, which the community needs now," said Ms Thorpe.

Cr Gareth Barlow, Chair of the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation, said relocating the facility to the centre of the commercial area provides better access for library users.

"The extra space will mean an increased area for programs, book stock and other associated activities, and a greatly enhanced service for the community and our visitors.

"The new facility will provide up-to-date technology, study areas and most importantly, space to allow the expansion of programs such as the Baby Rhyme Time which are currently at capacity," said Cr Barlow.

"Library user statistics indicate that Wonthaggi Library has experienced a 49 per cent increase in visits, and a 46 per cent increase in loans, since 2006.

"Membership has grown by nine per cent in the same period.

"In recent years the present facility has not been able to accommodate the full range of contemporary public library services and activities," Cr Barlow said.

The development of a larger Bass Coast Principal Library is still included in Council’s planned Cultural Precinct development. Progress of this project will depend on securing the Wonthaggi Secondary College McBride Street campus site, after they relocate to a new school.

"Due to uncertainty about when this will happen, Council resolved to redevelop the Wonthaggi library facilities to meet needs for at least the next seven years," continued Cr Barlow.

"If library usage grows in line with population projections, visits at a Principal Library in Wonthaggi would exceed 71,000 by 2021 and loans could exceed 102,000 per year."

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Proposed library and learning centre changes aim to reduce costs while meeting community needs in Baw Baw Shire
  Baw Baw Shire Council proposes adjustments to the Library and Learning Centre, removing basement and timber structure to stay within budget while delivering community, cultural, and co‑working spaces.
• Union Theatre Wonthaggi HVAC upgrade begins, ensuring comfort, reliability, and long-term operation for the community
  Bass Coast Shire Council is upgrading Wonthaggi’s Union Theatre HVAC system, ensuring comfort, reliability, and future-proofing the historic venue, with works valued at $899,000 and expected completion by 20 March 2026.
• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
  Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication.
• Bass Coast Cultural Venues presents the 2026 Wonthaggi International Film Festival at The Union Theatre from 17- 19 April 2026
  Bass Coast Cultural Venues presents the 14th Wonthaggi International Film Festival this April, showcasing powerful international stories, special screenings, Q&A sessions, and celebrating community at The Union Theatre.
• Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
• Kay Abude appointed lead artist for Women's Public Art Program in Wonthaggi honouring Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary
  Contemporary artist Kay Abude has been appointed to create a major Wonthaggi public artwork honouring the Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary, with community workshops and Victorian government support celebrating local history.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government release clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment stages
  Melina Bath demands the Allan government release a clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital Stages 2 and 3, warning delays leave healthcare workers overburdened and residents facing escalating patient demand.
• Gippsland Water launches $12.2M Dutson Downs expansion boosting organics processing, compost output, and sustainability
  Gippsland Water officially opened a $12.2 million Dutson Downs expansion, boosting organics processing by 40%, increasing compost production, creating jobs, reducing emissions, and supporting Gippsland’s environmental and economic sustainability.
• Darren Chester welcomes Bairnsdale Centre’s innovative regional healthcare expansion and access improvements
  Darren Chester praised Bairnsdale’s Centre Combined Health, highlighting its innovative model improving regional access to specialists, allied health, wellness services, and addressing workforce challenges in East Gippsland.
• Latrobe City Council opens applications for free 12-week industry growth program supporting business expansion until 16 January 2026
  Latrobe City Council’s Industry Growth Program offers 12 weeks of business education, coaching, and mentoring, helping 15 eligible business leaders develop growth strategies and expand their businesses, free of charge.