Decision details

By Councillor Scott

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         there has been significant community concern raised regarding the proposed closure of the Library in Waterloo Town Hall;

(a)       residents are concerned about loss of access to library services, including books and other reading materials, audiovisual materials, newspapers in languages other than English, resources for children such as books, toys and story time activities, and internet and computers;

(b)       residents are concerned about the loss of a free and safe community meeting space in Waterloo; and

(c)       residents have expressed that they feel the library in Green Square will be inaccessible due to distance, lack of public transport and busy roads, especially for vulnerable communities such as residents with disabilities, older residents, and residents with young children;

(ii)        there are unique services which can only be provided to a community by a library service, such as books and reading materials; and

(iii)      the matter was considered by Council via the Integrated Planning and Reporting Program and Budget 2018/19, has not been discussed substantively at a Council level, and has not undergone significant community consultation prior to the announcement of the closure;

(B)      Council immediately halt the closure of the Library in Waterloo Town Hall; and

(C)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         investigate all options for retaining a library in Waterloo, including investigation of both retaining the current location, or the establishment of a library at another site within Waterloo; and

(ii)        bring to Council a report on all available options for final decision.

Note – at the meeting of Council, Councillor Scott withdrew her Notice of Motion, the matters raised in it having been dealt with at an earlier stage of the meeting in Item 6.2.

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