Library cuts shelved

By Nicole Williams
LOCAL libraries are back in the good books after Premier Ted Baillieu backflipped on funding cuts.
The State Government advised Victorian public libraries of cuts to their funding last month, but then announced on 5 August that it would restore 2011/12 funding and injected $6.5 million over two years for Victorian libraries.
Greater Dandenong’s Council’s community services director Mark Doubleday said the council welcomed the announcement to library funding to its previous level.
“It is pleasing to see that the State Government has acknowledged the vital community service libraries provide and will inject a further $6.2 million over the 2012/13 and 2013/14 financial years,” Mr Doubleday said.
“Libraries continue to be an important community resource and their role will continue to evolve, grow and change into the future.”
South Eastern Metropolitan Region MP Inga Peulich said the City of Greater Dandenong would share in funding over the next three years.
“I am pleased to see that the Baillieu Government is acting to support and maintain this vital program,” she said.
“I encourage all the citizens of Greater Dandenong to frequent their libraries and enjoy the wonderful resources.”
The funding package included restoration of 2011/12 funding with an up-front single payment as well as top-up payments to ensure no libraries receive less money than last year, $6.5 million over from 2012 to 2014 and the reestablishment of the Libraries Ministerial Advisory Committee.