Community
22 March, 2024
Extension sought
CORANGAMITE Shire councillors have unanimously supported extending the Corangamite Moyne Library Service (CMLS) for a further three years.
Councillors voted at last month’s Ordinary Meeting of Council to formally advise Moyne Shire Council of the intention to opt in to the shared library service model for a further three years from 2025.
The shared service model between the two shires began in July 2022 following the dissolution of the Corangamite Regional Library Corporation.
The agreement is set to expire from July 2025, but both councils have two consecutive options to extend the agreement for a further three years each.
In his report to council Corangamite Shire manager facilities and recreation Jarrod Woff said over the past 18 months the CMLS had proven positive with a favourable financial performance.
“The service has seen a successful transition from the corporation model through to a shared service model,” he said.
“An agreement for the delivery of that service has been entered in to between Corangamite Shire and Moyne Shire, and that initial term for the agreement was for three years from July 1, 2022, through to June 30, 2025, with two further consecutive options of three years,
“In line with the agreement, council needs to notify each other in writing no later than 12 months before the expiry of the agreement of their intention to enter into an option or otherwise.
“The library service has been operating well since its implementation with really strong visitation and financial performance.”
Cr Ruth Gstrein moved the motion, stating the continuation of the CMLS was a “very sensible way forward”.
“I’m hoping that Moyne are agreeable to this, that they’re not going to throw us a curve ball but I think that if we commit to another three-year term it’s only good for the service,” she said.
“It’s only 18 months in, and we’ve seen a great increase in memberships when we had the marketing for the new service and I think that’s been maintained.
“It’s a much-loved service by Corangamite residents, and heaven help a council if they try to cut back library hours – that’s for sure.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to bed things down, settle it down – I’ve seen the report there may be opportunities to improve the libraries, and I think with this security we can see that happen.”
Cr Geraldine Conheady seconded the motion, stating there had been a “great working relationship” between Corangamite and Moyne.
“It’s going very successfully, as the report has outlined,” she said.
“It just makes sense to continue with that relationship, and hopefully Moyne will see it that way as well.”
If Moyne shire agrees to the extension, the agreement would see the CMLS continue until at least June 30, 2028.