Funding boost to upgrade local libraries

billion dollars. This could change as more detailed inspections is undertaken in the second stage of recovery.

“Bennett will design, manage, coordinate and deliver food restoration works for the majority of the civic buildings that were damaged during the disaster,” Mr Logan said. He said the Managing Contractor delivery model differed from a simple Construct only model as it involves a two-stage arrangement where Council will pay Bennett for project development costs (scoping, design, procurement of subcontractors and cost estimation). This will be followed by an assessment of a proposal from Bennett for delivery of the construction scope.

“Council chose the delivery model to progress our next stage of the rebuild while we still confrm the full scope, risks, constraints and opportunities,” Mr Logan said.

“This model allows for maximum design fexibility while also providing greater oversight in monitoring the prices charged by subcontractors, in order to meet funding obligations with State and Federal governments.”

Mr Logan said subcontracting will be competitively tendered by the Managing Contractor. Selection of subcontractors will be done in consultation between Council and Bennett.

“Development of the individual projects has commenced and Council will be liaising with user groups during this period,” he said.

“At this stage, we do not have frm timeframes for the reconstruction of specifc buildings but will let the community know as soon as we can. In the meantime, Council would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding as we undertake this mammoth reconstruction task.”

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry today welcomed an announcement to boost the funding of library services across the region. Local library services will be boosted with a $995,402 share of $6 million in funding for public libraries across the State as part of the Public Library Infrastructure Grant program announced by the NSW Government today.

Richmond Tweed Regional Library will receive $475,000 toward the replacement of its Mobile Library which services the communities of Lismore, Ballina, Byron, and Tweed local government areas. Lismore Library will receive $325,427 to replace the shelving, furniture, and equipment that was destroyed in the recent foods, while Kingscliff Library will receive $194,500 for an upgrade to library facilities including a new children’s area, a new study area, a new layout and better service areas.

Cr Cherry said the additional funding would be well received by residents.

“Many of our residents rely on the Mobile Library to get their books each week so to get the funding to replace the service is most welcome and we are grateful for it,” she said.

“Our library at Kingscliff is a vital place of connection for our residents and particularly our families, who will love to hear the upgrade will provide new children’s facilities and study areas.”

NSW Minister for the Arts, Hon Ben Franklin MLC, said: “I am particularly pleased this funding will transform library buildings and spaces for communities all over NSW. Good libraries contribute to community resilience with quality facilities, great collections and access to the internet, and we are pleased to help councils to upgrade these critical services.”

Richmond Tweed Regional Library Manager Lucy Kinsley said the funding announcement showed a real commitment and acknowledgement of the important role public libraries play in our communities.

“We are so excited to be moving forward with these important projects that will enhance library services,” she said.

“Whilst we will see progress relatively quickly with the Kingscliff Library project, the Lismore Library and Mobile Library projects have a way to go before the community sees the result of the funding injection.”

The full funding announcement can be read at www.sl.nsw. gov.au/about-library/ media-centre/6m-boostnsw-public-libraryinfrastructure.