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Loddon HERALD Vol 5 No 34, THURSDAY AUGUST 28, 2025 ISSN 2653-1550
LEFT ON THE SHELF
STATE Government funding of libraries has fallen to less than a quarter of operating costs.
The new low in fundng copped the ire of Tarnagulla Ward councillor Nick Angelo at Tuesday’s Loddon Shire meeting. Cr Angelo said less funding for the important library services from the Government meant councils were dipping into funds that they could use in other areas. Mayor Dan Straub said the decline in the percentage of library
Government forces fund diversion for libraries
funding was State Government cost-shifing that meant councls “pick up the slack”. Latest statistics for Loddon’s five library agencies showed a spike in borrowings and visits for the last three months of 20242025 compared with the previous year. Book loans were almost 12,000
(7110 in 2023-2024) and visits jumped from 3068 to 4377. CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald told councillors: “A review of Victorian public library funding trends shows the library funding per capita has steadily declined over the past decade. “This drop in funding reflects the increasing financial strain
placed on councils and raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of equitable library services statewide. “For the past three years, the Victorian Government has not increased their public libraries funding in line with CPI which is placing financial strain on the service and transferring the cost to local government who have increased their contribution in line with the State Government rate cap.” A Parliamentary inquiry had called on the State Government
to restore a 50-50 shared funding agreement with local councils for the operation of public libraries. But the recommendation was rejected by the Government. According to the Government: “Libraries have had a changing role over time and now not only provide the community with information and technology but access to a broad range of local and Victorian Government information and services, offer a range of wellness programs, mental health resources and community services.”
Ringing the bell with message on town safety
Mary Wollmerring, Sue Bordon and Han Read ringing up interest for the community safety day. LH PHOTO
TARNAGULLA is calling dstrict residents together for a day of community safety awareness and being friends. The town’s neighbourhood watch committee, the only watch group in the Loddon Shire, will run a day of activities the day before Father’s Day next weekend. Secretary Sue Bordon said safety and crime prevention would be a focus of the day with police, ambulance, fire brigade and State Emergency Service displays. “We also want to bring people together, partcularly new people in the district, and show them what groups and activities there are,” she said. “We’ll be starting with breakfast at the community centre followed by events in the park and the CFA is putting together special informaton bags.” The neighbourhood watch interactive house will teach people about home safety and crime prevention. “And our annual Neighbourhood Watch raffle will also be drawn,” Sue said.
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