The new library will be part of the Yarrawonga Library, Events and Performance precinct, which will revitalise the town hall and the area around it as a focal point for the community.
The funding comes despite objections to the redevelopment being lodged last year with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in relation to the planning approval for the project which could cause further delays and costs.
While the hearing has not yet been confirmed, it is to be held later this year.
Moira Shire Mayor Libro Mustica said this funding would help transform the Yarrawonga Town Hall site into a vibrant community precinct with not only a state-of-the-art library, but a Customer Service Centre, meeting spaces, and a commercial kitchen to service major events at the town hall.
“This $1 million grant from the State’s Living Libraries Program is additional to the $3.75 million from the Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme, which offers low-interest, subsidised loans to councils for infrastructure projects,” Cr Mustica said.
“This funding, combined with a budgeted council contribution, will mean we are ready to move the project forward as soon as final design and planning is completed.
“We are extremely appreciative of the Victorian Government’s financial support in arranging the low interest loan and the Living Libraries grant.
“The current Yarrawonga Library, while delivering an excellent service with participation numbers second only to the Shepparton Library in the Goulburn Valley region, islimited by space which is constraining the ability to deliver various programs.
“We aim to create a vibrant and diverse community hub and have been working closely with user groups of the existing Community Hall and precinct to incorporate, where possible, the services and facilities they need into the new designs.”
Cr Mustica said he was confident council could achieve a wonderful civic precinct development that would reinvigorate Yarrawonga’s most prominent public building and serve the whole community for many years to come.
“We’ve been delayed by the matter being taken to VCAT but are confident that a planning permit will be approved and the project to get underway during 2021,” he said.
“This funding will make a real difference to the Yarrawonga community by helping to deliver a high-quality community precinct.
“It is such an exciting development, and I can’t wait to see it completed as one of many major projects to be delivered by the newly elected council.”
Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp, who announced Moira Shire’s success in obtaining the Victorian Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program grant said the funding was positive for Yarrawonga, with the government showing their support in the town.
“It’s great to see the Victorian Government supporting Yarrawonga with this investment in the fantastic new library planned as part of the town hall redevelopment,” Mr Gepp said.
“Yarrawonga Library is a much-loved part of our community and it’s about so much more than books.
“Through this project even more local people will be able to access all the great services it provides in a new, modern building.”
Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane added: “Investments like this help create local jobs and ongoing employment opportunities. The Victorian Government is investing in communities and local neighborhoods because we understand the difference projects like these can make.”
