TCDA bid for library

The Trafalgar Community Development Association has lobbied Baw Baw Shire to consider allocating funds to a library for the town.

The TCDA made a submission on council’s draft budget, using the opportunity to convince council of the need for a library in Trafalgar.

The submission stated during the Trafalgar community plan consultation process in 2013, it became clear there was a “strong desire” for Trafalgar to have access to library facilities increased and improved.

Council currently funds the West Gippsland Regional Library Corporation to deliver a mobile library service to Trafalgar for nine hours a week, spread over two days.

“We are pleased to see in the current WGRLC budget strong funding to mobile services is maintained,” the submission said.

President David Lyons, said as a community they felt Trafalgar had “outgrown” being serviced by a library bus.

Mr Lyons said they would like to see an investigation and planning process started on a modern static library for Trafalgar that could service the community over more hours, days and particularly on weekends.

“A permanent static library would also allow for a greater range of programs to be delivered to the community, which can be difficult with the space available in the current truck that forms the mobile library service.

“We ask the council to invest in some strategic planning looking into a static librar y for our township.

“As the town grows, so too does the need for a library service, designed on a community hub model,” Mr Lyons said.

The TCDA submission also acknowledged the works completed last year as part of the McGregor Park upgrade but asked council to give funding priority to finish the remaining stages of park works including improved entrance to the outdoor pool, new public toilets and improve car park design.