Council moves to stay in executive role of regional library

LISMORE City Council will remain as the executive of the Richmond Tweed Regional Library while financial and governance reforms are carried out.

The library service covers the local government areas of Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Tweed.

The decision by Lismore, a requirement under the current Deed of Agreement, follows the release of an independent review commissioned by the four councils earlier this year.

The review identified the need for clearer accountability and stronger cost-recovery mechanisms to ensure the long-term success of the service.

The library serves more than 227,000 residents across 12 branch libraries and a mobile library in the Northern Rivers.

Ballina councillor and Richmond Tweed Regional Library committee chair Simon Chate said it was a positive step by Lismore to confirm its position early.

“Lismore is leading by example, considering all the data and information from the independent review, modelling all available options, and giving other member councils time to make informed decisions,” he said.

Council’s resolution also included endorsing the transfer of branch staff to their relevant local councils by June 2027.

The remaining councils are expected to present their reports and recommendations in the coming months, with all councils required to confirm their intentions by December.

“This is the first step in a process required under the current Deed of Agreement,” Cr Chate said.

“Once all councils have made their determinations, the new Deed will be developed, negotiated and finalised before June 2027.”