Library opening date delayed amid funding controversy

ARMSTRONG Creek’s new library is unlikely to open until several months after it is fully built.

The library is due to finish construction around February but its delayed opening date is set for the second half of next year, after the City of Greater Geelong revised its timelines amid a funding dispute.

The city said the library would not be ready until the 2024/25 financial year during the height of a furore about its budget allocation to the Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC).

Strong opposition from quarters including community groups, councillors, the GRLC, union officials and state government MPs drew a spotlight on the money issue during the city’s 2023/24 budget process.

The city eventually provided $14.3 million to the GRLC’s operating budget – up $356,000 from its earlier proposed budget.

The figure is $565,000 higher than last year, but still about $400,000 short of what the GRLC had expected to maintain services while catering for the recently opened expanded Drysdale library and Armstrong Creek facility that was due to come online.

Combined Regional Libraries Action Group member Emma Balkin said community campaigners were concerned the completed library would remain closed because of the funding issues.

“Part of the money that was originally requested by the Geelong Region Regional Library Corporation included $356,000 for Armstrong Creek to be staffed between April, May, June next year.

“They’ve now pushed that back, whether I’m not sure whether that’s a deliberate decision by the library or a construction delay, or some combination of the two that meant that that money was taken off the table.”

The city didn ot directly respond to a question about whether the opening delay was related to the recent funding dispute, but said timeframes could change for “many reasons”.

“Construction of the building is expected to be complete during the third quarter of the current financial year,” acting CEO David Greaves said.

“There are a number of steps then required to have the facility ready to be opened to the community, which will be towards the midpoint of the year.

“All complex construction project timelines are subject to change for many reasons, and these will be managed accordingly.

“We will discuss funding with the GRLC as part of next year’s budget process to ensure the facility can operate.”

Information on the council’s website this week indicated construction would continue until February.

City communications since the start of construction in August 2022 have consistently hinted at a February 2024 completion.

As recently as May 19, then-acting CEO Kaarina Phyland said the library’s opening had been shifted to at least July next year.

“We have advised the GRLC that construction of the new Armstrong Creek Library will not be complete in time for the service to open during the 2023-24 financial year.

“This will reduce their expenses for the year.”