Wednesday, 8 June 2022

 Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development, Minister for Veterans) (12:46): Today I would like to update the house on the Living Libraries infrastructure fund. Applications for this funding program are now open for new libraries, library upgrades, expansions, redevelopments and mobile libraries to service remote communities. One of the many great things about this fund—just one of the many great things—is that small rural councils are not required to provide matching funding in order to apply, which is a very good thing.

Last week I was at two brand new libraries, at Rainbow and Jeparit—beautiful towns, great communities. This program helped Hindmarsh Shire Council to deliver the two new libraries and also upgrade the Nhill library, and this is on top of the new library which was opened recently at Dimboola. It was great to meet the local library staff, who are fantastic people that do a wonderful job. It was also great to be with the Deputy Premier, James Merlino, at the Emerald library opening, which was supported by the Cardinia Shire Council of course, the local mechanics institute and Federation University, and we thank them for their support. It is a great renovated library with some fantastic new spaces, particularly for young people. Also at the Maryborough regional library during the week it was great to speak to staff. They had a recent upgrade and they are very, very proud of it, on top of being very, very proud of the work they do for residents of all ages, but in particular assisting older residents. They do a fantastic job there. I thank all those libraries for hosting me.