Some of the money saved from not knocking down and rebuilding two sporting stadiums in Sydney will go towards public libraries.
Local MP Greg Warren says that if Labor wins the next NSW election in nine months, Campbelltown’s public libraries will get almost double the funding they get now.
“Every great town needs a great public library, and for too long local libraries have not received the support from the State Government that they deserve,’’ he said.
“NSW currently has the lowest per capita investment in public libraries of any State Government in Australia and a Labor Government will change that.’’
He said a NSW Labor Government will deliver a $300,000 increase in the overall funding to Campbelltown’s public libraries within its first term of office.
This will be achieved by doubling the per capita funding subsidy paid by the NSW Government to public libraries across NSW from $1.85 to $3.70.
The per capita funding amount is paid to councils for the administration of public libraries based on the population of their Local Government Area.
Currently, Campbelltown City Council receives $299,696 in per capita subsidy funding ($1.85 multiplied by a population of 161,998) for its four public libraries, HJ Daley (Campbelltown), Greg Percival (Ingleburn), Eagle Vale and Glenquarie.
Under Labor’s proposal, Campbelltown’s per capita subsidy funding would increase to at least $599,392, with the actual amount likely to be even higher due to population increase.
The policy is estimated to cost $50 million across NSW and will be funded by Labor re-prioritising money that would have gone towards the stadiums rebuild.
“This funding increase will allow our local libraries in Campbelltown to upgrade their facilities, purchase books and equipment and foster a love of books and learning within our community,’’ Mr Warren said.
