Fair Deal for Shire Libraries
Sutherland Shire Mayor Steve Simpson is asking local library users to join a statewide call to stop the ongoing reduction in funding from successive NSW State Governments and protect the future of public libraries.
“Libraries are often the most well-used and valued public facilities in the community but the ability of council to maintain service levels at our eight libraries may be at risk due to deteriorating State funding,” the Mayor said.
You can help by signing a petition, which will be presented to the Honourable Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales, at any of our Shire libraries or at council’s Customer Service Centre in Eton Street, Sutherland.
The facts:
For more information on the campaign, visit www.nswpla.org.au or talk to your local library staff.
“Libraries are often the most well-used and valued public facilities in the community but the ability of council to maintain service levels at our eight libraries may be at risk due to deteriorating State funding,” the Mayor said.
You can help by signing a petition, which will be presented to the Honourable Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of New South Wales, at any of our Shire libraries or at council’s Customer Service Centre in Eton Street, Sutherland.
- Library funding was once split 50:50 State and Local Government.
- The State Government currently puts in only 7 cents out of every dollar and local councils now have to fund 93% of the cost of providing public libraries. The State Government contribution to libraries is the lowest of all states in Australia."
- In the run up to the last state election, the current State Government said they would increase ongoing funding for public libraries. They have not.
- Successive NSW State Governments of all political persuasions have put in less and less in real terms every year and we are now at crisis point.
For more information on the campaign, visit www.nswpla.org.au or talk to your local library staff.
