THE future of Armidale’s Library has taken a surprise U-turn after councillors voted 4 to 3 in favour of pursuing federal grant money.
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The move has been met with cheers from various interest groups who have pushed for a build since 2004.
“Whoo hoo! Lobbying really does work! That is good news,” Armidale Civic Committee member Hilary Hutchinson said.
The 11th hour reprieve came at Monday’s council meeting after lengthy and at times heated debate on the future of library plans.
The decision now opens the door for council to apply by the end of July for a grant from the National Stronger Regions Fund, which can award payments up to $10 million provided they are matched dollar for dollar by council.
This application will mark the second time council has prepared an application for federal grants for the library.
In October 2012 councillors voted against going ahead with the grant application for a new library, and instead put the application for an airport upgrade. An airport application was prepared in two weeks and was unsuccessful.
The narrow vote saw Cr Jim Maher, Cr Peter O’Donoghue, Cr Rob Richardson and Cr Herman Beyersdorf in favour of applying for grants, while Mayor Cr Laurie Bishop, Andrew Murat and Margaret O’Connor voted against the motion.
Cr O’Connor strongly opposed any moves to apply for grants at present citing the current budget shortage.
“It’s going to be tough but we are going to do it because we believe in sound financial management,” she said.
“Not this year-don’t make us look stupid … [there is] no prospect of success”
Cr Bishop also argued against going after federal loans citing the fact that council had not yet found a way to fund dollar-for-dollar grant matching.
“The city is not just about the library…we have not been out to the community to seek their support in a rate rise,” he said.
Cr Jim Maher again offered his support for a new library build.
“Don’t break the community’s heart … libraries aren’t just a repository of books but community centres,” he said.
Cr Beresdorf also spoke in favour of applying for grants as a way to get more public donations for the build.
“I fully urge council to support this … success breeds success,” he said. Armidale Civic Committee member Maurice Anker said he was excited, but worried it still may be voted against at a future meeting.
“We are celebrating but holding our breath,” he said.
- HANNAH PAINE