SITA Environmental Solutions had pledged $400,000 to extend the Hampton Park Library. 18080
By Glen Atwell
MONEY given as a gift from environmental company SITA to Casey residents will be used to extend Hampton Park Library.
Casey Council has requested a plan and estimate be prepared for a 160-square metre extension to the library which is located on Stuart Avenue.
The council will also apply to the Department of Planning and Community Development to match SITA’s funding and increase the extension to 280 square metres.
The $400,000 funding ticket was pledged by SITA, operator of the controversial Taylors Road toxic waste dump in Lyndhurst, on the proviso that Casey used it to fund an appropriate community infrastructure project within two kilometres of the tip.
The Hampton Park Library extension will allow increased shelf stock capacity and public space at the library and will also allow additional electronic resources to be installed.
New seating, furniture and increased space for children’s activities and adult programs will also be funded.
The Hampton Park Library serves an estimated local population of 27,000, representing 12 per cent of the City of Casey’s total population of 223,424.
Visits to the library have skyrocketed from 92,156 in 2003-04, to 173,000 in the current financial year.
Loans have also increased from 251,798 in 2004-05, to 270,000 in 2007-08.
Councillor Kevin Bradford was the only councillor to vote against the recommendations.
“This money had originally been intended to upgrade a dangerous local intersection,” he said.
Casey mayor Cr Janet Halsall said she would prefer to spend the money on a project that could be delivered in the short term.
“If we spend the money on the intersection, we could be waiting years for VicRoads to inject the remaining funds required,” she said. “$400,000 will allow the extension of the Hampton Park Library to be completed without additional council funding.”
The Hampton Park Youth Information Centre, previously located in the Hampton Park Shopping Centre, is likely to relocated to the library after the extension.
The youth centre provides young people with a relaxed atmosphere, internet connections and video game consoles.
Youth counselling would also be offered as part of the relocation to the Hampton Park Library.
