In a meeting that dealt with a number of the shire's more controversial projects, Nambucca Valley councillors discussed the relocation of the Nambucca Heads Library during the construction phase of the upgraded facility.
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And they voted in favour of moving the library temporarily into the Big Hall of the Nambucca Community and Arts Centre.
Chair of the Precinct Working Group, Cr Susan Jenvey, said the group had been working closely with NCAC, the centre's committee of management, and listening to all the concerns raised.
"We are being as transparent as possible - all the groups know it is only a temporary measure and that there will be an enhanced venue at the end," Cr Jenvey said.
Related: Plans for library upgrade move ahead
Cr Janine Reed asked whether discussions had been had with the agents for the empty shops directly opposite the centre.
Cr John Wilson said that has occurred but was stymied by the inability at this point in time to offer firm dates for the project.
Cr Susan Jenvey added that disability access was an issue and that any future COVID lockdown would see the facility closed and the council still paying the rent.
Cr Rhonda Hoban said it was important the council acknowledge the sacrifices of all the community groups during the extended period of construction (approx. 12 months).
"It will take time to get all those organisations up and running again after such a disruption - hopefully the long term benefit makes it worth it," Cr Hoban said.
Cr John Wilson said some groups had told him they were looking forward to the refurbishment: "We really appreciate their resilience."
The other two options explored were:
- The closure of the library collection and branch during construction
- Moving the library to the Visitor Information Centre on Riverside Drive, another council-owned building.
The first was seen as the least feasible option, due to the cost of transport and storage of hte collection, as well as the impact this would have on the 5000 active library members.
And the second was rejected due to the high need for the centre by the local tourism industry. The space was also determined to be too small.