By Raquel Mustillo
THE State Government has proposed freezing funding for council libraries for $20.7m per year in 2021/22, resulting in a cut of more than $6m over the five-year agreement.
The previous 10-year agreement between the State Government and the Local Government Association expired at the end of June, but the parties have been locked in a stalemate due to the impending cuts.
Currently, the State Government provides around $20m per year through the partnership, with councils contributing approximately $86m.
The new funding agreement maintains the existing level of funding but removes indexation – with the Local Government Association estimating a $6m cut over the five years.
Labor MLC Clare Scriven told parliament that the funding cuts would result in councils covering the cost shortfall and further exacerbate pressures on local government.
“Last year alone, the City of Mount Gambier contributed 10pc of its annual budget to the library, cultural centres and arts division of its budget,” she said.
“The Wattle Range Council contributed over $500,000 a year.
“These are significant figures, given the cost pressures facing regional councils, which often have a shrinking rates base but high demand for key services.
“Councils across the region are providing more than their fair share when it comes to funding libraries.
“All they are asking is for the state government to provide its fair share to ensure the ongoing viability in regional areas.”
Premier Steven Marshall told parliament that there has not been an increase in funding and there will not be further indexation going forward.
“…my understanding is that that funding level has been kept,” he said.
“Whilst we will not be cutting back their money, there will not be further indexation going forward.
“We are looking for some budget savings across the overall budget in South Australia.”
Mr Marshall said the State Government “have our own library services that we need to provide in South Australia”, with the government providing 20pc of all funding that goes into public libraries.
“Certainly from our perspective, people said they wanted to see that funding maintained,” he said.
“I get lots of representations in my office on a daily basis from areas that require further investment in South Australia.
“Unfortunately, we cannot agree to all of them.”
Ms Scriven called on Mr Marshall to commit to recurrent and indexed funding for council-run libraries to support regional councils and their ratepayers.
“Regional libraries offer a place for residents to meet over a coffee and catch up,” she said.
“They run youth programs, preschool programs and school holiday programs.
“They support seniors groups, local authors or new authors, and other groups, such as those promoting mental health
“How out of touch with our regions is this Premier that he is unaware of the cuts and the direct damage they will do to local regional communities?”
It is understood library representatives, including from the Limestone Coast, will meet next week to discuss the impact of the prospective cuts.
