Redland City Council will extend funding for the Macleay Island Community Library for a further three years.
Mayor Karen Williams said today’s decision to continue the funding agreement with Macleay Island Progress Association, which runs the library, confirmed Council’s commitment to the community.
“Council has been providing support to the Association for more than 30 years, and the decision to fund the Association for a further three years will certainly help with the operation of the community-owned library on Macleay Island,” she said.
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“Today’s resolution provides $13,225 funding in 2019-20, with provision for CPI increases in the following two years.
“The funding will assist in the library not only continuing to offer a broad range of books for loan and reading programs, but also serve as a safe and pleasant place to visit, as well as provide information on community events and support local culture and arts.”
Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards said statistics indicated there was a particular need for early literacy support on the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
“Early literacy is a key priority for Redland Libraries and ongoing support for the Macleay library will enable the existing partnership work with the community to develop, delivering programs such as the early childhood literacy program First 5 Forever,” he said.
“The Australian Early Development Census community profile, published in 2018, highlights that Macleay Island has scope for improvement in children’s communication skills and general knowledge.
“The partnership between Council and the Macleay Island Community Library, particularly through early childhood literacy programming, seeks to improve early literacy skills for island families, and therefore social benefits for the community.
“The library is important to the island community and I’m happy that Council is able to continue its support for this wonderful community asset.”
