Burleigh Heads Library has been considered unnecessary according to #goldcoastcitycouncil. So, as is my want, I sent an email.
Dear Mayor, Councillors and CEO, as I’m unable to sign (in person) the petition requesting the Burleigh Library to remain open, please accept this email instead.
Firstly, I don’t believe that deciding to close it in a closed session, so quickly and without a public announcement or community consultation, is best practice.
I’ve been informed that the reasoning is the result of an overall patronage comparison and borrowing numbers with other outlets and that it determines the closure of such a valuable local community asset. Stating the distance to Burleigh Waters as a solution is disingenuous, as it is difficult to reach without a car.
The location of the Burleigh Library is within reach for residents, tourists, shoppers and soon for passengers on the GLink. In respect to parking, I can only assume that those Councillors voting realised it was very difficult to park in Burleigh before the GLink construction, let alone during. So obviously the numbers are lower than other major locations.
I wonder which library is now at the bottom of that listing and earmarked for closure.
The community is very much concerned with behind-closed-doors decisions, swimming pool management, depot repurposing and library closures.
Allocating Council funds to run community assets and programs should not be strictly applied to user numbers. I’m sure there are many vital services that the majority of Gold Coast residents and visitors don’t use, but that doesn’t mean they should be cut, e.g dog poo bags, healthy and active programs, recycling.
Please reconsider the closure and take the opportunity of the GLink opening to promote and rejuvenate the Burleigh Library.
Many thanks – Alan Crawford
I received very nice emails from three Councillors, but nothing at all from the Mayor Tom Tate, CEO Tim Baker (who’s since resigned) or other Councillors. Council accepted the petition and despite two requests to have general funds cover the costs, used a split divisional funds method with an input from the Mayor’s office to keep it open until September.
A report triggered by the petition is to go to a committee meeting, which hopefully will be open.
