How to have your say until March 24

Selina Venier editor@thedailyjournal.ink

ABC Radio this week entered the debate about Killarney library with a local interviewed on morning radio on March 13, sharing her views with broadcaster David Iliffe, in response to the approach to Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) for what council describe as “an expanded” library service.

The following day, March 14, Councillor Stephen Tancred was interviewed to continue the conversation about library needs, supportive of locals putting views towards the survey launched by council last week.

On Monday Mr Iliffe had asked how the service can be “expanded” if it currently does not exist. Killarney had a significant service, pre-Covid, of a truck with possible library-borrowing options. That was changed to a van that Cr Tancred said was not effective, cost-wise, for the downturn in use.

In a media release from Council on March 10, an SDRC spokesperson stated that “a passionate group of Killarney residents presented their vision for expanded library services and asked Council to consider the viability of a new branch in the community”.

SDRC further said that Councillor Marco Gliori

“encouraged the community to have a voice on the future direction of library services to the Killarney community”.

“Libraries are more than just books – they are an important community and cultural resource, and they enrich communities,” Councillor Gliori was also reporting as saying in the media release.

It seems that via ABC Radio, and speaking to our newspapers, Killarney locals are making their voices known.

Until March 24, others too can take part in a survey about this development, the survey available online at https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/ JY9ZLD9 and on the Southern Downs Libraries Facebook page. Paper copies of the survey are also said to be available at the library branches in Allora, Stanthorpe and Warwick.

“Gathering information through the survey process is a vital element of assessing the most viable options and determining how Council can best meet the needs and aspirations of the community,” Cr Gliori said.

“I thank the Killarney residents for reaching out to Council and presenting their vision for library services in the area.”

Southern Downs Regional Library operates with the assistance of the State Library Queensland and the Queensland Government, SDRC have confirmed.