Moorabool News The
EMAIL: news@themooraboolnews.com.au
Tuesday 23 November, 2021
Your Local News
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Serving Ballan and district since 1872
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Vol 15 No 46
Council is planning to build a bigger, better library for Ballan after purchasing the old Commonwealth Bank site, and Cr Paul Tatchell (right) and Derek Madden (CEO) are ready to stock the shelves. Photo – Helen Tatchell
Library bookmarked
By Lachlan Ellis and Helen Tatchell
It is one small step for Council; one giant leap for the community, after a long-awaited Council owned community facility for Ballan is now a done deal, well, the site anyway. Funding to build the Ballan Library and Community Hub should be known before the year is out, after Moorabool Shire Council confirmed they had purchased the old Commonwealth Bank site in Inglis Street, with the sale finalised last Friday. A Council spokesperson told the Moorabool News the purchase price was $525,000 and “a condition on the sale is that it is to be used for community use.” Moorabool Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said Ballan has outgrown its current library in the Ballan Mechanics Institute and pointed to projected population growth as a reason to build a bigger library.
“Ballan’s population is set to grow to 7000 by 2041, making now the perfect time to create this community space for the growing population and turn the hub into a centrepiece of the town,” he said. “We have plans to redevelop the bank building to boast a larger, contemporary library space, along with community meeting rooms, art exhibition space, maternal and child health services and an extended community courtyard.” Central Ward Councillor Paul Tatchell requested Council submit an application to the Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF), in Urgent Business, at the October 6 Ordinary Meeting of Council. The application, totalling $4.25 million, included not only funding for the Ballan Library and Community Hub, but an All-Abilities Playground at the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recreation Reserve. continued page 4
Congratulations Victoria
Thanks to the 90% of Victorians who have got vaccinated we’re able to ease restrictions & move on to Phase D of the National Plan. All capacity restrictions & density limits are gone for double vaccinated so get out to support local pubs, restaurants, cafes, entertainment & local businesses. 3 Alexandra Street, Melton VIC 3337 P: 9743 9825 E: stephen.mcghie@parliament.vic.gov.au Steve4Melton
stevemcghie.com.au
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Steve McGhie MP
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Authorised by S McGhie, 3 Alexandra Street, Melton. Funded from Parliamentary budget.