Hinchliffe books an inspection at the Noosaville Library

Works on the $2.03 million Noosaville Library expansion and refurbishment are well on track to be complete before the end of 2019, thanks to a $805,000 contribution from the State Government’s 2017-19 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP).

Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe inspected the works and designs and was thrilled with the progress being made.

“This will be a fantastic facility for everyone to utilise from kids to corporates, with the refurbishments creating a truly state-of-the-art library,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The Noosa Shire Council must be congratulated for its foresight to deliver such an important project for the community which is also creating and supporting local jobs.

“These upgrades ensure that once it’s opened, the library will not only be loved and utilised by today’s community, it will service the people of Noosa for years to come.”

The upgrades include: a complete internal refurbishment; programming, training and meeting rooms; a technology Maker Space; a children’s early literacy space; an outdoor Wi-Fi and reading courtyard; Heritage Library and new energy efficient lighting and air-conditioning.

Noosa Shire Mayor Tony Wellington welcomed the collaboration with the State Government.

“This facility will make an enormous difference to Noosa and I thank the State Government for its funding assistance,” Mayor Wellington said.

“It is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the two tiers of government work together.”

Minister Hinchliffe also inspected the nearly completed $4.39 million Peregian Beach Digital Hub, a project partly funded through more than $1 million from the 2016-17 LGGSP.

The Digital Hub is being created as space for established and emerging technology based enterprise with a focus on accelerating business and employment growth.

It will provide cutting edge technical facilities, incubation services and training spaces, acting as a catalyst for digital innovation and economic diversification in Noosa Shire.

Initially, Council expects more than 20 technology businesses and entrepreneurs to move into the new building, which means around 50 people will be employed and based there.

Council is currently assessing tenancy applications, with the Digital Hub expected to open in July.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 194 548