Sanctuary Point Library gets $14.4 million borrowing green light

Sanctuary Point’s planned library has moved closer to construction, after Shoalhaven City Council gave in-principle approval to borrow $14.4 million for the project and told staff to keep chasing external grant funding.

Council accepted the project update for the Sanctuary Point Library, endorsed the revised timeline and next steps, noted the projected expenditure figures and confirmed the build site at 196 and 198 Kerry Street, Sanctuary Point, lots 946 and 947, DP27857.

The vote was 7-6. Mayor Patricia White and Crs Peter Wilkins, Bob Proudfoot, Luciano Casmiri, Selena Clancy, Brett Steele and Denise Kemp supported the motion. Crs Debbie Killian, Gillian Boyd, Jemma Tribe, Ben Krikstolaitis, Matthew Norris and Karlee Dunn voted against it.

Council also directed the CEO, listed in the report as the Director City Services, to continue seeking state and federal grant opportunities. A rescission motion had been received on the item.

The library funding resolution sat alongside the wider 2026/27 budget package, which was adopted after council considered community submissions. That package included updates to Delivery Program actions and KPIs, revisions to the capital works listing, adjustments to the operational budget and new borrowings for the library.

For Sanctuary Point residents and nearby communities, the borrowing approval gives the project a clearer funding path and confirms the Kerry Street site that has now been tied to the build.

Council also said it would continue to seek external funding while the project timetable and borrowing drawdowns are worked through over the life of the project.