Shoalhaven backs $14.4 million borrowing plan for Sanctuary Point Library

Shoalhaven councillors have backed an in-principle plan to borrow $14.4 million for the Sanctuary Point Library and told staff to keep chasing external grants for the project.

The council accepted the library funding and next steps report, noted the revised project timeline and endorsed the next steps. It also fixed the site at 196 and 198 Kerry Street, Sanctuary Point, on lots 946 and 947, DP27857, and directed the CEO, the Director City Services, to continue seeking state and federal grant funding opportunities.

The vote was split 7-6. Mayor White, Cr Wilkins, Cr Proudfoot, Cr Casmiri, Cr Clancy, Cr Steele and Cr Kemp supported the motion. Cr Killian, Cr Boyd, Cr Tribe, Cr Krikstolaitis, Cr Norris and Cr Dunn voted against it.

The report also noted the total projected expenditure figures and said loan drawdowns will be structured over the life of the project.

The library item sat within a wider night of budget setting, rates and charges, but it was the only decision that locked in a borrowing figure for a major community project.

A rescission motion had been received on the item, but councillors carried the recommendation and moved on to the rest of the agenda.

For Sanctuary Point residents, the plan keeps the new library moving ahead while also tying the project to council debt if grant funding does not cover the full cost.