Challenge to Litchfield Council’s decision to shift Taminmin Community Library to Coolalinga Central

A Top End council’s decision to relocate its library to Coolalinga Central faces a challenge at tonight’s monthly meeting. Read why.

Coolalinga Central. Picture: Supplied

A motion to stop the Litchfield Council from relocating its library to Coolalinga Central has been lodged in tonight’s monthly meeting agenda.

It comes just weeks after the council passed a motion to relocate the Taminmin Community Library to Coolalinga Central in a divisive 4/3 vote.

The relocation, which has been met with intense public scrutiny since it was announced, is estimated to cost at least $337,000 – a one-off cost to “facilitate the relocation and complete the fit-out of the new space”.

From then on, an annual budget of an “additional” $537,000 would be required, with the details of how and where this half-a-million dollars will be distributed still unknown.

The length of the lease is also unknown.

Taminmin College. Picture: (A) manda Parkinson

Prior to the motion being passed in March, elected members were presented with feedback from the council’s Facebook page and ad hoc responses from locals at the Humpty Doo waste transfer station, according to a report contained in the council’s April 15 agenda.

Of the community feedback received, it is understood that 168 residents responded positively to the relocation, while 197 responded negatively against it and 109 didn’t care.

Despite accusations from members of the public that the council allegedly breached the Local Government Act 2019, Minister for Local Government Steve Edgington said this was not the case.

“While all councils are expected to consult with the community and consider feedback, it is not a breach of the Local Government Act 2019 if a council makes a decision that is unpopular with its constituents,” he said.

“This is a matter for Litchfield Council.”

Litchfield Council entrance signs. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

Since it passed, it was understood elected members have received numerous emails from constituents who are upset with the decision.

In an attempt to settle the debate, councillor Kevin Harlan, who is submitting the motion, posted four Yes/No polls in four Facebook groups that cover the Litchfield Council area.

From the four groups, a total of 466 votes were received – 409 votes (88 per cent) were against the relocation and 57 votes (12 per cent) were for the relocation.

“God NO!” a user shared in the comments of one post.

Another said it was a “definite NO from me”.

Litchfield Council’s next meeting will be on April 15 from 5.30pm, with members of the public allowed to join for the open section of the meeting.

Originally published as Challenge to Litchfield Council’s decision to shift Taminmin Community Library to Coolalinga Central