On behalf of a constituent in her electorate, Rachel called for sustainable funding for valuable local community service, Knox Library (Ngarrgoo).
Thursday the 5th of March 2026,
Victorian Legislative Council
Rachel Payne (South-Eastern Metropolitan):
My constituency question is for the Minister for Local Government. My constituent is a resident of Scoresby.
She works at Knox library, where she is proud to welcome up to 3000 visitors per day. In addition to standard library facilities, Knox library also features a youth hive. This service helps foster community connection among those aged 10 to 25 through social groups and linking with local supports.
My constituent has raised concerns that funding has decreased yearly and for the future sustainability of Knox library’s valuable programs.
We know that libraries are essential in combating loneliness by building community connections and providing access to services in a safe space. This is particularly crucial for the most vulnerable members of our community.
So my constituent asks: will the minister commit to sustainable funding for Knox library?
Written response received, 23rd of March 2026:
I thank the Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Region for her question on behalf of a constituent working at the Knox library.
As the Minister for Local Government, I can advise that the Victorian government provides funding through my portfolio for councils, regional library corporations, Vision Australia, Connected Libraries, Myli-My Community Library and Your Library to deliver a range of services and programs to their communities.
Public libraries are inclusive spaces where individuals can access both physical and digital resources and programs. They are a welcoming environment for all community members to connect locally and participate in a diverse range of formal and informal programs.
In 2025-26, this government has provided a total of $53.7 million to support Victorian public library services. This comprises:
- $48.1 million in recurrent funding through the Public Libraries Funding Program;
- $4 million through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program to support councils in upgrading their library facilities; and
- $1.1 million through the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund to enable libraries to purchase books and other materials to support children and young people to participate in the annual Premiers’ Reading Challenge.
In 2025-26, Your Library, servicing the areas of Knox City, Maroondah City and Yarra Ranges Shire councils received $2,945,986 under the Public Libraries Funding Program and $58,148 under the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund. This maintained the funding levels of the previous year.
The Victorian government contributed $450,000, through the 2019 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, towards the redevelopment of the Knox Central Library. I was delighted to hear that, in the first year of operation following the redevelopment, attendance at the library had increased over 180 per cent. The library now provides welcoming spaces for more individuals and for user groups, an integrated service model that provides youth services though the Youth Hive and the extension of operating hours allowing more community members access to the highly successful facility.
This government is committed to providing support to local councils to ensure that public libraries are accessible, vibrant community hubs that provide all Victorians a safe space for social interaction, digital connection, lifelong learning and rich cultural experiences.
