Ed,

Yamba’s existing library is 202 sq meters. Yamba needs a larger library not one that is five times smaller than we already have.

Yamba CAN executive members, believe that is what council are planning. Mr Walters continues to assert in letters to the editor (CVI 14/12/22) council have plans to deliver a 39.9 sq metres library. James Lamerton and Lynne Cairns assert in their deputation to CVC council meeting, council has changed the plans to a 31.9 sq metres library.

Council has not changed the plans. They are included in the DA process and published in the Independent on 23 November, page 2. The library space in Council’s plans for Yamba Community Precinct Project Option A, has 392.9 sq metres of library, plus shared spaces, admin, toilets, public and staff, youth/multipurpose space storage, were added to the library space in accordance with the State Library Calculator which can be found online for anyone who is interested, making the library in Option A, closer to 600 sq metres.

Disappointingly, Mr Walters stands by his calculations for the second week but has now realised he found the information in the July Council business paper not Novembers.

The July meeting does mention the decrease of library space and details the savings were made at the 30% concept design. It is clear now the assumptions and calculations used to arrive at such a small library were incorrect.

The library was reduced in size early this year at the 30% concept design, The design for what we now call Option A is at the 95% design stage. it is not a reduction of the 95% final plan.

Sadly, it did not twig something must be wrong when their calculations resulted in a size that did not make sense.

I hope in future you might call me and have a friendly chat to clear any misunderstandings. There is nothing better than a face-to-face conversation. I will agree to disagree with you, on your last swing. Council does not treat the community like mushrooms but insisting on integrity and honesty will get no argument from me, but shouldn’t it work both ways?

Cr Karen Toms, Yamba