East Gippsland Shire Council will be trialing new opening hours at its service centres and libraries during a 12-month trial that will monitor community use.

Sites that currently open at 8.30am will instead open at 9am. Bairnsdale Library will open earlier, moving from a 9.30am to 9am opening time.

Councillors considered the Service Centre and Library Service Review at the 8 November Council Meeting.

Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said it has been over 15 years since a detailed review was undertaken on these functions.

“We are required to deliver services in accordance with the service principles and in line with Council’s service review policy, this review has assessed the customer service and library services and aimed to ensure that the services are delivered in the most responsible and sustainable manner,” Cr Reeves said.

“The review has generated significant interest and feedback. We thank everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts through the significant consultation opportunities, by writing, phoning or signing petitions, presenting to us, or joining us in large numbers at our meeting tonight.

“Councillors have had the opportunity to review all data and feedback. This feedback has helped shape our decision and adjust the original recommendations,” Cr Reeves said.

“The decision to proceed with a 12-month trial gives Council and the community an opportunity to continue to understand how services are used, and the impact of increased investment, additional services, and opening hours,” Cr Reeves said.

Trial opening hours:

• Bairnsdale Corporate Centre: 9am to 5pm Monday – Friday

• Bairnsdale Library: 9am to 6pm Monday – Friday (Thursday to 9pm subject to Libraries After Dark grant funding); 9am to 12pm Saturday

• Lakes Entrance, Orbost and Paynesville service centres: 9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday

• Mallacoota: 10am to 2pm Monday and Tuesday; 2pm to 5pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

• Omeo: 9am to 5pm (close 12.30 to 1.30pm) Monday – Friday; 10am to 2pm Saturday – Sunday (visitor information services only)

Council staff will now undertake the final planning to implement the recommendations. A report on the 12-month trial period will be prepared for Council’s consideration within four months of the trial period ending.

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