Anthony Albanese, Minister for Infrastructure and Local government, and Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation and Research, today announced that the Rudd Labor Government has offered nearly $9.5 million towards the $14.7 million new library and learning centre at Craigieburn in Victoria.

Minister Carr was in Craigieburn today for the announcement with Member for Calwell, Maria Vamvakinou and Hume City Council Mayor, Jack Ogilvie.

The funding is part of our $800 million Community Infrastructure Program – the largest one-off investment in local infrastructure in Australia's history.

The Rudd Government is investing in major community projects like this to support jobs and stimulate local economies during the global economic recession.

It is about supporting jobs for today by building on the infrastructure for tomorrow.

It will provide an up-to-date and high quality facility for children, young people and adults for the more than 157,000 residents in the area.

The project, which is being managed by the Hume City Council, will create a contemporary community library and learning centre to serve as an information hub, learning space and meeting place.

The redevelopments will include spaces for:

•  General browsing and loans collections;


•  Reference books and materials and other user services, reading and study areas, technology services such as free public Internet access and IT Training;


•  Library services, including the entrance foyer, public facilities, service desks, storerooms, and mobile library garage; and


•  Learning activities, such as conference and meeting areas, kitchen, to deliver children and adult learning programs, a children’s storytelling amphitheatre, print and technology literacy programs, community information and advice services.

The Craigieburn Library and Learning Centre project will promote social inclusion and lifelong learning for disadvantaged members of the community.

The funding announced today builds on the $1.63 million we have already delivered for nine local infrastructure projects in the Hume City Council.

It brings Rudd Government investment in Hume City Council’s community infrastructure to more than $11 million.

Nearly 70 per cent of the stimulus package is on infrastructure, with construction of projects already underway. More than 3,000 projects are being funded by the Government’s Community Infrastructure Program across Australia to support jobs and benefits in communities.