The Withers Community Library has seen a steady decline in use over the past five years. By repurposing the site, Foodbank can offer services that better meet community needs, including food security, financial counselling, and social connection opportunities. Library access will still be available through home delivery, digital platforms, smaller scale delivery options and outreach services – we will provide more information on this as details are finalised. The library building will remain property of the City and will be leased to Foodbank.
We know that library services are important to our community, and we believe we can fulfil our community’s needs and level of service they expect, out of the Bunbury library, while also ensuring that current library users will continue to access services through home delivery, digital platforms, and community outreach. The Bunbury Public Library remains a central hub for in-person library services. The City is a key member of the South West Library Consortia, which allows patrons to utilise their library card across 26 libraries.
The community garden will remain a key feature of the hub, and we’re committed to environmental stewardship. Any trees impacted by the development will either be transplanted (if possible) or replaced, and habitat preservation is a priority. The community garden will be relocated and enhanced, with the process carried out in close collaboration with its users to ensure the new site meets their needs and creates an even better space for the community.
Currently only two garden beds are being used and the garden is also on a steep slope, meaning it is not accessible for all members of our community. The pergola was destroyed during last year’s tornado and has not been replaced, therefore, this would be a great opportunity to enhance and improve this community asset, especially in accessibility.
If the proposal doesn’t proceed, the library will continue to operate in its current format.
Foodbank Bunbury has been a trusted support for our community for more than 20 years, helping more than 130 households daily. This partnership enables Foodbank to expand services and reduce cost-of-living pressures in a way that benefits the community.
Both the City and Foodbank are dedicated to comprehensive community consultation, ensuring residents are well-informed and their feedback is valued and considered throughout the project.
Yes, the home library service is available for patrons who are unable to attend due to injury, illness, or disability with a supporting letter from a doctor or care centre manager, however the City is committed to expanding this service availability to patrons who may have barriers to attending the City library location. Further consultation and assessment of this will occur in the coming months.
The City will have green bags available from our South West Sports Centre and are exploring other locations, including the consideration of options to collect from local businesses/organisations. The City’s administration building also have compostable bags available for residents Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm.
The City is currently investigating options surrounding parking opportunities close to the library location. This will form part of the ongoing community consultation.
The City is open to trialling expanded weekday opening hours should the community be interested in accessing library services outside of the current weekday operating hours.
The City is currently attracting numerous enquiries in relation to the Withers Community Hub and with advertising of the Foodbank proposal commencing, we anticipate there will be more. It would be prudent to await the outcome of the advertising (before any commitments to sites are able to be made) after which we may need to go through some form of selection process to ensure equity and transparency. No confirmed decisions can be made until the Local Development Plan is put in place.
The City actively communicated its intention to engage with the community following the Council decision in December. Community consultation was due to kick off in January (the 20th) however this meeting has brought consultation early. We have been keeping statistics around usage for years showing the underutilisation of the library. Foodbank has conducted engagement around the need for them to exist outside of the Light Industrial Area, and we should also have an online engagement hub up in the coming days. Our Elected Members have also actively been engaging with the community around this decision.
