2022-07-12 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                   12 JULY 2022


Completed tender processes for the new vehicle and kiosks have confirmed that this project is
in line with estimated costs and there are sufficient funds to complete this project within the
allocated Capital Works budget.

The project was initially planned to be expended over two financial years and completed by
the end of 2021/2022. Due to supplier delays associated with COVID-19, this project is now
due to be completed by January 2023, requiring a carry-over amount of approximately
$530,000 into the 2022/2023 Capital Works budget.

Risks & Opportunities
The COVID-19 Pandemic and supplier delays have resulted in project wide delays, affecting
the receipt of the new Community Outreach Vehicle and Library Kiosks. Delays to receiving
the new vehicle have resulted in the current Mobile Library remaining on-road past its end-of-
life. As such, the truck has experienced significant mechanical issues, and spent several
weeks off the road while being repaired.

To ensure continuity of service to our community during these times, a reduced service
delivered by the Noosa Library Service’s Homes Delivery Van has been provided. This van is
considerably smaller than the current Mobile Library truck and the new Community Outreach
vehicle, however, enables library members to collect reservations and browse and select from
a small collection. Transition to this alternative model of service has been managed through
clear communication with our Mobile Library community who have appreciated the
continuation of services.

The new Community Outreach Service model is highly anticipated by our community
members. It represents an exciting opportunity for Noosa Library Service to deliver innovative
library services using 21st century technologies. The new vehicle will provide a consistency of
service with minimal service interruptions caused my mechanical deterioration. It also opens
the opportunity for the Noosa Library Service to expand library services into the Noosa Shire
region and beyond the library’s physical walls.

Additionally, the launch of the new Community Outreach Service vehicle and kiosks represent
an opportunity for positive publicity and the potential to increase library membership rates
within the Noosa Shire.

Consultation
External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder
External consultation has taken place throughout this project, with strong initial external
community consultation occurring prior to initial recommendation adoption. This process
involved both current Mobile Library users and non-users and was essential in informing the
planning of the proposed model.

Throughout the project we have continued to work closely with the community and provide
progress updates via our Noosa Library Service webpage and social media platforms. There
has also been ongoing consultation with the Peregian and Pomona Community Houses,
where the Library Kiosks are to be located.

Internal Consultation
•    Chief Executive Officer – Executive Services
•    Director Community Services – Community Services
•    Manager Community Services – Community Services
•    ICT Manager – Corporate Services
•    ICT Operations Officer – Corporate Services


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