Construction is underway on the new two-story Rosewood Library, with Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe today turning the first sod on the $7.5 million project.
Mr Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government was proud to contribute $2.7 million towards the project through its Local Government Grants and Subsidies program.
"This is an important new facility for the people of Rosewood and I am sure they will really value this beautifully designed library," he said.
"The Ipswich council has spent considerable time and effort to come up with a building that fits in so well with the street scape and character on John Street.
"In particular, I think the full-length awning and heritage style façade will blend in well and complement the street scape.
"Like all modern libraries it will feature children's space, a maker space, meeting rooms and technology which will future proof the service for many years to come."
Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said:
"I would like to thank both the current Minister for Local Government, Stirling Hinchliffe, and the former Minister, Mark Furner, for supporting me with my request for funding for this project.
"I have great affection for the township of Rosewood as it was here that my Irish ancestors first settled when they came to Australia in 1863 with Madden Lane is named in their honour.
"I can see the Library and Council Service Centre becoming the cultural and social centre for Rosewood and surrounding Districts.
"I am sure Rosewood residents will make full use of this new facility. Imaginative projects like this are what our country towns needs to keep them vibrant and welcoming.
"I would like to that the Ipswich City Council, particularly the Council's Interim Administrator Greg Chemello, for bring the project to fruition."
Ipswich City Council Interim Administrator Greg Chemello said:
"I would like to thank the State Government for the generous contribution to the construction of this important service for the residents of Rosewood.
"A new library service, customer service centre and community meeting hub will be an invaluable addition to the quality of life for Rosewood residents and a welcome addition to the cultural landscape of Rosewood.
"Great outcomes like this just goes to show what can be achieved when two levels of government work cooperatively together.
"The library will employ five librarians ongoing, providing a considerable boost to the local economy.
Mr Hinchliffe said the 2017-19 Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program (LGGSP) budget totals $60 million over two financial years. LGGSP is designed to support councils to meet the needs of their community by providing funding for the delivery of priority capital infrastructure projects.
