The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.

Funding for major works at the National Library of Australia

The National Library of Australia will undertake major works at its main facility in Canberra, including structural and hydraulic improvements to the podium of the building to enhance the collection storage areas, with funding announced in the 2006–07 Budget.

The Australian Government has allocated $9.8 million over two years for these works and construction is due to begin in January 2007.

The national collection is valued at $1.6 billion and its safe storage and management is core to the Library’s responsibilities. The main building, which is valued at $142 million, is more than 35 years old and listed on the National Heritage List. It provides more than two-thirds of the Library’s total collection storage space of 22,580m 2, over half of which is located below ground.

The National Library is allocated ongoing capital funding of around $3 million per annum to maintain its main building. This is managed through a 15-year strategic building asset plan that is updated every three years. The Library’s capital works funding is to be mostly consumed by essential works such as air conditioning, fire and security systems. It would not be possible to fund the high priority podium improvements by deferring the existing works programme, as this would have a severe impact on future building and collection safety.

The repairs will involve undertaking the more disruptive works out of hours and ensuring reasonable access to the building and associated service points. The project will be overseen by a project board from within the National Library.

Supporting Information 

Why is this important?

• The Library’s funding provision for capital works will largely be consumed by essential works such as air conditioning, fire and security systems. It would not be possible to fund the high priority podium improvements by deferring the existing works programme, as this would have a severe impact on future building and collection safety. Additional funding must therefore be provided specifically for these improvements.

Who will benefit?

• The National Library of Australia (NLA) and its users. The safe storage and management of the national collection, valued at $1.6 billion, is core to the Library’s responsibilities.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

• $9.8 million in capital funding over two years, with ongoing depreciation funding of approximately $470,000 per annum from 2008–09.

What have we done in the past?

• Budget funding has not been sought previously for the podium repairs.

When will the initiative conclude?

• 2007–08

8 May 2006
Media contact: Michael Christo, Minister’s Office 03 9650 7274 or 0409 040276