Koroit candidate Stephen Mackey wants to secure the uncertain future of Moyne Shire's libraries

Koroit's Stephen Mackey was unsettled to learn the town's library, part of the Corangamite Regional Library Corporation, faced change as other corporation libraries in Warrnambool and Colac planned to exit the shared organisation.

"Moyne is to be left to create its own library system on a tiny fraction of the present budget. I could not find one local politician concerned about this situation," Mr Mackey said.

The former Deakin University communications teacher and researcher was a National Tertiary Education Union's branch president involved in a campaign to save the Warrnambool university campus years ago.

"With people really hurting because of the pandemic it seems trivial to worry about borrowing books. But this is just one example of what might be lost in the present heartbreaking circumstances. I know what can go wrong," Mr Mackey said.

He said he also knew the value of the shire's local libraries, having used them while caring for pre-school aged grandchildren.

"During this time the library system, playgrounds and other council run and assisted activities were a godsend," Mr Mackey said.

The Koroit resident of nearly 30 years is the only candidate to stand from the town and was born in the UK where he later worked as an information officer for local government in London.

"We have suggested something be done to brighten up the buildings (in Koroit). Which are a bit quaint and have charm and character," Mr Mackey said.

But he said if elected he wouldn't seek to "start changing things people are used to" and would look understand what could be done with budget limitations.

Mr Mackey said if elected he would also request a summary from council officers on the state of the shire's roads.

"I would have thought one of the first things any councillor should do is acquaint themselves with the facts," he said.

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