Cr Kun Huang has called for a report from Cumberland Council, exploring the possibility of implementing a trial program for the expansion of study spaces into community centres and while the proposal was unanimously supported by councillors, some were concerned about who and what community groups would have to give up their space to make way for the students.
Study spaces are offered in libraries in the lead up to the HSC but Cr Huang’s plan will see it expanded to community centres in suburbs that don’t have a library.
Cr Helen Hughes welcomed the plan but said it shouldn’t disadvantage those who had already booked those facilities.
Her request to make sure those groups wouldn’t be affected was rejected.
“There is certainly a need, but it should not be adversely affect others who use the spaces,” she said.
Cr Steve Christou said he supported the plan, but “it cannot be at the detriment of those who have already booked these spaces”.
Supporting the plan, Cr Sabrin Farooqui said there are lots of households where there were big family’s living in comparatively small places and such spaces were much needed.
“We need to take every possible step to give our community access to better education,” she said.
