Banana Shire Council is pleased to announce the Moura Museum and Library was officially opened today, Monday 2nd December 2024 by Banana Shire Council Mayor Nev Ferrier and Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Resources and Critical Minerals, Bryson Head. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to transform community access to education, culture, and public services.

Spanning over 234 square metres for the library, 255 square meters for the museum, and an additional 150 square meters for the Council Office Meeting Room, this new facility promises to deliver a greater level of service to the Moura community with access to key facilities.

“This is a fantastic addition to the Moura community and the entire Shire,” said Mayor Nev Ferrier of Banana Shire Council. “It will provide a space with more services and improved facilities that meets both current and future demands for education, art, and cultural opportunities.”

The new facility will operate during regular hours, supported by Council staff and volunteer hours, ensuring that the museum and library are open for a total of 60 hours per week. This is a substantial increase from the previous 30 and 21 hours, respectively. The library is significantly larger, offering distinct areas for youth, young adults, and seniors, along with indoor and outdoor activity spaces. The library's team plans to expand regular programs from 5 to 8 per week to meet growing community demand. Patron numbers are expected to rise by 25%, from the current average of 670 to 840 per year. The museum is poised to double its annual visitors, from 500 to 1000, thanks to increased access hours and a wider range of exhibits.

“This facility is integrated with the Miners Memorial, honouring our mining heritage and the memory of those lost in tragic mining accidents. It will also be a drawcard for visitors, encouraging tourists to explore other locations across the Shire.” added Mayor Ferrier. 

The project was made possible by a $6 million capital grant from the Resources Community Infrastructure Fund, with Council contributing an additional $2.3 million. Such a level of capital investment in Moura’s infrastructure is a rare, once-in-a-century event. Throughout the construction project, nearly $350,000 was contributed to local businesses in Moura and over $5 million to local industries across the Central Queensland region.

The Moura Museum and Library stands ready to serve as a vibrant hub for community engagement and development for many years to come. Banana Shire Council invites everyone to visit and enjoy the new facilities, as we continue to build a stronger, more vibrant community together.

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