Tate Papworth
The Melton council is set to begin livestreaming its meetings for the first time.
The move was made to allow residents to watch proceedings live from their homes and was made last week after the COVID-19 pandemic prompted council to consider
the option as a safe alternative to residents attending public meetings.
The council will now engage service provider Interstream to supply equipment and livestreaming services at the Melton Civic Centre.
Melton Mayor Lara Carli welcomed the new way of sharing Council’s monthly ordinary meetings with the public.
“I’m really looking forward to this new opportunity to reach more people in our community and share our decision-making process more broadly,” Cr Carli said.
“With current social distancing restrictions in place, this is an ideal time to introduce a safe and responsible way for people to access our Council meetings.”
Livestreaming is expected to be in place at council’s next ordinary meeting on Monday, May 11
The move follows the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), which last month called on the Victorian government to urgently make the changes to legistlation.
MAV president Coral Ross said in-person meetings are neither practical nor safe in the current climate.
“Inflexible council meeting requirements under state legislation is a significant concern for local governments across the country as many council chambers do not allow for appropriate social distancing. This is an unprecedented situation which requires collaboration and innovative thinking,” Cr Ross said.
“With streaming and virtual meetings now widely available, we call on the Minister for Local Government Adem Somyurek and the State Government to make this common sense decision and enable one of these options to be implemented as as alternative to meeting face to face.”
To watch the Melton council’s meeting live or post-event, visit www.melton.vic.gov.au/livestream
