Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell will make himself more available to the community by holding one-on-one consultations in Bacchus Marsh.
In a new initiative, Cr Tatchell will make himself available without appointments for face-to-face chats at the Lerderderg library from 6pm on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month.
Cr Tatchell said he was already available by phone, email and on social media, but he wanted to offer the consultations to residents who preferred an alternative.
He said some residents wanted to express their concerns about issues and opportunities in their community privately and in person.
“Experience has shown that meeting one-on-one is sometimes the preferred way for people to express what they’re feeling,” Cr Tatchell said.
“It’s a great opportunity to listen and understand where the community is coming from as well as an opportunity for me to personally explain council’s position, guide them on council processes or simply provide a response to what’s on their mind.”
Cr Tatchell said he hoped the initiative, aimed to be simple and informal, would encourage more people in the community to participate in local government issues.
“You’ll find I’m an approachable person, as are the other councillors for that matter.
“I encourage people to simply walk up and chat to me at these specially arranged one-on-one sessions about council matters.
“If I don’t have an answer for you on the spot I’ll bring back an answer to you the next time around.”
Cr Tatchell said there were more initiatives on the way to help enhance the council’s community consultation.
“Watch this space as we progress our digital strategy. More dialogue via social media will be possible,” he said.
“In the meantime, come and see me at the library in Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, at 6pm on February 26 – I’ll leave a light on out the front!”
Residents can also express their point of view via existing community consultation methods such as the council’s online community consultation process at www.haveyoursaymoorabool.com.au.
