The Beagle Editor, Next council meeting is Tuesday 11th June might become a historic day for Eurobodalla residents if Council vote to further gag its residents by new draconian measures that will remove video recording of public presentation to councillors of Agenda items and to completely remove the Public Access session where members of the community can address councillors directly over concerns and issues. The General Manager says there is no need because Councillors have phones and emails and if you want to raise an issue then just call or email them individually. The General Manger suggests that as Public Access and Public Forum aren't required by any Act there is no reason to retain them. The community is invited to come along next Tuesday to what might be the very last session (until the next councillors are elected in 2020 who might overturn the decision) commencing @ 9.30am with Public Access where members of the community will speak directly to councillors on those matters not on the agenda such as developments, environment concerns, barking dogs or the size of aggregate on their roadway. Note that this session is not live streamed or recorded.
Next up is Public Forum where the community will be speaking directly to councillors on matters that are on the agenda such as the recommendation to remove live streaming and recording of Public Forum. There is little doubt that this possible final session will be robust with some strong opposition from members of the public being voiced.
This may be the last time the community can get to see public presentations at council being live streamed and recorded if councillors support the general manager's recommendations. It is believed that the mayor is in support of all the recommendations, however, not all councillors are in agreement. If you wish to speak at the meeting, then you must register by 12 noon tomorrow by phoning council on 4474 1000. Name and address supplied
How will the Gang of Six vote ? Will Innes, Brown, Thomson, Nathan, Tait and Pollock stand by the recommendation of staff or step forward to represent the community who elected them as their representatives? Tuesday June the 11th might well seal the fate of councillors wishing to be re-elected to represent the community in 2020.
