Eurobodalla councillors will consult the community about changes to livestreaming of public sessions following a vote at today’s first meeting of the new Council.
After legal advice triggered a revision of Mayor Mathew Hatcher’s motion to resume livestreaming at the next opportunity, councillors agreed it would make sense to package all their proposed changes to the Code of Meeting Practice into one consultation with the community. Changing the day and time of Council meetings will also be canvassed. Consultation will take place during March, with a new Code expected to be adopted in July.
A further amendment to the Mayor’s motion will see online platform Zoom used for both Public Access and Public Forum in the meantime, allowing community members to watch both sessions online. The Council meeting will continue to be webcast as usual. These opportunities for community participation will be promoted on Council’s website and Facebook page, and media advised in the lead up.
Despite the last-minute amendments, the first Council meeting of the new term ran smoothly with a feeling of good will from the gallery as councillors undertook their oaths and affirmations of office.
In a show of unity, Cr Alison Worthington was elected unopposed for the position of deputy mayor.
Councillors voted to accept superannuation as part of their paid positions from July in line with new local government provisions, however, they will call on the NSW Government to make the decisions around councillor remuneration in future.
Cr Amber Schutz was voted as Council’s second representative to the Joint Regional Planning Panel. Attendance at relevant conferences was determined, and Councillors also certified Council’s investments.
As the meeting adjourned, Mayor Hatcher invited those in attendance to join the councillors for refreshments in the adjoining committee room.
For more information on Council meetings, including dates, agendas and ways to participate, visit www.esc.nsw.gov.au/meetings
Above: Rod Slockee welcomed new councillors to their first Council meeting today with a smoking ceremony on the steps of the Chamber.
