By Laura Michell
Macedon Ranges council meetings are going online.
The council will hold its first online-only meeting on Friday, after the state government passed a new bill to allow councillors to meet electronically during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As reported by Star Weekly, councillors voted in March to cancel the April council meetings and asked chief executive Margot Stork to investigate the introduction of virtual council meetings, amid concerns about their ability to practise appropriate social distancing while meeting in person.
However, the council was unable to introduce online-only meetings as under the Local Government Act, councillors must be physically present in a room to vote on decisions.
But last week, the state government moved to make online meetings a reality. Under the new legislation, councils can meet online but must provide a live stream of the meeting for the community.
The move has been welcomed by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV).
President Coral Ross said the move to online meetings was essential to enable councillors to fulfil their role without compromising their health.
“After more than a month of advocating to and working with the state government, we welcome this change as a positive, common-sense decision,” she said.
“This change enables councils to meet and make decisions on important issues, including organisational, economic and community resilience and recovery from COVID-19.”
Friday’s council meeting will begin at 3.30pm and will be live-streamed on the council’s website.
The agenda will be available from 5pm today.
Details: mrsc.vic.gov.au
