LATROBE City Council have moved its meetings back in-person, with a few minor adjustments.
The council moved meetings online, citing safety concerns following disturbances at the start of the year.
After a few months online and a review, the Council established new changes to meetings policy to improve the experience for all.
Among the new initiatives to maintain a safe and respectful environment, people will be able to attend the meetings but will now need to sign a pre-registration booking online via Eventbrite by midday on the day of the meeting.
All individuals attending the meeting in-person must provide their current photo ID and a copy of their registration ticket on arrival. This can be done via hard copy or on an electronic device.
The size of the meeting gallery is limited to 60, due to the meeting room capacity at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (GPAC). In the event that the gallery capacity of 60 is met, community members will still be able to view the live-stream of the council meeting.
Around seven stakeholders from the community attended the Monday council meeting, with public participation time held face-to-face for the first time in months.
With an increased police presence and heightened security, the October meeting ran accordingly.
A Council spokesperson said it remained committed to transparency and accessibility and would continue live-streaming meetings.
“This ensures community and stakeholders can stay informed about council decisions and discussions regardless of their location or ability to attend in person,” the Council said. Council meeting recordings are able to be viewed online when convenient via Latrobe City Council’s YouTube channel.
The Council believes that face-to-face interactions among councillors are essential to fostering a sense of community and constructive dialogue, with the return to the public gallery a positive step.
The Council further said the meetings were an important part of local democracy, “where Council can listen and respond to community submissions and petitions, and where goals and strategies are set to help guide the work Council does for the long-term benefit of the community”.
“With support and cooperation from all those involved, Council meetings can be a safe place where productive outcomes are achieved, and trust is built,” a Council spokesperson said.
Members of the public who wish to speak on a specific item listed on the advertised agenda can register to speak before midday on the day of the meeting. Council officers will assist those who have registered to speak, either virtually or in-person, with registrations accepted via email egovernance@latrobe.vic.gov.au or on 1300 367 700.
Council may need to close part of the meeting to consider confidential items, and attendees will be asked to leave if this is the case.
For more information about in-person council meetings and to find out how to attend, go to the Council website at latrobe.vic.gov.au/councilmeetings or to register for meetings go to latrobe.vic.gov.au/CouncilMeetingSeating
