Community members will now have the option to make virtual submissions to Baw Baw Shire Council under new adopted Governance Rules.
The council’s Governance Rules provide guidance on the participation of the mayor, councillors, council staff, and members of the community in council meetings.
Over the course of Covid-19 pandemic, temporary measures were introduced to the Local Government Act 2020 to allow councillors to participate in council meetings virtually.
As a result of subsequent legislative changes and the conclusion of these temporary Covid-19 measures, all Victorian councils were required to amend their Governance Rules to incorporate procedures for councillors to attend meetings electronically.
To improve accessibility, Baw Baw Shire Council has also introduced provisions for members of the community to participate via electronic means.
To ensure the updated rules align with community values and transparency, feedback was sought on the rules between 29 July and 19 August this year.
With guidance from the community, the following changes have been incorporated into Baw Baw Shire’s Governance Rules:
* Councillors will be able to attend meetings in-person or virtually.
* Community members addressing council will be able to attend in-person or virtually.
