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Community feedback wanted for Baw Baw Shire Council draft Governance Rules

Council is reviewing its Governance Rules, a policy that supports good governance and decision making for the best outcomes for the community and invites public feedback.

By news@gippsland - 29th July 2022 - Back to News

As a result of legislative changes to the Local Government Act 2020, council must review and amend its Governance Rules to permit councillors to attend council meetings virtually. Alongside these changes, council has proposed several additions relating to the procedure of council meetings and the participation of the Mayor, councillors, council staff, and members of the community.

Let Baw Baw Shire Council know what you think about the draft Governance Rules by completing the survey that closes on 19 August 2022

Amendments to the draft

The amendments to the draft governance rules include:

• Allowing members of the public to participate virtually
• Allowing councillors to attend virtually
• Adding time frames for responses to General Business and Notice of Motions
• The Chief Executive Officer, at the request of the Chair, may clarify a statement made by a councillor during a debate
• Changes to the procedure in nominating and electing the Mayor and Deputy Mayor

To ensure the governance rules maintain public transparency and serve to achieve the best outcomes for the municipality, the community is invited to review the proposed changes and provide their feedback on the policy.

Feedback is welcomed via this short online form on council's website. Interested community members will be able to review and comment on the policy until Friday 19 August 2022. For more information, go to: Share your thoughts on council's draft Governance Rules website.

Keen to get involved

Mayor Cr Michael Leaney said, "The Governance Rules are an important policy that sets out procedures for council meetings. They provide direction for councillors, as well as members of the public who are keen to get involved with council meeting proceedings."

"We have included various additions to policy, including the opportunity to participate in council meetings virtually. After over two years of the pandemic, working and meeting virtually has become standard and an expectation. These additions align with current community values and ensure we are moving with the times."

"Community feedback on this policy is vital in ensuring good governance and decision making for the best interest of our residents. I encourage our community to review the document on the website and share their thoughts on this important policy." Cr Leaney said.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com