At the Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes on 23 June 2021 a member of the public asked Council if they were considering installing equipment for livestreaming Council Meetings, due to the COVID pandemic. Chief Executive Officer responded that  Council allowed funding in the 2020/21 budget for IT and AV upgrades for the Council Chamber. This was workshopped with Councillors and it was agreed that any expenditure should be on improving existing IT and AV facilities before looking at livestreaming.  During the COVID lockdown in 2020, the Shire livestreamed one or two meetings using a laptop perched on a step ladder. Council can give consideration in the next budget if they wish.

The Director of Corporate and Community further responded that there was an allocation of $8,000 in the 2020/21 budget from the IT reserve. Quotes and more detail were sought and the lowest quote came in at $14,000 which Councillors thought was too much to spend. 

Livestreaming would benefit community members interested in the Council process, particularly as many community members are not able to attend meetings. 

If livestreaming was an option at one or two meetings, why can it not continue? 

Bring back the laptop perched on a step ladder please. Ratepayers and members of the public want to know more about the decision making process in our Council.