New council procedures for COVID-19

By Sharon Webb

MEANDER VALLEY council’s customer service office is now closed to walk-in enquiries. Mayor Wayne Johnston said ‘Staff are still working and are available to provide service by phone and email.’ The next MV Council meeting on 21 April will see councillors meet remotely –but ratepayers will still be able to hear meetings and submit questions. Local Government Minister Mark Shelton has formalised arrangements so councils could meet COVID-19 distancing requirements but still hold meetings and fulfil their statutory requirements. ‘Local government plays a crucial role in keeping our economy moving and providing essential services to our local communities,’ he said. New procedures allow councils to meet via teleconference and videoconference and to authorise and sign certain documents electronically. Documents normally available at council offices in hard copy will be accessible online. Councils will need to make electronic recordings of meetings available on their websites for the community to view. For Meander Valley Council meetings, residents can submit questions via the council website or by phoning 6393 5300. Handwritten questions can be submitted in a box in the council foyer. Recordings of meetings will be available via a link on the council’s website. Meander Valley Council held a special meeting on 7 April to formalise a range of measures to support the community during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Councillors also discussed requirements around social distancing and restrictions on public gatherings.