Council looking forward to public's return to meetings

Published on 11 March 2021

Gannawarra Shire Council is looking forward to re-opening its monthly meetings to the public later this month, with residents able to attend and observe proceedings in-person following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

The first meeting to be open to the public will be the March 2021 Council Meeting, occurring on Wednesday, 17 March from 6.30pm at the Kerang Senior Citizens Clubrooms, located at 169 Boundary Street, Kerang.

“It has been 12 months since residents have been able to attend Council Meetings in-person, with Council adhering to State and Federal government COVID-19 restrictions throughout 2020 and early 2021,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“Those planning to attend Council Meetings are advised that limited seating will be available and will be required to adhere to the various COVIDsafe measures in place. These include providing contact details upon arrival and socially distancing.

“For those unable to attend, Council meetings will continue to be livestreamed online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/livestream, with video of each meeting broadcast available to view anytime at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/meetings.”

Residents will also have the opportunity to submit questions to Councillors via the Question Time process, with new guidelines used for the first time at the February 2021 meeting.

“Seven residents took the opportunity to pose questions to Council at our last meeting, with queries relating to future meeting venues, water management, ecotourism and forest management addressed on the night,” Mayor Gillingham said.

Residents wishing to ask a question to Council can do so by the following process, which is in accordance with Council’s established Governance Rules:

• Questions must be submitted on a Question Time form, available online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/QuestionTime;
• Completed Question Time forms must be emailed to council@gannawarra.vic.gov.au by 5pm the day prior to the Council Meeting; and
• Questions will be read by the Mayor or Chief Executive Officer.

“The Question Time form will provide people with guidance regarding how to frame questions to ensure greater clarity and a sufficient response from Council,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“Please note that questions from the public gallery in attendance on the night of the Council Meeting will not be taken, with submitted questions which meet the criteria to be answered in line with the Governance Rules.”