The decision was a unanimous one, with Councillors agreeing to continue the practice to provide accessibility for the community to view Council’s debate and decision-making processes.
In July 2020, Barunga West Council was one of the first regional councils in South Australia to livestream its council meetings. Meetings also have been recorded and uploaded to YouTube for public viewing via a web link provided on Council’s website.
Under a new draft Code of Practice, released for community consultation until 5pm on 27 January 2023, it is proposed to retain livestreaming and cease posting recordings online.
Most councils that provide a livestream do not make recordings publicly available after the meeting and Barunga West Council has decided to follow this accepted local government practice.
“We know that livestreaming of council meetings provides greater accessibility for the community to view Council’s debate and decisions, and therefore promote a greater community awareness and confidence in the integrity and accountability of the decision-making process of Council,” Barunga West CEO Maree Wauchope said.
“Meetings are held every second Tuesday of each month at 6pm and ratepayers can watch on their device of choice, it is just a matter of clicking on a link provided on Council’s website and Facebook page.
“Importantly, Barunga West Council remains committed to being open and transparent, and freely sharing information about council operations and the expenditure of public funds.”
Livestreaming of council meetings brings many benefits, including giving residents who are unable or don’t want to attend meetings in person – including those with disabilities or the elderly – an opportunity to watch them from their own homes.