At last night’s July Ordinary Meeting, Council endorsed its new Governance Rules (including Public Participation in Council Meetings Policy and Election Period Policy) and Public Transparency Policy, which are now out for public comment.
In order to achieve compliance with Stage 2 of the phased introduction of the Victorian Government’s new Local Government Act 2020 (the Act), Golden Plains Shire Council is required to adopt new Governance Rules and a Public Transparency Policy by 1 September 2020.
In ensuring compliance with the Act, the Draft Governance Rules covers: the conduct of Council meetings; rules of behaviour for those participating in or present at Council meetings; election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor; Public Participation in Council Meetings Policy; Election Period Policy; and promotes and encourages community engagement. The Draft Public Transparency Policy aims to ensure Council decision making processes are transparent, and sets out what Council information is publicly available, and what information can remain confidential under the Act or any other Act.
Residents are invited to provide written submissions on the four draft documents from today until Wednesday, 12 August 2020. There are a number of ways Golden Plains Shire locals can have their say, including:
- Online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations
- Email to [email protected]
- Mail to PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331
Residents can request in their submission to be heard in support of the submission or to nominate a representative to present their submission. If required, Council will hold a meeting to virtually hear these submissions.
Copies of the Draft Governance Rules (including Public Participation in Council Meetings Policy and Election Period Policy) and Draft Public Transparency Policy are available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations. Residents can also view a hard copy of the documents at a Council Customer Service Centre at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn or 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
Council will consider the final documents for adoption at its August Ordinary Meeting of Council. When adopted, the Governance Rules will supersede the existing Local Law No. 1 of 2019 – Council Meeting Procedures & Common Seal, which will be repealed.