Media response - Council meeting live streaming

Published on 27 March 2023

Response to the Fleurieu Sun.

Comments attributed to Mayor Moira Were

What has stopped the Council from live-streaming [Council] meetings in the past?

The previous Council resolved to upgrade the chamber’s electronic facilities, which included the installation of equipment to record ordinary and special public Council, and some committee meetings. These recordings are published on Council’s public website via YouTube. This was considered a first step in the introduction of more accessible meetings, and concerns were identified with live streaming due to the publication of confidential or defamatory comments.

What benefits are there of live-streaming council meetings?

Live streaming Council meetings offers real-time accessibility for residents to access meetings, which promotes accountability and transparency in Council decision making.

A report presented to the chamber at the March 21 Council meeting stated the ongoing licensing and support would cost $28,360. Is this per year?

Yes.

How soon can live-streaming of council meetings occur if the proposal is passed?

If the proposal to proceed with live streamlining is passed, Council will need to decide if it intends to commence the installation of equipment within this current financial year or within the next financial year budget. Once decided, installation is estimated to take around six weeks. If Council decides to include the hardware required for implementing a time delay (to negate concerns about confidential or defamatory comments), installation is estimated to take around 16 weeks. The timelines for the delivery of equipment are subject to change.

ENDS