Updated Ordinary Council Meeting arrangements

Published on 14 May 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council will continue to hold Ordinary Council Meetings during the current Coronavirus pandemic, adhering to measures recently legislated by the State Government.

Council is operating in accordance with the new COVID-19 Omnibus (Emergency Measures) Act 2020 which operates for a Prescribed Period from 1 May to 1 November. During this Prescribed Period this new Act puts in place numerous measures to ensure local government decision-making can continue during the coronavirus pandemic.

During this Prescribed Period the following arrangements, which are effective immediately, will apply until 1 November 2020:

“Please note that attendance at an Ordinary Council Meeting is not classified by the State Government as one of the five reasons to be outside your home at this time – shopping for food and essential items; to access medical service or for caregiving purposes; exercise; to attend work or for education if you cannot do so remotely; and to visit family or close friends,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“As Council meetings will be closed to the public during this Prescribed Period there will be no public question time at the live-streamed meetings. However residents are reminded there are many alternative options available for those who want to ask a question of Council. These include phoning Council on (03) 5450 9333, speaking to a staff member online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au during business hours or e-mailing [email protected]

“Council looks forward to reopening Ordinary Council Meetings to the public at a later date.”

For more information regarding Coronavirus and Council’s efforts, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Residents who are concerned regarding Coronavirus are encouraged to phone the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus