A DECISION on whether to reduce Nambucca Valley Council’s meeting schedule from bi-monthly to monthly was deferred for six months by the newly-elected group of councillors at last Thursday’s meeting.

General Manager Bede Spannagle made the recommendation to change the schedule from twice monthly evening meetings to monthly on the fourth Tuesday at 2pm, as Council currently meets more than the minimum legislated ten times per year.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

“The current schedule of two meetings per month requires additional staff resources to prepare twice the reports and agendas,” he said.

“In addition, the cost of staff overtime and dinner for two meetings per month is approximately $14,000 per year.

“The cost would be effectively halved for one meeting per month.”

His recommendation to change the meeting time and frequency met stiff opposition from several council members and some members of the public gallery.

Councillor David Jones cited concerns that the change to a daytime meeting would discourage input and attendance from community members who work and limit many occupations from considering becoming councillors.

“I work, as do others here, but when we ran for council, we ran under certain parameters,” Cr Jones said.

“Historically councils met during the day and what it does is it excludes teachers, people who work in shops, people who are in nine-to-five jobs from running for council.

“We talk about engagement with the community but 2pm on a Tuesday is not going to be conducive for community members to turn up with issues that they are worried about.”

Councillor Martin Ballangarry also questioned why the council was considering “going backwards”.

“I think it’s about time we started listening to our people; the people who are in this gallery today,” he said.

“Why are we making a dramatic change at this late stage?”

Council members voted to defer their decision whether to implement monthly meetings at a different time and day for a period of six months until those newly appointed to their roles can assess whether they feel the current schedule is preferred.

By Ned COWIE