The Upper Lachlan Shire Council (ULSC) previously began to make arrangements to implement audio recording technology at the council’s meetings beginning in February.

However, the Office of Local Government (OLG) issued mandatory rules for all NSW Councils to begin webcasting within the next 12 months.

The details released on Friday, November 16, stated that across NSW local council meetings would be webcast under the new Model Code of Meeting Practice.

The new Model Code of Meeting Practice is the first uniform set of meeting rules for NSW councils.

“The code includes optional time limits on meetings, a five-minute limit on councillor speeches, uniform rules of debate, and limits on mayoral minutes,” Local Government minister Gabrielle Upton said.

“There have been too many instances where Mayoral Minutes have been used to bring issues to the council without proper notice,” Ms Upton said.

Councils are also encouraged to hold public forums before ordinary meetings so residents can address the council as well as pre-meeting briefings for councillors where general managers outline business agenda items so they can make informed decisions.

“From now on, meetings will be more transparent, informed, inclusive and respectful,” Ms Upton said.

ULSC will now be exploring available technology and equipment to implement webcasting (that incorporates audio recording) within the OLG required timeframe.

The council has said that a report would be issued to finalise costings to implement the technology.

The broadcast would be available to anyone to view and would allow further transparency to ratepayers so they are more informed on council’s decisions and the decision making process. 

Members of the public would still be invited to attend ULSC council meetings and view them from the public gallery.

But Mayor John Stafford said with the installation of such technology it was envisaged there would be many more community members able to tune into the webcast.