State Government to rush new rules to allow councils to meet remotely

The State Government will rush new rules through parliament to allow local government to run as usual during the coronavirus outbreak.

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The State Government will rush new rules through parliament to allow councils to meet remotely in light of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll said a draft emergency Bill would be introduced to amend the Local Government Act so councillors can attend meetings electronically.

Currently, councils are required to hold meetings at least monthly and are forced to meet in person.

“The Marshall Government is working closely with the local government sector to ensure they are able to continue to operate effectively which is part of our plan to safeguard South Australia from the impacts of the coronavirus as best as possible,” Mr Knoll said.

“Councils play an important role delivering services and local projects and these will be crucial for South Australians and also to help support local jobs and keep the local economy ticking over.”

Mr Knoll’s comments come as the Local Government Association today briefed council chiefs on how to deal with the threat of the pandemic.

The briefing was headed by a panel of people from the LGA, SA Health, Office of Local Government, LGA Workers Compensation Scheme and Norman Waterhouse Lawyers.

Councils have not yet been advised to close or reduce services at libraries, swimming pools, council chambers or other places where residents and staff might come in close contact.

However, some councils, including Burnside which will close all non-essential services from Wednesday, are now taking matters into their own hands.

LGA chief executive Matt Pinnegar said councils “have a responsibility to protect their staff and their communities” and his organisation would “work with the State Government to ensure they are supported in this work”.

He said an online portal had been set up for councils to keep them updates on changes with the virus and how they will need to respond.

“There are a range of potential issues for councils around governance and other legislative and regulatory requirements,” Mr Pinnegar said.

More briefings were expected to be held in the next few weeks.

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Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Council announced the cancellation of public events on the weekend, while Adelaide Hills Council on Tuesday announced it would cancel all events and community programs for at least a month.

NP&SP was set to hold a meeting with its directors on Wednesday afternoon to decide whether to reduce services.

In the meantime, it has advised residents not to visit council buildings if they are suffering from coronavirus symptoms.

Gawler Council has cancelled a range of events including the Town of Gawler Ageing & Disability Expo 2020 and the Tri Five Classics car show and many of its non-essential programs and closed its visitor information centre.

It will keep open its Gawler Administration Centre, Civic Centre, Evanston Gardens Library, Gawler Aquatic Centre, Gawler Sports and Community Centre and its Gawler Elderly Centre

subject to further advice as the situation changes:

Tea Tree Gully Council cancelled an elected member’s workshop due for Tuesday night, while West Torrens, Campbelltown and Onkaparinga still planned to meet.

Adelaide City and Walkerville Councils met on Monday.