Monash Council will pay $20,000 to broadcast its meetings

A COUNCIL in Melbourne’s east will fork out thousands of dollars a year to live-stream its meetings, despite some of the councillors labelling it a waste of money.

Monash Mayor Rebecca Paterson was opposed to the move, saying the council should have opted for audio recording. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

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RATEPAYERS will soon be able to watch Monash Council meetings from the comfort of their couch.

Councillors have agreed to spend $20,000 in set-up costs to live-stream open meetings and then replay the video from the next day for at least 12 months, starting in March.

Councillors also agreed at the January 31 meeting to fork out between $14,400 to $16,800 each year to stream meetings.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Would you watch video of a council meeting? Tell us below

Cr Robert Davies said the monitoring would improve behavioural issues in the chamber — indirectly referring to a physical confrontation between himself and Cr Paul Klisaris over a Christmas tree in December 2015.

Last year then-mayor Geoff Lake wanted to introduce a new code of conduct forcing councillors to put their hands on their heads if the wanted to speak at meetings.

Cr Paul Klisaris reckons the move is a waste of money. Picture: Susan Windmiller

Cr Geoff Lake said some of his colleagues were getting carried away with their own self-importance. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

Cr Stuart James said it live-streaming was an important measure for people in the community who wanted to see democracy in action but were unable to attend meetings.

But Cr Lake said councillors were getting carried away with their own self-importance.

“I don’t think we will compete with Home and Away.

“Generally people don’t give two hoots about how we turn a report into five hours of meandering,” he said.

“People want decisions and results.”

Cr Shane McCluskey was unconvinced it offered more to those outside of the municipality.

“I don’t think it will make a Gogglebox type of watch,” he said.

Mayor Rebecca Paterson said the council should have opted for a free audio recording method.

“There is no need to spend extra money so the community can look at our ugly mugs,” she said.

Cr Klisaris echoed the same sentiment, saying it was a “waste” and the cash should be spent on community groups strapped for cash.

The public gallery will not be filmed but audio from public question time will be put online.