Restrictions on public gatherings force council meetings online

A northern Tasmanian council will hold all its meetings via video conferencing with elected members, with the audio live-streamed to the public.

LAUNCESTON City council meetings will be held in the virtual world for the foreseeable future after new measures to control coronavirus were announced by the Premier this week.

All council meetings will now be held via video conferencing with elected members, with the audio live-streamed to the public.

Mayor Albert van Zetten said the decision was in the best interest of public safety.

“The new public gathering guidelines outlined by the Premier mean that the public will not be able to attend council meetings in person while these measures are in place,” Ald van Zetten said.

The new arrangement will take effect from this Thursday’s ordinary Council meeting and the Special Council meeting.

Ratepayers can email up to three questions for public question time.

The questions will be read aloud and answered or taken on notice.

Those wanting to speak to an item on the agenda can email a statement up to 300 words, which will be read in the meeting.

“This is a particularly difficult time for many people in our community, but as an essential service, the Council must quickly adapt to the challenges before us,” Ald van Zetten said.

Questions or statements can be emailed to [e-mail] by 12pm on Thursday and must include the ratepayer’s name and contact telephone number.

Anyone unable to email their question or statement can call council’s customer service centre on 6323 3000 for assistance.