Council decides on live-streamed meetings

Incited by a Facebook post by Hedland residents, the Town of Port Hedland council will tomorrow decide whether to allow live streaming of the monthly council meetings and have the audio and video footage available to the public

The notice of motion was submitted by new councillor Warren McDonogh in an effort to allow the public to watch meetings in real time if they are unable to attend.

Cr McDonogh’s motion stated the real time information would assist in reducing negative perceptions of the Town in relation to the decision-making process.

“Live streaming is being adopted by many councils and a sign of the changing methods of modern communication,” it reads.

“I believe it is in the best interests of the Town to take a contemporary view regarding the issue.”

While the Town already audio records each meeting, which is made available on the Town’s website after the release of meeting minutes, if approved the motion will mean the recordings will not need to wait for the approval of minutes to go online.

The Town of Port Hedland governance officer Louise O’Donnell wrote the Town supports the motion because it is “committed to engaging with its community and recognises that providing opportunities to facilitate residents keeping up-to-date with council decisions is important”.

According to the agenda item, the Town sought feedback from other councils in Western Australia that currently live stream council meetings including the City of Bunbury, City of Greater Geraldton, City of Vincent and City of Joondalup.

If the council chooses to adopt the motion the proposal included using existing resources with minimal purchases, including an iPhone, tripod and additional microphone and speaker.

This month’s council meeting will be held tomorrow night at 5.30pm in the Port Hedland Civic Centre.

For more information pick up next week’s edition of the North West Telegraph.