Council committee meetings to go virtual
04 August 2021
Ipswich City Council will strictly adhere to current COVID restrictions by moving its upcoming committee meetings to a virtual format.
Council has six committee meetings scheduled for Thursday 5 August which will now move online. While the public gallery will be closed, the committee meetings will continue to be live streamed.
Mayor Teresa Harding said this lockdown was the strictest South East Queensland had faced to-date and Council was committed to limiting the spread of the Delta strain.
“While our work doesn’t stop during lockdown, Council has responded to the calls of the Chief Health Officer and decided to take up the option to meet virtually,” Mayor Harding said.
“Technology allows Council to continue to deliver transparent and accountable decision making, without the need to assemble in person.”
The public gallery in the Council chambers at its new administration building at 1 Nicholas Street will be closed, and all elected representatives and staff will attend meetings virtually.
Mayor Harding said the Queensland Government had reintroduced legislation in relation to COVID provisions for local government which allows meetings to be held by audio or audio-visual link.
“The special measures will allow us to continue with the important matters of running Council and working towards the best outcomes for the Ipswich community,” said Mayor Harding.
The Growth, Infrastructure and Waste Committee, chaired by Mayor Harding, will live stream first from 9am.
It will be followed by Governance and Transparency; Community, Culture, Arts and Sport; Economic and Industry Development; Environment and Sustainability; and finally Ipswich Central Redevelopment.
There will be a 10-minute break between the end and beginning of each committee.
“While it is not ideal, this enables us to conduct our standing committees and consider important reports and other matters brought to Council on a daily basis,” Mayor Harding said.
“The public can listen and watch every minute on their laptops, smart devices or PCs and can observe democracy in action. I encourage people to tune in to the live stream.”
Mayor Harding said Council is keeping the essential business of local government going in compliance with the restrictions.
For further information on the live-streamed meetings, read here