Council looks to live-stream its meetings

Noosa Council is investigating options to live-stream its meetings over the internet.

A vote last week will see Noosa look to join at least two other Queensland councils and various others around the country that stream their meetings online.

Council’s CEO will investigate options and provide a report to Council within three months.

Acting Mayor Frank Wilkie said streaming Council’s meetings would help residents who wanted to hear the debate behind the decisions.

“While our meetings are open to the public, we realise it’s not always convenient for residents and ratepayers to make it to the Tewantin chambers,” he said.

“We periodically hold our monthly Ordinary Meetings remotely so that residents in those areas can attend a meeting closer to home. Over the last few years, we have held our Ordinary Council Meetings in Kin Kin, Cooran, Pomona, Boreen Point, Cooroy, Sunshine Beach, Noosa Junction and Peregian Beach as well as our usual venue of Tewantin. Live streaming is another option for improving the community’s access to Council, so it’s well worth exploring.”

Cr Wilkie said there were various issues to consider. These included the quality of the live feed, the placement of cameras and/or microphones and the number of them needed, plus whether the feed was recorded as well as broadcast live.

“As with any decision that involves a cost it’s important we undertake a robust investigation of the options to achieve the best value for ratepayers’ money,” the Acting Mayor said.

“Once we have options before us, we can make an informed decision.”

26 September 2018