AT the last ordinary Golden Plains Shire council meeting of the year, councillors did not decide next year\u2019s meeting schedule.<\/p>\n
A recommendation from officers was put forward where meetings would be held on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 6pm, alternating locations between Bannockburn and Smythesdale.<\/p>\n
However, Cr Helena Kirby presented an alternative motion where two of the Smythesdale meetings would be instead held in Linton.<\/p>\n
This motion lost and the agenda item lapsed, meaning councillors could not vote on the original proposed schedule.<\/p>\n
An unscheduled meeting will be held to decide on next year\u2019s meeting schedule.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a motion it has now been voted on and as there was no foreshadowing of any further motion, the motion was put as being defeated and the item now lapses,\u201d said CEO Shane Walden.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, our governance rules are quote clear on how we can progress on this and we are slightly bound to proceed with the way we\u2019ve already identified.\u201d<\/p>\n
In advocating for meetings in Linton, Cr Kirby said it was important to recognise the historical significance of the building.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would just like for us as a council to recognise Linton as a great municipal building in the Shire,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is of historical significance and dates back to 1961.\u201d<\/p>\n
Cr Brett Cunningham was the only other councillor to support the motion and Cr Owen Sharkey said it would be difficult to continue holding meetings in Linton with the poor internet connection.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sitting her now able to attend this meeting whilst overseas and I would not be able to attend the meeting if it was held in Linton today,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no internet connection that would suffice for Linton to be able to allow councillors to come in.\u201d<\/p>\n