Councillors find common ground in keeping their distance

SURF Coast Shire councillors have noted the financial and practical benefits of meeting via teleconference rather than in person.

Their council meeting on May 26 was the first they had held via Zoom since legislation passed permitting “virtual council meetings”, though the council has been holding regular briefings through teleconference since the early stages of lockdown.

The agenda at the May 26 meeting included the noting of councillor allowances and expenditure for the first quarter of 2020.

The quarterly report revealed councillors had saved more than $5,000 on car mileage in the first quarter of 2020 compared to the final quarter of 2019.

At the meeting, Cr Margot Smith said she was pleased council had embraced the technology, albeit out of necessity.

“It’s great to be able to see the reduction in travel expenses. We have just as many meetings, but the fact we are not travelling to and from meetings is helping our costs.”

Lorne Ward councillor Clive Goldsworthy said the changes were particularly welcome given the present difficulties.

“I must admit I have appreciated the fact that I don’t have to spend two hours every time I have to come up to Torquay going backwards and forwards.

“Where we can and should be using this (technology) as a way of being inclusive to everyone, but also of reducing costs in a time where we do need to reduce costs.”

In addition to the savings on travel expenditure, some councillors stated the use of video conference had made attending briefings easier.

Cr Heather Wellington said the changes in the past months had helped councillors remain informed.

“It seems to have been a problem that’s been intractable for years but all of a sudden we’ve managed to do it because we’ve been forced to.

“Hopefully we will continue the Zoom and continue to record. And those councillors who can’t get to briefings can get the opportunity to listen in later.”