Shire keeps meeting details secret

THE Surf Coast Shire is staying tight-lipped about a special meeting of council that was held yesterday (Wednesday) morning but closed to the public.

The shire’s website advised the meeting was to be held in the council chambers at 9am about a “council governance matter – confidential item” but did not make the agenda available, as is usually the case with all other council meetings.

Last week, Surf Coast general manager of governance and infrastructure Anne Howard said the council “cannot comment” on the confidential item. “In accordance with Section 89(2)(a) of the Local Government Act 1989, Council will consider this matter at a meeting that is to be closed to the public because the discussion will relate to personnel matters.”

There was speculation that Cr David Bell’s position as mayor could be in jeopardy, but following the meeting, at nearly 1pm, the shire issued a statement saying that “all councillors were present, mayor David Bell chaired the meeting and (he) continues in the role”.