By KATH GANNAWAY
ACCOUNTABILITY for inaccurate reports to council was raised as an issue when Yarra Ranges Council addressed meeting procedures last week.
Council was considering releasing for community consultation a Local Law Review on Meeting Procedures and the Use of the Common Seal.
Yarra Glen resident Christine Dove addressed the councillors on the issue of fair and open decision making.
“What obligation of accountability is there once a report (to a council meeting) is proven to be incorrect,” she said.
Asked by mayor Fiona McAllister what she thought might be included to reflect the need for accountability and transparency, Ms Dove said the public should have more time to consider reports in agendas before the matter goes before council.
“One week is not enough for people to review the information and then if something is wrong, to address that,” she said.
“I have noted the concern of councillors and also heard from submitters of mis-informatin and inaccuracies in officer reports,” she said.
Cr Witlox moved that the draft document go out for community consultation.
He said he understood the need to get reports done to keep matters moving, but added “they should be accurate”.
“We can announce community consultation and I think feedback from Mrs Dove can be included, and it should be,” he said.
Community consultation will take place from 22 October to 19 November with the findings and submissions considered at the 9 December council meeting.
