By Callum Ludwig
A small group of people were turned away from Yarra Ranges Council’s first meeting with a reopened public gallery on Tuesday 11 July, having not registered to attend.
Council has introduced an attendance registration and identification check for attending Council meetings in the gallery in response to an “increasing pattern of verbal abuse, intimidation and anti-social behaviour” at earlier meetings this year.
Director of Corporate Services at Yarra Ranges Council Andrew Hilson said they have introduced a new process for community members to register to attend Council meetings in person.
“This process will help us manage a large number of community members who wish to attend meetings, as well as ensure meetings are run in a safe and orderly manner for everyone’s benefit,” he said.
“The registration process for each meeting opens when the Council meeting agenda is published, usually on the Wednesday prior to the Council meeting, and closes at 5pm the day before the meeting.”
Attendees can fill out an attendance form online, call the Council’s customer service team or speak with a customer service representative at one of the Community Links throughout the region.
Attendees must provide their first and last name, home address, phone number and email address to register, and upon arrival must present valid identification such as a driver’s license, passport or ID card which will be checked against their registration.
Mr Hilson said community members are also able to watch a live stream of each Council meeting through Council’s website.
“On our website, community members can also submit a question or a petition to Council, view past and upcoming meeting agendas as well as watch a recording of past meetings,” he said.
“Or they can download the Modern.Gov app on their smart device and subscribe to Yarra Ranges Council for live updates.”
Yarra Ranges Council meetings will be capped at a maxim capacity of 70 people in attendance going forward.
Those who need assistance or have missed the deadline for registration and are required to make a submission at a Council meeting are asked to contact the Governance Team on 1300 368 333.
For more information, visit: www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Council/Council-meetings/Attending-a-Council-meeting/Register-to-attend-a-Council-meeting.
