A ratepayers group has claimed plans to live stream Wagga council meetings is a positive step toward fixing transparency issues which hinders its relationship with community.
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In a report to be presented in a meeting on Monday night, council has proposed to trial the live streaming for six months from May this year, which is set to cost $6,600.
Council estimates ongoing live streaming could cost anywhere between $15,000 to $44,000, with new equipment required and a potential additional staff wage cost per meeting.
Wagga ratepayers member Jenni Campbell said she welcomed the proposal to hold councillors more accountable.
“I’m of the belief that people are disillusioned in council which has resulted in apathy,” Ms Campbell said.
“There are a whole lot residents who are not interested in council and actually think it’s redundant.”
Ms Campbell said trialing the live streaming was the only way to test the effectiveness of its hefty price.
“It really needs to be put to the test for a year or so to figure out how effective it will be,” Ms Campbell said.
The live stream will go hand in hand with published minutes, allowing residents to tune into the arguments surrounding a particular agenda item.
“I read the minutes but not many of us do,” Ms Campbell said.
“They are a great place to start but live streaming will show us the reasons why councilors vote for or against.
“It’s an opportunity to see whether our council is truly representing our views.”
Wagga councillor Dan Hayes said live streaming would support residents who may live too far away or didn’t have the time to attend meetings.
“People have busy lives – in this day and age we are lucky enough to have technology in the comfort of our own homes,” Mr Hayes said.
“If you have an interest in particular agenda item you can listen in for just one rather than partake in the whole lengthy meeting.”
Mr Hayes said he believed the cost was manageable and would simply become the norm.
Mr Hayes agreed the streaming would help with accountability and force councillors to follow through on issues they advocated for or promises they made. While regular viewers were not expected, Ms Campbell said the process was about generating conversations.