A Wyndham councillor has called for changes that encourage greater transparency and attract more professionals to local government.
Intaj Khan, serving his first term as a Wyndham councillor, is keen to see the council live-stream its meetings to the public.
Cr Khan said the council should be recording on video and live-streaming its meetings on YouTube, or a similar platform, to encourage professionals, families and other people who wouldn’t otherwise attend a council meeting to see their elected representatives in action.
The council currently makes audio recordings of its meetings, which residents can purchase for $15.
A recent survey undertaken by Macedon Ranges’ resident Matthew Nickson found that 24 of the state’s 79 councils record or stream meetings via the internet, or plan to do so.
In the west, Hobsons Bay council is the only council that video-records its meetings and podcasts them the following day.
Cr Khan also wants the council to change its briefings time from 3pm to 6pm to encourage more professionals to stand for council at scheduled elections next year.
He said the current 3pm briefings timeslot scared full-time workers from putting their hands up and suited only part-time workers or retirees.
Cr Khan is keen to see a younger mix of councillors to more accurately represent the cross-section of people in the community.
He also called for the yearly councillor allowance to be increased from $28,202 to $40,000 to reflect the commitment councillors undertake in stepping into public life.
Wyndham chief executive Kelly Grigsby said the council would consider Cr Khan’s recommendations.
“Council has significantly increased the ways it consults with and involves the community in its decision-making,” Ms Grigsby said.
“While live video-streaming has not previously been supported due to the costs, it may be something council wishes to review in future.”
Ms Grigsby said the council would also “revisit” the timing of councillor briefings following next year’s election.
“Cr Khan is correct when he says different times of the day suit individual circumstances. The timing of briefings will be revisited,” she said.
