Night meeting an opportunity to connect with Councillors

Fraser Coast residents will have the opportunity to watch their Councillors after hours with the March Ordinary Meeting to be held in the evening.

Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said the meeting would start at 6pm on Wednesday 24 March in Council’s Tavistock Street chambers in Hervey Bay with public participation via registration to occur from 5pm.

“The change is part of our plan to increase opportunities for residents to connect with Councillors and to make Council more accessible,” he said.

“By starting the meeting in the evening, we are offering residents, especially those who have 9am to 5pm jobs, an opportunity to come along and see how the Council works or watch a livestream on Council’s YouTube channel from home.”

Cr Everard said Council was working hard to maintain its connection and engagement with all residents, including those in our smaller communities, with two meetings to be held in smaller communities this year.

“The Fraser Coast region covers an area of 7125 square kilometres and Council is eager to ensure the region’s 100,000 plus residents have access to their elected representatives,” he said.

“Hosting Council meetings in our small communities allows us to engage with residents and enhance accessibility and transparency of Council’s actions.

“This year Council meetings will be held at the North Aramara Hall and at the Boonooroo Community Hall.

“Council has also started monthly informal community ‘meet and greets’ in every division throughout the Fraser Coast, with the first event in Toogoom last month a great success.

“These events are an opportunity for residents to come and have a chat with Councillors in a relaxed environment close to where they live.

“The next ‘meet and greet’ will be at the QCWA Hall at 77 Steley Street in Howard from 10am to 12 noon on Thursday 18 March.”

Council ordinary meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month, starting at 10am with meetings rotated between the Hervey Bay and Maryborough chambers.

Public Participation sessions are held before the Ordinary Meeting and start at 9am. Anyone wishing to participate in public participation must register prior to the meetings by calling our Customer Service Centre on 1300 79 49 29 or emailing enquiry@frasercoast.qld.gov.au

The list of Council meeting dates is available on the Council website at https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/council-meetings

All Council meetings are also livestreamed on Council’s YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/user/FrasercoastRC