A COVID scare among the ranks of the new Eurobodalla Shire Council has forced this week's councillor program online, including the first Public Access session on Tuesday, February 1.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
New Mayor Mathew Hatcher said at least one councillor was currently in isolation, and that while councillors would prefer to have face-to-face meetings, being able to hear from the community safely was paramount.
"We're disappointed our first Public Access session will be over Zoom, but we need to consider everyone's health and stay flexible about how we get together in these times," he said.
Nine speakers have registered for Public Access, which starts at 9.15am and provides an opportunity for members of the public to speak to councillors on any Council-related topic, provided it hasn't already been before Council.
The Mayor said this week's councillor orientation program would continue over Zoom, but he has high hopes the first Council meeting for the term on Tuesday, February 8, will be held in-person in the Council Chamber.
"We'll meet in-person if we possibly can," he said.
"As one, the councillors agree on the importance of connecting with residents in the Council Chamber."
Speaker presentations are published on Council's website after the session.
