The City of Launceston council will now hold its meetings via video conferencing, due to the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 lockdown.
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Audio of the meetings will be live-streamed on the council's website for the benefit of the public, with the new arrangement set to come into effect at the ordinary council meeting and special council meeting this Thursday.
Mayor Albert van Zetten said new public gathering guidelines outlined by Premier Peter Gutwein meant the public would no longer be able to attend the meetings but that it was important that elected representatives maintained their contact with the community.
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"This is a particularly difficult time for many people in our community, but as an essential service, the council must quickly adapt to the challenges before us," Cr van Zetten said.
"While these current lockdown provisions are in place, we need to be able to change the way we conduct our meetings and do the best we can to maintain the community's ability to have a direct contact with their elected members.
"This situation we all face will not be permanent.
"The arrangements we have put in place are the best way we can facilitate our requirements and I encourage everyone to embrace this new way of operating for the time being."
To ensure that public question time still remains viable, ratepayers will have the opportunity to submit up to three questions each via email. These will either be answered or taken on notice.
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Moreover, if a member of the public wishes to speak to an item on the council agenda (such as a development application), they can email a statement not exceeding 300 words to be read at the meeting.
Ratepayers must email the questions or statements they wish to have addressed at this week's council meetings to contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au before 12pm on Thursday, April 2.
If you are unable to send an email, call the council's customer service centre for assistance on 6323 3000.
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