The long-awaited process to implement live streaming of council meetings is in progress, according to Yass Valley mayor Rowena Abbey.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
First discussed in April this year, the consensus from council was that “due to the costs associated with producing quality audio streaming of Council meetings, Council not proceed with audio streaming” according to the minutes of the July meeting.
However, Cr Abbey confirmed recently that the matter had been taken up by the Canberra Region Joint Organisation of Councils (CBRJO) following the July meeting.
Cr Abbey explained that the issue of live streaming council meetings had gone to the CBRJO because the options presented to council had been considered too expensive, with some estimates ranging as far as $60,000.
“The CBRJO was also looking at … that same topic,” Cr Abbey said.
“I know some already have [live streaming], but some are looking to upgrade some of their older facilities.
“We were looking at something that works and to be able to get it on board in a more efficient way.”
To be able to provide high-quality streams of council meetings once a month, tens of thousands of dollars is a lot of money.
Cr Abbey explained that the council was looking into a system which would provide them with a wider range of capabilities in order to ensure that, if they had to spend up to $70,000, it would have a wider range of capabilities than just live-streaming council meetings.
“In country areas, you spend quite a bit of time on the road travelling to and from places,” Cr Abbey said.
“We somehow [want to] have it fitted back into a process where you can have video conferencing as well.
“We’ve got to make sure it’s the right [solution] rather than just buying something because it’s suits the purpose just for council meetings.
“Personally I think it’s got to be more flexible than that.
“A meeting once a month, I’m not sure people want you to spend 60 or 70 grand on, but if it can be something more versatile where you’re actually having video conferencing … it makes the cost of buying something more effective.”
The mayor emphasised that none of the councillors were against implementing live streaming technology in their meetings.
However, Councillor Nathan Furry has in the past stated that he is in favour of a cheaper audio solution.
“We don't want a Rolls Royce solution. It’s not difficult to obtain a low-cost solution to livestream and be available for playback,” Cr Furry said in April.
The feedback from the CBRJO is expected within roughly six months of their initial discussions with council; Cr Abbey said that it “may or may not” be available within the reports at the November meeting.