A new draft local law to replace the existing law that governs the conduct of meetings of Greater Bendigo City Council and special committees is now on public exhibition.
The City welcomes submissions on the new Draft Greater Bendigo City Council Local Law - Process of Municipal Government (2020).
It is a requirement of the Local Government Act 1989 that Victorian Councils to maintain a local law governing the conduct of the meetings of the Council and special committees.
The current Local Law, which also governs proceedings for the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor and use of the common seal, expires on December 31 and cannot be extended. Creating a new law is a routine process.
Director Corporate Performance Andrew Cooney said Council was required to have a new local law in place once the existing law expired at the end of the year.
"Also a new Local Government Act is being prepared by the Victorian Government and will be introduced into Parliament later this year," Mr Cooney said.
"The City has been advised that this new bill require Councils to adopt new Governance rules, to take into effect in late 2020, which will replace and expand on existing meeting procedures covered under local law.
"That means that any new local adopted by Council will only be in effect to cover the interim period, that is the period between the existing law expiring on December 31 and the introduction of the new law.
"The Draft Local Law is now open for public comment. The closing date for submissions is 5pm on September 27, 2019.
"All submissions regarding the Draft Local Law must be made in writing and will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989.
"If a submitter wishes to appear in person, or be represented by a person, to speak about their submission, this should be specifically requested in the written submission.
"A Committee of the Whole of Council will be convened to hear submissions, if required. If you wish to be heard regarding your submission, you will be notified of the date, time and venue."
If adopted, the new Draft Local Law will cease to operate on December 31 2024 unless revoked earlier. It is intended that this Local Law would only remain in place until:
- A new Local Government Bill has been enacted in 2020 and the requirements on Councils for regulating meeting procedure are clear
- Council completes a comprehensive review of this Local Law
- Council has prepared a new Local Law reflecting current thinking in good municipal governance in consultation with the community
- Council has prepared a new Local Law reflecting current thinking in good municipal governance in consultation with the community
For a copy of the new Draft Local Law, a fact sheet and the existing Local Law can be found at: https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/municipalgovernment
