Council to livestream meetings

Townsville City Council is delivering on its commitment to transparency by livestreaming a Full Council meeting for the first time.

Today’s meeting will be the first livestreamed meeting in Townsville City Council history.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said it gives all residents a chance to see Council’s decision-making process in action.

“We have made it clear that we want to be an open, transparent Council and this step shows how much we mean it,” Cr Hill said.

“We are striving to make everything we do simpler, faster and better and this makes meetings accessible from lounge rooms across the city.

“We are accountable to all ratepayers and not everyone can make it into the city for a meeting – this gives people a chance to watch the meeting from their homes or offices."

Governance and Finance Committee Chair Cr Verena Coombe said the livestreamed meetings mean anyone with an internet connection can watch local decisions being made in real time.

“Today’s agenda includes significant discussions including the motorsport precinct in Calcium,” Cr Coombe said.

“People will hear the debates as they happen in Council and follow local issues important to them.

“Many people will be watching a Council meeting for the first time so it will be giving them a new insight into local government.”

All items in open session will be broadcast.

However, confidential items will not be broadcast as per the Local Government Act.

Residents will see the full public meeting from 1:00pm.

People can view the live stream or access archived video at: https://www.townsville.qld.gov.au/about-council/council-meetings/live-stream-of-meetings