Mount Alexander Shire Council has adopted a draft flags policy in the wake of the controversy that surrounded the flying of the rainbow flag during the same-sex marriage debate last year.
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The policy bans the flying of flags that are associated with a matter on which people must or are invited to vote on council-controlled flagpoles.
“A community request to fly the rainbow flag last year highlighted a lack of council policy in this area,” mayor Bronwen Machin said.
Castlemaine ward councillor Tony Bell resigned last October after council staff displayed rainbow flags in the windows of council buildings during the same-sex marriage postal survey.
Read more: Second Mount Alexander councillor resigns
At the time of his resignation, Mr Bell said the staff were “making a mockery” of the council’s earlier decision against a motion to fly the rainbow flag from a council building, which was voted down 4:3.
Two other councillors resigned within the same four-month period, although the flag issue was not cited as a reason for their departure.
The flying of flags policy declares that only the Australian flag, Aboriginal flag and Torres Strait Islander flag may be flown from the Civic Centre on Lloyd Street.
At the Market Building, two flagpoles are reserved for the Australian flag and an information flag, while the third is open to community application.
In assessing an application, the council will consider how it supports the council’s vision, values and strategies, as well as how it encourages respect and a sense of belonging.
The council will also look at how the flag supports a recognised issue important to the community.
“The new policy was initiated by councillors to provide clarity and enable community flags to be flown in a high profile central location in Mount Alexander Shire,” Cr Machin said.
Flags flown on any other flagpoles under the council’s direct control must be approved in accordance with Australian flag protocols.
The policy notes that the Castlemaine Town Hall flagpole is no longer used because it is dangerous to use, and made obsolete by the three poles on the Civic Centre.
The policy does not include flagpoles managed by Section 86 committees of the council.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
