Mount Alexander Shire Council will start live streaming its council meetings from next week.
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The council is conducting a trial of live-stream video via YouTube at Tuesday's meeting, with a link to the archive on the council's website.
On the agenda is a recommendation to refer the Baringhup solar farm permit application to the Minister for Planning for a decision. The construction cost of the project is $195 million, with the development having the potential to generate 75 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy.
The council will also consider an application from the Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine to increase patron capacity from 100 people to 150.
Mayor Bronwen Machin said live-streaming aimed to increase transparency and remove access to barriers to attendance at meetings.
Read more: Mount Alexander community grants revamped
"During a community survey last year we heard that local residents wanted more information about the council decisions we make," Cr Machin said.
"We know the time, day and location of meetings can be a barrier that prevents some people from attending a council meeting.
"We hope a live stream and recording of council meetings will provide a timely update on the key decisions we make and share some insights on the reasons why."
Cr Machin said the organisation had tested the technology in the lead up to the trial.
The recording equipment to be used for the meetings will focus on councillors and avoid filming visitors in the public gallery as much as possible.
To view the live stream search for Mount Alexander Shire Council on YouTube.
The council meeting will start at 6.30pm on Tuesday March 19 at the Civic Centre, Castlemaine
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