The latest state government statistics have revealed that Council transparency increased in the past year, with less decisions made behind closed doors.
The annual Know Your Council figures were released this week analysing 2018 data from Victoria’s 79 Councils.
The data covers topics including animal management, aquatic facilities, food safety, governance, statutory planning, waste and financial performance.
In the 2018-19 financial year data, Whittlesea Council continued a trend of reducing the number of decision made at closed Council meetings. 91.49% of matters were considered in open session – 61% higher than 2017 and the highest on record.
Mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova said the Council had worked hard to improve the figure.
“It’s important that we are open and transparent with our community and these figures reflect an improving trend,” she said.
“The introduction of live streaming of Council meetings in the new year is another step towards improving openness and transparency.”
Council also had a strong performance in statutory planning and lower than average cost for waste collection.
The City of Whittlesea has also improved its rate of asset renewal from 25% to 60% in two years, which is ahead of similar Councils and the result of a more proactive approach to renewal works.
The cost of animal management increased in 2018 due to a new process and service with the RSPCA at the Epping Animal Welfare Facility. This is also the case at Darebin and Moreland who use the same service.
“Overall, we are pleased with how we are tracking,” Cr Sterjova said.
“We will continue to work to make improvements and provide the best service to our community,” she said.
