Reduced council schedule

Baw Baw Shire will hold only one council meeting once it goes into caretaker period ahead of the October 22 local government election.

Council will enter into caretaker period on September 20.

A report to council said during this period council would be restricted on some of the activities, decisions and communications.

During this period, council cannot make any major policy decisions, award contracts, adopt new policies and is required to limit public consultation and limit council events.

“The purpose of these restrictions is to ensure that council avoid making significant new policies and decisions that could unreasonably bind a future council and that the elections are conducted in a manner that is ethical, fair and equitable, and publically perceived as such,” officers said.

Officers said chief executive officer Helen Anstis had been managing agenda issues to ensure important decisions were made before the caretaker period.

Cr Tricia Jones said council was legally required to enter a caretaker period leading up to the election.

During this period, Cr Jones said council was restricted in its communications and the decisions it could make.

“With this in mind it is recommended we amend our meeting program,” she said.

During caretaker, officers suggested council hold general meetings on September 14 and October 12. Confidential councillor briefings will be held on September 7 and October 5.