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City of Stirling plan to host council meeting in Mirrabooka undone by costs

Laura PondStirling Times

A PROPOSAL to host a City of Stirling council meeting in Mirrabooka has been abandoned because of “extraordinary” costs.

Deputy Mayor David Lagan sought support to hold a council meeting at the Herb Graham Recreation Centre in May.

A report presented at Tuesday’s meeting described the centre as a suitable venue because it was centrally located and could accommodate 200 people.

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It was expected to cost the City $13,700, which comprised $5550 for advertising, $7500 on equipment hire and $700 for catering.

The report said there could be other minor costs including for furniture removal and employees’ travel costs.

Councillor Lagan believed the City could “sustain” the costs and it would provide access to people who could not usually attend meetings, while Cr Bianca Sandri was supportive and suggested in future council could consider holding meetings at schools to encourage youth engagement.

But Cr Keith Sargent said the cost was “an extraordinary amount” and hoped the City would instead investigate live streaming official proceedings.

“If anywhere, I’d like to spend the money on getting this room online,” he said.

Several councillors echoed Cr Sargent’s sentiments, believing it was well intended but not a justifiable spending of funds.

The City could instead investigate the feasibility of live streaming meetings following a notice of motion by Cr Sandri.

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