The Queensland Government is to impose on Noosa Council a requirement to take minutes of all committee meetings to enhance accountability and transparency after recently passing an Act in Parliament to strengthen local government accountability.
The previous Noosa council fought long and hard against this when it was put forward – with considerable backing from the community – by then Cr Jackson in pursuing a more open and transparent council.
“I am delighted that the State Government will mandate this obvious practice as part of its latest accountability and integrity legislation,” Ms Jackson said.
“Even the smallest sports and social clubs take minutes of meetings as a permanent record of discussions and agreements.
“It was a shame that the former Wellington council would not take this small step towards greater transparency but now the State government has acted anyway.
“Meeting minutes are important legal and historical documents.”
Ms Jackson said that under mayor Clare Stewart, the new council was pursuing a more open, progressive and independent course.
“The community will welcome that at last it has a council with professional and ethical leadership.
“A council open to its constituency is respected and trusted by them. And this is exactly the kind of council Noosa needs.”
