The long-awaited public hearings for the Inquiry into Central Coast Council are set to begin on September 27, with COVID-19 restrictions forcing them online.
The hearings will be conducted from September via Microsoft Teams and live streamed on the Office of Local Government YouTube channel.
Members of the public will be able to view the proceedings via a desktop or laptop computer, smart phone or tablet.
The hearings are scheduled to begin on Monday, September 27 and continue until Friday, October 15, and will take place from 10am-4pm daily, subject to variation by Commissioner Roslyn McCulloch.
There may be one or more non-sitting days during the hearing period, which will be announced during the hearings.
If witnesses wish to raise concerns about their evidence being live streamed, they may make written representation to the Commissioner, but the discretion remains with the Commissioner as to whether or not any exemptions to live streaming will apply.
No live streams are to be recorded, published or shared in any form, including video and audio recordings, and still images from the live stream.
The live stream could be muted or suspended at any time, including when the Inquiry has determined to exclude the public from any part of the hearings and for the welfare of witnesses or other people.
The Inquiry will publish transcripts of each day’s proceedings on its web page.
Further details can be obtained from the Office of the Commissioner; call 4345 4444 or email centralcoastcouncil.publicinquiry@olg.nsw.gov.au.
Source:
Public notice, Aug 27
NSW Government