By Ethan Benedicto
The 80-capacity limit for the upcoming City of Casey May council meeting reached its limit on the first day of registrations, as the CRRA calls for a larger capacity.
Anthony Tassone, vice-president of the CRRA, built on his initial criticisms of the 80-person capacity, adding that there are multiple spaces in Bunjil that can hold more people, and that there have been multiple previous events doing the same.
“There have been functions and events, with more than 80 people, with tables and furniture, and it has not posed an issue then, so why are we insisting on a limit of 80?” Tassone said.
“Ratepayers have paid for a building that they’re now being kept out of during council meetings.”
On behalf of the CRRA, Tassone sent an email to the City of Casey expressing his concern for the limit, the fact that it has been exhausted, and pushing for more registrars.
He wrote, “the council chambers appear to be able to adequately accommodate far more attendees, and with a pre-registration process of obtaining details, this should give the Council greater comfort that those attending are from the municipality”.
Tassone also likened the most recent Casey Coastal Framework held by the council on Thursday, 15 May, to the upcoming meeting’s capacity, saying that the one he attended had 100 chairs set out “in a much smaller space” as compared to the designated meeting room in Bunjil.
In response, Casey’s ceo, Glenn Patterson, said that the limit of 80 was “to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort”.
“This number is based on the room layout, which takes into account Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and Emergency Management requirements, such as clear access and exit points.
“We also looked at previous attendance numbers to determine a safe and practical limit that balances interest with these safety considerations,” he said.
This response is in line with their initial statement when the announcement was first made, and coined similar procedures with neighbouring and other councils in Victoria, such as the Yarra Ranges council, Greater Bendigo, La Trobe City Council and more.
Tassone also remained adamant about the state of public questions, and if their format would have any changes in light of the new limit, and if questions would be answered if the submitter could not attend due to capacity.
Patterson replied by saying that once public questions close on Monday, 19 May, the council will review whether any adjustments to the process are needed.
“Everyone who submits a public question receives a response directly, all responses are also recorded in the official Council Meeting Minutes, which become available on our website following the meeting,” Patterson said.
The council meeting will commence at 6pm, on Tuesday, 20 May, with the agenda available to view online at the City of Casey’s website here www.casey.vic.gov.au/access-past-meetings-minutes-agendas
