By Laura Michell
The number of decisions being made in secret by Whittlesea council has fallen in the past four years.
Latest data from the state government’s Know Your Council website reveals that in 2018-19, just 8.5 per cent of the council’s decisions were made ‘in confidential’.
In 2015-16, the council made 38 per cent of its decisions behind closed doors, making it one of the most secretive councils in Melbourne.
On average, Victorian councils made 9.55 per cent of decisions ‘in confidential’ in 2018-19.
Mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova said the council had worked hard to improve transparency.
“It’s important that we are open and transparent with our community and these figures reflect an improving trend,” she said.
“The introduction of live streaming of council meetings in the new year is another step towards improving openness and transparency.”
The Know Your Council data covers topics including animal management, aquatic facilities, food safety, statutory planning, waste and financial performance.
The latest data revealed an increase in animal management costs in Whittlesea, rising from $94.65 per registered animal in 2017-18 to $120.82 in 2018-19.
Cr Sterjova said the increase was the result of a new process and service with the RSPCA at the Epping Animal Welfare Facility.
She said service costs had increased for Darebin and Moreland councils who also use the facility.
Whittlesea recorded a drop in waste collection costs, down from $50 in 2017-18 to $43 in 2018-19, and a decrease in missed bin collections. The council said this was due to a change in contractors.
