FOR the foreseeable future, members of the public will not be able to attend Bathurst Regional Council meetings.
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The decision has been made in response to the coronavirus pandemic, with council closely following the advice of the state and federal governments to limit public gatherings.
Mayor Bobby Bourke had hinted at the last council meeting, on March 18, that it may be the last opportunity for members of the public to address the chamber.
It was confirmed on Thursday that the next meeting, to be held on April 1, will not include a public gallery.
Public health and safety is at the heart of the decision, and for the councillors and council staff who do attend the meetings, social distancing guidelines will be strictly adhered to.
"Not having the public in the meeting will give staff the room to spread out," Cr Bourke said.
People will still be able to watch the meeting proceedings, however, as council began streaming its policy committee and ordinary meetings live on its YouTube channel this year.
This was due to new rules requiring all councillors to webcast their meetings by December 14, 2019.
A link to council's YouTube channel can be found on council's website.
Footage of the meetings will remain on the channel for months after they are filmed, so people can watch them at any time that is convenient.
Cr Bourke stressed that, even though the public can't attend these meetings, council would continue to be transparent in decision making and work to support the community during this difficult time.
"All the councillors are very concerned about what they can and can't do and we are working stronger together than ever," he said.
He also encouraged people who have issues they want to raise to contact councillors prior to meetings so there is an opportunity for these items to be discussed.
A number of other council facilities and events have also been shut down in the interest of public safety.