Debates to go public

DEBATE on tenders for Cardinia Shire capital works projects has been brought out from behind closed doors.
Council last week launched a threemonth trial to discuss in open council all but the most sensitive financial details of many of its new works contracts.
The trial could become permanent after the November elections.
It is a move that has been welcomed by members of the public gallery, who often claim too much council business is discussed incamera.
Councillors and shire officers were also enthusiastic about the move, which is standard procedure in many municipalities across Victoria.
Chief executive officer Don Welsh said some of the most exciting new developments in the shire went unnoticed because discussions had been held incamera.
Mr Welsh said the trial would put more information about projects into the public domain without compromising the privacy of contractors tendering for the works.
A $362,000 upgrade of Garfield recreation reserve and a $600,000 extension of Henry Road, Pakenham were the first items discussed under the trial at a special council meeting last week.