The layout at last week’s Council Meeting was implemented at very short notice, in response to highly unique circumstances which Council is unable to comment on further due to privacy reasons. 

Yarra City Council prides itself on holding open Council Meetings, where community participation in decision making is welcomed, promoted and encouraged. 

We regret the change in meeting room layout implied anything to the contrary. We want to again reassure our community this desk arrangement will not be used in the future.

Our intent was never for this to be seen as a symbolic barrier between Council and its community and it was pleasing to see a number of residents participating in the meeting last week.