Councillors and the public are expected to benefit from the up-to-date computer technology that is expected to result in better meeting structure and provide a greater community understanding of Council processes.

But Leading Edge partner Dennis Wellington said he was disgusted the City had not bothered to source both the expertise and technology required for the work locally.

“I am disgusted at the treatment local businesses have been afforded,” he told Councillors at Tuesday night’s meeting.

“It’s a poor exercise on behalf of Council.”

Mr Wellington, a former councillor, said the City should have approached either his business or others in Albany who could have easily satisfied the City’s requirements.

The City’s hi-tech changes include television screens for both councillors and the public showing the agenda items being discussed, improved audio coverage enabling all speakers to be heard throughout the chamber, and provisions for the deaf.

All of the changes were in operation for the first time on Tuesday.

Councillors and the public will now have to abide by strict timing with a special lighting system marking down the time going from green to amber then red.

The public will have four minutes to put their point or ask questions, and councillors will have to stick to five minutes before getting the red light and being asked to sit down.

Albany Mayor Milton Evans said the City had responded to complaints since the new chambers were opened about the poor audio quality afforded at previous Council meetings.

“I am sure members of the public and Councillors will welcome the new equipment,” he said.

“No doubt a few will criticise the expenditure but this is a long-term investment in better democracy for Albany.

“Others would probably prefer we had used local suppliers but we have been down that path and were unable to get a satisfactory outcome.