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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Benita Kolovos and Adeshola Ore

The new frontline for conspiracy theorists: how Victorian councils were driven online to avoid chaos

Josh Roose David Clark Victoria
Composite image of Yarra Ranges council and Latrobe city council buildings with silhouettes of protesters in front
Yarra Ranges and Latrobe city councils have moved meetings online to avoid what they say is antisocial behaviour at public meetings from fringe conspiracy groups. Composite: Getty Images/Yarra Ranges Council/Latrobe City Council

On paper, the yellow council building in Lilydale is hardly the leading contender to be an centre of conspiracist-led activity in Australia.

Yet the council on the outskirts of Melbourne that stretches deep into Victoria’s Yarra Ranges – for which it is named – has been battling fringe conspiracy groups for months due to its support of a 20-minute neighbourhood.

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