Warrnambool City Council will send a delegation to Sweden to learn more about renewable energy despite community anger about the trip.
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Councillors eventually voted 6-0 for the trip to Mariestad after debate was adjourned due to disruption from the public gallery at Monday evening's meeting.
Cr Peter Hulin did not vote as he declared a conflict of interest due to his son working for the Federal Government Energy Minister Angus Taylor.
The council approved leading a delegation of academia, industry and multi-tiers of government to Mariestad to strengthen Warrnambool's alignment with the National Hydrogen Energy Strategy and the Victorian Hydrogen Investment Program.
Mariestad is the first in the world to inaugurate an off-grid solar-powered hydrogen producing and filling station. Earlier in the year a forum was held in Warrnambool with delegates from Mariestad talking about the initiative.
Public objectors said the council should not be approving overseas trips when it had increased rates above the State Government cap.
The meeting stopped for more than 10 minutes before councillors returned to the chamber.
Chief executive officer Peter Schneider confirmed $5000 in funding from Regional Development Australia Barwon South-West had been secured for flights and accommodation, however the full cost of the trip for himself, the mayor and a council officer was not revealed.
Councillor David Owen said the relationship the council had with Mariestad was "very important" and the council needed to look at future energies.