Guidelines for Participation at Council Meetings

Guidelines for Public Participation at Council Meetings

A non-judicial matter (ie, one pertaining to Council policy or performance), whether or not it is listed on the agenda – unless the speaker has already spoken on the same matter within the previous three months
Note: The excluded “judicial” matters are ones where the elected Council acts for the State in exercising adjudicatory powers eg, making determinations on building application and development application matters.
An application or matter before the Council for consideration and/or determination
A matter not deemed “confidential” – in accordance with NSW Local Government Act 1993

One address per speaker per meeting which shall be limited to not more than three (3) minutes
One which is confined to making statements of fact – questions cannot be accommodated (unless by resolution of Council in accordance with Clause 7 of Code of Meeting Practice)
One that may be supported by whatever copies of printed information and images that the speaker can make available – use of audio-visual media cannot be accommodated
There is a limitation of two speakers for any one item, with one in support of the recommendation to the Council, and one speaker in opposition (Clause 13.2.(a) of Code of Meeting Practice); (this has been varied by resolution of the Council – to allow the Mayor to have the discretion to permit more than two speakers to address the Council on any one item.).

During a period allocated at the beginning of the related item listed on the agenda or special permission by the Mayor.

By filling in online the Request to Address Council Meeting form.
By lodging a completed request form (including planned address) to the General Manager’s Office by 12.00 noon the day of the nominated meeting.
By receiving confirmation from the office of the General Manager that the Request will be accommodated at the nominated meeting – this is subject to scheduling and time limits.