Speak at a Public Forum

A member of the public can request to address Council personally, or on behalf of a group of residents after first submitting the correct request form.

There are two different opportunities for members of the community to address Council. Firstly you will need to decide which one applies to your requirements:

  1. Public Forums - For items on the Ordinary Meeting Agenda (See the information below)

  2. Open Forums - For items not on the Ordinary Meeting Agenda

Speak at a Public Forum

Any member of the public can request to address the Council on any matter on the agenda of the Ordinary Council Meeting at a Public Forum.

Public Forums are held prior to each Ordinary Meeting of Council commencing at 1:30 pm. The Ordinary Meeting of Council will commence immediately following the Public Forum or at 2:00 pm should the public forum conclude before that time.

The forum will be chaired by the Mayor or his or her delegate.

Councillors may ask questions of the speaker following their address.

Applications to speak are required by 12:00 noon the day before the date the Public Forum is to be held.

  • Speakers can apply to address Council on up to two (2) items of business on the agenda

  • Speakers will have three (3) minutes on each item to address Council

  • Councillor/s may ask questions of the speaker

  • A speaker may not ask questions of Council, Councillors or Council staff

  • Council can not make a decision or a determination in this forum.

The Public Forum will not proceed if no applications to speak are received by 12:00 noon.

If you would like to speak at a Public Forum, you will need to:

  1. Submit a Speak at a Public Forum request form.

  2. Read the Speak at a Public Forum guidelines. 

Need help?

If you are unclear which request form to use, or have further questions, please contact:

  • The Executive Assistant, Lineve Clarke on (02) 7955 7213.

 

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