New public forum for residents

Published on 12 June 2019

Residents will now have a dedicated forum before monthly Council meetings to address the city's elected representatives.

Council adopted a new Code of Meeting Practice in May, in line with the updated Model Code of Meeting Practice that was released by the Office of Local Government in December 2018.

The most notable change to local meetings will be the introduction a 15-minute public forum at 6.15pm on meeting night, with those who have registered to speak about items on the meeting's agenda to be given priority to address the Council.

Remaining time will be given to registered people wishing to speak on other matters, followed by those who have not registered and wish to speak on general matters.

Mayor Darriea Turley said she hoped the platform would encourage residents to engage with Councillors.

"Under the previous meeting guidelines there was a brief public forum as part of the official meeting procedure, but we understand not everyone is comfortable standing in front of the gallery and being live-streamed while addressing Council," she said.

"This new forum will take place before official proceedings start, won't be live-streamed, and will hopefully give people a bit more freedom to speak in a more relaxed setting."

Other changes adopted include a limit of five Notices of Motion per Councillor, and a stipulation that motions must have adequate detail to allow Councillors to make an informed decision.

Notices of Motion must also now be lodged "by 5pm two Fridays prior to the Council meeting" to give Councillors time to consider each motion’s details.

For more information or to register to speak at this month's forum, please visit https://www.brokenhill.nsw.gov.au/Council/Meetings/Public-Forums.