New Rules For Council Meetings

New regulations that aim to streamline meetings and avoid time-wasting will soon be imposed in Council meetings thanks to a motion carried at the ordinary meeting last week.

The changes, which will take effect next month, were adopted following a consultation between Council CEO Scott Owen, Mayor Greg Williamson, and the elected members.

The outcome confirmed that Council will begin to hold their ordinary meetings monthly instead of fortnightly.

They will continue to meet internally every Wednesday.

Another main amendment is that any person or group wishing to attend and address Council, or provide a deputation at a local government meeting, must now make a written request to the CEO at least seven days prior.

This is in line with the length of time Council staff deliver reports and agenda items prior to any meeting.

It is hoped that this system will help Council discern whether the topic is suitable to add to the public participation agenda, or whether it is better if the applicant follows a more appropriate channel.

Mayor Williamson said that previously speakers could turn up on the day and put their names on the list to speak.

This immediate platform meant that Council could not filter subjects that were outside of their jurisdiction.

“What that means is sometimes speakers are talking about matters not related to local government that council has no involvement in,’’ Mayor Williamson said.

“This will ensure matters of public participation are local government specific and appropriate channels within Council have already been used in trying to further the matter.”

There will be a maximum of three speakers per matter and the time of three minutes per speaker, currently in place, would remain.

Under the new stricter rules, there will also be firmer regulations around late business items raised by councillors.

Scott Owen said he believed the meeting changes, developed in consultation with the elected members, were positive.

“They are in line with Council’s focus on becoming more agile and efficient,’’ he said.

“There will also be changes to the monthly reporting at the council meeting to have more of a forward-looking and strategic focus, which will assist with preparing the region for the future.”

In Brief:

• Council ordinary meetings will take place monthly instead of fortnightly

• Anyone wishing to address Council must write a letter seven days prior

• If the matter is better suited, it may be redirected internally

• There will be a maximum of three speakers at a meeting

• An individual will have three minutes to speak

• There will also be stricter rules around late business items raised by Councillors

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