Council’s Public Forum trial was concluded following the June 2023 meeting. Effective from the 25 July Council meeting, the Public Forum will again be held immediately prior to a Council meeting, in accordance with the policy adopted in February 2022.

Council’s decision follows community feedback received during the trial, indicating that the preference was to revert back to the Public Forum being held on the same day, and immediately prior to, a Council meeting. Council thanks the community for their feedback, and is pleased to be responsive to the community’s wishes.

The key components of the Public Forum include commencement at 6pm (being 30 minutes prior to the Council meeting); a maximum of 8 speakers, with 3 minutes each, to speak on items listed on that Council meeting’s agenda; speakers on any one agenda item will be limited to two ‘for’ and two ‘against’; and speakers will address the Public Forum in the order of the agenda of the Council meeting.

Council welcomes anyone interested in speaking to submit a request via the website by 10am on the day of the Public Forum and Council meeting.