The opportunity to be heard is a core democratic principle but we could lose it, if we don’t act.
It’s time to make a submission to retain the right to address Byron Shire Council (BSC) meetings to raise general issues and questions, not just agenda items.
Unlike many other councils, Byron has provided broad public access to speak directly to our elected representatives and staff about priorities, to seek answers and responses and to get it on the record.
This delivers transparency and accountability.
State government defines how council’s meetings operate and the NSW Code of Meeting Practice now requires that all councils allow public access, and that’s a positive, but it’s limited to agenda items.
Our practice has allowed more, so emerging or neglected issues can be raised – along with questions – to scrutinise decisions and actions.
A draft document is on exhibition on Council’s website, but it doesn’t include the general public access provisions. To everyone who values being heard, it’s time to act.
A simple approach for submissions is to demand that the existing public access rights are retained.
Urgently, go to BSC website and/or contact councillors directly.
Check out the Office of Local Government FAQ to find out more.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
