NSW government-mandated changes on how Byron Shire Council meetings are conducted will come into effect in 2026.
In a media release, Council staff said one change will be Council’s meetings will now be held monthly, rather than twice a month, ‘as a way of streamlining and improving processes for councillors’.
The first meeting of the year will be held on Thursday, 19 February they say.
‘In line with recent changes to the NSW government’s Code of Meeting Practice, public access will now happen from 9am to 10:30am prior to the start of each meeting’.
‘Councillors are there to listen to community views during public access; but they are no longer allowed to ask questions of speakers.
‘This was a decision of the NSW government.
‘Another change mandated by the state government is the banning of signs and flags in the public gallery during Council meetings.
‘Information about meeting dates, agendas and how to speak at Public Access are on Council’s website.
‘Byron Shire Council meetings are generally well attended by members of the public and we hope this continues,’ Heather Sills, Acting Director Corporate and Community Services, said.
‘Public Access and meetings will continue to be livestreamed so people who can’t attend can still keep up-to-speed with Council matters,’ Ms Sills said.
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