Council Meetings Reopen to the Public

Published on 22 April 2021

Shoalhaven City Council is pleased to announce that the public are again welcome to attend Council meetings in person. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the general public were excluded from the Council Chambers in line with Health Department guidelines, to ensure social distancing and safety. 

Council recently resolved to institute the requirement of the Office of Local Government that, as of 26 March 2021, councils are to permit members of the public to attend meetings in person, subject to the requirements of Public Health Orders and social distancing requirements. The reopening of the Chambers will apply to Council’s Ordinary, Development and Environment Committee, and Strategy and Assets Committee meetings. 

Council also resolved to resume the presentation of deputations in person, under the procedures that were in place before April 2020, in accordance with Section 4 of the Code of Meeting Practice. Written or recorded deputations will no longer be published on Council’s website. Requests to make deputations can be lodged using the deputation form on our website. 

To comply with the current Public Health Order and to ensure appropriate social distancing, many of the seats in Chambers will not be in use. Places are therefore limited and members of the community are encouraged to view the live streams of the meetings on Stream a Council Meeting. 

Council is reminding the public who attend in person to observe covid-safe practises: 

• If you have any of the following symptoms you must stay at home: fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, or loss of smell or taste 
• Scan the QR Code on entry  
• Use of hand sanitiser upon entry is required  
• Social distancing (1.5m) will need to be adhered to in all interactions 
• Seating will be marked 1.5m from all others 
• Bring your own water and/or refreshments, as these will not be provided 
• Do not shake hands, hug or kiss as a greeting 
• You are welcome to bring your own face mask 

Council advises the community that the current arrangements will adjust in accordance with future amendments to NSW Health Orders.

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