Request to address Council

Community members can request to address Council before a meeting by making a submission to speak at a Public Forum, or by providing a written submission to the Council.

Public Forums are held 5 days prior to Council meetings, generally on the third Thursday of the month at 5.30pm and are broadcasted in accordance with the Code of Meeting Practice. 

There are two ways you can request to address Council: 

  1. Submit a request to verbally address Council at a Public Forum about an item that has been included in the agenda for the upcoming Council meeting. Requests must be lodged using the online form by 9.30am on the day of the Public Forum
     OR
  2. Submit a written submission, about an item that has been included in the agenda for the upcoming Council meeting, for Councillors to consider before the meeting, by 9:30am on the day of the Council meeting

Steps to request

Before you start

Step 1.Plan ahead

  • Requests to address Council must be submitted using this form by 9.30am on the day of the Public Forum. Approved speakers will have five (5) minutes to present. Support persons may assist speakers with disability or additional needs (within the 5-minute time limit).
  • Written submissions must be submitted using this form by 9.30am on the day of the Council meeting.
  • Read the Public Forum Policy.
  • Legal representatives acting on behalf of others are not to be permitted to submit a request to speak at the Public Forum unless they identify their status as a legal representative when applying to speak

Step 2.View upcoming meeting dates

Upcoming Public Forum dates are listed on our upcoming Meetings and Public Forums page. Agendas for upcoming meetings are listed on the agendas and minutes page.

Step 3.Find the number and name of the agenda item

  • You will need the item number and name for the agenda item you wish to speak on for that meeting and to indicate whether you wish to speak for or against the recommendation in the relevant report.
  • You can find the item number and name for the subject you want to speak on in the agenda for that meeting. The item number will look like a series of letters and numbers, e.g. 'CL26.2xx'.
  • The item name will be the descriptive title of the agenda item. 

How to request

Complete the online form

What happens next

Step 1.Your request will be considered by the CEO (or their delegate) 

An application may be refused if it's determined that it does not comply with the following:

If your application is refused you will be advised prior to the Public Forum and provided with reasons for refusal in writing.

Step 2.We will contact you with the outcome of your request

A Council representative will contact you by phone or email advising if your application has been successful.

Need help?

Need help? Contact us today

Call the Governance Team on 1300 293 111 or email us at governance@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au or visit your closest administration centre.

Nowra Administration Centre
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm
36 Bridge Road, Nowra NSW 2541

Ulladulla Branch Office
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm
14 Deering Street, Ulladulla NSW 2539

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply to address Council?

Making a request to address Council is voluntary, and anyone can apply to speak at a meeting.

Legal representatives acting on behalf of others are not to be permitted to speak on their behalf unless they identify their status as a legal representative when applying to speak.

An application may be refused if it's determined that it doesn't comply with Council’s Public Forum Policy and Code of Meeting Practice.

 

What can i speak about?

Any items of business on the published agenda for the upcoming meeting (see agenda and minutes page). This excludes Questions on Notice, which are not considered business before the Council.

How long can i speak?

Each speaker is allocated five (5) minutes to speak. Extensions are at the discretion of the Chairperson.

 

Can I show slides or video?

Yes, but materials must be lodged with Governance 12:00 pm on the day and may be refused.

Will I be asked questions?

Councillors may ask questions through the Chair after your address. 

You cannot ask questions of Council or staff. 

 

What happens if I’m not approved to speak?

You will be provided with the reasons in writing.

The Chief Executive Officer (or their delegate) may refuse an application to make an address at the Public Forum and must give reasons in writing for a decision to refuse an application. A full list of those who applied to speak and were not given approval are to be published, with the permission of the applicant, on Council’s website stating the reason for refusal.

 You may submit a written submission instead. 

 

Is the Forum livestreamed?

Yes. Avoid defamatory statements. Recordings remain available for at least 12 months.

 

Is there anything I can't say at the meeting?

  • Your comments must be relevant to the issue at hand (i.e. they must stay on-topic)
  • Speakers may not publicly allege breaches of the Council’s Code of Conduct
  • Speakers must not make potentially defamatory statements
  • Speakers must not address Council on any matter that is currently the subject of legal proceedings or is known to be before a court or tribunal
  • Speakers should avoid making comments that may cast reflection toward any individual or organisation, because such comments may be considered public statements

Related Information

Back to top