Background
The purpose of a Public Voice and Public Briefing Policy is to provide a framework for members of the public to address the elected Council on issues relevant to City of Newcastle's (CN's) functions.
There are no legislative or regulatory obligations related to the Policy. The Policy provides for public participation above that of the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) and the NSW Model Code of Meeting Practice.
What changes are proposed
The key difference between CN's current Policy and the revised Policy is clarification that Public Voice sessions are for presentations to the Council on Development Applications that are determined by CN's Development Applications Committee (cl. 4.1).
For other significant CN matters, members of the public may apply for a Public Briefing session which provides an opportunity to make presentations to Council relating to significant issues of a general, strategic or policy nature relevant to CN's functions, facilities or services.
Ways to have your say
The public exhibition of the Public Voice and Public Briefing Policy commenced on Thursday 4 August 2022.
You can submit your feedback regarding the revised Public Voice and Public Briefing Policy by completing the following form.
The public exhibition period closes Thursday 1 September 2022.