Council is updating its Governance Rules to reflect legislative requirements and good governance practices.

We want your feedback to ensure the rules support open, transparent and effective governance.

The Governance Rules inform the Council meeting process, including public questions, petitions, and election period legislative obligations. This consultation is part of our commitment to transparency and community inclusion.

• Updated definitions
• Updates to determining the election of the Mayor
• Included information on meetings held electronically and councillor attending virtually
• Clearer guidelines for extending the meeting
• Change to Order of Business will require Council Resolution
• Withdrawal of Motions includes Chair to call for substitute mover and seconder
• Additional requirement for adequate debate relevant to a motion and if opposing views were sufficiently put
• People must be addressed respectfully in meetings
• Procedural Motions have been expanded on
• Public Question Time – Privacy statement added, clear guidelines on number of questions, time limit of 30 mins for question time. Submitter of question must be present for question to be read and included in the meeting minutes. Submitter may not ask additional questions. All remaining questions will be made available via the Engage website.
• Petitions and Joint Letters – Number of signatures required increased from 3 to 15. Those relating to Urban Roads Drainage Improvement (URDI), managed in accordance with URDI Policy
• Clearer guidelines for Councillors attending virtually
• Prohibits Voting en Bloc
• Include clearer guidelines for CEO designating confidential information
• Security has been added to the removal from chamber clause
• Additional clauses have been added to CEO rejecting notices of motion
• Placards and posters are not allowed at a meeting for safety measures
• A Councillor present at the meeting who abstains from voting is to be taken to have voted against the motion
• Minor wording changes with the intent to provide clarity
• Must obtain consent from chairperson prior to recording of proceedings and this can be revoked