Council policies

Council encourages public participation in the development of its laws, policies, plans and general decision-making process. There is a number of ways members of the public can have their views on particular issues brought to the attention of a committee or council meeting.

These are by:

• Written requests - a member of the public can write to the council about any council policy, activity or service.
• Petitions - written petitions can be addressed to the council about any issue within council's jurisdiction.
• Deputations - with the permission of the Committee Chairperson or the Mayor, a member of the public can address a committee or the council personally, or on behalf of a group of residents. Affected groups or members of the public are often invited to attend a meeting to discuss an issue under consideration.
• Objections and submissions - when council is considering certain matters, such as development applications and the making of local laws, the proposals are advertised in the region's local newspapers. Objections and submissions on these matters are invited from members of the community.