Have your say on the Draft Code of Meeting Practice

Published on 13 November 2025

cartoon of entrance to council building with sign saying Byron Shire Council across door

People interested in the procedures around Byron Shire Council meetings are invited to have a say on the Draft Code of Meeting Practice.

Consultation is open on the draft code which is based on the NSW Government’s 2025 Model Code of Meeting Practice, mandated by the Office of Local Government.

“The Code governs how Council meetings are conducted, ensuring that proceedings are orderly, transparent and consistent with democratic principles,” Esmeralda Davis, Director Corporate and Community Services, said.

“We have an active and engaged community here in the Byron Shire with many people interested in Council issues so I encourage people who value opportunities to present to Councillors during Public Access to read the Draft Code and provide feedback,” Ms Davis said.

The key changes in the Byron Shire Council Draft Code of Meeting Practice, which reflect the NSW Government’s Code, include:

Extraordinary meetings – The Mayor can now call an extraordinary meeting without needing signatures from two Councillors.
Urgent Business – A more simplified process where only a Council resolution is needed when all Councillors are present.
Public Forums – Changes to the way Public Access is conducted which must be held before the meeting and limited to matters on the agenda.
Voting – All votes recorded in the minutes of the meeting include the names of Councillors voting for and against.
Planning decisions – Council must provide reasons when decisions differ from staff recommendations.
Disorder and expulsion – Stronger provisions for dealing with disorderly conduct by Councillors or members of the public, including penalties for non-compliance.

Submissions on the Draft Code of Meeting Practice can be made on Council’s website until 23 November.