Public Forum Policy

What does the Public Forum Policy do?

Tweed Shire Council has created a new Public Forum Policy to set clear rules for how public forums are run and when they’re held. These forums give community members a chance to speak directly to Council before formal meetings.

The policy makes sure public forums are open, respectful, and well-organised. It supports the draft Code of Meeting Practice, which is also on public exhibition.

What is changing?

This is a new standalone policy, but most of the content comes from the public forum section of Council’s current Code of Meeting Practice. Separating it into its own document makes it easier to find and understand.

Why are these changes recommended?

The new Model Code of Meeting Practice from the Office of Local Government (OLG) encourages councils to set their own rules for public forums. Creating a separate policy helps Council align with this new approach.

What does this mean for the community?

Having a standalone Public Forum Policy makes it easier for community members to find information about how public forums work. It also helps ensure forums are run in a fair and consistent way.

Other important information

• The OLG plans to release best practice guidelines for public forums, but they haven’t been published yet.
• Council must adopt a new Code of Meeting Practice by the end of the year. If the OLG guidelines are released during the exhibition period, Council may treat them as a submission and update the draft Public Forum Policy before it goes to Council for adoption.

Have your say

You're invited to provide your feedback by 24 November 2025. Submit your feedback in one of the following ways:

• Online: using the feedback form below
• Email: tsc@tweed.nsw.gov.au Subject: Public Forum Policy
• Mail: General Manager, Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816 MURWILLUMBAH NSW 2484 Subject: Public Forum Policy