Ordinary Council Meetings

Ordinary Council meetings are held every fourth Wednesday of each month (except December which is held on the third Wednesday).  Meetings are held in the Council Chamber, except where otherwise indicated. Council Meetings are open to the public to attend.

As of July 2022, we implemented a policy to livestream our Council Meetings at every opportunity, where technically possible, unless the Council has resolved to close the meeting to members of the public in accordance with Section 5.23 of the Local Government Act 1995. The primary purpose of these streams is to be open and transparent, giving the public greater access to Council decisions, debates and discussions by eliminating geographic and/or personal barriers that may prevent physical attendance at a Council Meeting.

Please be aware that some external locations that the Council visits do not have livestreaming or recording facilities. We invite the public to visit these locations with the Council, should you be interested in the meeting topics of discussion. Alternatively, we will have our documented Meeting Minutes published online for you to access. You can read the Live Streaming and Recording of Council Meetings Policy for more information.

Public Question Time

If you wish to ask a question, you can do so during Public Question Time at the start of the meeting. Each member of the public with a question is entitled to ask up to two questions at a time. If a question is unable to be answered at the meeting, it may be taken on notice by the Council for a later response. 

Commissioner McGowan has introduced a new form system for receiving questions from the public. This is to ensure that we have a true record of all questions and can ensure nothing is missed, and will assist in addressing questions appropriately and concisely. If you are planning on asking a question at the upcoming meetings, please ensure that you have filled and sent us a copy of this form, or bring it with you on the day of the meeting. 

Public Question Time Form - ONLINE Public Question Time Form - PRINTABLE

Please ensure that all details have been provided when filling out the form so that answers to questions can be sent to the correct person.

Deputations

A person or group that wishes to make a deputation to Council is to apply to the Chief Executive Officer in writing prior to the meeting for approval, or request the Presiding Member’s approval at the meeting. Deputations are not to exceed five persons, only two of whom may address the Council, although others may respond to specific questions from Members. The deputation is not to exceed 10 minutes without the agreement of the Council.

Agenda Briefing Sessions

Agenda Briefing Sessions are held the third Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm in the Shire of Donnybrook Balingup Council Chamber. These sessions are open to the public to attend, however there is no opportunity for public participation.

Agenda Briefing Guidelines