Council and Committees

Gunnedah Shire has nine elected representatives in total who serve a four year term. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are elected by fellow Councillors annually. The key function of the Councillors is to represent the diverse interests of the residents and ratepayers of Gunnedah Shire in determining Council policies and strategies. This assists Council to achieve the vision and goals as outlined in the Community Strategic Plan and Operational Plan. The documents can be viewed on the Intregrated Planning and Reporting page. 

Meeting Information

Council Standing Committee Agendas and Business Papers

Agendas and Business Papers are prepared and distributed on the Friday prior to each meeting. Council minutes are prepared and distributed on the Friday following each meeting. These documents can be viewed on the Council and Committee Meetings page, or at the Council Administration Building. Minutes of meetings are confirmed at the next meeting of Council.

Ordinary Council Meetings

Council Ordinary Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month, with the exception of August which is determined in relation to the scheduling of Ag-Quip and December which is determined in relation to Christmas.

Extraordinary Council Meetings

The General Manager or Mayor may call an Extraordinary Meeting of Council. The notice of the meeting shall state the objective and reasons for calling the meeting.
However, if the Mayor receives a request in writing signed by at least two Councillors, the Mayor must call an Extraordinary meeting of the Council to be held as soon as practicable but in any event, within 14 days after receipt of the request. The request shall state the objectives and reasons for calling the meeting.

Venue

Council meetings will be held in the Council Chambers, 63 Elgin Street, Gunnedah unless otherwise advised on the meeting notice or in extraordinary circumstances. Council reserves the right to hold meetings in different locations from time to time and endeavours to hold at least two meetings per year in a Shire Village. Council ensures the venue is acceptable for people with disabilities, is adequate in size, has adequate facilities and has suitable acoustics.

Audio Recording

In accordance with the Audio Recording of Council Open Meetings policy, Council audio records all Council Ordinary, Extraordinary and Planning Environment and Development Committee open meetings. The purpose of audio recording is to assist, where necessary, in the checking and confirmation of minutes and to ensure the recording, handling, access, storage and disposal of information is in accordance with best practice and statutory compliant.

Council Meeting Streaming

Gunnedah Shire Council knows how important the workings of Council are to the community. We also know that not everyone can make it to the meetings so as part of our philosophy of transparency Gunnedah Shire Council live streams Council Meetings on the Council Meetings, Agendas and Minutes page.

Meeting Procedure

Public Participation

Members of the public can address Council on any matter on the Agenda, for a maximum of five minutes. The addresses usually commence at 4:30pm. When addressing the meeting you must speak to the Chairperson, normally the Mayor. Councillors will not enter into debate with the presenter, however will have the opportunity to ask questions at the conclusion of the presentation.

Anyone wishing to address Council must complete a Request to Address Council and Standing Committee Meeting Application Form and forward to the General Manager by 12:00pm on the day of the meeting.

Meeting Procedure

Council’s meetings are governed by a Code of Meeting Practice, which outlines rules for submissions of business items, attendance, debate and declaration of interest.

For questions regarding meeting proceedings, please contact Council on 02 6740 2100.