Council Meetings

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1995, the Town of Cottesloe (Town) Council meets regularly to make decisions concerning the Town. The decision-making meetings are Ordinary and Special Council Meetings where Councillors debate and vote on the matters contained within the agenda for that meeting. The meeting agenda will be available on the website 72 hours prior to the meeting and minutes will be published 10 days after Ordinary Council Meetings. The decisions made at these meetings are implemented by the Town’s Administration. 
 
Council meetings are chaired by the Mayor and are guided by the Standing Orders Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Local Law 2021, which details the requirements for meeting facilitation, order of business and adherence to statutory requirements. 
 
The Town’s Ordinary Council Meetings are open to the public and usually commence at 6.00pm on the fourth Tuesday of the month, an exception is the December Ordinary Council meeting which is held on the third Tuesday of the month. The meetings are held in the Council Chamber, Cottesloe Civic Centre, 109 Broome Street, Cottesloe. 
 
The public and media are welcome to attend all Council meetings. Residents and ratepayers can ask questions during Public Question Time (see public participation). When confidential information needs to be considered, parts of the meeting may be closed to the public. 

Agenda Forums

Agenda Forums are held for Councillors to ask questions and obtain additional information in relation to items included on the draft Ordinary Council Meeting agenda. This is not a decision making meeting, it is a forum where further information can be provided by the CEO or their nominee. 

The Agenda Forums are held prior to Ordinary Council Meetings, scheduled one week prior, usually on the third Tuesday of each month. The Agenda Forums are held at 6.00pm in Council Chambers, Cottesloe Civic Centre, 109 Broome Street, Cottesloe.  

Agenda Forums are open to the public. Residents and ratepayers in attendance can make deputations, make statements and ask questions that relate to agenda items (see public participation). When confidential information needs to be considered, parts of the forum may be closed to the public. 

Electors Meeting

An Annual General Meeting of Electors is held to receive the Annual Report, incorporating the Annual Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report, and to discuss any other general business of the Town of Cottesloe (Town).  

Electors meetings are open to all members of the public. Electors, residents and ratepayers, in attendance can make deputations, make statements and ask questions that relate to the Town (see public participation). When confidential information needs to be considered, parts of the forum may be closed to the public. 

Public Participation

Member of the public are able to participate in Council meetings by providing deputations, a statement or asking questions. There is time scheduled at all Council meetings so that Councillors can hear the views of the community and make informed decisions. Importantly, members of the public are not permitted to take part in Council debates.

Those that participate in Council meetings must abide by the requirements outlined in the Local Government (Meeting Procedure) Local Law 2021 (Meeting Procedures), including submission prior to the commencement of the subject meeting.

The presentation of a petition at a Council meeting is an additional form of public participation. Any individual or group may petition the Council to take action on an item of community concern. The petition must relate to a matter the Local Government can act on. For example, petitions may ask to change a policy, Local Law or decisions of Council. Section 6.11 "Petitions" within the Meeting Procedures sets out requirements for the successful submission of a petition. A petition received by a Councillor or the Chief Executive Officer will be presented to the next Ordinary Council meeting for the decision of Council. If the petition is accepted, it may then be referred to the CEO for consideration and report or be dealt with by the full Council.

Community members are encouraged to contact the relevant Officer, then Director to discuss the subject of any concern, in pursuit of the matter being resolved by the Administration. 

*Deputations require application to the Chief Executive Officer prior to the meeting or community members can seek the approval of the presiding member at the meeting.