Council Meetings

About Council Meetings

Council meetings are open to the public and provide an opportunity for residents to observe council decision-making processes and participate in local democracy.

Meeting Schedule

Council holds regular meetings throughout the year:

Ordinary Council Meetings

Held on the first Monday of each month at 5:30 PM

2026 Meeting Dates:

• Monday, March 3, 2026
• Monday, April 7, 2026
• Monday, May 5, 2026
• Monday, June 2, 2026
• Monday, July 7, 2026
• Monday, August 4, 2026
• Monday, September 1, 2026
• Monday, October 6, 2026
• Monday, November 3, 2026
• Monday, December 1, 2026

Special Council Meetings

Called as required to address urgent matters or specific issues. Notice of special meetings will be published on our website at least 5 days in advance.

Public Participation

There are several ways to participate in council meetings:

Attend as an Observer

All council meetings are open to the public. Simply arrive at the Council Chambers before the meeting starts. No registration required.

Speak at Public Forum

The public forum is held 30 minutes before each ordinary council meeting. To speak:

• Register with the Council Secretary by 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting
• Phone (08) 8950 0500 or email council.secretary@astc.nt.gov.au
• Provide your name, contact details, and topic
• Speaking time is limited to 5 minutes per person
• Topics must relate to council business

Submit Written Comments

You can submit written comments or submissions on agenda items:

• Submit by 12:00 PM (noon) on the Friday before the meeting
• Email to council.secretary@astc.nt.gov.au
• Post to: Council Secretary, PO Box 1071, Gibson Desert NT 0871
• Clearly identify which agenda item you're commenting on

Meeting Documents

Agendas

Meeting agendas and supporting documents are published on our website one week before each meeting. Agendas include:

• List of items for consideration
• Officer recommendations
• Background reports and information
• Financial information where applicable

Minutes

Minutes of council meetings are published within 7 days after the meeting. Minutes include:

• Record of attendance
• Summary of discussions
• Decisions and resolutions made
• Voting records

Meeting Procedures

Council meetings follow formal procedures to ensure fair and orderly conduct:

• Meetings are chaired by the Mayor
• Items are considered in the order listed on the agenda
• Councillors may ask questions and debate items
• Decisions are made by majority vote
• Councillors must declare conflicts of interest
• Meetings are recorded for record-keeping purposes

Confidential Items

Some agenda items may be confidential and discussed in closed session. This occurs when matters involve:

• Personnel matters
• Commercial-in-confidence information
• Legal advice
• Contract negotiations
• Matters that could prejudice council's position

The public and media are excluded from confidential sessions as required by law.

Code of Conduct

When attending council meetings, please:

• Arrive before the meeting starts
• Turn mobile phones to silent
• Refrain from disrupting proceedings
• Address remarks through the Mayor
• Be respectful of councillors and other attendees
• Follow directions from council staff