Making a submission

We welcome your input into Council's decision-making.

The process for making a submission may vary slightly with each consultation. Under the list of current consultations on the Let's talk page you will find all the instructions you need for making a submission.

Associated with this is information regarding presenting your submission to the Council in person as part of the hearings process. 

Find out more about what you need to know about making a submission in our Having your say fact sheet.

Public availability of submissions

Subject to the provisions of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987, we will make all submissions publicly available, including all contact details you provide on your submission. If you consider there are reasons why your contact details and/or submission should be kept confidential, please notify the Council when you send your submission.

Hearing your submission

The hearing will normally be held in the Council Chambers, and there is public seating at the rear of the room.

You will be presenting to the full Council, or to a hearing panel. Staff involved in the project will also be at the hearing. Other submitters and members of the public may also be present.

Generally 10 minutes will be allowed for hearing each submission, including time for questions.

Because there may be a number of submissions to hear, and a limited time in which to hear them, your cooperation in keeping to your time allocation would be appreciated.

When it is your turn to speak, you will be asked to come up to the table. You can either sit or stand, whichever feels the most comfortable - it is up to you. You are welcome to bring a supporter with you.

Members of the Council or hearing panel will have a copy of your submission before the meeting. It is suggested that you should use your time allocation to highlight the main points in your submission and emphasise the things you think are most important.

You may be asked questions about your submission, so please stay at the table after you have finished speaking. The Council or hearing panel will not enter into a debate with you on your submission.

Decisions

After the hearing the Council or hearing panel will consider all written and verbal submissions.

Following the decisions you will be sent a letter advising you of the decision on your submission, including the reason for that decision.