PEOPLE will be given less time to speak at public forums under changes proposed in Bathurst Regional Council's draft Code of Meeting Practice document.
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Public forums are held at ordinary meetings of council following the commencement of the meeting.
Currently, members of the public are invited to speak for five minutes, with a bell rung at four minutes to warn them their time is almost up.
Councillors can chose to grant an extension of time at the five minute mark.
Under the proposed code, which is currently on exhibition, the allocated time per person would be reduced to four minutes, with a warning at three minutes.
The time limit "is to be strictly enforced by the chairperson" of the meeting, in most cases the mayor.
Public speakers have been able to address the chamber on any topic, but the proposed code appears to be removing that option.
Item 4.1 states the the purpose of the public forum would be "hearing oral submissions from members of the public on items of business to be considered at the meeting".
This has been criticised by Bathurst resident Bob Triming, who frequently attends meeting and makes submissions during public forums.
At Wednesday's discussion forum on the proposed Community Participation Plan, he said he found it "ironic" that council wanted to increase community participation at the same time it was trying to place limitations on public forums.
"Some of us who represent organisations have several things to request or comment on, but more so, some of us do have the courtesy to come here and thank senior staff," Mr Triming said.
"It just seems to me that the [proposed] policy for meetings is in conflict with your Community Participation Plan."
The draft Code of Meeting Practice document will be on public exhibition until Tuesday, May 7.
People can submit their feedback on the proposal through a survey on the YourSay Bathurst website or by writing to council.
