The March 18 meeting was the last to have a public gallery and at this stage there is no indication of when it might reopen, despite COVID-19 restrictions easing.

Council's general manager, David Sherley, said a COVID-safe environment can't be provided at this time.

"Council continues to review its meeting protocols in line with the current NSW Public Health Order and at this stage there is no date set for the return of community members for the public gallery at council meetings," he said.

"Council currently cannot provide a COVID-safe environment for councillors, council staff and community members to attend, based on the floor area available in the council chambers."

There is also no date set for the return of policy committee meetings.

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Council would normally hold two meetings a month, one being the policy committee and the other being the ordinary meeting, but cancelled its policy committee meetings in May.

Members of the public, however, are itching to get back into the public gallery to participate in meetings.

Peter Dowling, a regular attendee, said he can't see a reason why a limited audience can't attend in-person.

"To me, especially now, there is no reason why, especially with social distancing, that they couldn't open up with distancing and we can all wear masks," he said.

He has tried to follow meetings at home and found the experience difficult, adding that "nothing compares to face-to-face".

A key part of attending meetings is the opportunity to address council about items on the agenda or issues in the community.

Mr Sherley said people can still comment on agenda items by emailing or writing to council or contacting councillors, however, Mr Dowling and another regular attendee, John Hollis, don't feel it has the same impact as speaking at the public forum.

"I'm a great believer in face-to-face contact," Mr Hollis said.

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While he would like to be able to attend meetings and feels that the current climate is safe enough to allow that, he does understand the tricky position council is in.

"I know the council has been very, very strict to adhere to the various protocols required with the COVID restrictions and one of the downsides to this is to keep the social distancing, so it would be very hard to keep the audience social distancing," he said.

"... It is probably time to come back, but you've got that restriction there that would be very hard to get around."

He said council should explore alternatives to enable people to participate.