Special Council Meetings

What is a Special Meeting?

A special meeting is convened outside the regular schedule of ordinary meetings, to consider urgent, specific or time-sensitive matters that cannot wait for the next ordinary meeting. For example, new information, critical decisions, or unexpected events may trigger the need. This aligns with how other councils define the term. 

How & When Are They Called?

A special meeting can be called by the presiding Chair/Mayor (or equivalent) or by a specified number of councillors (check your Local Government Act or Standing Orders).

Notice of the meeting (date, time, place, and the specific business to be transacted) will be given as soon as practicable once the need is confirmed.

The agenda for a special meeting is typically limited to the item(s) specified in the meeting notice (i.e., the meeting is not to address general or unrelated business)

Purpose & Scope

The scope of a special meeting may include:

Approving urgent contracts or policies requiring immediate resolution.

Responding to unexpected external events or legislated deadlines.

Any other matter deemed significant and time-sensitive by Council.

 However:

A special meeting should not be used merely to bypass the normal process without good cause.

Final decisions should be restricted to the topics identified in the meeting notice.

Notice, Agenda & Documentation

The meeting notice will specify the date, time, place (or virtual link) and business to be transacted.

Agendas and supporting documents will be published on this page as soon as they are available, given the expedited nature of the meeting.

Minutes and outcomes will be published after the meeting, consistent with transparency obligations

Public Attendance & Participation

As with ordinary meetings, members of the public may attend unless the business moves into a confidential session.

Because the meeting may be called at short notice, please check this page or contact Council for the latest details.

Submit any questions or requests to speak (if permitted under Council’s policies) by the deadline specified in the meeting notice.

Past Special Meetings

View previous special meetings, with their agendas, minutes and reports, by year, in the table below. 

Need More Information?

For enquiries about special meetings, agendas, minutes, or public participation, contact us.

Postal Address

1/4 Albatross Street, Winnellie NT 0820 ï»¿

GPO Box 36294, Winnellie NT 0821

Phone

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