Types of Council meetings

Ordinary meetings

Ordinary meetings are held in the Council Chamber, level 6, 157 Ann Street, on Tuesdays at 2pm (except during recess periods).

The Chairperson of the Council, elected by the Councillors, presides over each meeting. The Lord Mayor does not chair the proceedings. The bells are rung at 2pm to summon Councillors to the Chamber.

Official business of meetings are noted in the minutes of proceedings.

A typical meeting agenda includes:

1. Apologies and leave of absence.
2. Confirmation of minutes.
3. Public participation.
4. Question time.
5. Reception and consideration of the Standing Committee's reports:
   • Establishment and Coordination
   • Infrastructure
   • Public and Active Transport 
   • Neighbourhood Planning and Development Assessment
   • Environment, Parks and Sustainability
   • City Businesses and Local Assets
   • Families and Community Services
   • Finance, Economic Development and Administration
6. Presentation of petitions.
7. General business.

Special meetings

The Town Clerk must call a special Council meeting if:

• the special meeting is required by Council resolution; or
• a written request, signed by the Lord Mayor or nine or more Councillors is lodged. The request must state the reason for the meeting and propose a meeting date and time

Budget meetings

Budget meetings are held each year in June and include:

• the Lord Mayor's budget speech (the Chairperson of Finance, Economic Development and Administration Committee can also make this speech)
• the Opposition Leader's response
• information sessions about each of Brisbane City Council's programs - the public can attend these sessions as observers
• a budget debate
• a vote on the motion to adopt Council Budget

Standing Committee meetings

The roles and responsibilities of Committees are as delegated by Council.

Standing Committees (other than the Establishment and Coordination Committee) meet each Tuesday morning (except during recess periods). Their reports and recommendations are forwarded to the Council ordinary meeting the following week for adoption.