Starting tomorrow, as part of a new era of openness, the public will be able to attend Kiama Council’s briefings to councillors on the details of various issues and exhibitions.

“There’s great benefit in the information that is given to the councillors being given to the community as well,” says Mayor Neil Reilly.

“It will give people a more complete picture of how things work, and help with the formulation of submissions on issues.”

The first briefing tomorrow (Tuesday 22 February at the Council Chambers, 5pm) will involve a presentation on the recently released Traffic and Parking Study as well as the DA for Fillmores music venue on Manning Street.

Only the councillors will be able to ask questions of those presenting, but all will benefit from the answers.

“Open Briefings are about giving people a chance to listen to experts to understand issues in depth,” says Council’s CEO Jane Stroud.

“It’s about opening the doors of Council to residents and ratepayers.”

Some of the briefings to councillors will remain confidential due to their nature.

The Open Briefings are being held for a six month trial, to gauge the community’s interest.

Details on future briefings, which are expected to include items such as the Town Centre DCP and the Tourism Plan, will emerge in the coming weeks.