Terms of Reference

The Local Transport Forum (LTF) replaces the Local Traffic Committee. The change of name reflects its function and focus as an advisory body dedicated to technical advice, information sharing, and coordination on matters related to transportation, movement, and accessibility. It is not an approval body, nor does it make decisions. The Local Transport Forum is not a committee as defined and understood in the Local Government Act 1993.

Role and Functions of the Local Transport Forum include:

• collaboration between agencies involved in transport management
• advice on street design, infrastructure, and traffic control facilities
• coordination of planned events and activities
• advice and information sharing on transport plans, policy, and management
• ensuring a public record of decisions relating to roads and streets

There is no voting at the Local Transport Forum, as councils are exclusively responsible for decisions, they take on their roads. Members and attendees are to provide advice in good faith, share information, and coordinate activities and plans. Council is obliged to consider any advice provided by the Local Transport Forum, but any decisions – and the exercise of an authorised or delegated function itself – are the sole responsibility of council regardless of the advice of the Local Transport Forum

Referral of Proposals

A delegate must refer to the Local Transport Forum any proposal to exercise a function listed in Schedule 1 of this Instrument or to use the prescribed traffic control device authorisation where that proposal would:

• for a period exceeding 6 months:
  • restrict or prohibit passage along a road of any persons, vehicles, or animals, or
  • compel or prevent a turn from one public road to another public road

  or

• for a period exceeding 24 hours:
  • prevent, impede, or hinder the safe or efficient operation of a public passenger service; or
  • prevent access to a public transport station, stop, wharf, or service, or
  • remove or render less effective any bus priority measure

Membership

• A delegate must convene a Local Transport Forum to which a representative from each of the following is invited to attend:
  • The delegate
  • Transport for NSW
  • NSW Police Force
  • The local Member(s) of Parliament
  • The operator of any public passenger service likely to be affected by traffic control work proposed by the delegate

• A delegate may invite any other person to attend the Local Transport Forum.
• A delegate may seek technical advice from the Local Transport Forum regardless of whether this Instrument is being used.
• The Local Transport Forum is to provide advice to the delegate on any matter put before it for advice.
  A delegate must consider any advice provided by the Local Transport Forum.
• A quorum for a meeting of the Local Transport Forum is one representative in attendance from each of council and Transport.

Decisions

There is no voting and no requirement for unanimity. Council is exclusively responsible for decisions they take on their roads. The Forum provides non-binding advice to assist Council decision-making. Council may exercise traffic regulatory powers directly.

Disputes – Statements of Concern

When a proposal is discussed at the Local Transport Forum, any attendee may provide feedback and suggestions on design, technical aspects, general policy, or planning considerations. Members should seek to resolve any concerns or uncertainties during this discussion.

For proposals for which prior referral to the Local Transport Forum is mandatory and where Transport continues to hold concerns following discussion, Transport may indicate that it intends to file, within seven days, a formal Statement of Concern. Other members may express views and raise issues, which Transport will consider, but the Statement of Concern itself may only be filed by Transport.

A Statement of Concern details Transport’s concerns, reasoning, and any request(s) for mitigation(s) or alternative action(s). It might relate to an entire proposal or to a specific aspect of its design or location. It must be submitted within seven (7) calendar days, during which time council is not delegated or authorised to implement the proposal. If no Statement of Concern is issued during this time - perhaps due to further discussion and resolution by the parties - Council may proceed.

Once received, council must consider the issue(s) raised in a Statement and circulate a written response to all Forum members. It must address the issue(s) raised and either (a) detail the amendments proposed in response or (b) set out council’s reasons for proceeding without amendment. Seven (7) calendar days after issuing its response, council may proceed with the proposal.

A Statement of Concern does not oblige council to change or withdraw a proposal, but it does place both Transport’s comments and council’s response on the public record, which is particularly important where safety concerns are noted. It also provides a time window for further discussion and escalation of significant issues

Administration and Records

The Local Transport Forum is administered by council, which may decide the frequency and format of meetings.

Required Members must be:

• provided with the meeting agenda at least seven (7) calendar days in advance of the meeting (unless otherwise agreed by members)
• afforded the opportunity to review meeting minutes prior to finalisation
• be provided with a copy of the finalised meeting minutes

The meeting agenda must:

• include sufficient information to review any proposals or items submitted for advice
• clearly distinguish between items referred for advice, tabled for-information-only, and raised for general discussion

The meeting minutes must clearly record:

• invitees and attendance
• items discussed
• key advice provided
• any for-information-only records or reports tabled
• Proceedings of the Local Transport Forum must be recorded and made public as soon as practicable

Meeting Details

The Forum meets in person at Randwick City Council, 30 Frances Street, Randwick, at 9:30am on the second Tuesday of each month (excluding January).  For those unable to attend in person, Council will provide access via Microsoft Teams.

• The Agenda is published one week prior on the Council’s Business Papers and Minutes page.
• Minutes are published after the meeting and reflect the Forum’s final recommendations.

Community Participation

Community members wishing to attend and comment on an agenda item must email council@randwick.nsw.gov.au and receive Council approval no less than 24 hours prior to the meeting start time. Joining details and instructions will be provided upon approval.