Members of Blacktown’s various historic and heritage associations could be given rights to vote and introduce motions at council committee meetings.
Blacktown councillors unanimously recommended on Wednesday that each of the five historical associations that attend meetings be given two votes.
The move would be unprecedented for the council as citizens have never been given a vote at meetings in the past.
Mayor Len Robinson said many contentious items were voted on at historical committee meetings and public members should have their views recorded.
‘‘I think it’s for the purpose of public record, in some of these things that transpire, that it is very appropriate that people be given the ability to record how they feel about the matters,’’ he said.
General manager Ron Moore said all voting members of the associations would be given ‘‘relevant training’’ before being given the vote.
Committees only recommend actions on agenda items, which then go to the ordinary council meeting to be voted on by councillors only.