Labor councillor Declan Clausen successfully gained the backing from seven of the 13 councillors to lift the ban, which was put in place last year.

Councillors can now use Twitter, Facebook and any other social media they choose during council meetings.

Councillor Brad Luke voted against the move, saying councillors should be engaged in the debate before them, not using social media.

He said it was basic manners not use a mobile phone during council meetings.

Councillors also voted in favour of opening up the diaries of the lord mayor, the deputy lord mayor and the general manager.

Cr Clausen said Newcastle council's reputation had been damaged by the resignations of MPs after the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) hearings last year.

He said open diaries would help restore the public's faith in local government.

Cr Clausen's motion to publish more details of the meetings was watered down.

Newcastle general manager Ken Gouldthorp advised parts of it may breach privacy legislation and parts of it were removed.