How to lodge a petition to Council
Members of the public can seek to inform the Council about their concerns in many ways. One method is lodging a petition about a specific issue.
A petition is a direct request to Council that it take some particular course of action. Signing a petition is an important way for citizens and groups to make their concerns known to Council. Petitions must be signed by at least one person, but are often signed by many people who are hoping to influence the Council on a particular matter.
The Guidelines for Lodging a Petition provide information about how a petition can be lodged for Council’s consideration.
You can use our Petition Template to ensure your petition meets the criteria outlined below. Each page of the petition should have the “Petition Statement” outlining the matter to be raised and action the petitioners would like Council to take.
Petitions
- Petitions may be considered by the Council provided that they relate to matters on which Council has the power to act.
- Petitions must include the full name and residential address as well as the signature of each petitioner.
- Electronically signed petitions must include the full name and residential address.
Lodging a Petition
A person may lodge an original petition with the Council by addressing it to:
Bellingen Shire Council - Petitions
33 Hyde Street
Bellingen NSW 2454
Or you can email your petition to council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au
What happens with my Petition
Once submitted, the petition will be scrutinised by a Council Officer to ensure it meets all requirements, before being presented to the next Ordinary Meeting of Council. To assist Council in processing your petition, please ensure a Lead Petitioner is nominated as the contact person.