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How to send a petition to council

  • What is a petition?

    A petition is a formal request used to lobby a law-making body such as local government. It may request an amendment to general law or the review of an administrative decision. The petition is placed before the law-making body with the object of implementing the particular action or amendment. Petitioning is one of the traditional forms by which people can make requests direct to council.

  • What are the rules for petitions?

    Petitions should adhere to certain standards that ensure the message is conveyed in a clear and succinct manner, including:

    • It is an original document prepared in the preferred template.
    • The petition must contain a cover page detailing the request, suggestion or grievance and the name of the principal petitioner
    • Each subsequent page must also contain the request, suggestion or grievance and signatures of supporting petitioners
    • Each page must be numbered (e.g. 1 of 5, 2 of 5…)
    • The petition is clearly written or printed and be free from erasures or alterations
    • The document does not contain offensive, defamatory, indecent, or abusive language or substance
  • What are the procedures for signing the petition?

    The petition must be signed by at least 10 persons (clearly stating the name and address of each person signing it), each only signing once directly onto the petition form and not pasted or otherwise affixed or transferred to the petition.

  • Who do I address the petition to?

    The petition should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer and be either:

    • mailed to Central Highlands Regional Council, PO Box 21, Emerald, Qld 4720
    • emailed to enquiries@chrc.qld.gov.au
    • physically handed in at a Customer Service Centre
  • How is the petition actioned?

    Once received, the Chief Executive Officer will present the petition to a Council General Meeting. In accordance with the council’s meeting procedure, the Chief Executive Officer may move that the petition be received and referred to the relevant area of council for investigation and report back to council, if required.

  • How do I know if a decision has been made?

    The principal petitioner will be advised in writing of Council’s decision, following the relevant General Meeting.

  • How do I petition other levels of government?

    Click on the following links to find out more about petitioning other levels of Australian government.

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