Gunnedah Shire Council to formalise policy on petitions

Gunnedah Shire Council is moving to formalise its policy regarding community petitions.

It is hoped this would ensure the submissions are considered fairly and responded to in a timely manner.

The idea was proposed by councillor Tammey McAllan who suggested community members should have a clear and easy way to share their concerns and ideas with council.

The councillor had previously unsuccessfully sought her colleagues support for the “Time for Change! Young Offenders Act NSW” e-petition to be displayed at council’s customer service locations. Councillors voted against the proposal, in part for concern of council becoming too politically involved in the matter.

Cr McAllan also highlighted the petition tabled at council for the replacement of the Gunnedah pool hoist which featured more than 450 signatures.

In her recent approach to councillors, Cr McAllan identified there were no clear guidelines available at council to deal with petitions.

The councillor suggested although there was no requirement under the Local Government Act 1993 for council to accept and respond to community petitions, it was in the public interest to encourage engagement and participation of the local community.

Furthermore, she said it would align with existing an policy to promote “community ownership of outcomes and decisions enhancing civic pride and empowerment”.

“This policy will simply formalise the current informal conventions and maintain our commitment to upholding (council policy) underpinning our Community Engagement Strategy by creating opportunities for community to be involved and collaborate with council in our decision-making,” she said.

Councillors agreed that council should develop a policy of accepting community petitions presented by community, residents and land owners of the Gunnedah shire.

It was agreed that petitions which meet a minimum number of signatures should be presented to council as an item of business at the next council meeting. The signature threshold was unspecified but was expected to developed by council in due course. Council also decided to develop relevant templates for community petitions and make them available on its website as well as incorporate this policy into the General Policy Register.

A report was due to be brought back to council on matter with a draft policy addressing the request.