Benalla Rural City Council values your input in shaping our community’s future. There are many ways for you to share your ideas and feedback, raise concerns, and actively participate in making decisions that affect our community.

We’ve provided all the information you need below so you can easily get involved.

Participate in Consultations

Your opinion matters. The Council regularly conducts consultations to gather community feedback on proposed projects, policies, and plans.

To participate in consultations, you can:

• Attend community meetings where projects and proposals are discussed.
• Share your feedback and ideas during public consultation periods.
• Use the Have Your Say online feedback portal to provide your input directly to the Council.

Details about current and upcoming consultation topics will be announced through Council updates and public notices.

Ask Questions at Council Meetings

You have the right to ask questions during Council meetings, providing an opportunity to seek information and ensure transparency in decision-making.

To ask a question at a Council meeting:

• Submit your question before the meeting.
• Attend the meeting in person to hear the response.

Council meetings are held at scheduled times, which will be announced in advance in public notices. These meetings are your chance to engage with Councillors and discuss the matters impacting your community.

Request to Be Heard

If you feel strongly about a particular issue or proposal, you can request to address the Council directly during a meeting.

Steps to request to be heard:

1. Lodge a formal request detailing the topic you want to discuss.
2. Attend the allocated meeting to present your view.

This process ensures your ideas and concerns are voiced in a supportive and open forum.

Start a Petition

Petitions are a powerful way to draw attention to issues that matter to our community. By gathering signatures, you can ask the Council to consider a specific subject.

To start a petition:

• Ensure your petition follows the guidelines set by the Council. These include requirements for format, wording, and the number of signatures needed.
• Once completed, submit your petition to the Council for review.

The Council will respond to petitions during its scheduled meetings or consultations, providing clear next steps.

Contact the Council

Your feedback helps us improve. Whether you have suggestions, want to share a concern, or need to report an issue, the Council is here to listen.

You can contact the Benalla Rural City Council by:

• Phone on 03 5760 2600
• Email at council@benalla.vic.gov.au
• Visiting the Council offices in person

For all enquiries, including consultations or requests to be heard, our Customer Relations team will be happy to assist you.

Stay Updated

The Council regularly shares updates about meetings, consultations, and public notices. Look out for announcements in the local newspaper, the Benalla Ensign, or visit our website to stay informed about important developments.

Together, we can ensure Benalla Rural City is a thriving, connected, and inclusive community. By sharing your views and taking part, you play a vital role in shaping our future.