How to write a complaint letter to your council (with templates)
Free complaint letter templates for Australian councils: barking dogs, rubbish, trees, noise and neighbours. Edit online and we'll print and post it.
Updated 25 September 2026
Councils look after a lot of what affects daily life: bins, roads and footpaths, street trees, animals, and local noise and nuisance rules. When something goes wrong and a phone call or online form hasn't fixed it, a clear written complaint is usually the next step. This guide explains how to write one, gives you six templates for the most common problems, and sets out what to do if the council doesn't respond.
Before you write: check the process and your reference number
Every council in Australia has a complaints policy, usually on its website under "Complaints" or "Feedback". Before you write, check:
- Whether it's a request or a complaint. Many councils treat a first report (a missed bin, a pothole, a barking dog) as a service request. If you haven't reported it yet, do that first. A complaint is for when the request wasn't handled properly.
- Your reference number. If you've already reported the problem by phone or online, you were probably given a request or case number. Put it at the top of your letter so it gets linked to the history.
- Who handles it. Some issues belong to other bodies. For example, main roads are often managed by the state transport department rather than the council, and some noise issues go to the police or the state environment regulator.
- The postal address. Most councils list a postal address (often a PO Box or Locked Bag) on their contact page. Address your letter to the Chief Executive Officer or General Manager, or to the team or officer named in earlier correspondence.
How to write a complaint letter to council
Council officers deal with many complaints. The easier yours is to understand and act on, the better. A good letter covers:
- A clear subject line. For example: "Re: Barking dog at 14 Smith Street, request no. 123456".
- The issue and the location. One or two sentences on what the problem is and exactly where it is.
- Dates and history. When it started, how often it happens, and what you've already done (reports, calls, conversations with the neighbour).
- Evidence. Dated photos, a diary of incidents, copies of earlier emails or letters. Say in the letter what you've attached.
- The impact. How it affects you, your family or others: lost sleep, safety risks, damage to property.
- The outcome you want. An inspection, a repair, enforcement action, a written explanation. Be specific and realistic.
- A deadline to reply. 14 or 21 days is reasonable for most issues. Ask for a reference number if you don't have one.
Keep it factual and polite, even if you're frustrated. Stick to one issue per letter. Keep a copy, and note the date you sent it.
About evidence: Better Letters posts the letter itself. If you want to include photos or a diary, you can download your letter as a PDF for free and post it with your attachments, or send the letter by post and email the evidence to the council quoting the same reference number.
Council complaint letter templates
Each template opens in our editor. Replace anything in [square brackets], delete what doesn't apply, and add the council's postal address. Greet the council officer by name if you know it, or use "Sir or Madam".
Barking dog complaint letter
Most councils ask you to keep a barking diary (dates, times and how long it lasted) over one to two weeks, and many ask you to try talking to the owner first. Check your council's animal management page for its own form or diary.
Barking dog complaint
Dear {{recipient_greeting}},
Re: Complaint about a barking dog at [address of the dog's property] [council reference number, if you have one]
I live at [your street address], {{sender_suburb}} {{sender_postcode}}, and I am writing to make a formal complaint about persistent barking from a dog kept at [address].
The barking has been going on since [month and year]. It happens most often [times of day, e.g. early morning from about 5 am, and for long periods while the owners are out]. I have kept a diary of the barking, which I can [attach / provide on request], covering [number] days between [date] and [date].
[Describe any steps you have already taken, e.g. I spoke to the owners on [date] and left a friendly note on [date], but the barking has continued.]
The noise is affecting [how it affects you, e.g. my sleep, my ability to work from home, my young children].
I ask that the council investigate, contact the owner and take whatever action is appropriate under its animal management rules. Please give me a reference number for this complaint and let me know within [14/21] days what the council intends to do.
You can contact me on [phone number] or at [email address].
Neighbour's rubbish or overgrown property
Councils can often require owners to clean up land that is unsightly, a fire risk, or harbouring vermin. Photos taken from your own property or the street are the most useful evidence.
Neighbour's rubbish or overgrown property
Dear {{recipient_greeting}},
Re: Complaint about the condition of [address of the property] [council reference number, if you have one]
I live at [your street address], {{sender_suburb}} {{sender_postcode}}, and I am writing to report the condition of the property at [address].
Since about [month and year], [describe the problem, e.g. rubbish, old furniture and car parts have built up in the front yard, and the grass and weeds are now more than a metre high].
I am concerned because [explain the risk or impact, e.g. I have seen rats moving between the properties, the overgrowth is a fire risk in summer, and it is blocking the footpath].
I have [number] dated photos taken from [my property / the street] between [date] and [date], which I can [attach / provide on request].
I ask that the council inspect the property and, if appropriate, require the owner or occupier to clean it up. Please give me a reference number for this complaint and let me know within [14/21] days what action the council will take.
You can contact me on [phone number] or at [email address].
Missed rubbish collection
Report a single missed bin through the council's online form or phone line. Use a letter when it keeps happening and the reports haven't fixed it.
Missed rubbish collection
Dear {{recipient_greeting}},
Re: Repeated missed bin collection at [your street address] [council reference number, if you have one]
I am writing to complain that my [general waste / recycling / green waste] bin at [your street address], {{sender_suburb}} {{sender_postcode}}, has not been collected on the following scheduled collection days: [list the dates].
On each occasion the bin was out by [time] the night before, in the usual place, with the lid closed and nothing placed beside it. [If relevant: I reported the first missed collection on [date] and was given reference number [number], but the problem has continued.]
[Describe the impact, e.g. the bin is now overflowing, it smells, and it is attracting flies and animals.]
I ask that the council collect the bin as soon as possible, find out why it is being missed and make sure it does not happen again. As I pay for this service through my rates, I would also like to know whether any adjustment is available.
Please reply within [14] days. You can contact me on [phone number] or at [email address].
Tree complaint or tree removal request
Street trees and trees in parks are usually the council's responsibility. Trees on private land are generally the owner's, and removing them may need council approval. Disputes between neighbours about trees can go to a state tribunal or court in some states.
Tree complaint or removal request
Dear {{recipient_greeting}},
Re: [Request for inspection / Request for removal] of a council tree outside [street address] [council reference number, if you have one]
I live at [your street address], {{sender_suburb}} {{sender_postcode}}, and I am writing about the [species, if known, e.g. large gum] tree on the council nature strip [or in the reserve] at [exact location].
I am concerned because [describe the problem, e.g. a large branch fell on [date] and landed on the footpath, the roots are lifting the footpath and my driveway, or the tree is leaning towards my house after recent storms].
I have [number] dated photos showing the tree and the damage, which I can [attach / provide on request].
I ask that a council arborist inspect the tree and that the council [prune the tree / repair the damage / consider removing the tree if it is unsafe]. I understand that removal may need council approval and will follow any process the council requires.
Please give me a reference number and let me know within [14/21] days when the tree will be inspected. You can contact me on [phone number] or at [email address].
Noise complaint
Councils usually handle ongoing noise from things like air conditioners, pool pumps, building sites and businesses. For loud parties happening right now, the police are generally the ones to call. A noise diary makes your complaint much stronger.
Noise complaint
Dear {{recipient_greeting}},
Re: Noise complaint about [address or business name] [council reference number, if you have one]
I live at [your street address], {{sender_suburb}} {{sender_postcode}}, and I am writing to make a formal complaint about ongoing noise from [address or business name].
The noise comes from [source, e.g. an air conditioning unit, amplified music, building work, a commercial kitchen exhaust]. It happens [how often and at what times, e.g. most nights between 10 pm and 2 am].
I have kept a noise diary, which I can [attach / provide on request], covering [number] occasions between [date] and [date]. [If relevant: I raised the issue with the [neighbour / business] on [date], but nothing has changed.]
The noise is affecting [impact, e.g. my sleep and my family's health].
I ask that the council investigate whether the noise breaches any noise rules or permit conditions and take appropriate action. Please give me a reference number for this complaint and let me know within [14/21] days what the council intends to do.
You can contact me on [phone number] or at [email address].
Road, footpath or drainage issue
Give the exact location, ideally with a street number or nearby landmark, and a photo. If someone is at immediate risk, phone the council as well so it can be made safe quickly.
Road, footpath or drainage issue
Dear {{recipient_greeting}},
Re: [Pothole / Damaged footpath / Blocked drain] at [exact location] [council reference number, if you have one]
I am writing to report [describe the problem, e.g. a deep pothole, a raised and cracked section of footpath, a blocked stormwater drain] at [exact location, e.g. outside 12 Smith Street, near the corner of Jones Road] in [suburb].
I live nearby in {{sender_suburb}} and use this [road / footpath] regularly.
I first noticed the problem on [date]. [If relevant: I reported it on [date] and was given reference number [number], but it has not been fixed.]
This is a safety concern because [explain, e.g. older residents and people with prams use this footpath every day, or the drain overflows onto the road and into nearby properties whenever it rains].
I have [number] dated photos showing the problem, which I can [attach / provide on request].
I ask that the council inspect the site and carry out repairs, and make it safe in the meantime. Please let me know within [14] days when the work is scheduled. You can contact me on [phone number] or at [email address].
Letter to a councillor vs a letter to the council
Write to the council (the administration) about services and day-to-day problems. Council staff, led by the CEO or General Manager, run services and handle complaints. This is the right starting point for almost everything on this page.
Write to a councillor when the council's process isn't working, when the issue affects your whole street or suburb, or when you want the council to change a policy or budget. Councillors are elected to represent residents and make decisions as a group. In most states they can raise your issue and ask questions, but they can't direct staff to take action on your case. Councillors' names and contact details are on your council's website.
What if the council doesn't respond?
How long a council has to respond varies. Each council sets timeframes in its own complaints policy, and the rules differ between states, so check your council's policy. If you're not getting anywhere, escalate in this order.
1. Ask for an internal review
Write to the council asking for a review of how your complaint was handled, usually by a more senior officer or a different team. Quote your reference number and explain why you think the response was wrong or incomplete. Ombudsmen generally expect you to have tried this first.
2. Complain to your state or territory ombudsman
Ombudsmen are independent and free. They look at whether a council acted fairly and reasonably, and can investigate, recommend a fix, or help resolve the complaint. They can't usually overturn a lawful council decision just because you disagree with it.
| State or territory | Complaints about council actions and decisions | Other bodies |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | NSW Ombudsman | Councillor misconduct and breaches of the Local Government Act: Office of Local Government |
| Victoria | Victorian Ombudsman | Councillor conduct, conflicts of interest and council elections: Local Government Inspectorate |
| Queensland | Queensland Ombudsman | Councillor conduct complaints: Office of the Independent Assessor |
| Western Australia | Ombudsman Western Australia | Breaches of the Local Government Act 1995 (from 1 January 2026): Local Government Inspector |
| South Australia | Ombudsman SA | - |
| Tasmania | Ombudsman Tasmania | - |
| Northern Territory | Ombudsman NT | - |
The ACT has no local councils. Services such as bins, roads and trees are run by the ACT Government, and complaints about them can go to the ACT Ombudsman.
3. Write to your state MP
Local government is set up under state law, so your state member of parliament (your local member in state parliament) can take up your issue with the council or the minister. Include copies of your complaint, the council's response and any ombudsman outcome. Find your state MP by postcode.
4. Write to the Minister for Local Government
Each state and the Northern Territory has a minister responsible for local government. The minister is unlikely to step into an individual complaint, but writing makes sense when the problem is systemic, when a council is repeatedly failing residents, or when you want the law changed. These are the current ministers:
| Parliament | Name | Role | Office mailing address |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Ron HoenigALP · Member for Heffron | Minister for Local Government | Shop 117, 747 Botany Road, Rosebery NSW 2018 |
| Victoria | Tim RichardsonALP · Member for Mordialloc | Minister for Local Government | G01, 557 Main Street, Mordialloc VIC 3195 |
| Queensland | Ann LeahyLNP · Member for Warrego | Minister for Local Government and Water | PO Box 945, Roma QLD 4455 |
| Western Australia | Hannah BeazleyALP · Member for Victoria Park | Minister for Local Government | 8/660 Albany Highway, Victoria Park WA 6100 |
| South Australia | Rhiannon PearceALP · Member for King | Minister for Local Government | PO Box 1104, Golden Grove Village SA 5125 |
| Tasmania | Kerry VincentLIB · Member for Prosser Region | Minister for Local Government | Shop 1/31 Cole Street, Sorell TAS 7172 |
| Northern Territory | Steve EdgingtonCLP · Member for Barkly | Minister for Housing, Local Government and Community Development | PO Box 796, Tennant Creek NT 0861 |
Names, roles and addresses on this page come from each parliament's official member lists. Data checked 20 October 2026.
Send your complaint by post
Online forms are fine for a quick request. For a serious or ongoing problem, a posted letter has some real advantages. It's signed and dated, it arrives as a formal document the council has to register, and it leaves a paper trail you can point to if you later go to the ombudsman or your MP.
With Better Letters you write your letter online, sign it on screen, and we print and post it through Australia Post for $3.95. No account is needed, and your letter is encrypted and deleted 24 hours after posting. If you'd rather attach evidence and post it yourself, download the PDF free. See how sending a letter online works.
Send your council complaint today
Pick a template, add the council's address, sign it, and we'll print and post it for $3.95. Or download the PDF free.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write a complaint letter to my council?+
Say what the problem is and where, list the dates it happened, attach evidence such as photos or a diary, explain how it affects you, and ask for a specific outcome by a reasonable date. Quote any reference number you already have.
Should I write to a councillor or to the council?+
Write to the council first, because council staff handle day-to-day services and complaints. A councillor can help if the council's process isn't working or the issue affects the wider community, but they can't usually direct staff to act.
How long does a council have to respond to a complaint?+
It varies. Each council sets its own timeframes in its complaints policy, and the rules differ by state. Check your council's policy on its website, and contact your state ombudsman if you get no response.
What can I do if the council ignores my complaint?+
Ask for an internal review under the council's complaints policy. If that doesn't resolve it, complain to your state or territory ombudsman. You can also write to your state MP or the state Minister for Local Government.
Can I complain to my state MP about the council?+
Yes. Councils operate under state law, so your state MP can raise your issue with the council or the Minister for Local Government. It helps to have tried the council's own process first.
Is a letter or an online form better for council complaints?+
Online forms are quick for simple requests like a missed bin. For a serious or ongoing problem, a signed, dated letter with your evidence attached creates a clear record and is harder to overlook.
Related guides
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