KEEP CASH NOOSA COUNCIL

We, the undersigned residents of Noosa, believe that cash payments must be freely accepted at all council facilities. Furthermore, we firmly oppose any decision by Noosa Council to eliminate, restrict, suspend or limit cash payment options at any of its facilities, services or events.

Our Demands: 

1. Preserve Cash Payments: We request Noosa Council, elected Noosa Councillors and Noosa Council CEO actively endorse, advocate and uphold cash payment options at all council facilities, including council services, events, operations, third-party vendors and service providers contracted by Noosa Council.

2. Policy and Law: We request Noosa Council, elected Noosa Councillors and Noosa Council CEO take immediate action to ratify both a Policy and Local Law that protects cash payment options and explicitly prohibits the elimination, restriction, limitation, suspension and/or denial of the acceptance of cash, for any reason, at all council facilities, including all council services, events, operations, third-party vendors and service providers contracted by Noosa Council.

Both the Policy and Local Law must:

· unequivocally and indefinitely preserve and safeguard cash payments, without surcharge, loopholes or ambiguity.

· prohibit the implementation of policies, procedures, regulations, contractual agreements, local laws and/or any other directions that would eliminate, restrict, limit, suspend or deny the acceptance of cash payments, for any reason, at all council facilities, events, third-party vendors and/or service providers contracted by Noosa Council.

· clearly and comprehensively define cash payments. This definition must recognise physical currency, notes, coins and any other form of legal tender.

· universally apply to all transactions, including but not limited to fees, services, products and any financial obligations.

· carry penalties (including financial) for non-compliance and breaches.

· ensure adequate and consistent application, including during emergencies.

· not be subject to suspension or limitation at any time, including during emergencies, including public health emergencies.

3. Emergency Preparedness: We request Noosa Council integrate cash usage and acceptance at all council facilities/services into the council’s emergency preparedness protocols. This must include integration into the council’s public health emergency response protocols. 

Conclusion: This petition represents the collective will of the undersigned Noosa residents and we seek that this petition be presented to the whole of Council. Furthermore, we expect Noosa Council, Noosa Councillors and Noosa Council CEO honour the demands of this petition promptly and in full, without ambiguity. Securing and safeguarding cash payment options at all council facilities, including during emergencies, will ensure economic inclusivity, diversity, resiliency and security for the community of Noosa. 

Principal Petitioner: Nick Cooke, Contact details to be attached to petition.

Nick Cooke    Contact the author of the petition