Petitions
A petition is a formal written document, signed by many people, which requests action in relation to an issue. Petitioning is one of the traditional ways in which people can make a request directly to Council in relation to a Council issue.
Petitions should adhere to certain standards to ensure that the intended message is conveyed in a clear and succinct manner. Requirements for submitting a petition to Mansfield Shire Council include:
- A petition should be addressed to a Councillor or the Chief Executive Officer.
- A petition must be clearly written, typed or printed, and be signed by at least five (5) people.
- Electronic or online petitions, joint letters, memorials, or like applications must contain the name and email address of each petitioner or signatory, which details will, for the purpose of this Rule 54, qualify as the address and signature of such petitioner or signatory.
- The request, suggestion or grievance should be set out using language that is respectful and not offensive.
- Every petition or joint letter must include the name, address and signature or mark of each petitioner/signatory.
- Each petitioner/signatory must sign the petition only once, directly onto the petition form.
- Every page of a petition must be a single page of paper; it is not acceptable for signatures to be cut and pasted or otherwise affixed or transferred to the petition.
- The pages of a petition must be free from erasures and alterations.
- A submission which is presented on an incorporated association’s letterhead, and which purports to be on behalf of the incorporated association, must be appropriately authorised.
- A petition can only address issues within the ambit of Council’s authority. State and Commonwealth issues cannot be dealt with by Council, as set out within the Local Government Act.
Every page of a petition must contain:
- the name of the head/principal petitioner;
- the page number (eg. page 1 of 8, page 2 of 8 etc); and
- the request of the petitioners/signatories, consisting of the following words: “We the undersigned hereby petition Mansfield Shire Council ………”
Submitting a petition
A petition may be submitted to Council by:
Post
Mansfield Shire Council, Private Bag 1000, Mansfield VIC 3724
In Person
During business hours to Council's Municipal Office at 33 Highett Street, Mansfield VIC 3722.
NOTE: submissions must be physically handed to a Council officer.
Further information
More detailed information about petitions is set out in Division 9 of Council’s Governance Rules(PDF, 995KB) .
For further information about the process for presenting petitions contact Council’s Co-ordinator Governance and Risk.
Related Information
How is a Petition Actioned?
Once received, the usual process is that a Councillor will present the petition to Council at an Ordinary Council Meeting.
Council may resolve that the petition be received and referred to the relevant area of Council for investigation. A report will then be prepared and presented to a subsequent Ordinary Council Meeting for a formal decision. However, if the petition relates to an operational matter, Council must refer it to the Chief Executive Officer for consideration.
Once a decision has been made in relation to the matters raised in the petition, the head/principal petitioner will be advised in writing of the decision.
Does council have a Petition template that can be used?
Do I have to use the Council's petition template?
No, the template has been provided for your convenience. If you wish to use or design your own petition document ensure it includes the required information as listed above.