Petitions

This section contains information on how to lodge a petition with Council.

The formal requirements of Petitions and Joint Letters can be found in The Greater Shepparton City Council Local Law No.2, Division 13 - Petitions and Joint Letters. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

When does the Council identify a document as a Petition or Joint letter?

For a document to be classified as a petition or a joint letter, it must:

  • Be signed by at least 20 people
  • Be in writing (not pencil), typed or printed
  • Contain the request of the petitioners or signatories
  • Clearly state the full name and address of every signatory
  • Be signed by the persons whose names and addresses are appended to it
  • Contain a clear description of the purpose of the petition or joint letter

What if a Petition or Joint letter contains more than one page?

Where a petition or joint letter contains more than one page, each page must be headed with the details of the request and end with what action is requested. If the document does not request the Council to take any action it will be considered a joint letter merely outlining the views or comments of the signatories.

What matters will the Council consider?

The Council will consider and make a decision on all requests submitted. The only time the Council cannot make a decision is on matters that are beyond its powers, as set out within the Local Government Act.

Will everyone that signs the Petition or Joint letter receive a response from the Council?

The petition must nominate to whom a reply may be sent, and if no person is nominated the Council will reply to the first or any person whose signature appears on the submission. The Council will not reply to every person on the petition or joint letter.

What should and/or shouldn't I include on the petition or joint letter document?

  • Ensure the document is signed by a minimum of 20 people
  • Have a detailed description of the request of the Council. The request must be on the top of each page of the document and end with the action required
  • Clearly state the full name and address of every signatory
  • The document should not have wording pasted to a page of signatories
  • The petition or joint letter should be legibly written or typed
  • It should be in plain English or accompanied by an English translation certified to be correct.
  • It should not contain any alterations
  • Should be written in a manner that is courteous and moderate and should not be disrespectful to the Council or individuals
  • No person may fraudulently sign a petition or joint letter

Can I sign on behalf of another person?

No one can sign on behalf of another person, except in the case of incapacity or sickness. The petitioner who is not able to sign, should make a mark in the presence of a witness and the witness must sign the petition as a witness and include his or her name and address, and the name and address of the petitioner.

Who do I submit a Petition or Joint letter to?

A hard copy format of the petition or joint letter must be submitted to the Council. A petition or joint letter can be delivered to the Council in person or by post to the Council office or to any Councillor. The Council office is located at 90 Welsford Street, Shepparton and the postal address is Locked Bag 1000, Shepparton Vic 3632

What is Council's process once a Petition or Joint letter is received?

The Chief Executive Officer shall list all petitions and joint letters received on the agenda of the next Ordinary Council meeting. The listing shall include a description of the purpose of the petition or joint letter and the number of signatories to it. Unless the Council agrees to deal with the matter earlier, no decision may be made on any petition or joint letter until the next Ordinary Council meeting after that at which it has been presented.

Can I give a Petition or Joint Letter directly to a Councillor for submission?

Yes, where a Councillor presents a petition or joint letter on behalf of the petitioner or writers, that Councillor must understand the purpose of the petition or joint letter and that it does not contain language disrespectful to the Council or individuals.

Does council have a Petition template that can be used?

Yes, a petition template can be found by clicking on the link below.

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, please ensure the document has all of the required information on it that the Council defines as a petition.