Submitting a Petition to Council

Community members are welcome to submit petitions to Council to raise concerns or request action on local matters.

Council’s Governance Rules outline the formal process for how petitions are submitted, assessed, and considered during Council meetings. You can read the full document by visiting: Governance Rules

To ensure your petition is valid and considered, please follow the guidelines below.

How do I submit a petition?

Petitions can be submitted in one of the following ways:

  • Email a PDF copy to: info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au
  • Post or deliver a hard copy to:
    Alpine Shire Council
    PO Box 139, Bright VIC 3741
    or in person at the Council Office, 2 Churchill Avenue, Bright

What makes a petition valid?

To be accepted by Council, your petition must:

  • Clearly state the issue and the action you are requesting from Council on every page where signatures appear.
  • Use respectful language — petitions must not be derogatory, defamatory, or offensive.
  • Relate to matters within Council’s powers and responsibilities.
  • Include at least 10 original signatures, with each signatory’s name and address.

Note: If your petition has fewer than 10 signatures, it may be treated as a joint letter and referred to the appropriate Council staff for operational follow-up.

Format requirements

For Hard Copy Petitions:

  • Each page must be a single sheet of paper.
  • Pages must not be stapled, pinned, glued, or attached to anything other than another petition page.
  • Every page with signatures must include the full petition text.

For Online or Electronic Petitions:

  • Each signatory must provide their name and email address.
  • Email addresses will be accepted as the equivalent of a physical address and signature.

When will my petition be considered?

  • Petitions are generally considered at the next ordinary Council meeting after they are presented.
  • Council may choose to consider a petition earlier by resolution.
  • If your petition relates to an operational matter, it will be referred to the Chief Executive Officer for appropriate action.