Public participation

Council and Committee Meetings will be live streamed and audio recorded. To watch a meeting live or to watch a past meeting, visit the Agenda and Minutes page.

RECORDING NOTICE: If you are asking a public question, making a statement, or giving a deputation at a Council meeting, this will be live-streamed and audio-recorded. Members of the public are reminded that no other visual or audio recording of this meeting by any other means is allowed.

Public Question and Public Statement Time

Public Question Time and Public Statement Time provide an opportunity for community members to address and pose questions of Council.

In relation to an Ordinary Council Meeting, a person may ask up to 3 questions and/or make a statement that is not greater than 3 minutes in duration, either in relation to an item on the Agenda of that meeting, or on any matter affecting the local government.

In relation to a Special Council Meeting, a person may ask up to 3 questions and/or make a statement that is not greater than 3 minutes in duration, on matters which relate to an item on the Agenda of that Special Council Meeting.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: Members of the public that wish to ask a question on notice or make a statement must complete and submit the approved form by 2pm on the day of the relevant meeting.

Questions not received by 2pm on the day of the relevant meeting may be asked from the floor at the meeting, if time permits. Statements without notice will not be accepted during the meeting.

Asking your questions or making your statement at the meeting

You, or someone acting on your behalf with prior written notice, will need to attend the relevant Council meeting from the commencement of the meeting in order to have your questions and/or statement included in the meeting.

At the relevant time, you will be asked to address Council. In accordance with the Shire's Standing Orders, you must extend due courtesy and respect to Council and the processes under which it operates and take direction from the person presiding.

As a formal proceeding of Council, public statements, public questions, and their responses are recorded in the minutes of the relevant Council Meeting.

Further information related to Public Question Time and Public Statement Time can be found in Council Policy – Public Question and Public Statement Time and Deputations – Ordinary Council Meeting .

Lodging your Public Questions and/or Public Statement

The preferred way to submit your public questions and/or public statement is online using the Shire’s online form.

If you are unable to use the online form, you may download the PDF form, complete it and return it by email, post or in person.

Download printable form

Completed PDF forms can be:

  • emailed to info@sjshire.wa.gov.au
  • printed and delivered to the Shire’s Administration Centre via the address below.
  • posted to the Shire using the address below.

Chief Executive Officer - Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
6 Paterson Street,
Mundijong WA 6123

Deputations

How do I request to present a Deputation?

A deputation is a presentation made to Council. A deputation is most often regarding a matter that is scheduled for consideration by Council.

The deputation can either be in support of a proposal or in opposition to a proposal.

A deputation may not exceed 15 minutes in duration.

For the full requirements of a deputation, please refer to Clause 3.13, of the Shire’s Standing Orders Local Law 2002 (as amended).

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: In accordance with Council Resolution OCM313/12/22, requests for Deputations must be submitted to the Chief Executive Officer in writing at least 3 working days prior to the meeting, and the wording of approved Deputations, if available, is to be provided to all Councillors at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at which the Deputation is to be made.

Please hand deliver, post or email your deputation request to:

Chief Executive Officer - Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale
6 Paterson Street,
Mundijong WA 6123

Email: info@sjshire.wa.gov.au

Requests made are considered by the Shire President. The Shire President may accept or reject your request.

Requests should state what Agenda item or matter the deputation will relate to and include the wording of the deputation, if available. If you wish to distribute printed material relating to your deputation to Councillors, you will find their contact details here. Information is not to be handed out at the meeting.

Deputations may be made as an individual or a group. A group requesting a deputation may not exceed five people, and only two of whom may address the Council.

You will be notified of the Shire President's decision prior to the meeting.

Making your deputation

If your request is approved, you will need to attend the relevant Council meeting from the commencement of the meeting.

At the relevant time, you will be asked to address Council. In accordance with the Shire's Standing Orders you must extend due courtesy and respect to Council and the processes under which it operates and take direction from the person presiding. Council meetings are not subject to Parliamentary Privilege.

As a formal proceeding of Council, deputations provided are recorded in the minutes of the relevant Council meeting.

More Information: If you have any queries about presenting a Deputation, please contact the Coordinator Governance, 9526 1111 or info@sjshire.wa.gov.au

Petitions

A petition is a formal request made by a specific number of signatories requesting some form of action. A petition generally requests Council to resolve to support a nominated course of action.

Petitions made to Council must relate to an area where Council has an authority or role.

Requesting a Special Meeting of Electors

A request for a special meeting of the electors is a formal request made by electors of a district for a particular matter. The request must be in the form prescribed by the Local Government Act 1995 and the Local Government (Administration) Regulations 1996.

Council delegates to community groups

Community organisations and associations make a tremendous contribution to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale by activating the community and providing forums for people to be involved in shaping the future of our community.

They also provide a vital link between the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s Council and the community.

Councillors are encouraged to participate in community organisations and associations, including as members, without needing to be formally appointed by Council.

Alternatively, your organisation can request that Council consider formally appointing a Councillor to be the delegate to your organisation or association. To do so please provide a copy of the terms of reference or constitution of your organisation or association to info@sjshire.wa.gov.au.