Whitehorse City Council supports election campaign activities in line with freedom of expression, fair access and public safety and amenity.
Some activities require a Council permit, some are allowed without a Council permit and some are not allowed at all. Find out more below.
The Whitehorse City Council Local Law ( PDF 280.06KB) guides Council Officers in making decisions about election activities.
Election Activities that need a Council Permit
Activity | Explanation |
---|---|
Promotional stalls set up on footpaths or the designated spaces at Box Hill or Britannia Malls and any other Council-owned land | Stalls with a table and chairs, picket sign or A-frame or banner or teardrop sign |
Apply for an Election Activity Permit
If the applicant wants to use the space for something other than a temporary promotional stall, other permits may be required. Please contact Council and ask to speak with the Community Safety Department.
Election Activities Allowed Without a Council Permit
Activity | Explanation |
---|---|
Pamphlet or flyer distribution |
Dropping election materials in residents' letterboxes |
Door knocking | Visiting local resident and business premises |
Signs and banners displayed on vehicle and/or trailer when they are in transit | A mobile election poster on a trailer or truck |
Signs and banners displayed on parked vehicles and trailers or as free standing signs or attached to private structure on private land |
A trailer with a billboard or A-frame sign. NOTE:
|
Election Activities Not Allowed (Penalties may apply)
Activity | Explanation |
---|---|
Signs or banners on a vehicle or trailer parked on Council-controlled land |
Advertising on a vehicle or trailer in a park, garden, reserve, nature strip or road-related area. |
Signs and banners on Council-controlled structures and assets |
Coreflute signs on median strip or council property fences. |
Bill posters (stuck as posters or stickers) affixed to surfaces |
Bill postings on council-owned buildings, council-owned fences, public rubbish bins, residential rubbish bins, power poles and utilities is considered to be littering. |
Placing loose flyers under car window wipers |
This is considered to be the same as bill posting. |
Operating promotional stalls on Council-controlled land without a permit | May result in the impounding of furniture and signs. |
Impounded Election Signs/Furniture
Any advertising sign or furniture displayed without a valid permit may be impounded by an authorised officer. Penalties may also apply.
Littering
Without prior written approval, Bill posting (posters) and the handing out of material without a permit may be considered littering and will be dealt with under the relevant provisions of the Environment Protection Act (2017). Penalties may apply for any breaches detected.
Penalties
Both the Whitehorse Planning Scheme and Community Local Law ( PDF 280.06KB) provide for penalties for any breaches detected by authorised Officers.