General News
15 February, 2024
Ward reviews to begin
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is set to conduct a review of the Loddon and Pyrenees shires’ ward boundaries — with locals from the area encouraged to have their say. According to the VEC, the reviews are held at the request of the...
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is set to conduct a review of the Loddon and Pyrenees shires’ ward boundaries — with locals from the area encouraged to have their say.
According to the VEC, the reviews are held at the request of the Minister for Local Government of Victoria, Melissa Horne, when the amount of voters in any single ward are 10 percent higher or lower than the average across the respective council.
The move is aimed at ensuring appropriate voter representation ahead of the next council election.
Loddon and Pyrenees shires are among a group of 10 councils undergoing the review, and the process, consisting of three rounds, will finish in April.
A preliminary report outlining the proposed changes will become available on February 21, following which residents in the two shires will be able to share their views on the matter by making a submission.
“Your input is valuable,” the VEC said.
“As a local, you know your council area better than anyone. This is your chance to share your ideas about the ward boundaries you believe would give your community the best representation.”
These submissions, including other factors such as law requirements and population data, will form the basis of the final recommendation made by VEC to Ms Horne.
It is up to the minister to review the recommendation and decide on the final ward boundaries for that council, VEC notes.
Once the minister has made their decision, any changes are expected to apply at the October 2024 local council elections.
There are two upcoming online information sessions to find out more about the ward boundary reviews — at 12 pm on February 19 and 20.
Submissions open on February 21 and close at 5 pm on March 13.
The final report will be made available to the minister on April 17.
For more information visit www.vec.vic.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/council-reviews/subdivision-reviews