Have you say on Gannawarra Shire Council's future electoral structure

Published on 20 March 2023

Residents are encouraged to have their say on the future electoral structure of Gannawarra Shire Council, with the Victorian Electoral Commission proposing two preliminary options.

An independent electoral representation advisory panel is reviewing the shire’s electoral structure, considering if the council has an appropriate number of Councillors, should be one large unsubdivided area, or should be subdivided into wards.

“Gannawarra Shire Council is one of 39 local councils which are currently not consistent with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“This review will not only ensure Gannawarra Shire Council meets the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020, but it will also ensure that residents and communities are equally represented by elected representatives.”

Using feedback provided via an initial investigation period held during late January and mid-February 2023, the independent electoral representation advisory panel has provided two models for residents to consider:

• An unsubdivided electoral structure with 7 councillors (below, left); and
• A subdivided electoral structure with a total of 6 councillors, 2 wards (Wandella and Gunbower, with the Pyramid Creek and Loddon River north of Kerang as the ward boundary) and 3 councillors per ward (below, right).

  

Residents can provide feedback up to 5pm Wednesday, 5 April by completing a submission at www.vec.vic.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/council-reviews/electoral-structure-reviews/gannawarra. People who complete a submission will have the option to address the independent electoral representation advisory panel on Thursday, 13 April.

“All feedback provided will assist the panel in developing its final recommendation, which it will present to the Minister for Local Government by Wednesday, 10 May,” Mayor Gillingham said.

For more information regarding the Gannawarra Shire Council electoral structure review, please visit www.vec.vic.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/council-reviews/electoral-structure-reviews/gannawarra