Help review Gannawarra Shire Council's electoral structure
Published on 24 January 2023
Residents are encouraged to help the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) review Gannawarra Shire Council's electoral structure.
The Minister for Local Government has called for the review of the electoral structure of 39 local councils, including Gannawarra Shire, which are currently not consistent with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020.
As part of the review, an independent electoral representation advisory panel will spend the coming months 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.
“Electoral structure reviews are important as they ensure that residents and communities are equally represented by elected representatives,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.
“With the last review conducted in 2015 and the Local Government Act 2022 now in place, now is the ideal time to investigate the electoral representation of the Gannawarra Shire.”
Submissions will be accepted between Wednesday, 25 January and 5pm Wednesday, 15 February, with information regarding how to complete a submission available at www.vec.vic.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/council-reviews/electoral-structure-reviews/gannawarra
An information session regarding the review and how to complete a submission will be held online on Tuesday, 24 January at 6pm. To register to attend this session, please visit www.vec.vic.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/council-reviews/electoral-structure-reviews/gannawarra
“The panel will consider all submissions received and the requirements of the law to propose options for the council’s structure in a preliminary report, which is to be released on Wednesday, 15 March,” Mayor Gillingham said.
“Residents will also be able to provide feedback regarding the preliminary report, which will assist the panel with the development of the final report.”
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