An independent electoral structure review panel appointed by the Victorian Minister for Local Government has released its Preliminary Report for the Warrnambool City Council, with members of the public now being invited to have their say.
In its Preliminary Report, the panel outlined three electoral structural models for public consultation.
All three models include the introduction of seven wards with a single councillor in each, with each model suggesting different ward boundaries – a shift from the current ‘unsubdivided’ electoral structure.
“Warrnambool City Council is one of 39 municipalities undergoing a review of its electoral structure,” said Mayor, Debbie Arnott (pictured).
“One of the changes introduced by the Local Government Act 2020 was that metropolitan, interface and regional city councils must introduce single-councillor wards.
“As a Council, we will be holding an additional meeting on July 24 to determine our position on the proposed models.
“I would also encourage everyone to read the report on the Victorian Electoral Commission website and to make their own submission if they wish to do so.”
Changes will take effect at the October 2024 local council elections. Public submissions close at 5pm on Wednesday 26 July. They can be made on the Victorian Electoral Commission website, by emailing Warrnambool.ERAPSubmissions@vec.vic.gov.au or by writing to the Victorian Electoral Commission at Level 11, 530 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000.