THE Victorian Electoral Commission proposes to redraw the Bass Coast ward boundaries to balance voter numbers. And they want to hear what we think.
The boundary review does not change Bass Coast’s electoral structure, number of councillors, ward names or external boundaries.
Rather it changes ward boundaries to ensure they are within the legislated +/-10% tolerance by the 2024 election this October. They must take into account the present numbers but also allow for future growth.
Since the wards were last reviewed in 2015, strong residential development around Wonthaggi North means the wards are now unbalanced.
The boundary review does not change Bass Coast’s electoral structure, number of councillors, ward names or external boundaries.
Rather it changes ward boundaries to ensure they are within the legislated +/-10% tolerance by the 2024 election this October. They must take into account the present numbers but also allow for future growth.
Since the wards were last reviewed in 2015, strong residential development around Wonthaggi North means the wards are now unbalanced.
While the three Island Ward councillors represent just 11,788 voters, Bunurong Ward councillors represent 15,414 voters, or almost 25 per cent more.
With 14,043 voters, Western Port Ward remains close to the mean, but borders of all three wards will have to be adjusted to even up the numbers.
With 14,043 voters, Western Port Ward remains close to the mean, but borders of all three wards will have to be adjusted to even up the numbers.
The review aims for “meaningful and effective ward boundaries” that are easily identifiable to local communities, the representation of communities of interest, physical features of the area, the impact these may have on the shape and size of wards and minimal change where possible.
In a preliminary report, the VEC has offered two options, based on elector numbers at November 3 2023:
Model 1
Incorporate all of Phillip Island in a single ward (Island) and shift the current ward boundary between the Bunurong and Western Port wards to the Bass Highway. Move the eastern boundary to the Powlett River, which means Wattle Bank would be incorporated in the Bunurong Ward.
Under this model Island Ward would have 15,839 voters (+15.21%), compared with 13,115 (-4.61%) in Bunurong Ward and 12,291 (-10.6%) in Western Port.
Model 2
Similar to Model 1, except that Newhaven is included in Western Port Ward.
Island Ward would have 15,279 voters (+11.13%), Bunurong 13,115 (-4.61%) and Western Port 12,851 (-6.53%).
The VEC states that both options would bring the deviations of all wards within the legislated +/-10% range by the October 2024 local council elections, and they are expected to remain within this range though to 2028.
The review board considered making north and south Wonthaggi a distinct ward but that would have resulted in arbitrary divisions in other areas like Inverloch.
The VEC will submit a final report to the Minister for Local Government including its advice for the adjustments to ward boundaries on April 10.
In the meantime, they want to hear from us. Submissions are open until March 6 and can be emailed to BassCoast.WardReview@vec.vic.gov.au. They must include full name and contact details. You can also ask to speak at a public hearing on March 14.
The Minister will make the final decision, with any change expected to apply at the October election.
In a preliminary report, the VEC has offered two options, based on elector numbers at November 3 2023:
Model 1
Incorporate all of Phillip Island in a single ward (Island) and shift the current ward boundary between the Bunurong and Western Port wards to the Bass Highway. Move the eastern boundary to the Powlett River, which means Wattle Bank would be incorporated in the Bunurong Ward.
Under this model Island Ward would have 15,839 voters (+15.21%), compared with 13,115 (-4.61%) in Bunurong Ward and 12,291 (-10.6%) in Western Port.
Model 2
Similar to Model 1, except that Newhaven is included in Western Port Ward.
Island Ward would have 15,279 voters (+11.13%), Bunurong 13,115 (-4.61%) and Western Port 12,851 (-6.53%).
The VEC states that both options would bring the deviations of all wards within the legislated +/-10% range by the October 2024 local council elections, and they are expected to remain within this range though to 2028.
The review board considered making north and south Wonthaggi a distinct ward but that would have resulted in arbitrary divisions in other areas like Inverloch.
The VEC will submit a final report to the Minister for Local Government including its advice for the adjustments to ward boundaries on April 10.
In the meantime, they want to hear from us. Submissions are open until March 6 and can be emailed to BassCoast.WardReview@vec.vic.gov.au. They must include full name and contact details. You can also ask to speak at a public hearing on March 14.
The Minister will make the final decision, with any change expected to apply at the October election.