This could be the new look Cardinia Shire boundaries, but residents have been asked for their say.By Melissa Meehan
CARDINIA Shires’s Bunyip Ward could be no more, as the council ward boundaries are set for a shake-up.
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) released a preliminary report, outlining four options for the electoral structure of the municipality.
With so much growth in the area, the council expected there would be changes to its ward structure. However, a combined Port and Bunyip wards was not an outcome expected by councillors when they discussed the matter in October.
Councillors had discussed moving Beaconsfield into the Ranges Ward from the Central Ward, which encompasses the greatest population of the shire.
The VEC has considered a range of information, including public submissions, to form its recommendations for an electoral structure that will provide fair and equitable representation for the voters of Cardinia Shire Council.
As its preferred option, the VEC recommends that Cardinia Shire Council be represented by seven councillors elected from three wards.
The preferred option consists of one three-councillor ward and two two-councillor wards. Three alternative options are also being presented for public comment, including two unsubdivided models.
The VEC welcomes responses to the preliminary report. All submissions must be made in writing and be received by 5.00 pm on Wednesday, 29 February.
A public hearing will be held at 6.30 pm on Thursday, 8 March at the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Henty Way, Pakenham. People can speak at the hearing if they have requested to do so in their formal submission.
The preliminary report is available on the VEC website (vec.vic.gov.au) or by calling 131 VEC (131 832). Copies are also available at the Cardinia Shire Council Offices, Henty Way, Pakenham.
A final report containing the VEC’s recommendation to the Minister for Local Government will be released on Wednesday 28 March.
