Shire boundaries review

Proposed changes to Surf Coast council wards

RESIDENTS will be asked their views on a proposed review of Surf Coast Shire Council election boundaries in changes one councillor says will alter the unique mix of the municipality.

The Victorian Electoral Commission says ward boundaries need to be adjusted so the number of voters represented by each councillor is within 10 per cent of the local council average.

But finer details of its case for the changes won’t be known until Wednesday when it releases a preliminary report.

Under the proposed changes, Anglesea Ward will be extended to include Paraparap and Bellbrae, Torquay Ward will include Spring Creek, while Lorne Ward will include Fairhaven.

Anglesea Ward councillor Tony Revell said the proposed changes would change the unique shape of the wards.

“One of the things that is very clear on Surf Coast Shire is we’ve got quite distinct and diverse areas unlike a lot of other councils,” he said.

“Torquay is a rapid growth and quite suburban area in many respects, the Anglesea Ward is basically coastal towns, while Lorne is almost an international tourist destination these days.

“In terms of changes to Winchelsea Ward, that would add a lot more rural constituents into the Anglesea Ward.”

The VEC review only considers the location of ward boundaries and will not consider the number of councillors or wards.

However, Cr Revell said he did not anticipate any changes to the current councillor mix.

At present, Torquay has four councillors, Anglesea and Winchelsea two, and Lorne just one.

“If you look at the population base, you’d say Torquay probably deserves four councillors,” he said.

“But it is very important that we recognise that population is not the only consideration.”

After releasing its preliminary report on Wednesday with proposed changed to the boundaries of Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea, the VEC will call for public submissions until March 11.

A public hearing will be held at 5pm on March 17 at the Torquay Council Chamber.

The VEC will release a final report on April 8. If accepted, changes to ward boundaries will take effect at the local council elections in October.

For more information, visit vec.vic.gov.au or call 131 832.