By Mitchell Clarke
Shire residents are being called on to have their say on the structure of Cardinia Shire Council as the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) launches a review.
Beginning on Wednesday 6 November, the review will examine council’s electoral structure by taking into account the number of councillors and whether the council should remain subdivided into wards.
Currently nine councillors are elected to cover three wards: Central, Ranges and Port.
Central Ward is represented by four councillors and includes most of Pakenham with 34,372 voters.
Ranges Ward is represented by three councillors and covers Beaconsfield, Officer, Emerald, Pakenham Upper, Cockatoo and Gembrook with 30,897 voters.
Port Ward is represented by two councillors and includes the towns of Kooweerup, Bunyip, Nar Nar Goon, Tynong, Garfield and Lang Lang with 17,034 voters.
Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately AM said these reviews were generally required at least every 12 years.
“The opportunity to have your say doesn’t come around too often, so it’s important to have a broad range of community members contributing to the shape of their local democracy,” Mr Gately said.
“If you are interested in the future electoral structure of your local area, I encourage you to get involved.
“Public submissions are a vital part of the review process, providing valuable local knowledge and perspectives.”
Cardinia’s last review took place in 2012.
Anyone interested in finding out more about the review is encouraged to attend a public information session on Thursday 7 November from 7pm at council offices. To make a submission, visit https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/.
The VEC will release their preliminary report with options for the council’s electoral structure in February next year.
