By Mitchell Clarke
The community is invited to have its say on Cardinia Shire Council’s 2020 electoral structure, following the release of a report from the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
The preliminary report is part of the VEC’s electoral representation review of the shire, which commenced in November last year. Eight preliminary submissions were received.
Cardinia’s current structure consists of nine councillors who cover three wards (one four-councillor ward, one three-councillor ward and one two-councillor ward).
Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately AM encouraged community members to get involved by reviewing the report and making a submission.
“We want to ensure all voters are represented in a fair and equitable way, so now’s the time to speak up,” Mr Gately said.
“You have one month to consider the options and make your submission supporting or opposing the options.”
The new structure options are:
A – Nine councillors elected from three wards, with adjustments to the current ward boundaries (one four-councillor ward, one three-councillor ward and one two-councillor ward).
B – Nine councillors elected from three three-councillor wards.
Submissions responding to the preliminary report should address the options and must be received by the VEC by 5.00 pm Wednesday 4 March 2020. Submissions can be made online at vec.vic.gov.au, by email or by post.
A public hearing will be held at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 10 March 2020 at Cardinia Shire Council chambers for anyone who has requested to speak in support of their submission. If there are no requests to speak, the hearing will not be held.
The preliminary report is available at vec.vic.gov.au and at Cardinia Shire Council offices.
