For release from 12 February 2008

REPRESENTATION REVIEW BEGINS FOR

Bass Coast Shire Council

 

Which electoral structure do you think will best serve the needs of your community?

 

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is conducting an electoral representation review in Bass Coast Shire and is asking the public to get involved.

 

The purpose of a representation review is to provide fair and equitable representation for all voters. After looking at the number of councillors, the number of wards and the ward boundaries, the VEC will recommend the electoral structure that it considers will provide the best opportunity for voters’ interests to be represented on the Council. The VEC will consider comparable municipalities, communities of interest, demographics and growth potential.

 

Any changes resulting from the review will apply at the local council elections in November 2008.

 

“Anyone interested in the review should attend one of the public information sessions on 25 February,” said the Victorian Electoral Commissioner, Mr Steve Tully.

 

The information sessions, explaining the process of the review and public submissions, will be held on:

 

·         Monday,  25 February 2008 at 5.30 pm

Council Chamber, Civic Centre, 76 McBride Avenue, Wonthaggi (enter via Baillieu Street)

·         Monday,  25 February 2008 at 7.30 pm

Meeting Room 1, Cowes Cultural Centre, 98 Thompson Avenue, Cowes

 

“Public feedback is an important part of the process and the VEC will consider all evidence and arguments provided in written submissions,” said Mr Tully. A letter is perfectly acceptable, as long as it deals with the matters covered by the review. “If you are unable to attend an information session, contact the VEC for a Guide for Submissions.”

 

Preliminary submissions, which can be mailed, faxed or emailed, must reach the VEC before 5.00 pm on Tuesday, 11 March 2008. The VEC’s Preliminary Report will be released on 8 April, and further feedback will be invited on the preliminary options contained in the report. These submissions must be received by Wednesday, 30 April, 5.00 pm.

A public hearing will be held on Monday, 5 May. The hearing is open to the public, but those wishing to speak must request to do so in their response submission. The Final Report will be lodged with the Minister for Local Government on 26 May 2008.

 

For more information, call the VEC on 13 18 32 or visit www.vec.vic.gov.au

 

----------ENDS------------

 

Monday, 25 February 2008 - 5.30 pm – information sessions

Tuesday, 11 March 2008 - 5.00 pm – close for preliminary submissions

Tuesday, 8 April 2008 – the VEC’s Preliminary Report released containing its preliminary options

Wednesday, 30 April 2008 - 5.00 pm – close for response submissions about the Preliminary Report

Monday, 5 May 2008 - 6.30 pm– public hearing

Monday, 26 May 2008 – the VEC will lodge its Final Report with the Minister for Local Government

 

 

Media releases are available from the VEC website http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/rrreleases.html For further media information: Claire Macdonald Victorian Electoral Commission Tel: 9299 0757

Map of Bass Coast Shire

 

The map below shows the current ward boundaries and the voter numbers and deviations from the average number of voters per councillor as at 16 January 2008.