MEDIA RELEASE

For release from Wednesday, 19 March 2008

Have your say on Your COuncil

The Victorian Electoral Commission is now asking for feedback on its Preliminary Report for the electoral representation review of the City of Greater Geelong. The review looks at the number of councillors and the number of wards required to provide fair and equitable representation for all voters.

The City of Greater Geelong is currently a subdivided municipality with twelve councillors elected from twelve single-councillor wards. The VEC’s preliminary preference is for twelve councillors to be elected from six two-councillor wards.

An additional two options have also been provided in the Report for consideration and public comment.

The VEC encourages public input on the options and will be accepting written submissions until Monday, 14 April, 5.00 pm.

At the Public Hearing, to be held on 21 April at 6.30 pm, submitters who have requested to speak in support of their submissions will be able to do so. The hearing will take place at the Council Chamber, City Hall, 30 Gheringhap Street, Geelong and is open to the public.

For a copy of the Preliminary Report, visit the VEC website at www.vec.vic.gov.au.

Copies are also available at the Council Offices, City Hall, 30 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, and at the VEC office, Level 8, 505 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000. Further information is available by calling the VEC on 13 18 32.

The VEC’s Final Report, containing a final recommendation, will be lodged with the Minister for Local Government on Monday, 12 May 2008.

– ENDS –

Media releases are available from the VEC website http://www.vec.vic.gov.au/rrreleases.html

For further media information:

Aileen Duke

Victorian Electoral Commission

Tel: 9299 0796

MAPS OF PRELIMINARY OPTIONS FOR

Greater Geelong City COUNCIL

PRELIMINARY PREFERRED OPTION:
twelve councillors to be elected from six two-councillor wards

FIRST PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE OPTION:
twelve councillors to be elected from twelve single-councillor wards with boundaries different to those in the current structure

Have your say on Your COuncil

PRELIMINARY PREFERRED OPTION: twelve councillors to be elected from six two-councillor wards

FIRST PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE OPTION: twelve councillors to be elected from twelve single-councillor wards with boundaries different to those in the current structure

SECOND PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE OPTION: twelve councillors to be elected from four three-councillor wards

PRELIMINARY PREFERRED OPTION:
twelve councillors to be elected from six two-councillor wards

FIRST PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE OPTION:
twelve councillors to be elected from twelve single-councillor wards with boundaries different to those in the current structure

SECOND PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE OPTION:
twelve councillors to be elected from four three-councillor wards