Zoe Moffatt
Sunbury will lose representation and Broadmedows will remain in one ward, following the finalisation of a review into the electoral restructure of Victorian councils.
Last week the Electoral Representation Advisory Panel (ERAP) released its report into the structure review, under which Hume council retains 11 councillors when moving to the single-member ward system.
This announcement follows community concerns late last year about one less councillor representing Sunbury and the possibility of splitting Broadmeadows into two different wards.
In its report ERAP said there was strong opposition about the move to a single-councillor ward structure.
“The panel also observed that some submitters expressed strong concern about reducing the number of councillors representing Sunbury,” the report said.
“The uneven population distribution and growth in the council did not make it possible to create three single-councillor wards for the Sunbury area that would adhere to the… deviation requirement.”
Concerns about splitting Broadmedows into two wards was quashed when the ERAP decided to accept the amended third model.
“Model three also received the most support and the least opposition in the response submissions,” the report said.
“This was largely due to its complete capture of Broadmeadows within one ward and the greater likelihood of effective representation for communities.”
A Hume council spokesperson welcomed the decision and said residents could look forward to receiving direct representation under the single-member ward system following the elections.
“We are pleased that a number of recommendations council made in a submission to the electoral structure review have been accepted,” they said.
“Particularly around ward specific and culturally appropriate place naming.
“We will continue to work with the [Victorian Electoral Commission] to support the democratic process to ensure we maintain the service our residents expect from their council representatives.”
The ERAP reviews have been completed with time to allow for candidates and the Victorian Electoral Commission to implement the necessary planning ahead of the elections.
The ERAP said the panel took the approach to retain existing ward names and in choosing the new names focused on places in the ward, compass directions and native flora or fauna.
The names include Aitken Ward, Bababi Marning Ward, Burt-kur-min Ward, Emu Creek Ward, Jacksons Hill Ward, Merlynston Creek Ward, Mount Ridley Ward, Roxburgh Park Ward, Tullamarine Ward, Woodlands Ward and Yubup Ward.
