Three models proposed as part of Campaspe Shire electoral structure review

The panel of Frank Vincent, Liz Williams and Warwick Gately found nine councillors to be an appropriate number for Campaspe Shire Council taking into consideration the requirements of the Local Government Act (2020), public submissions and agreed criteria.

But there will be a change when it comes to the ward structure with three models proposed in the report for public comment.

The three models are as follows:

Model one: an un-subdivided electoral structure with nine councillors;

Model two: a subdivided electoral structure with a total of nine councillors (comprising three wards and three councillors per ward);

Model three: a subdivided electoral structure with a total of nine councillors (comprising three wards and three councillors per ward).

The two latter models feature the same framework, but dramatic changes when it comes to the ward boundaries.

Model two was developed with the aim of maintaining existing ward boundaries as much as possible.

“Major change for the shire under this model is the amalgamation of the current Western, Rochester and Waranga wards into the large Rochester-Rushworth ward,” the report states.

“To account for population growth, Echuca ward is reduced in size.

“The current southern boundary is moved to the north, while the current north-west area of the ward has been excised into the neighbouring Rochester-Rushworth ward.

“The current Kyabram-Deakin ward boundaries have been maintained, except in the north-west where it has absorbed part of the current Echuca ward.

“Although most of Echuca township is contained within the Echuca ward, a small area in the south-east of the town (south of the corner of Mary Ann Rd and the Murray Valley Hwy) had to be placed in the Kyabram-Deakin ward.”

Model three proposes to split Echuca in half and use the Campaspe River as a “clear and identifiable” ward boundary.

“There are two key areas when the boundary does not adhere to the Campaspe River,” the report states.

“The boundary going to the east, rather than through Rochester, and where the boundary departs from the Campaspe River in Echuca, near the corner of Anstruther and Homan streets.

“Overall this model provides wards of relatively similar geographic size.

“The panel noted that it is generally preferable to have wards of similar size, a possible advantage of this model compared to the unevenly-sized wards in model two.

“The proposed Murray ward covers the north-west of the shire and includes about half of the Echuca township, all of Rochester and areas to the west of the Campaspe River.

“The Waranga ward covers most of the southern section of the shire, but reaches up into the north-east to include Kyabram.

“The Goulburn ward encompasses a large north-east part of the shire, and includes Tongala and the western side of Echuca.”

The report said a potential drawback of the model was the creation of new ward boundaries residents may not be familiar with.

“Further, Echuca is also split between wards in this model, which may lead to concerns that candidates from Echuca will dominate the elections of both wards.”

Model one is an un-subdivided electoral structure with nine councillors and no wards.

“The panel considered the advantages and disadvantages of an un-subdivided structure,” the report stated.

“One matter considered was the potential for most councillors to come from larger towns, especially Echuca, which has one third of the population.

“A theme in preliminary (public) submissions was the desire to not have an un-subdivided structure, mainly due to concerns this may result in poor consultation for country towns and most councillors coming from Echuca.”

You can provide feedback on the preliminary report online at vec.vic.gov.au or by email via campaspe.erapsubmissions@vec.gov.au or by post to Electoral Representation Advisory Panel, Level 11, 530 Collins St, Melbourne, 3000.

The panel must receive all submission responses by 5pm, Wednesday, April 12.

An online public hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, April 18 at 10am.

The final report is scheduled to be published on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 and if the recommendation is accepted, any changes will apply at the October 2024 local council elections.