The review, undertaken by the Victorian Electoral Commission, is known as an electoral representation review and will examine Ararat Rural City Council’s electoral structure, including:

The review will not consider a council’s external boundaries or whether it should be combined with another council (or separated).

Reviews are generally required at least every 12 years and, according to Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately AM, are an important way of ensuring all voters are represented in a fair and equitable way.

“The opportunity to have your say doesn’t come around too often, so it’s important to have a broad range of community members contributing to the shape of their local democracy,” Mr Gately said.

“If you are interested in the future electoral structure of your local area, I encourage you to get involved. Public submissions are a vital part of the review process, providing valuable local knowledge and perspectives.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the review is encouraged to attend a public information session.

The session will be held at 6.30 pm on January 31 at Alexandra Oval Community Centre, 1 Waratah Avenue, Ararat.

A submission guide outlines the review process and provides important background information and key dates. The guide will be available at vec.vic.gov.au.

The VEC will release its preliminary report with proposed options for the council’s electoral structure on Wednesday March 27.

Any changes to the electoral structure of Ararat Rural City Council will apply at the next general election in 2020.

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