Politics & Council
1 March, 2024
Fait accompli? Canvas other boundary options
A SINGLE proposal and two weeks for consultation makes the VEC review of Loddon Shire ward boundaries appear rushed and pre-determined. Desktop modelling and data behind projections - something the VEC refuses to release to the ratepayers who...
A SINGLE proposal and two weeks for consultation makes the VEC review of Loddon Shire ward boundaries appear rushed and pre-determined.
Desktop modelling and data behind projections - something the VEC refuses to release to the ratepayers who ultimately see their money being diverted from road maintenance to pay for this review - cannot justify a proposal that actually advocates for dilution of the shire’s economic base and connection of communities.
The VEC may not have had the time, or the lateral thinking, to explore other ward boundaries options. But using the online mapping tool the independent election body has provided, there is at least one that should be on the table for consideration and scrutiny.
Coming close to the enrolment deviation of the VEC proposal is what could be Option B that reconnects Korong Vale to the Wedderburn Ward and gives Tarnagulla Ward a major community by hiving off Bridgewater from Inglewood Ward.
It fits within the constraints of the review - ward names cannot be changed. A new-look Tarnagulla Ward would link the Loddon River towns of Bridgewater and Newbridge, retain a focus for council to enhance the liveability and economic performance of these communities and perhaps even end the vying for a limited pot for the shire’s predicted first big growth areas of Inglewood and Bridgewater.
Inglewood Ward under this option would again pick up areas around Kooyoora State Park, the natural bushland attraction at the town’s backdoor.
And bringing Korong Vale once more into Wedderburn Ward should be a no-brainer. There is ample and demonstrable community of interest.
That brings thinking to Boort Ward and with the Loddon Valley Highway an arterial blood vein, Serpentine could be moved into the Northern Oasis.
To balance up the numbers Terrick Ward would come south to include Campbells Forest, Bridgewater North and Leichardt districts. A real broadacre farming ward with commonality of aspirations and needs.
If the VEC does look at something other its own “quick and easy” proposal, Boort Ward would be 2.69 per cent under the average enrolment, Inglewood Ward 0.8 per cent over, Tarnagulla Ward 5.9 per cent over, Terrick Ward 3.70 per cent under and Wedderburn Ward 0.40 per cent under. Figures that should accommodate areas of growth and decline over the next 10 years.
Time is short for consultation on the VEC ward review - putting out one proposal hints at a wish for little or no engagement or discussion.
Local government is about strengthening local economies and empowering communities. The VEC proposal may fall short on that front.