Gannawarra Shire's future electoral structure revealed
Explore Councils by state
Published on 19 February 2024
Gannawarra Shire Council residents will be represented by seven Councillors from throughout the municipality from later this year.
Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne announced on 15 February she had accepted the recommendation of an Electoral Representation Advisory Panel (ERAP) appointed to review the shire’s electoral boundaries.
Following investigations conducted during early 2023, the ERAP recommended that the number of Councillors elected to Gannawarra Shire for the 2024 Local Government elections remains at seven, however the municipality should operate under an unsubdivided electoral structure.
“Council thanks all residents who took part in the investigation process, which occurred because our current structure is not consistent with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020,” Mayor Ross Stanton said.
“Operating under an unsubdivided electoral structure will ensure that Gannawarra Shire meets the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020, and will provide fair and equitable representation for all communities throughout the Gannawarra.”
The new structure will replace the current electoral structure, which includes seven elected representatives from the following wards:
Avoca Ward (Benjeroop, Lalbert, Lake Charm, Mystic Park and Quambatook) – 1 elected representative Murray Ward (Koondrook and Murrabit) – 1 elected representative Patchell Ward (Kerang, Macorna and Tragowel) – 3 elected representative Yarran Ward (Cohuna and Leitchville) – 2 elected representativesThe new structure will come into effect during the 2024 Local Government elections, which will occur in October. Details regarding these elections, including information for candidates, is available online at www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/elections-2024