Preliminary Report
2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council
Electoral Representation Review
Wednesday 9 September 2015
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
Contents
1 Executive summary ................................................................................................................... 4
2 Background ............................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Legislative basis ................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 The VEC’s approach .......................................................................................................... 6
2.3 The VEC’s principles .......................................................................................................... 8
2.4 The electoral representation review process ....................................................................... 8
3 Yarriambiack Shire Council representation review .................................................................. 10
3.1 Background ...................................................................................................................... 10
3.2 Public information program ............................................................................................... 12
3.3 Public submissions (preliminary) ...................................................................................... 12
The VEC’s findings and options ................................................................................................. 16
3.4 Preliminary report findings ................................................................................................ 16
3.5 Options ............................................................................................................................. 19
4 Next steps ............................................................................................................................... 20
4.1 Response submissions ..................................................................................................... 20
4.2 Public hearing ................................................................................................................... 20
4.3 Final report ....................................................................................................................... 21
Appendix 1: List of preliminary submissions ............................................................................... 22
Appendix 2: Option maps ........................................................................................................... 23
Appendix 3: Public information program ..................................................................................... 26
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
1 Executive summary
The Local Government Act 1989 (the Act) requires the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) to
conduct an electoral representation review of each municipality in Victoria before every third
council general election.
The purpose of an electoral representation review is to recommend an electoral structure that
provides fair and equitable representation for the persons who are entitled to vote at a general
election of the council. The matters considered by a review are:

the number of councillors

the electoral structure of the council (whether the council should be unsubdivided or
divided into wards and, if subdivided, the details of the wards).
The VEC conducts all reviews on the basis of three main principles:
1. ensuring the number of voters represented by each councillor is within 10% of the
average number of voters per councillor for that municipality
2. taking a consistent, State-wide approach to the total number of councillors and
3. ensuring communities of interest are as fairly represented as possible.
2015 electoral representation review
The current electoral representation review for Yarriambiack Shire Council commenced on
Wednesday 15 July.
Current electoral structure
The last electoral representation review for Yarriambiack Shire Council took place in 2004-05.
The review recommended that the Shire change to consist of seven councillors elected from two
two-councillor wards and one three-councillor ward.
Preliminary submissions
The VEC received three submissions in the preliminary phase of consultation on the
representation review of Yarriambiack Shire Council. Submissions came from the Council, the
Proportional Representation Society of Australia and a resident.
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
VEC options
The following options are being considered by the VEC:

Option A (preferred option)
Yarriambiack Shire Council consist of seven councillors elected from two twocouncillor wards and one three-councillor ward.

Option B (alternative option)
Yarriambiack Shire Council consist of five councillors elected in an unsubdivided
structure.
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
2 Background
2.1 Legislative basis
The Act requires the VEC to conduct an electoral representation review of each municipality in
Victoria before every third general council election, or earlier if gazetted by the Minister for Local
Government.
The Act specifies that the purpose of a representation review is to recommend the number of
councillors and the electoral structure that provides ‘fair and equitable representation for the
persons who are entitled to vote at a general election of the Council.’1
The Act requires the VEC to consider:

the number of councillors in a municipality and

whether a municipality should be unsubdivided or subdivided.
If a municipality should be subdivided, the VEC must ensure that the number of voters
represented by each councillor is within 10% of the average number of voters per councillor for
that municipality.2 On this basis, the review must consider the:

number of wards

ward boundaries (and ward names) and

the number of councillors that should be elected for each ward.
2.2 The VEC’s approach
Deciding on the number of councillors
The Act allows for a municipality to have between 5 and 12 councillors, but does not specify how
to decide the appropriate number.3 In considering the number of councillors for a municipality,
the VEC is guided by the Victorian Parliament’s intention for fairness and equity in the local
representation of voters under the Act.
The VEC considers that there are three major factors that should be taken into account:

diversity of the population

councillors’ workloads and

the situation in similar municipalities.
1
Section 219D of the Local Government Act 1989.
ibid.
3 Section 5B(1) of the Local Government Act 1989.
2
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
Generally, those municipalities that have a larger number of voters will have a higher number of
councillors. Often large populations are more likely to be diverse, both in the nature and number
of their communities of interest and the issues of representation.
However, the VEC considers the particular situation of each municipality in regards to: the nature
and complexity of services provided by the Council; geographic size and topography; population
growth or decline; and the social diversity of the municipality, including social disadvantage and
cultural and age mix.
Deciding the electoral structure
The Act allows for a municipality ward structure to be:

unsubdivided—with all councillors elected ‘at-large’ by all voters or

subdivided into a number of wards.
If the municipality is subdivided into wards, there are a further three options available:
1. single-councillor wards
2. multi-councillor wards or
3. a combination of single-councillor and multi-councillor wards.
A subdivided municipality must have internal ward boundaries that provide for a fair and
equitable division of the municipality, and ensure that the number of voters represented by each
councillor remains within 10% of the average number of voters per councillor for the municipality.
In considering which electoral structure is most appropriate, the VEC considers the following
matters:

communities of interest, consisting of people who share a range of common concerns,
such as geographic, economic or cultural associations

the longevity of the structure, with the aim of keeping voter numbers per councillor within
the 10% tolerance as long as possible

geographic factors, such as size and topography

the number of voters in potential wards, as wards with many voters often have a large
number of candidates, which can lead to an increase in the number of informal (invalid)
votes and

clear ward boundaries.
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
2.3 The VEC’s principles
Three main principles underlie all the VEC’s work on representation reviews:
1. Ensuring the number of voters represented by each councillor is within 10% of the
average number of voters per councillor for that municipality.
Over time, population changes can lead to some wards in subdivided municipalities having larger
or smaller numbers of voters. As part of the review, the VEC corrects any imbalances and also
takes into account likely population changes to ensure ward boundaries provide equitable
representation for as long as possible.
2. Taking a consistent, State-wide approach to the total number of councillors.
The VEC is guided by its comparisons of municipalities of a similar size and category to the
council under review. The VEC also considers any special circumstances that may warrant the
municipality having more or fewer councillors than similar municipalities.
3. Ensuring communities of interest are as fairly represented as possible.
Each municipality contains a number of communities of interest. Where practicable, the electoral
structure should be designed to ensure they are fairly represented, and that geographic
communities of interest are not split by ward boundaries. This allows elected councillors to be
more effective representatives of the people and interests in their particular municipality or ward.
2.4 The electoral representation review process
Developing recommendations
The VEC bases its recommendations for particular electoral structures on the following
information:

internal research specifically relating to the municipality under review, including Australian
Bureau of Statistics and .id (Informed Decisions) Pty Ltd data4; voter statistics from the
Victorian electoral roll; and other State and local government data sets

small area forecasts provided by .id (Informed Decisions) Pty Ltd

the VEC’s experience conducting previous electoral representation reviews of local
councils and similar reviews for State elections

the VEC’s expertise in mapping, demography and local government
4
.id is a company specialising in population and demographic analysis that builds suburb-level
demographic information products in most jurisdictions in Australia and New Zealand.
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review

careful consideration of all input from the public in written and verbal submissions
received during the review and

advice from consultants with extensive experience in local government.
Public involvement
Public input is accepted by the VEC:

in preliminary submissions at the start of the review

in response submissions to the preliminary report and

in a public hearing that provides an opportunity for people who have made a response
submission to expand on this submission.
Public submissions are an important part of the process, but are not the only consideration
during a review. The VEC ensures its recommendations are in compliance with the Act and are
formed through careful consideration of public submissions, independent research, and analysis
of all relevant factors, such as the need to give representation to communities of interest.
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
3 Yarriambiack Shire Council representation
review
3.1 Background
Profile of Yarriambiack Shire Council
Yarriambiack is located in north-western Victoria, between the Wimmera River and the
Grampians mountain range in the Wimmera Mallee region. The region, which spans 7,326
square kilometres, is known for its historic heritage and natural landscape, attracting tourists to
local lakes, wilderness parks and walking trails. The Shire provides a link between the
Grampians and the Murray Tourist Regions from Horsham to Mildura.5
Yarriambiack is an important area for Victoria’s agricultural economy, with approximately 25% of
the population employed in sheep, beef, cattle and grain farming.6 The dry-land farming area
produces one quarter of Victoria’s total wheat and barley yield.7 Service industries directly
supporting farming are the other major employers in the region’s larger towns and smaller
settlements.
The Shire of Yarriambiack has a population of 6,8928 and is projected to experience population
decline at a rate of 0.2% to 2031.9 This decline is in contrast to regional Victoria’s projected
annual average growth rate of 1.3%.10 There are approximately 6,116 voters in Yarriambiack,11
with a ratio of 874 voters per councillor, close to the average for municipalities of a similar size in
rural and regional Victoria.
5
Yarriambiack Shire Council, Our Region, yarriambiack.vic.gov.au/tourism/our-region/
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011 Census Quick Stats: Yarriambiack, 2011.
7 Yarriambiack Shire Council, Our Region, yarriambiack.vic.gov.au/tourism/our-region/
8 Australian Bureau of Statistics, Estimated Residential Population, Local Government Areas, Victoria,
2014.
9 Victorian Government, Victoria in Future 2014: Population and household projections to 2051.
10 ibid, p.4.
11 Voter estimate calculated after the January 2015 merge of the State electoral roll and Council-only
electors as at the 2012 Council elections.
6
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
Current population estimates in major towns
Warracknabeal
2,745
Murtoa
991
Minyip
667
Beulah
640
Hopetoun
555
Rupanyup
549
Woomelang
191
Yarriambiack has a median age of 48, higher than the regional Victorian median of 42. As in rural
and regional Victoria generally, a relatively high percentage of Yarriambiack’s population is over
50, and there is evidence of the out-migration of younger people, with changing demographics
driven by housing affordability, economic restructuring and environmental change.12
Approximately 6% of Yarriambiack’s population was born overseas, and 2% of the population
speaks a language other than English at home, compared with 5% in regional Victoria as a
whole. Of the population born overseas, the majority originated from the United Kingdom, with
other residents born in New Zealand, the Philippines, Germany, India and China. One per cent of
the population identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Traditional inhabitants of the area
include the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagulk people, represented by the
Barengi Gadjin Land Council.13
The Shire has a lower unemployment rate relative to regional Victoria in general, as well as
comparatively fewer high-income earners and a greater proportion of low-income earners.
Agriculture, forestry and fishing are the major employers in the Shire, employing up to 28% of the
local workforce.
The Shire is known for its eco-tourism attractions including the Big Desert, Wyperfeld National
Park and Lake Albacutya, as well as historical heritage sites including the Warracknabeal
Machinery Museum and Hopetoun Heritage Homesteads.
Current electoral structure
The last electoral representation review for the Yarriambiack Shire Council took place in 200405. Prior to the review, the municipality was represented by nine councillors, elected from three
single-councillor wards and two three-councillor wards. Following the 2004-05 review, the VEC
12
13
Rural Councils Victoria, Rural Migration: Trends and Drivers, 2013, p.18.
Victorian Government, Registered Aboriginal Parties in Victoria, 2013.
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
recommended that Yarriambiack Shire Council change to consist of seven councillors elected
from one three-councillor ward and two two-councillor wards.
The VEC’s recommendation was based on the following considerations:

the low and declining population of the Shire relative to regional Victorian municipalities

the suitability of a ward system for the Shire, with its distinct communities and specific
characteristics in the northern and southern areas.
While the population level was not in itself high enough to warrant seven councillors, the VEC
took into account special circumstances in Yarriambiack such as:

the geographic shape of the municipality giving rise to long travel distances

the older population of the municipality who are less able to directly liaise with councillors
and require more direct engagement by councillors.
3.2 Public information program
The Yarriambiack Shire Council representation review commenced on Wednesday 15 July. The
VEC conducted a public information program to inform the community, including:

public notices printed in local and state-wide papers

a public information session to outline the review process and respond to questions from
the community

a media release announcing the commencement of the review

coverage through the municipality’s media, e.g. Council website or newsletter

a helpline and dedicated email address to answer public enquiries

ongoing information updates and publication of submissions on the VEC website and

a Guide for Submissions to explain the review process and provide background
information on the scope of the review.
See Appendix 3 for full details of the public information program.
3.3 Public submissions (preliminary)
The VEC received three preliminary submissions by the deadline for submissions at 5.00 pm on
Wednesday 12 August. The submissions are publicly available on the VEC website.
The matrix below provides an overview of preferences in the preliminary submissions. Detailed
analysis of the submissions follows.
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
Submitter wanted
fewer wards
Submitter wanted
ward number to
remain
unchanged
Submitter wanted
fewer councillors
Submitter wanted
councillor
number to remain
unchanged
Submitter wanted
more wards
Submitter did not
comment on
number of wards
1
1
1
Submitter wanted
more councillors
Number of councillors
Two out of the three submissions received by the VEC suggested that the number of councillors
should remain unchanged. Yarriambiack Shire Council’s submission stated that the councillors
work well together, and referred to positive examples of good governance. Council’s submission
also stated that there was no broader desire for change among voters within the municipality.
The submission from the Proportional Representation Society (PRSA) also preferred the current
number of seven councillors. The PRSA submitted that the proportional representation vote
counting method works better with an odd (rather than an even) number of councillors, as it
allows for the democratic principle of the majority view to be represented.
One submission suggested that the number of councillors should be reduced to five or six.
According to this submission, the declining population in the municipality is resulting in a
diminishing rate base, and a reduction in councillor numbers would reduce the financial burden
on ratepayers. The submission also noted that councillors in Yarriambiack Shire have far fewer
constituents to serve than those in cities.
Electoral structure
Retaining the current structure of three wards
Two out of the three submissions received by the VEC suggested that the number of wards
should remain the same. These submissions had different reasoning for retaining the status quo.
The submission made on behalf of Yarriambiack Shire Council stated that the current structure
had been in place since 2005 and was working well, providing ratepayers with fair and equitable
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
representation. Council’s submission also stated that there was little evidence of a broader
desire among voters in the Shire to change the number of wards.
The other submission favouring retention of the current number of three wards was in favour of
reducing the number of councillors, and recognised that the ward boundaries would have to
change to meet the legislative voter-to-councillor ratio with fewer councillors. The submission
suggested that if the councillor numbers were reduced to six, the Warracknabeal Ward could be
extended either to the south to include Minyip or to the north to include Beulah. The submission
also suggested reducing the councillor numbers to five, by extending the Warracknabeal Ward
both in the south to include Minyip and the north to include Beulah. The VEC has modelled both
of these options, as shown in Diagrams 1 and 2.
Diagram 1: six councillor subdivided model.
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
Diagram 2: five councillor subdivided model.
Changing to an unsubdivided structure
The PRSA’s submission in favour of an unsubdivided structure outlined the benefits of the
proportional representation counting method. According to the PRSA, an unsubdivided structure
using proportional representation is the only system that ensures that the majority of councillors
are elected by an absolute majority of voters throughout the entire municipality. The PRSA also
suggested that, as councillors are required to vote on all issues before the Council, they are
more likely to become equally informed about all issues affecting council rather than just those of
their own wards.
The PRSA noted that communities of interest are not necessarily geographic, and that in the 21st
century, with the use of new technology and improved transport and communications, there are
many different communities of interest. In the case of Yarriambiack Shire, the PRSA suggested
that young families, for example, may have an interest in the provision of services related to
families, which could be far more important to them than their geographic area.
The PRSA’s submission argued that an unsubdivided model provides voters with a greater
choice of councillors to approach to discuss matters of concern to them, and does not create
confusion for voters about which ward they are in. Conversely, the PRSA was opposed to singleward structures on the grounds that they can reduce the choice of candidates available, and
potentially lead to lack of representation.
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
The VEC’s findings and options
3.4 Preliminary report findings
Both preliminary submissions and population data for Yarriambiack Shire demonstrate that the
overall demographic profile of the municipality and slightly declining population identified at the
time of the 2004-05 review remain in place. Due to the ageing and declining population, the
number of councillors is a critical issue to be determined in the current review.
Retaining the seven-councillor, three-ward model
Yarriambiack is slightly unusual in having seven councillors when compared with other regional
councils of a similar population. While the neighbouring municipality of Buloke has seven
councillors, as shown in Table 2, the municipalities of Loddon, Pyrenees and Towong have five
councillors, and Yarriambiack’s neighbouring council to the west, Hindmarsh, has six.
Table 2: comparable rural councils to Yarriambiack Shire Council
Population
(2011
Census)
Number of
voters at last
review
Current
estimate of
voters#
Number of
councillors
Number of
voters per
councillor
Loddon
7,459
7,669
7,567
5
1,513
Pyrenees
6,669
7,120
7,264
5
1,453
Yarriambiack*
7,088
6,998
6,116
7
874
Buloke
6,384
6,149
5,887
7
841
Towong*
5,891
5,482
5,520
5
1,104
Hindmarsh*
5,798
5,306
5,003
6
834
Municipality
* The municipality is currently undergoing an electoral representation review by the VEC during 2015–16.
# Voter estimate calculated after the January 2015 merge of the State electoral roll and Council-only electors as at the
2012 council elections.
The Shire is one of Victoria’s larger regional municipalities. The elongated shape of the Shire
and large geographic distances councillors and constituents are required to travel, coupled with
the declining population, were factors that the VEC considered justified recommending the
slightly higher number of councillors (proportionate to population) at the time of the last review.
The VEC’s research indicates that the statistical profile of the area has not changed significantly
since the last review, and that a seven-councillor model is still an appropriate option.
The current ward boundaries work well to encapsulate the Shire’s larger towns of Hopetoun,
Warracknabeal and Murtoa. These communities of interest are separately represented, also
reflecting the differences between the northern part of the shire and the southern end. The longer
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
northern Hopetoun Ward is allocated two councillors to accommodate the long travel distances.
The central Warracknabeal Ward is allocated three councillors to reflect the higher population.
The Dunmunkle Ward has a similar population to the Hopetoun Ward, also justifying two
councillors. The current boundaries therefore neatly reflect the population centres and ensure
that representation is spread along the length of Shire. The current model also meets the voterto-councillor equality requirements of the legislation, and based on the VEC’s analysis, would be
a stable and sustainable model up to the time of the next review. Two of the three submissions
received by the VEC favoured retaining the current number of wards.
Based on this analysis and the evidence in submissions that the current number of councillors is
working well, the VEC has determined that a seven councillor model with one three-councillor
ward and two two-councillor wards (reflecting the status quo) is appropriate to put forward as its
preferred option.
Reducing the number of councillors
There are several reasons to consider reducing the number of councillors in the Yarriambiack
Shire. As noted, the Shire is slightly unusual in having seven councillors when compared to
neighbouring municipalities of a similar profile. As suggested by one submitter, the population
decline in Yarriambiack could start diminishing the ratepayer base, limiting Council’s capacity to
pay councillor fees. The VEC has analysed models with reduced numbers of six and five
councillors, outlined below.
A six-councillor model
A six-councillor model which meets the legislative voter-to-councillor equality requirements is
possible in Yarriambiack, with three wards of two councillors each, as outlined in Diagram 1. A
six-councillor model is in place in Yarriambiack’s neighbouring council of Hindmarsh. Despite the
potential for tied votes, it is possible for a six-councillor model to operate. However, as Diagram 1
shows, a six-councillor model for Yarriambiack would create two disproportionately large wards
in Hopetoun and Dunmunkle. The increased size of these wards exacerbates the issue of the
long distances these councillors would be required to travel. The elongated Hopetoun ward
would take in many of the Shire’s towns, diluting the principle of representation of distinct
communities of interest. The model would also involve significant change for voters who would
be enrolling in new wards. With little local demand for change, the VEC does not consider this to
be a suitable option for Yarriambiack.
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
A five-councillor model
According to the VEC’s modelling, a five-councillor option is also possible in Yarriambiack with
two single-councillor wards and one three-councillor ward, as shown in Diagram 2. While the
model meets the voter-to-councillor equality requirements, there are considerable
disadvantages. To ensure voter-to-councillor equality, the current boundaries would need to be
significantly changed, leading to compression of the Hopetoun and Dunmunkle Wards, and
stretching the central Warracknabeal Ward to encompass the townships of Beulah and Minyip.
The model also shows that Warracknabeal Ward would have an entrenched majority in council.
As with the six-councillor model, this option exacerbates the long distances some councillors
would be required to travel. If ward boundaries are changed, the VEC prefers to make minimal
impact, wherever possible. In this case, significant changes to wards could create undue
confusion for voters, and the model is not considered to be a viable option for fair and equitable
representation.
An unsubdivided model
The VEC’s analysis also shows that unlike many rural local government areas around the state,
the population of Yarriambiack is very evenly distributed, rather than clustered in distinct towns
and settlements with sparsely populated areas in between. The population distribution indicates
that either a ward model or an unsubdivided structure would be suited to the municipality.
In light of the constraints that arise in creating ward boundaries for a model with fewer
councillors, the VEC considers that an unsubdivided structure is the most workable alternative
option. The option reflects the sentiment expressed by some submitters to the review: one who
preferred an unsubdivided model; and one preferring fewer councillors. This option also reflects
the structures of other municipalities of a similar population and statistical profile in northern and
western Victoria, such as West Wimmera Shire Council and Towong Shire Council.
One of the benefits of an unsubdivided model is the use of the proportional representation
counting method. The proportional quota system is applied to the whole municipality in an
unsubdivided structure, and can result in a better reflection of voters’ choice of candidates than a
subdivided model. While it may reflect voters’ choice of candidates, an unsubdivided structure
does not necessarily guarantee councillors would be drawn from throughout the Shire. Without
separate wards to ensure geographic representation of specific areas, there is a chance smaller
population centres or communities of interest may not be directly represented.
An unsubdivided model gives residents and ratepayers a choice of councillors to approach on
issues affecting them and reduces the chance of uncontested elections. Workload and travel
can be shared amongst the councillors. Under the current ward structure in Yarriambiack,
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
elections have been reasonably well contested, although between 2003 and 2012, several ward
elections were uncontested.
After careful considerations of the arguments for subdivided and unsubdivided structures, the
VEC has determined that a subdivided model reflecting the status quo and an unsubdivided
model with five councillors are viable options to put forward for further consultation.
3.5 Options
The VEC is required by the Act to include a preferred option and may include one or more
alternative options for the electoral structure in the preliminary report. The VEC considers that
both options outlined below offer fair and equitable representation for voters in the municipality.
Please see Appendix 2 for detailed maps of these options.
Option A (preferred option)
Yarriambiack Shire Council consist of seven councillors elected from two two-councillor
wards and one three-councillor ward.
Option B (alternative option)
Yarriambiack Shire Council consist of five councillors elected in an unsubdivided
structure.
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Preliminary Report: 2015 Yarriambiack Shire Council Electoral Representation Review
4 Next steps
4.1 Response submissions
Any person or group, including the Council, can make a submission to the VEC in response to
the options contained in this report. Response submissions to the preliminary report should
address the models proposed by the VEC within this report. Response submissions must be
received by the VEC by 5.00 pm on Wednesday 7 October. Late submissions will not be
accepted.
Submissions must include the full name, address and contact telephone number of the submitter.
Submissions without this information cannot be accepted.
Submission methods
Submissions can be made via:

the online submission form at vec.vic.gov.au

email at yarriambiack.review@vec.vic.gov.au

post to: Victorian Electoral Commission
Level 11, 530 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000

fax to (03) 9629 8632
Public access to submissions
To ensure transparency in the electoral representation review process, all submissions will be
available for public inspection at:

the VEC website at vec.vic.gov.au and

the VEC office at Level 11, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne.
The VEC will remove personal information such as address, phone number, and signature, if
applicable, from all public copies. However, the full name and locality of submitters will be
displayed.
4.2 Public hearing
There is an opportunity for people or organisations who have made a response submission to
speak about their submission at the public hearing. The public hearing is scheduled to be held at
7.00 pm on Tuesday 13 October in the Function Room, Yarriambiack Shire Council, 34 Lyle
Street, Warracknabeal. If you wish to speak at the public hearing, you must indicate this on your
response submission. If there are no requests to speak at the hearing, it will not be held.
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4.3 Final report
Following the public hearing, the VEC considers all the evidence it has gathered and publishes a
final report for the Minister for Local Government containing a recommended electoral structure.
The report is scheduled to be published on Wednesday 4 November. Any changes resulting from
the final report will apply at the October 2016 general election.
The final report will be available from the VEC by visiting vec.vic.gov.au or calling 131 832 and
also for inspection at the offices of Yarriambiack Shire Council.
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Appendix 1: List of preliminary submissions
Preliminary submissions were received from:
Proportional Representation Society of Australia (Victoria-Tasmania) Inc
Pamela Scourfield
Yarriambiack Shire Council
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Appendix 2: Option maps
The following maps are included in this report:
Map
Page
Option A (preferred option)
24
Option B (alternative option)
25
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Appendix 3: Public information program
Advertising
In accordance with the Act,14 a public notice of review was placed in the following newspapers:

Herald Sun, Wednesday 15 July

Wimmera Mail-Times, Wednesday 15 July

Hopetoun Courier, Thursday 16 July

Ouyen North West Express, Thursday 16 July

Warracknabeal Herald, Friday 17 July

Rainbow Jeparit Argus, Friday 17 July

Murtoa and District Advertiser, Thursday 23 July
Media release
A media release was prepared and distributed to local media at the commencement of the review on
Wednesday 15 July.
Public information session
A public information session for people interested in the review process was held on Tuesday
21 July in the Function Room, Yarriambiack Shire Council, 34 Lyle Street, Warracknabeal.
Helpline and email address
A telephone helpline and dedicated email address were established to assist members of the public
with enquiries about the review process.
VEC website
The VEC website delivered up-to-date information to provide transparency and facilitate public
participation during the first stages of the review process. An online submission tool was made
available and all public submissions were posted on the website.
Guide for Submissions
A Guide for Submissions was developed and distributed to those interested in making submissions.
Copies of the Guide were available on the VEC website, in hardcopy on request and provided to
Council.
Council website and newsletter
Information about the review was provided to Council for publication in council media, e.g. website
and newsletter.
14
Section 219F(4) of the Local Government Act 1989.
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Victorian Electoral Commission
Level 11, 530 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
131 832
yarriambiack.review@vec.vic.gov.au