Golden Plains Shire Council has welcomed the changes to the Corangamite and Ballarat Federal Electoral boundaries announced earlier this week.
The new boundaries will see the majority of Golden Plains Shire sit within the Ballarat division which has been expanded to the south-west and now includes the Golden Plains townships of Teesdale, Lethbridge, Maude, Meredith, Rokewood, Pitfield, Linton, Garibaldi, Napoleons and Smythesdale. While Bannockburn, Inverleigh, Murgheboluc, Gheringhap and Russells Bridge will remain within the Corangamite division.
Following the release of the proposed redistribution maps, which recommended the townships of Inverleigh, Teesdale, Lethbridge move into the Ballarat division, Council advocated for these three towns to remain in Corangamite as the communities more closely aligned to the Bannockburn and Geelong area.
Mayor Cr Helena Kirby says Council is pleased with the overall result for the Shire.
“During the Electoral Commission’s recent consultation process on its draft boundary proposal, Council was proud to put in its own submission encouraging Inverleigh, Teesdale and Lethbridge to be retained in the Corangamite electorate.
“Council welcomes the news that the Electoral Commission gave consideration to Council’s objection and those of members of the Inverleigh community and agreed to leave Inverleigh in Corangamite. While it wasn’t everything we advocated for, it is still pleasing to see the Electoral Commission listen to the concerns of our local community.”
For more information on the redistribution, visit aec.gov.au.