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Lowan electorate expected to grow in redistribution

By DEAN LAWSON

Victoria’s largest electorate, Lowan, is likely to expand as part of a redivision of Victorian electoral boundaries.

And the big question is in what direction the electorate, which already geographically covers one sixth of the state, will expand to ensure fair and equitable representation for all Victorian enrolled voters.

The electorate is already bound to the west by the South Australian border, which means that if it remains in its own right can push further east, north or south, to pick up voters.



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Victoria’s independent Electoral Boundaries Commission has started work on the next scheduled redivision, which occurs after two general elections, and will release its findings next year.

The redivision aims to provide fair and equitable representation for all voters by ensuring voter enrolments in each electoral district and region do not vary by more than 10 percent from the state average.

Lowan’s voter enrolment sits at 10.32 percent below the state average, reflective of how the expansive region, covering about 40,000 square kilometres, is well short of matching statewide population growth.

In comparison, neighbouring Ripon electorate to the east, which as well as Stawell and Ararat takes in growth fringe areas of Ballarat, has 1.18 percent above the state average in enrolled voters. This has raised speculation that the Wimmera city of Stawell might become part of Lowan.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said she believed Stawell becoming part of Lowan probably made ‘logical’ sense under circumstances such as regional connectivity and community similarities.

But she said it was far from the only option on the table.

“Most Wimmera settlements are in  Lowan, which already covers parts of Northern Grampians Shire including Halls Gap,” she said.

“There is an opportunity for north-south additions, which might work in some scenarios, but the logical move is for Stawell district to slip back in to Lowan.

“It is also important to stress that Lowan isn’t declining in voter numbers. It just isn’t growing as quickly as other areas. The move is about keeping representative pace with the rest of the state.”

A change in boundaries has the potential to influence a variety of issues, including political representation and influence.

If Ripon lost Stawell, it would also undergo a boundary change as the commission worked to return all districts to within 10 percent of the average. 

Ripon already shares borders with many other electorates.

Member for Ripon Louise Staley said there was little she could do except wait and encouraged people to put their views forward.

“I will provide a voice to whoever I represent and I encourage the community to tell the commission what they think. Communities putting forward their arguments will make a difference,” she said.

Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately also called on Victorians to have their say through the submission process.

“We encourage Victorians to contribute to the redivision process and have their say,” he said.

“People interested in making a submission can map their proposed boundaries using the new Public Submission Tool available on the EBC website.” The EBC will present an online information session today for anyone wanting to learn more about the redivision process and how to make a submission. 

Further information on how to register to join this meeting will be available on the commission’s website, www.ebc.vic.gov.au.

 

EDITORIAL: Constantly trying to keep the pace

The entire December 16, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!