WYNDHAM will be represented by 11 councillors after the October council elections if a review of the city’s electoral structure is approved by the state government.
The Victorian Electoral Commission last week released its final report into the municipality’s electoral structure, advising Local Government Minister Jeanette Powell to increase the number of councillors from nine to 11.
The report also asked Ms Powell to consider changing the name of Truganina ward to ‘Harrison’.
The VEC stated the ward name needed to be changed to end confusion between the suburb Truganina and Truganina ward.
The commission originally suggested the ward be renamed ‘Aircraft’, but the suggestion failed to resonate with the community.
“Following a submitter’s suggestion to use the name of a prominent RAAF officer in local history, the VEC has renamed [Truganina ward] Harrison ward,” the report stated.
“Victorian aviator Lieutenant Eric Harrison made Australia’s first military flight at Point Cook in 1914 and is considered to have helped found the Royal Australian Air Force.”
Under the proposed electoral structure, Chaffey and Harrison wards would each have four councillors and Iramoo would be represented by three.
Electoral commissioner Steve Tully said the opinions of the community, the council and local government experts were considered before deciding on the new structure.
Wyndham Greens campaign co-ordinator Bro Sheffield-Brotherton said the recommendations had taken into account population growth and diversity while making minor changes to the ward boundaries. He said the Greens were pleased to see an increase in the number of councillors.
Mayor Kim McAliney told a public hearing on the review last month that the council would give its support to the increase in councillors, but wanted Truganina to keep its name.
