Voters in growth areas such as Hume and Whittlesea are in danger of being under-represented by their local council unless councillor numbers are increased, experts warn.
A discussion paper released as part of a state government-ordered review into local government elections has raised concerns about the ability of councillors in areas experiencing rapid population growth to properly represent their ratepayers.
The review, led by Liberal Party elder Petro Georgiou, will consider the need to increase the maximum number of councillors that can be elected to a council.
Currently, councils can not have more than 12 councillors.
In Whittlesea and Hume, three wards are represented by 11 councillors.
“Some councils (such as Casey, Hume, Whittlesea and Wyndham) are experiencing rapidly increasing populations with very high councillor-voter ratios,” the report said.
“This raises concerns over councillor workloads and potential under-representation of voters.”
Whittlesea mayor Rex Griffin said the number of councillors in the council increased at last year’s election from nine to 11.
Hume councillors Helen Patsikatheodorou and Jack Ogilvie said the workload of councillors had increased.
But both highlighted other issues they feel need addressing before councillor numbers.
“I believe the last Hume council boundary redistribution process made some huge mistakes in the ward boundaries,” Cr Patsikatheodorou said.
“Tullamarine was placed with Sunbury and Campbellfield with Craigieburn. These communities are not only separated by distance but are also not ‘like’ communities.”
Cr Ogilvie said he would like to see a return to one-councillor wards to reduce the duplication of work among councillors.
The review panel will hold a public hearing at Brimbank council’s Sunshine offices from 4pm-7.15pm on Friday.
» To attend the panel hearing, or make a written submission to the review, visit www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/localgovernment
