By KATH GANNAWAY
MEEPA (Mount Evelyn Environment Protection and Progress Association) has again argued strongly against fracturing Mount Evelyn into two council wards.
Mount Evelyn resident Frank Smith spoke as an individual and on behalf of MEEPA at the Victorian Electoral Commission panel hearing tasked with overseeing the 2015 Yarra Ranges Shire Council Electoral Representation Review (ERV).
The panel, headed by Deputy Electoral Commissioner Liz Williams, presented the three options previously on the table throughout the ERV process, with an 11th-hour option “D” put forward at the 5 November meeting by Yarra Ranges Council.
The VEC’s preference for Option A would see the continuation of nine single councillor wards with modification to some ward boundaries.
Option B is for nine councillors from three three-councillor wards and Option C was for nine councillors elected from one four-councillor ward, one three councillor ward and one two councillor ward.
In their submission on the night, Yarra Ranges Council supported Option A but put forward Option D which they said incorporated ward boundary adjustments which were more representative and gave more consideration to the strong communities of interest that existed in the shire, with the exception of Mount Evelyn.
Mr Smith said while he knew of the Option D proposal before the meeting, just what status it would hold with the ERV Panel was the unknown factor.
There were assurances on the night from Ms Williams that should Option D become a viable option, it would need an addendum report and would, in fact, require the consultation process to start over.
She indicated that this would be an exceptional outcome, and unlikely to happen.
Mr Smith was not convinced, however, saying the late inclusion left a sense of uncertainty after a long process.
“This has to go to the minister, and I’m not sure the final decision is on her hands,” he said.
The importance of community of interest, and retaining local identity, as well as competition for funding, are all issues that Mr Smith said would be impacted if Mount Evelyn was to further accommodate the VEC imperative to keep each ward roughly equal in voter numbers.
“I just believe that as Mount Evelyn is absorbed even more into Lilydale, it will just become like a ‘South Lilydale’ address, pretty much like the Birmingham Road area is now,” he said.
“I don’t want to be a dinosaur, but why should we carve lines through a town,” he said.
Monbulk resident Ross Whitford also spoke to his submission which called for three wards with three councillors each representing hills, valley and urban wards.
“With the size of the shire, and the many variables such as intensive agriculture in some areas and intensive urban (development and lifestyle) areas in others,” he said.
He argued that under a single councillor system, wards could end up with a majority of novices, and said this had already happened.
“At least with three councillors, there is a much better chance of retaining some experience.”
Yarra Ranges councillors and council spokesperson, manager Corporate Affairs, Jennifer Bednar, argued that single councillors were better able to represent their specific wards and emphasised that ratepayers can go to any and all councillors to seek advice and representation at council.
The final VEC report is scheduled to be published on Wednesday 25 November on vec.vic.gov.au or calling 131 832 and will be available for inspection at Yarra Ranges Council offices.
