The Victorian Electoral Commission is undertaking a review of representation in Glen Eira. Residents are being invited to submit their views on such issues as:
- How many councillors should there be?
- Should wards be abolished?
- Should councillors be responsible for their individual wards?
We believe it is important that these issues are fully debated. Currently there are 3 wards and 9 councillors. Would it be better if we had 9 wards, so that each councillor is accountable for a single ward? Would it be better if wards were entirely eliminated so that each councillor is accountable to the entire municipality? Do we in fact even need 9 councillors?
The VEC is holding a number of Information Sessions prior to the release of the discussion papers. Further information and guidelines are available from:
http://vec.vic.gov.au/Reviews/gleneirarr.html
http://vec.vic.gov.au/resources/gleneiraGuideForSubmissions2011.PDF
Glen Eira Debates 
February 8, 2011 at 12:20 PM
I’m just throwing up some thoughts for discussion. These aren’t particularly well thought out – they’re gut reactions to a quick skim through of the guidelines.
The idea of 9 wards and 9 councillors is appealing for several reasons. It would make each councillor really earn his keep and results could be judged more easily. As it stands at the moment three councillors are supposed to represent each ward. What often happens is that some don’t even bother to answer emails or phone calls, and if they do, there is rarely any follow up. With nine different wards there would also be less of a chance that particular interest groups hold sway over the entire municipality.
Ideally I would also like to see the boundaries re-arranged. It’s ridiculous that suburbs are divided into two council areas that work on different philosophies and management styles. I’m assuming that this might also have a direct beneficial impact on rates for some residents.