Moorabool split plan ‘no plus’

A MERE handful of residents have had their say on proposed changes to state electoral boundaries, with only three submissions received by the Electoral Boundaries Commission.

The EBC wants parts of Melton and Moorabool split into five electorates.

After next year’s state election, Melton and Moorabool residents could be represented by members for Melton, Macedon, Buninyong, Sunbury and Kororoit.

Melton and Moorabool suburbs are now divided into three electorates: Melton, Macedon and Ballarat East.

Submissions were made by Moora- bool council, Moorabool councillor Tonia Dudzik and Kensington resident Michael Tandora.

Moorabool chief executive Rob Croxford stated in a submission that all of the municipality should be included in the proposed Buninyong electorate, rather than Melton.

“Voters in the municipality of Moorabool have less of a community of interest with voters in the Melton electoral district and much stronger communities of interest with voters in the proposed Buninyong electoral district and … with voters in the Macedon electoral district.”

Cr Dudzik agreed with Mr Croxford and said the proposed changes would “disadvantage” residents in the East Moorabool ward.

“The Bacchus Marsh area is in dire need of funding for social and road infrastructure,’’ she said.

‘‘The proposed state electoral distribution will reduce the ability of Moorabool Shire Council to receive future funding opportunities and improvements to the area.”

The EBC will reveal the final boundaries in early October.