Liam McNally
Moorabool council is going to investigate giving councillors new “portfolio roles” once they are no longer responsible for particular wards.
In February the state government announced it had accepted coming changes to the ward structure of 39 Victorian councils as recommended by Electoral Representation Advisory Panels (ERAPs).
The ERAPs were reviewing council ward structures to comply with 2020 changes to the Local Government Act.
In elections scheduled for later this year, residents will vote for nine councillors who will all represent Moorabool Shire Council as a single ward.
This is opposed to the current set-up, where seven councillors are voted in to represent four different wards within the shire – East, West, Central and Woodlands.
Following a decision at a Moorabool council meeting on April 3, a report will investigate options for councillors to have portfolio responsibilities once they no longer have smaller wards to represents.
Councillor Rod Ward moved for the report and in his rationale pointed to nearby councils that have councillor portfolios for things like Heritage, Arts, Education & Culture, Finance, Audit & Risk or Tourism, Events & Visitor Economy and more.
“…it may cause some concern amongst some residents in the shire that they no longer have elected ‘ward’ representatives to represent their best interests,” he said.
“I consider it important that post the local elections in October 2024 that MSC residents would have an understanding of how they can seek support from their elected representatives for matters of concern, to provide feedback, or to seek clarity on issues that may be important to them.”
The report will consider portfolios that best align with council’s Strategic Plan, provide recommendations on the number of portfolios to be considered, and how councillors are appointed.
It will also provide recommendations on the authorities, roles and responsibilities of these portfolios and clarity over their operational protocols
Cr Ward said the purpose of the portfolio model is to create collaboration with community and stakeholders, and to support the implementation of council’s strategic directions aligned with the portfolio subject area.
“It should also create opportunities for increased partnerships and innovation,” he said.
“A further benefit of the allocation of portfolios for councillors is that it would provide streamlined, appropriate and effective working relationships between councillors and the Executive Management Team.”
