City welcomes extra time for local government reform feedback

THE City of Greater Geelong has welcomed an extension of the public consultation on the state government’s proposed reforms to the Local Government Bill.

Several councils, including the City of Greater Geelong, asked for more time to make their submissions.

The proposed bill will create extensive reforms of councils across Victoria, with possibly the most contentious change being the elimination of council wards with multiple members – such as the city and the Surf Coast Shire – and to only allow single-member wards or unsubdivided councils.

The City of Greater Geelong has re-opened public engagement on the proposed reforms to local government until tomorrow (Friday, July 26). Read the proposal online and make a submission at geelongaustralia.com.au/yoursay.

Public submissions will be collated together with councillor and officer comments, which will be submitted to Local Government Victoria (LGV) by July 31.

“The City appreciates that the state government has listened and given the community more time to carefully consider these proposed reforms,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“I encourage the public to make a submission, as the proposed changes could significantly alter the way local government is run.”

For more information and FAQs, head to the Local Government Victoria website at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/our-programs/ localgovernment-act-review.