Torquay, Jan Juc to still switch state seats in proposed boundaries

TORQUAY, Jan Juc and Bellbrae will still be dropped from the seat of South Barwon, according to the latest version of the proposed state boundaries released today (Wednesday, June 30).

The Electoral Boundaries Commission (EBC) has been conducting a redivision of electoral boundaries for both houses of Parliament to ensure that each vote in Victorian state elections has an equal value and that each elector is represented equally.

The District of South Barwon will undergo probably the biggest changes in the Geelong region. Previously stretching as far as Murgheboluc, Moriac, Gnarwarre and Bells Beach, South Barwon (held by Labor’s Darren Cheeseman) is largely unchanged to the north (except for now taking in part of Belmont) but its southern borders will now only reach as far as Waurn Ponds, Mount Duneed and Breamlea, with Torquay, Jan Juc and Bellbrae to move into the District of Polwarth (held by the Liberals’ Richard Riordan).

Polwarth is also shrinking to the north and west, and is proposed to no longer include towns including Mortlake, Lismore, Rokewood and Bannockburn.

The District of Bellarine (held by Labor’s Lisa Neville) is unchanged apart from having its western boundary pulled back from Coppards Road to a line generally defined by Clifton Avenue in Moolap and Staceys Road in Connewarre.

As well as gaining part of Bellarine, the District of Geelong (held by Labor’s Christine Couzens) is also proposed to include all of Fyansford and part of Batesford previously in the District of Buninyong (held by Labor’s Michaelia Settle).

The District of Lara (held by Labor’s John Eren) is unchanged.

Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately, one of the three members of the EBC, said he was pleased with the level of community engagement in the initial consultation period and that this proposal was a further opportunity for Victorians to have their say.

“The EBC in December 2020 invited submissions from the public, and received 58 submissions – five from political parties, 15 from organisations and community groups and 38 from individuals,” Mr Gately said.

“Anyone interested in providing comment on the proposed boundaries should lodge a written submission before 5pm on Friday, July 30.”

Maps of the proposed boundaries can be downloaded from the EBC website, which also has  Written submissions can also be lodged via the website.

The EBC will take account of suggestions and objections, may hold one or more public hearings in August, and will prepare final boundaries by late October. These boundaries will take effect at the 2022 state election.