THE number of state politicians representing the people of Golden Plains Shire after the 2022 Victorian election is set to increase by one.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s after a process known as a redivision was finalised last week, and it sees the Shire split three ways between the new District of Eureka, Ripon and Geelong.<\/p>\n
Yet out of the municipality altogether is Polwarth District and Liberal MP Richard Riordan, with that electorate contracting towards the coast.<\/p>\n
Eureka, which is currently known as Buninyong and represented by Labor MP Michaela Settle is set to lose the northern towns of Haddon, Ross Creek, Napoleons, Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton.<\/p>\n
However, it will pick up everything in the south and west of the municipal boundary including Rokewood, Shelford, Teesdale, and Inverleigh, but not Bannockburn.<\/p>\n
Ms Settle noted the importance of the electorate\u2019s name change.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s wonderful that this new seat will be called Eureka as it celebrates one of the most important events in Victoria\u2019s history,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
While she lamented the loss of sections of northern Golden Plains from the electorate, Ms Settle welcomed the opportunity to become further acquainted with areas in the south.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I love most about this job is working with communities to understand how I can serve them best,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cShelford, Teesdale and Inverleigh are communities I know well, but It will be even better to start working closely with them on the projects that are important to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaddon, Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton will move to Ripon, and I will miss those lovely communities. But I\u2019ll be sure to keep working on the $9 million rebuild of Woady Yalloak\u2019s four campuses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Division of Rippon has further extended into the region.<\/p>\n
The seat was decided by just a handful of votes in 2018, and the electorate has gained locations like Haddon, Ross Creek, Napoleons, Smythesdale, Scarsdale and Linton.<\/p>\n
Current member and shadow minister for transport infrastructure, roads, and regional recovery Louise Staley welcomed the changes.<\/p>\n
“I am pleased with the outcome of the state seats redistribution,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
“I am looking forward to representing constituents in the new part of Ripon in Golden Plains Shire.<\/p>\n
“This area draws many similarities with other areas of Ripon. I am looking forward to representing my new constituents and delivering for them.<\/p>\n
“I have a strong record of advocating and delivering for my communities throughout Ripon, from the rural towns to the more urban towns, and I look forward to continuing this work.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the south of the Shire, Bannockburn will move into the District of Geelong.<\/p>\n
Currently a highly urban seat covering central areas of Geelong city, the redrawn boundary will see a thin corridor along the Hamilton Highway created to link Bannockburn, Batesford west of the Moorabool, Murgheboluc, Gheringhap and surrounds to the new district.<\/p>\n
Geelong is currently represented by Labor\u2019s Christine Couzens.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s also a slight change to the upper house seat of Western Victoria Region, with Donald, Charlton and surrounds moving into Northern Victoria Region as part of the boundary redraw of Ripon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE number of state politicians representing the people of Golden Plains Shire after the 2022 Victorian election is set to increase by one. That\u2019s after a process known as a redivision was finalised last week, and it sees the Shire split three ways between the new District of Eureka, Ripon and Geelong. Yet out of […]<\/p>\n