Redrawn state borders still move Torquay, Jan Juc out of South Barwon

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 on Wednesday last week.

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

As first proposed in March, 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 including 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).

Mr Cheeseman said he was very disappointed South Barwon would no longer include Torquay and Jan Juc.

“I continue to be of a view that Torquay should remain in South Barwon as its community of interest is reflected by its connections to Geelong,” he said.

“I will continue to represent the interests of South Barwon and I will continue to fight hard to ensure strong budget outcomes for the South Barwon community as I have for the past three years.”

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 said he was pleased with the level of community engagement in the first consultation period and that this proposal was another opportunity for people to have their say.

To see maps of the proposed boundaries or make a submission, head to to the EBC’s website.

The EBC may hold one or more public hearings in August and will prepare final boundaries by late October, with these boundaries to take effect at the 2022 state election.