Ward Boundary Review

During its review, the VEC looked at:

• the number of currently enrolled voters in each ward
• the forecast number of enrolled voters at the next election
• adjustments to the locations of existing ward boundaries

A ward boundary review does not change a council’s electoral structure, number of councillors, or ward names. A ward boundary review also cannot change the external boundaries of a local council, divide local councils, or amalgamate local councils.

The VEC’s final recommendations comply with the Act and were developed through careful consideration of:

• Research and analysis conducted by the VEC, including geospatial, electoral and demographic data.
• Rates or patterns of population and voter change over time, and relevant forecasts of growth or decline based on forecast information provided by .id (informed decisions, a company specialising in demographics and forecasting).

When developing the final recommendation, the VEC considered:

• Whether the adjusted wards would comply with section 15(2) of the Act, and how long they are likely to comply.
• Whether meaningful and effective ward boundaries could be established and whether these would be easily identifiable to local communities.
• The representation of communities of interest.
• The voter distribution and physical features of the area, and the impact these may have on the shape and size of wards.
• The scale of ward boundary changes, aiming for minimal change (where possible).
• Other matters raised in public submissions not already listed above.

The revised boundaries include substantial changes to West and Eard Ward and minor adjustments to Central Ward to ensure an even distribution of electors per ward.

Click on the images below to view the recommended ward structure, which has been accepted by the minister. The legend details the boundary changes.

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