In a move that will significantly alter the political dynamics of the City of Port Phillip, the Council has decided to adopt Model 1 (see image) from the Electoral Representation Advisory Panel's (ERAP) preliminary report. This decision, made last night, marks a shift towards a single-councillor ward structure.

The ERAP's preliminary report offered three options for the Port Phillip City Council’s electoral structure. Model 1, which the Council has now chosen, proposes a structure of single-councillor wards. This aligns with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020, which mandates all metropolitan, interface, and regional city councils to adopt a single-councillor ward structure.

This move represents a departure from the current structure, where residents have been accustomed to having multiple councillors represent their ward. The transition to single-member wards will be a change for both councillors and the community. The Council asserts that this new structure will ensure all voters in the municipality have their concerns and interests fairly and equitably represented.

While the Council's decision is in line with the legislative requirements, it remains to be seen how this change will be received by the community and how it will impact the effectiveness of local governance.

The final report will be submitted to the Minister for Local Government on Wednesday 13 September. Any changes to the Port Phillip City Council electoral structure following the review will apply at the October 2024 local council elections.

This decision by the Council is a significant one, and it will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the political landscape of Port Phillip. As the community adjusts to this new structure, the effectiveness of this model in ensuring fair and equitable representation will be closely watched.

Source: Local council electoral structure review. Preliminary Report. Port Phillip City Council July 2023. Electoral Representation Advisory Panel