The state government has confirmed the new ward structure for 39 councils across the state and Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay councils are one of 30 councils which will change to a single-member ward structure.
Last week the Electoral Representation Advisory Panel (ERAP) released its report into the structure review, under which Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay councils retain 7 councillors when moving to the single-member ward system.
Currently, Maribyrnong council is divided into three wards – Yarraville Ward covers the area around Footscray and is represented by three councillors, Stony Creek Ward covers Braybrook and is represented by one councillor. River Ward is represented by two councillors and covers Maribyrnong and Maidstone.
Following the restructure, at the next local government elections at the end of the year council will adopt a single-councillor ward structure – seven wards with one councillor per ward.
The recommended names for the seven wards in this electoral structure are Bluestone Ward, Braybrook Ward, Burndap Ward, River Ward, Saltwater Ward, Sheoak Ward, and Wattle Ward.
Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock said, “ At the Council meeting in November 2023, Council resolved on its preferred structure of seven single-councillor wards. It is noted that the Minister for Local Government adopted model one, with Council’s preference being model two.”
Currently Hobsons Bay council is also divided into three wards- Strand Ward is represented by three councillors and covers Williamstown up to Spotswood. Cherry Lake Ward begins with Altona North down south to Seaholme, represented by two councillors. Also represented by two councillors is the Wetlands Ward which covers Laverton and Altona Meadows.
Following the restructure, council will also adopt a single-councillor ward structure – seven wards with one councillor per ward.
The recommended names for the seven wards in this electoral structure are Altona Ward, Altona Meadows Ward, Altona North Ward, Laverton Ward, Spotswood Ward, Williamstown Ward and Williamstown North Ward.
Jennifer Pittorino
