New ward for Bellarine

THE Bellarine could have its own ward by October, after the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) released recommendations for a council restructure.
The final report, released today, recommends four new wards for the City of Greater Geelong, with a total of 11 councillors.
Under the changes, the Bellarine Ward would have three councillors.
If the Victorian Government accepts the recommendations, the changes will take place in time for the next council general election in October.
Under the changes, Brownbill and Kardinia Wards, representing central and southern Geelong respectively, will have three councillors each.
Windermere Ward – in the north – will elect two councillors.
The VEC commenced the review in November 2015, holding two rounds of public submissions, a public hearing and a public information session.
The final report is available at vec.vic.gov.au.