16/02/2024
Breaking News: Allan Labor Government has gazetted seven single-councillor wards for the Wodonga Local Government Area. Beginning after this years local elections, voters will be able to elect councillors who directly represent their local interests.
Here's what you need to know 👇
- This October, Wodonga residents will vote for people to represent one of seven areas. Wodonga City is represented by 3 councillors, and outer areas Baranduda, Ebden, Bonegilla etc will be represented by 4 - meaning Wodonga City councillors will have to work with outer locations to pass motions and get things done.
- Councillors will be able to advocate for infrastructure and services directly for their own neighbourhoods.
- Local community members with little existing political power/capital will have more opportunity to become elected, as only having to campaign in one area lowers the tangible and intangible cost of entry.
The majority of submissions to the VEC from local residents not only endorsed single-councillor wards, but also the model that was decided upon by Minster for Local Government Melissa Horne, showing Labor's commitment to hearing local voices about how we think local government should be run.
Cr Mildren's comments are out of step with community voices, stating that Wodonga has a "homogeneous" demographic, therefore is not suited for single-councillor wards. Even if he wasn't wrong, he's still missing the point - when the role of councillor is part-time, this change allows elected representatives more time to focus on their community.