At its Ordinary Council Meeting on 11 February 2025, the Council resolved to proceed with community engagement on the proposed composition and structure, in line with the legislated representation review under Section 12 of the Local Government Act 1999.
The endorsed Draft Representation Report presents Council’s preferred model, which includes maintaining the existing “no ward” structure, while adjusting the number of elected members to comprise a Mayor and eight Councillors.
The report has been developed following an extensive internal review process and analysis of regional council representation models.
Interim CEO Paul Simpson said the review was a crucial step in ensuring fair and effective representation for the Barunga West community.
“This review is about making sure our Council structure continues to serve our residents well into the future,” Mr Simpson said. “We encourage community members to provide feedback on the proposed model to help shape the final decision.”
Public consultation will close at 5pm on Friday, 14 March 2025. Residents and stakeholders are invited to provide submissions via the Council website, email, or in writing.
Following the consultation period, Council will review the feedback and present a further report outlining community responses before making a final determination on its future electoral representation.