Ward boundary reviews
At the request of the Minister for Local Government, we review the internal boundaries (wards) of a council when the number of voters per councillor is forecast to be outside the legislated +/- 10% tolerance in one or more wards at the next local council election. This makes sure each voter is represented equally.
This process is called a ward boundary review.
Recent reviews
Internal ward boundaries for 10 local councils were reviewed over 2023-24. The panel submitted its recommendations to the Minister for Local Government for consideration. The recommendations were accepted on 28 May 2024, and the changes were in place for the local council elections in October 2024.
Please direct any questions to Local Government Victoria at lgv@ecodev.vic.gov.au or 136 186.
Why a review is held
We hold a review if the number of voters per councillor in any ward at the next council general election is forecast to be:
- 10% more than the average across the council
- 10% less than the average across the council.
What a review does not cover
A ward boundary review cannot:
- change the number of councillors
- split or combine wards
- change the external boundaries of a local council
- change the name of wards
- split or combine local councils.
What happens at the end of a review
We make a recommendation to the Minister for Local Government at the end of each review. It is up to the minister to review the recommendation and decide on the final ward boundaries for that council.
Once the minister has made their decision, any changes will apply at the next local council general elections.