VICTORIAN Electoral Commission started its review of Loddon Shire ward boundaries yesterday despite no ward falling outside the 10 per cent enrolment deviation threshold.
Local Government Minister Melissa Horne has ordered the review that is expected to see Loddon Shire billed more than $100,000.
The VEC fact sheet predicts zero population growth in the shire before October’s local government election but the commission will not release data behind the forecasts.
The preliminary report released yesterday morning proposes shifting parts of Bridgewater from Inglewood Ward to Tarnagulla Ward.
“The proposed adjustments shift the boundary between Tarnagulla and Inglewood Wards north, to run along minor roads and property and locality boundaries. In general, the boundary moves north from Yorkshire Road, Black Bridge Road and several other minor roads to bring areas south of Sloans Road and Duggans Road into Tarnagulla Ward,” according to the VEC proposal. 
“This results in most of Derby, Leichardt, and part of Inglewood and Bridgewater transferring to Tarnagulla Ward.”
No changes have been proposed by Boort, Terrick and Wedderburn Wards.
Inglewood Ward was 6.76 per cent above average enrolment last November. Tarnagulla Ward  was 0.54 per cent under at the same time.
However, the VEC says both wards were projected to be outside the 10 per cent deviation by October but has not qualified the projection.
Under the VEC’s proposed model, Inglewood Ward’s new boundary would have an enrolment 1.19 per cent under the average and Tarnagulla 7.41 per cent above the average. 
Boort Ward would remain 3.34 per cent under, Terrick 2.91 per cent under and Wedderburn 0.3 per cent over the average.
“By making these minor adjustments to the ward boundaries, the electoral structure is likely to be within the required +/-10% deviation range at the October 2024 election and is also likely to be within that range in 2028
Loddon Mayor Gavan Holt encouraged residents and community groups to make submissions on the proposals.
Submissions are open until March 13 and there will only be a public hearing on the proposal  if at least one person asks to speak. 
FULL ANALYSIS IN NEXT WEEK’S LODDON HERALD