THE federal electorate of Murray will stay after the Electoral Commission of Victoria announced its decision on the names and boundaries for 37 federal electorates in Victoria.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
After considering written objections and public hearings in Shepparton and Melbourne, the commission recommended a key change to the redistribution committee’s proposal be that Murray be reinstated.
This means the new division of Burke will not proceed.
The changes mean another objection period is now open until November 1 and another public inquiry will be on November 8.
Member for Murray Sharman Stone welcomed the move and said more than 100 submissions, including councils, community groups and individuals, objected to Murray being abolished.
She said the commission’s new proposal meant that Murray incorporated a majority of Moira and Loddon shires, and the Campaspe and City of Greater Shepparton local government areas, as well as adding the Strathbogie Shire.
Dr Stone said the committee had made the changes as a result of what it heard in Shepparton, which included “a number of convincing arguments to maintain a cohesive irrigated food bowl community.’’
She said splitting Murray was “a real threat to the voice of irrigated agriculture”.
“More than ever, irrigated agriculture and our regional communities need a voice in Canberra.’’
“The Murray Darling Basin’s recent release of its guide to the basin plan, with cuts between 30 and 47 per cent for local irrigators, makes the need for strong representation in federal government imperative.’’
She said the final decision on electoral boundaries would be announced on Christmas Eve.
