The AEC listened: “Murray should not go”
October 21, 2010
Following over 100 submissions protesting the electoral boundary changes to abolish the electorate of Murray, the Australian Electoral Commission has today announced that it now recommends Murray Electorate remains.
The AEC’S new proposal retains Murray Electorate which incorporates a majority of Moira and Loddon Shires, Campaspe and City of Greater Shepparton local government areas, it will also now include the Strathbogie Shire, which is currently in Indi.
Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray, said this proves that protesting does make a difference sometimes and she wants to thank the AEC for listening.
“The Augmented Electoral Committee suggests the changes have come about as result of the public hearing made in Shepparton last week after “a number of convincing arguments to maintain a cohesive ‘irrigated food bowl’ community.’
“Splitting Murray apart by sending Loddon and Campaspe to Mallee, Moira to Indi and the City of Greater Shepparton down to a new Mc Ewen 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 their Guide to the basin plan with cuts between 30-47% for local irrigators, makes the need for strong representation in Federal Government imperative.
“The Murray Electorate is home for most of the country’s irrigated agriculture. To divide the Goulburn Murray Irrigation System between three electorates was going to make it very difficult.
“With the Gillard Government proving it cares little for rural and regional Victoria, rural people need a voice more than ever.
“If this new proposal is the final outcome, it is a real win for country Victoria and regional Australia”
“As these changes are substantially different to the Commission’s first proposal, the Australian Electoral Commission will now allow a further round of comments. For more information about the new proposed boundaries visit
www.aec.gov.au .” Sharman Stone said.
The final new electoral boundaries decision will now be announced on Christmas Eve.
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