Alex de Vos
Politicians have tried to douse the hopes of Bellarine Peninsula residents for their own shire.
Labor Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville warned of an “inevitable increase in rates”, a potential reduction in services, and additional costs of new shire offices and staff salaries.
City of Greater Geelong councillor Tom O’Connor, who represents the peninsula’s Coryule ward, said splitting the peninsula from the City would be “too hard”.
Cr Rod Macdonald, who holds council’s planning portfolio and has part of the peninsula in his ward, accused Mr Gibson of not “having a clue” about council.