Bellarine was created a District on 12 December 1853. It was proclaimed a Shire on 26 September 1865. Bellarine was proclaimed a Rural City on 12 December 1989. Local Government Reform 1993-1995 The Shire was abolished in 1993 as part of a statewide program of local government reform enacted between 1993 and 1995. The reform process reduced the number of councils from 210 to 78. The City Of Greater Geelong (VA 3149) has been appointed as the successor in law of the Rural City of Bellarine and has assumed its rights, assets and liabilities.