Sunshine Coast electorates are in line for some significant changes for the next state election.
The Queensland Redistribution Commission has revealed a proposed redistribution, including alterations to names and boundaries, for 2028.
The QRC stated that Nicklin and Ninderry would be renamed Nambour and Coolum respectively, due to the “large and recognisable” towns in those areas.
The proposal also outlines why changes should be made to boundaries and provides further details on the areas.
“The Sunshine Coast is a region that has grown significantly since 2017, with the district of Caloundra being significantly above the state average enrolment (47,391, which is almost 18 per cent above 40,188).”
“The Commission decided to transfer the portions of Caloundra, situated west of the Bruce Highway, to the revised Glass House district, and the southern locality of Coochin Creek to Pumicestone, resulting in a more compact district.
“The Commission notes significant development is ongoing in this district, and Caloundra is projected to (significantly) exceed the average state enrolment by 2032.
“The districts of Glass House and Nambour (formerly Nicklin) have shifted north to accommodate the new district of Caboolture in the Moreton Bay region and absorbed some enrolment pressure from the over-quota Caloundra and Gympie as part of this change.
“The Commission considered including Cooroy in Noosa (electorate), but ultimately decided it should remain with Nambour (formerly Nicklin) to better balance the number of electors in both districts.
“The town of Eumundi has also been transferred from Coolum (formerly Ninderry) to Nambour to balance current and projected population in these districts.”
There would be eight districts in the Sunshine Coast area: Glass House, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Coolum (formerly Ninderry), Kawana, Nambour (formerly Nicklin), Buderim and Noosa.
Notable changes proposed for towns and suburbs include: Beerwah and Landsborough becoming a part of Glass House instead of Caloundra; a large area around Woodford being within Caboolture instead of Glass House, large hinterland areas being within Nambour instead of Gympie and Glass House, and Coochin Creek and surrounds being in Pumicestone instead of Caloundra. Some parts of Mountain Creek would be within Maroochydore instead of Buderim.
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Caloundra MP Kendall Morton said her area was in the midst of a boom.
“We knew that the significant growth in population was going to mean that our borders were going to change,” she said.
“Redistributions happen over time and electorates’ borders are bound to change. However, I’ll continue to work hard for the people that I feel honoured to represent including Beerwah and the Hinterland.”
Noosa’s independent MP Sandy Bolton said she could understand if some people would be unhappy with the plan to exclude Cooroy from the Noosa electorate, after a concerted push to include it.
“The Commission, after consideration, determined they be kept in Nambour to balance enrolments, which we understand may be disappointing for some,” she said.
Nicklin MP Marty Hunt said his electorate could change significantly.
“The proposed redistribution would see our electorate’s boundaries adjusted to reflect population growth, with some neighbouring communities set to join us,” he said.
“This redistribution is undertaken by an independent body, and at its core, it’s about balancing voter numbers.
“I acknowledge there are a range of views when it comes to the proposed name change, and I encourage locals to have their say via the Electoral Commission’s website before April 9.”
Ninderry MP Dan Purdie acknowledged that his electorate could have a name change and that part of Eumundi would be included in the proposed Nambour electorate.
“I appreciate that some constituents may not agree with changing the name of the electorate to Coolum, or the proposed boundary changes, and I encourage them to let me know their views by emailing me at ninderry@parliament.qld.gov.au.”
Glass House’s Liberal MP Andrew Powell said boundary changes are expected but he is determined to represent his electorate, wherever the borders are.
“With significant growth in Caloundra South and Caboolture West, there is no question boundaries were going to need to be revised,” he said.
“Regardless of where the final boundaries land, I remain committed to the region I represent currently because I think it’s the best place to live and work and am determined to work with the many communities to keep it that way.”
Sunshine Coast News approached all local sitting MPs for comment.
Redistributions are conducted every nine years. Multiple stages of public consultation are part of the process. Further details on the redistribution process the proposed changes can be found here.
