Two state electorates on the Sunshine Coast have been renamed and several boundaries redrawn under a major electoral redistribution ahead of the 2028 election.
The independent Queensland Redistribution Commission (QRC) announced changes to many electorates after its first review since 2017.
The assessment was essentially conducted to ensure that a similar number of voters would be in each location.
The major local changes included Nicklin being renamed Nambour and Ninderry being renamed Coolum, and alterations to the boundaries of Caloundra, which is in the midst of a population boom, and other districts.
A QRC summary detailed the main amendments for the region and why they were made.
“The Sunshine Coast is another region that has grown significantly since 2017, with the district of Caloundra being significantly above the state average enrolment at the commencement of this redistribution.”
There were 47,391 people in Caloundra in September, which was 17.92 per cent more than the average. The boundary changes cut that figure to 38,065 people, which is 5.28 per cent below average, but ahead of a further population increase.
“The commission decided to transfer the portions of Caloundra situated west of the Bruce Highway to the revised Glass House district, resulting in a more compact district,” the report stated.
“The Commission notes significant development is ongoing in this district, and Caloundra is projected to exceed the average state enrolment by 2032 (54,119 people, more than 21 per cent above average).”
“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 received a number of submissions requesting Cooroy be transferred to Noosa, with submissions highlighting the community of interest between these areas.
“The Commission also noted submissions were received during this 2017 redistribution regarding this issue.
“The Commission considered including Cooroy in Noosa 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.”
The QRC took to social media to announce that the statewide review was finalised.
“The Queensland Redistribution Commission has completed their work.”
“Queensland has been redistributed into 93 electoral districts following the democratic principle of ‘one vote, one value.’
“The new boundaries will be in effect when you vote at the next state election in October, 2028.
“Thank you to everyone who took the time to make suggestions, comments or objections.
“We truly appreciate your contribution to the democratic process and willingness to spend your time on a topic that some (not us) may consider dry.”
The electoral redistribution report can be viewed at redistribution.ecq.qld.gov.au.
The members of the Sunshine Coast electorates are LNP’s Fiona Simpson (Maroochydore), Kendall Hather (Caloundra), Jarrod Bleijie (Kawana), Brent Mickelberg (Buderim), Marty Hunt (Nicklin, renamed Nambour), Dan Purdie (Ninderry, renamed Coolum), Andrew Powell (Glass House) and independent Sandy Bolton (Noosa).
Related stories: Coast electorates in line to be renamed and reshaped and Population boom could trigger boundary changes.
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