Redistribution Commission delivers final determination on boundaries

The Queensland Redistribution Commission (QRC) has delivered its final determination on the State electoral boundaries.

In February, QRC unveiled the most significant realignment in more than 30 years after Parliament decided to increase the number of electorates from 89 to 93.

QRC Chairman Hugh Botting said QRC had been able to make some changes to its original proposal based on suggestions received during public consultation periods.

“The commissioners listened to what Queenslanders had to say and, where it was possible, we acted on community interests and altered proposed boundaries,” said Mr Botting, a retired District Court Judge.

The Sunshine Coast suburbs of Parrearra, Minyama and Buddina will remain in Kawana instead of shifting to the Buderim electorate, and Buderim now includes Sippy Downs and Palmview.

“Rainbow Beach, Inskip and Cooloola will remain in Gympie while the majority of Pomona moves to Noosa.

“In western Queensland, the Boulia shire will stay in Gregory instead of joining Traegar.”

Mr Botting said QRC was confident in its placement of the new electorates as well as other notable changes including the removal of Dalrymple and the expansion of Traegar.

“The Commission’s number one priority was the number of voters in each electorate because that’s quite simply the law.

“Every district must contain relatively the same number of electors so that each vote carries equal weight at the ballot box.”

The Redistribution Commission also acted on public submissions regarding electorate names.

“Burdekin will keep that name instead of McMaster, Glasshouse remains instead of Tibrogargan and the Pine Rivers electorate lives on,” Mr Botting said.

“Some residents feared changing Pine Rivers to D’Aguilar could see them earn the unfortunate nickname of Dags – but of course there were other more pressing reasons.”

Today’s report marks QRC’s final involvement in the redistribution process which now moves to a three-week appeal period during which electors may challenge the realignments in the Supreme Court.

If there is no legal appeal the redistribution will be final on June 16.

The Queensland Redistribution Commission’s final determination can be viewed online at
https://boundaries.ecq.qld.gov.au