By Jolene Ogle
The new State electoral boundaries have been leaked before the official announcement due today, with big changes expected for Noosa and Sunshine Coast seats.
According to preliminary reports, there are 19 new or renamed seats including four new electorates in the south-east such as a new seat located between Maroochydore and Noosa called Ninderry.
The seat of Noosa is expected to now include Rainbow Beach, but lose Peregian Springs, Coolum and Eumundi. The boundary changes are due to be formerly announced at 9am.
In the meantime, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the redistribution of the State’s electoral boundaries may alter the electorate that thousands of Queenslanders belong to, but “it does not change my government’s commitments to Queenslanders”.
Ms Palaszczuk said she expected all members of her team to seek re-election.
“I ask their local communities to judge them on their performance. My team has done a great job championing local jobs and restoring frontline services. There is more work to do,” she said.
Ms Palaszczuk said four new electorates had been added at the “insistence of the LNP”, referencing the LNPs successful 2016 bill allowing the number of state seats to increase from 89 to 93.
“They are prepared to create four new jobs – for four extra politicians,” she said.
The next election, due in almost 12 months, will be contested in 93 electorates.
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said the redistribution by the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) represents the biggest shake-up of electoral boundaries in 30 years.
“The LNP will abide by the umpire’s decision,” he said.
“Given the electoral changes will affect many seats, the LNP will carefully study the findings and will engage with all its MPs and candidates before providing more public comment. This process is likely to take some time to work through.”
The suggested boundaries are just drafts and are now open for community consultations until the end of May.
