Council electoral boundaries need a realignment

Some Sunshine Coast residents could be voting in new council divisions at the next local government election.

Last week’s Ordinary Meeting of council discussed a report titled ‘Electoral Boundary Realignment’ which advised that under the existing electoral boundary alignment, Divisions 3, 4 and 5 will not comply with the quota as specified in Section 15 of the Local Government Act 2009 when the local government election is held next year.

Council resolved to advise the Minister for Local Government and the Electoral Commissioner by 1 March 2011 of suggested changes to ensure compliance.

The changes that are recommended to bring the divisional boundaries into alignment to meet the legislative quota, includes moving approximately:

• 1,320 electors from Division 5 to Division 1
• 1,936 electors from Division 1 to Division 3; and
• 876 electors from Division 4 to Division 6

Corporate Planning and Performance Portfolio Councillor Tim Dwyer said timely attention to adjusting divisional boundaries was extremely important.

“It is essential that prior to going to the next election our boundaries are aligned to correctly reflect a fair and equitable representation of our population base,” he said.

“If the recommended boundary changes are approved, the Electoral Commission will communicate directly with voters who will be affected.

“As soon as council receives a determination from the Electoral Commission, we will also inform the community about any changes.”