Major changes to local electoral boundaries proposed

Friday, 21 July 2023 09:50

By Monique Welhan

Mandurah and surrounds proposed electoral boundaries. PIC: Electoral Boundaries WA

The Western Australian Electoral Distribution Commission has released a list of proposed boundary changes to 53 electoral districts in Western Australia including Mandurah, Warnbro and Baldivis.

“Changes are proposed to 53 of the 59 electorates in WA. The proposed changes were developed after careful consideration of population and demographic patterns and public feedback," Commission Chair the Hon. Eric Heenan KC said.

Under the Constitutional and Electoral Legislation Amendment (Electoral Equality) Act 2021, the number of electors in each district must not exceed 33,475 or be lower than 27,389 electors.

Mandurah's high elector population of 33,736 has prompted the Commission to adjust the district's boundaries to reduce that number.

They have proposed to transfer the localities of Madora Bay and Lakelands from the district of Mandurah to Warnbro, while the locality of Dudley Park will move from the district of Dawesville to Mandurah.

The Commission will also propose to transfer parts of the northern localities of Baldivis and Warnbro to the district of Baldivis.

As the locality of Warnbro will no longer be in the district, the Commissioners are also proposing to rename the district to Secret Harbour.

Significant population growth in Baldivis has led the Commissioners to propose a large section of the locality, along with parts of Wellard and Leda, to move to the districts of Darling Range and Kwinana.

A new district, known as Oakford, has also been proposed.

Oakford will absorb the localities of Anketell, Aubin Grove, Casuarina, Forrestdale, Haynes, Hilbert, Oakford, Piara Waters, Wandi and part of Banjup.

View the proposed boundaries at www.boundaries.wa.gov.au.

Members of the public have until 5pm Monday August 21, 2023 to lodge objections to the proposed boundaries.