THE City of Busselton will be forced to deal with two different state politicians if the Electoral Commission’s boundary changes go ahead.
The WA Electoral Commission released the proposed changes last week which would see Geographe, Yalyalup, Sabina River and Yoongarillup become part of the Collie-Capel, currently called Collie-Preston electorate.
It also proposes that Boranup, Redgate, Gnarabup, Prevelly and the remainder of Forest Grove, Witchcliffe, Margaret River, Burnside and Gracetown fall under the Vasse electorate.
Willow Grove resident John Carter said the proposal was silly and could not see how it would benefit the community.
“All the issues we face are in Busselton and all the facilities we use are in Busselton,” he said.
He said it would be hard for the local government to deal with two different representatives.
Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said the biggest issue was grouping together three different communities into one electorate.
“It would be extremely difficult for any elected member to try and advocate on behalf of three communities with such diverse concerns,” he said.
“I don’t think it is fair on the voting public and I don’t think it is practical for an elected member who wants to be able to represent their electorate accurately.”
With the proposal out for public comment until August 24, WA Labor plan to make a submission against the changes.
Vasse MP Libby Mettam said she could appreciation the disappointment felt by residents who would no longer be in the Vasse electorate.
“Splitting two local government boundaries is not ideal,” she said.
“Regardless of the final outcome and distribution I see the role as the member for Vasse as a privilege and I will continue to work hard for the best interests of the Vasse electorate, regardless of where it sits and who it represents,” she said.
Augusta Margaret River Shire will also be split up if the changes go ahead and president Michael Smart said it would be disappointing to lose Terry Redman as the state representative.
However, he said the shire looked forward to working with Ms Mettam if the changes occurred.
