THE WA Electoral Commission has released the draft electorate boundaries for the next state election.
The commission has proposed significant changes that will affect representation for regional WA.
Should the proposal be accepted as is, the electorate of Central Wheatbelt will increase in land area by 57 percent to become 97,669 kilometres.
It will gain the shires of Westonia, Yilgarn, Wandering, Boddington, Pingelly, Cuballing, Williams and West Arthur, and lose the Shires of Koorda, Wongan-Ballidu, Dowerin and Goomalling.
“I am extraordinarily disappointed with the proposed boundary changes, not just from an electorate perspective but on a state-wide basis,” Central Wheatbelt member Mia Davies said.
“The Nationals made a submission that would have allowed the electoral commissioners to meet the requirements of the Act that involved minimal change.
“Instead, the proposal to abolish a country electorate and increase the remaining electorates to an unmanageable size.”
Ms Davies said regional constituents had every right to be concerned as the changes would make it more difficult for them to have access to their local state representative.
“If the proposed changes are finalised the Central Wheatbelt will stretch from Northam to Southern Cross, Mukinbudin to Hyden and across to Darkan,” she said.
“The area is characterised by a large number of small communities, each with their own challenges and opportunities.
“I encourage local governments, residents and businesses to look at the boundaries and make their views known to the WA Electoral Commission.”
Ms Davies said no amount of technology or better travel options could compensate for the size of the proposed electorates, which had already been significantly increased in 2008 after the introduction of one-vote-one-value legislation.
