STATE member for Logan Linus Power has given a detailed submission about proposed changes to the electorate’s boundaries.
Mr Power was responding to the recommendations of the Queensland Redistribution Commission (QRC), which was considering objections throughout April.
Citing media reports about the impact of the alterations, Mr Power said: “There has been some comment that this has been the largest change to electoral boundaries since 1992”.
According to Mr Power, further explanation of the impact on his constituents was warranted.
“Given that the commission has proposed that the division of Logan is to have the second largest population of voters of any division, it is vital that local feedback is considered in addressing a proposal that unfortunately runs east-west across north-south corridors of communities of interest and ways of travel,” he said.
Mr Power also quoted a 2008 statement by the QRC that it was natural for electors to prefer existing boundaries and the representative they have come to know.
“A division should not have the second highest population growth and poor communities of interest and ways of travel and change in existing boundaries,” he said.
“The commission has the opportunity to improve the proposed division of Logan on all criteria.”
According to Mr Power, the 2008 commission noted the term ‘community of interest’ as an “elusive criteria”.
However, ‘existing boundaries’ and ‘ways of travel’, “are far less subjective or elusive,” he said.
Other submissions to the QRC supported Mr Power’s, particularly the focus on north-south transport corridors as key connections within the community.
The public transport link between Jimboomba and Browns Plains, the north-south connections via Teviot Rd, and the Mount Lindesay Highway, were all noted.
Comments were accepted for a 10-day period that concluded on April 18. The QRC will produce its final determination on May 26.
Other submissions can be read on the QRC website boundaries.ecq.qld.gov.au