A WEAKENING of the Labor Party’s margin in the state seat of Logan is predicted as a result of this week’s final determination of the division’s new boundary by the Queensland Redistribution Commission (QRC).
According to ABC election analyst Antony Green, sitting member Linus Power holds the seat with a 10.8 per cent margin, which is estimated to fall to 6.1pc as a result of the boundary changes through the loss of urban parts of Logan City Council to the state electorates of Algester and Woodridge.
The urban centres of Yarrabilba and Logan Village will be included within the redrawn boundary.
At the southern edge of the Logan electorate, the centre of Jimboomba will be absorbed from the state seat of Beaudesert, which has garnered the new name Scenic Rim as part of the QRC determination.
“I’m really enthusiastic about the challenge, especially about representing Jimboomba, which I partially do already, but it’s great to have the whole community to represent,” Mr Power said.
“I think there’s a real strength of community in Jimboomba, people are really connected, and the recent opening of the sports centre really showed that.
“It’s a great honour to be able to stand for the Labor Party and be a part of Annastacia Palaszczuk’s team and I’ll do that wherever the independent umpire sets the boundaries.”
Mr Power made a passionate case for his electorate in April during the 10-day objection period allowed by the QRC.
Scenic Rim identity
In February, member for Beaudesert Jon Krause said the proposed changes wouldn’t alter anything.
"It doesn't matter if you're currently in an area of the Beaudesert electorate that will be moving to another seat, I will continue to represent those communities until the changes are made.
"While it's sad to see the Beaudesert name go, it better reflects the identity that is growing throughout the region on the back of the local government amalgamations.”
Antony Green sees a strengthening of the LNP’s margin in the newly-named seat, from 7.7pc to 9.1pc.
Election speculation
The QRC’s final determination outlines the increase in the number of Queensland seats from 89 to 93.
After a 21-day appeals period, the final boundaries will be considered final and cannot be changed until the next redistribution.
Mr Power said he does not expect any objections will be made to the latest determination.
The timing of the next Queensland state election is likely to come under new analysis now that the final determination has been published.
To read the full determination go to boundaries.ecq.qld.gov.au.
