THE latest changes to the federal electorate boundaries have been released, with Collie at the centre of a controversial proposition.
Currently part of the division of Forrest, the shift will move Collie, with its 6000 voters, to the division of O’Connor.
Both the divisions have Liberal incumbents while Collie has traditionally been a Labor stronghold.
Losing Collie means Forrest strengthens its Liberal margin from 12.3 to 14 per cent.
It also means Collie is likely to be grouped with parts of Busselton on a state level and Esperance on a federal level.
Member for Collie-Preston Mick Murray said the decision could have a negative impact on the community.
“It’s disappointing as this now puts Collie at the extremity of a very large electorate,” he said.
“It will be difficult for locals to approach their federal member for parliament when he is based in Kalgoorlie.
“People will lose their connection with their local member as they may only see him once or twice a year.
“The cost to the taxpayer will be increased as charter flights will be needed to fly the member into town.”
Under the proposed changes, O’Connor would lose several local governments to Durack and gain Collie, reducing its margin from 17.3 to 14.9 per cent.
Member for Forrest Nola Marino, who is based in Bunbury, said she would be sad to lose Collie.
“The draft boundaries published by the Australian Electoral Com mission indicate that it is likely that Collie will move into the electorate of O’Connor,” she said.
“I have worked hard to represent the interests of Collie for many years now and if the final result follows the draft proposals, I will be saddened to lose Collie from the seat of Forrest.
“Collie is the industrial and energy hub of the South West region, and it is pivotal to the economic well-being of the entire region.
“Issues like the carbon tax and Labor’s attack on coal are critical ones for the entire Collie community and good rep resentation is critical to make sure the interests of the Collie community are protected.”
Collie was last part of O’Connor about 20 years ago.
According to the AEC, the changes were suggested as Forrest was expected to grow outside the maximum permissible population rage of 103,428 voters.
In the South West, Busselton has been the area of most rapid growth.
As of June last eyar, 79 per cent of WA’s population was located in the greater Perth area as non-metropolitan areas of the state continued to experience decline.
This meant the areas of non-metropolitan div - isions were increased to compensate for the decrease in metropolitan divisions.
Historically the majority of the draft was finalised.
Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson said he was disappointed to have his large electorate expanded.
“Geographically we are the second largest electorate with nearly one million square kilometres,” he said.
“I am expected to cover an enormous amount of ground while the member for Brand for example had his electorate reduced to 377 square kilometres.
“We will also have the second largest population which is projected to reach 102,000 by February, 2017.
“I will definitely be writing a submission to the commission objecting to the changes.”
Mr Wilson is based in Kalgoorlie.
Despite this, he said he was well equipped to deal with the needs of Collie if required.
“Growing up in Katanning means I am very familiar with Collie and I am used to working for mining towns,” he said.
“It would be a privilege and honour to serve the people of Collie but I think the situation is unfair on all the parties involved.
“Only Moore will have a larger population.
“I’ve lost about six shires and about 3000 people and gained one shire and about 6000 voters.
"I definitely think the commission should make a few little tweaks as some of the other electorates like Pearce, Has luck and Canning could pick up a few shires.”
People can send their objections to the proposed changes to the AEC until September 18.
The new boundaries will be finalised at the end of this year.