By Sonia Isaacs
THE boundaries of the Sunshine Coast’s State electorates have been significantly reshaped with major changes to Glass House, Caloundra and Nambour aimed at accommodating the region’s rapid population growth.
The changes follow the finalisation of the state’s electoral redistribution by the Electoral Commission.
Among the biggest changes is the reshaping of the Glass House electorate, which has expanded north into the hinterland while losing Flaxton, Kenilworth and southern Moreton Bay areas to the new Caboolture electorate.
Glass House, represented by Andrew Powell MP, will follow the Bruce Highway with Beerwah, Landsborough, Glenview and western Palmview included.
It also gains Palmwoods, Chevallum, Ilkley, part of Tanawha and Hunchy from the renamed Nambour electorate.
The Commission said the redesign improves cohesion, linking hinterland communities west of the Bruce Hwy and along Steve Irwin Way. The electorate is expected to remain within quota until 2032.
Caloundra has contracted sharply after being identified as one of Queensland’s fastest-growing electorates.
It has relinquished all land west of the Bruce Highway, including Beerwah, Landsborough, Glenview and western Palmview, to rebalance enrolments.
Despite this, it is expected to exceed average enrolment by 2032 due to growth in Caloundra South and surrounding growth areas.
The Commission restored Caloundra’s southern boundary along Coochin Creek after submissions citing community identity.
The renamed Nambour electorate gains Eumundi from Coolum and several hinterland areas from Glass House.
Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said the redistribution ensures fair representation and reflects population change.
She said her commitment to Caloundra remains unchanged and every resident remains a priority until 2028.
“Boundaries on a map may change, but my commitment to our community remains constant,” Ms Hatcher said.
She said she will continue to support families, businesses and community organisations across the electorate.
The redistribution is intended to better reflect current population patterns while allowing for continued growth over the next decade.
The Commission noted Caloundra remains one of only five Queensland electorates projected to exceed the State enrolment quota by 2032 despite the significant boundary adjustments. The new electoral boundaries will apply at the next State election.
