The Queensland Redistribution Commission has recommended renaming the Scenic Rim electorate back to Beaudesert as part of a broader review of the state’s electoral boundaries.
In its March report on the proposed redistribution, the Commission suggested renaming 19 electorates across Queensland to improve voter recognition and make it easier for people to identify their electoral district.
The report states that electoral names should clearly indicate where a district is located to avoid confusion among voters.
“Electorate names which do not identify or suggest the location of an electorate may cause unnecessary confusion,” the report states.
“That is also the case if an electorate were named after a geographical place but the name lacked voter recognition or is no longer suitable.”
The Commission considered historical practices when naming Queensland electorates and concluded that returning to the long-standing approach of naming districts after towns, geographical locations or features was the most appropriate option.
In forming recommendation, the Commission examined the decisions and approaches of the former Electoral and Administrative Review Commission and previous Queensland Redistribution Commissions, while also considering public submissions on electorate names.
The report notes that the current name, Scenic Rim, may cause confusion with Scenic Rim Regional Council.
Instead, the Commission proposes renaming the electorate Beaudesert after the centrally located town, reinstating a recognisable name historically associated with the district for more than 25 years.
Member for Scenic Rim Jon Krause MP said the redistribution process is designed to ensure electorates remain a similar size as Queensland’s population changes.
He encouraged residents with views on the proposed boundary and name changes to make a submission through the Queensland Redistribution Commission website.
“The Commission has determined that a name change is appropriate for the Scenic Rim electorate and I can appreciate some in the region may disagree with their choice of Beaudesert,” Mr Krause said.
“Regardless, my focus remains unchanged. I will continue to represent the people who have elected me – boundary changes or not.”
DETAILS:
To make a submission, visit https://submission.redistribution.ecq.qld.gov.au/s/objections and complete the online form.
Submissions may also be lodged via QRCsubmissions@ecq.qld.gov.au.
The closing date for submissions is April 9.
