Proposed changes to State Electoral Boundaries

As part of the formal review process the Electoral Distribution Commissioners have proposed new and amended boundaries for many State electorates across Western Australia, including Armadale and Darling Range.

With most of WA’s population growth occurring in metropolitan Perth it was not surprising the Commissioners recommended that the district of Eyre in regional WA be abolished, and a new district be created in the South Metropolitan Region, centred on the suburb of Baldivis.

The Commissioners’ recommendations will have the following impact on City of Armadale residents:

• District of Armadale (Currently held by Tony Buti – Labour): minor change is proposed for the Armadale district on the southern boundary, affecting an area near Hopkinson Road containing few electors.
• District of Darling Range (Currently held by Tony Simpson - Liberal): Commissioners propose the removal of the suburbs of Harrisdale, Forrestdale and Piara Waters from this electorate.
• Jandakot (Currently held by Joe Francis – Liberal): Commissioners propose to reallocate the suburbs of Harrisdale, Forrestdale and Piara Waters to this electorate, and rename the electorate Brearley.

“If the review had been held in a few years’ time the new seat would probably have been in Piara Waters and Harrisdale, given their current rate of growth. As our growth continues you can expect further changes in our district,” said Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP.

“Despite the hard work of our two sitting members it still seems the southeast of Perth continues to be overlooked in comparison to the northern metropolitan growth areas.

“This boundary change confirms that the entire growth of metropolitan Perth is moving south. We will look forward to building a relationship with the Member of Jandakot, Joe Francis, who knows Armadale well.

“The City of Armadale also expects boundary changes to the Federal electoral boundaries later this year, although this will not occur until after the Federal bi-election brought about by the tragic passing of Don Randall MP,” he said.

For more information visit www.boundaries.wa.gov.au or call 13 63 06. Comments from the public close at 5pm on Monday 24 August.