A proposed shake-up of federal electoral boundaries could see parts of the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula shifted into a new electorate, as population growth forces changes across South Australia.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has released draft boundaries for the state’s 10 federal seats, with the electorate of Mayo currently over the enrolment cap. To bring numbers back within limits, between 6,000 and 15,000 voters would be redistributed to neighbouring electorates.
Under the proposal a number of communities would move into the electorate of Barker, currently held by Liberal MP Tony Pasin.
Towns affected include Callington, Clayton Bay, Milang, Kanmantoo, Langhorne Creek, St Ives, Woodchester, Bletchley, Highland Valley, Belvidere, Red Creek, Salem, Petwood, Angas Plains and Hartley.
The changes would expand an already vast rural seat, which spans more than 65,000 square kilometres.
Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie says she understands the need for redistribution, but admits it’s a difficult prospect losing long-standing communities from her electorate.
“I’m very sad to be losing towns including Milang, Clayton Bay and Callington, I feel like I’m at home in any of those townships and communities,” Sharkie said.
The draft also proposes shifting parts of the Adelaide Hills into neighbouring metropolitan seats, while Mayo would gain suburbs from the south of Adelaide to balance enrolment numbers.
The redistribution report notes the towns earmarked to move into Barker share “community of interest ties” with areas already in the electorate, including connections to Murray Bridge and surrounding regions.
For Barker, the changes would mean further growth in an already expansive seat, with enrolment numbers currently sitting below quota. The proposed additions are expected to strengthen links between the Murraylands and nearby Hills communities.
Public feedback on the proposed boundaries is now open via AEC’s online submission portal, with interested parties encouraged to have their say before any changes are finalised.
