Boundary changes see City split in two

Busselton will be split in half over separate electoral boundaries come 2017, if proposed changes by the WA Electoral Commission are approved.

The review of boundaries, which takes place every four years and aims to distribute voters evenly among electorates, will see Geographe, Yalyalup, Yoongarillup, Wonnerup and Sabina River included in the new Collie-Capel electorate while neighbouring suburbs Bovell, Kalgup and Acton Park will be in Vasse.

The changes will directly affect Member for Vasse Libby Mettam.

Ms Mettam said while the Liberal Party had made a submission to the commission to support a boundary which followed the City of Busselton boundary, the decision to change the boundaries was made independent of Government.

"Regardless of the final outcome and distribution I see the role as the Member for Vasse as a privilege and I will continue to work hard for the best interests of the Vasse electorate, regardless of where it sits and who it represents," she said.

"The Vasse electorate has consistently benefited from Liberal representation and I see that will continue, regardless of the boundary."

However, Ms Mettam said she could understand the disappointment of people in Geographe and Provence, and she said splitting the City of Busselton was not ideal.

The changes will also see most of Margaret River moved from Warren-Blackwood to Vasse.

Karridale, Hamelin Bay and Augusta will remain in Warren-Blackwood, which is proposed to be renamed Molloy, after botanist Georgiana Molloy.

Member for Warren-Blackwood and WA Nationals leader Terry Redman said the proposed changes involved significant geographic expansion of some regional electorates, including a 28 per cent increase to the existing Warren-Blackwood electorate.

Mr Redman said such significant changes had the potential to compromise the delivery of effective and equitable representation to regional constituents.

"The Nationals WA are disappointed the commissioners' proposed boundary changes abolish the seat of Eyre and further dilute the representation of regional West Australians in WA Parliament," he said.

City of Busselton councillor Rob Bennett said the justification for the proposed boundary changes was based on a "ridiculous premise".

"They justify including Margaret River in the Vasse electorate as it will permit the township of Margaret River to be reunited in the one district, yet then carve up the Busselton town site to accommodate the change."

If approved, the changes will come into effect for the next State election on March 11, 2017.