Nicklin could become Nambour as electorate boundaries shift north

The Nicklin electorate is set to be renamed Nambour and significantly reshaped under a proposed redistribution that will redraw Sunshine Coast political boundaries ahead of the 2028 state election.

The Queensland Redistribution Commission (QRC) has recommended the name change to reflect the “large and recognisable” town at the centre of the electorate, with neighbouring Ninderry also proposed to become Coolum.

Under the proposal, the new Nambour electorate would shift north and expand its hinterland reach. It would lose areas such as Palmwoods, Chevallum, Ilkley, Hunchy and Tanawha to a reconfigured Glass House electorate, while gaining northern hinterland communities stretching from Flaxton to Kenilworth. It would also take in parts of the Gympie region, including Traveston, Amamoor and surrounding localities.

Eumundi would be transferred into Nambour from Coolum, aligning it with nearby hinterland towns such as Yandina and Cooroy, while Cooroy itself would remain within the electorate despite a push for it to join Noosa.

“The Commission considered including Cooroy in Noosa, but ultimately decided it should remain with Nambour (formerly Nicklin) to better balance the number of electors in both districts,” the QRC stated.

The changes are part of a broader realignment across the Sunshine Coast, driven by strong population growth, particularly in Caloundra, which is well above the state’s average enrolment.

“The Sunshine Coast is a region that has grown significantly since 2017,” the Commission noted, with Caloundra currently almost 18 per cent above the state average.

To address this, parts of Caloundra west of the Bruce Highway would move into Glass House, while Coochin Creek and surrounds would transfer to Pumicestone, creating a more compact Caloundra electorate.

Glass House itself would undergo significant changes, shifting north and consolidating hinterland communities west of the Bruce Highway. It would gain Beerwah, Landsborough and Glenview from Caloundra, along with Palmwoods and surrounding areas from the current Nicklin electorate.

At the same time, Glass House would lose northern hinterland areas such as Kenilworth and parts of the Obi Obi valley to Nambour, as well as southern areas to the newly created Caboolture electorate.

The Commission said the changes would better align communities of interest, particularly those connected by Steve Irwin Way and the broader hinterland region.

Nicklin MP Marty Hunt said the proposed redistribution would see the electorate’s boundaries adjusted to reflect population growth, with some neighbouring communities set to join Nicklin.

“This redistribution is undertaken by an independent body, and at its core, it’s about balancing voter numbers. I acknowledge there are a range of views when it comes to the proposed name change, and I encourage locals to have their say via the Electoral Commission’s website before April 9.”

Glass House MP Andrew Powell said: “Due primarily to major population growth, the Queensland Redistribution Commission must review the boundaries of each electorate roughly every nine years.  With significant growth in Caloundra South and Caboolture West, there is no question boundaries were going to need to be revised.  The Commission has now released draft boundaries for further consideration. 

“Regardless of where the final boundaries land, I remain committed to the region I represent currently because I think it’s the best place to live and work and am determined to work with the many communities to keep it that way. These boundaries are just proposed at this stage and public consultation is now open so if you would like to make a submission on the proposed electoral redistribution make sure you have your say.”

Across the Sunshine Coast, eight electorates are proposed: Glass House, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Coolum, Kawana, Nambour, Buderim and Noosa, with only minor adjustments in some areas.

The QRC is now seeking community feedback before finalising the redistribution, with residents encouraged to have their say on the proposed changes.