From: Joan Cornish
Sent: Monday, 1 August 2011 11:12 PM
To: Division - Fraser - ACT; molongolo@aec.gov.au; gungahlin@aec.gov.au
Subject: ACT Electoral Boundary proposed changes

To whom it may concern at the Electoral Commission,

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on proposals to change electoral boundaries in the
ACT.

This email is to strongly oppose the intention to remove Turner, O’Connor and Lyneham from
Molongolo to Gungahlin electorates.

1.	The inner north suburbs are part of a cohesive and dynamic community, developed from like interests, philosophies and demographics, over a long period of time.
2.	Turner, O’Connor and Lyneham have been established for well over 50 years. Gungahlin suburbs are very new by comparison. By definition almost, the older suburbs have different interests and local problems to those of more recently established suburbs. The older Gungahlin suburbs (still less than 15‐20 years old) have a great deal in common with Belconnen suburbs.
3.	The demographics of  Turner, O’Connor and Lyneham fit perfectly with those of the rest of
Molongolo. The demographics of inner Gungahlin fit well with those of Belconnen.
4.	If  Turner, O’Connor and Lyneham were moved to Gungahlin, they would have different issues to those of the rest of the large 7 member electorate. A tiny voice in a huge pond. The democratic right of these 3 suburbs would be eroded considerably. Given the best will in the world, their voice would not be heard.
5.	On the other hand, Gungahlin residents, with similar issues and history to those of
Belconnen residents would be heard. Their democratic rights would be protected.

Whilst I sympathise with the nominated Gungahlin residents opposed to being moved, their move would be less disruptive than moving the inner north old suburbs. They would retain good and strong representation from like‐ minded and similar issues people. They would not lose
their democratic rights.

I strongly ask that you consider these points and do not approve the proposal to split the Molongolo electorate. The Inner North has a very strong character and history. If its character is eroded it will be a great loss for Canberra of an artistic hub with great community cohesion.

Canberra is undergoing great development and change. The qualities of the Bush Capital is why many live here. Should this change Canberra will become undistinguishable from other monolithic suburbs across Australia. I particularly support any measures to keep a strong proportion of open spaces and parkland. While this is not directly linked to this issue these sorts of values could be eroded by the proposed changes.

Finally the Government has yet to outline the benefits to Turner OConnor and Lyneham of the proposed change.
I look forward to your response. Warm regards
Joan Cornish, Watson

SUPPLEMENTARY COMMENTS:

From:	Joan Cornish
Sent:	Thursday, 4 August 2011 6:50 PM
To:	Elections
Subject:	RE: ACT Electoral Boundary proposed changes

Thank you Linzi

I have read the document [the Augmented Electoral Commission’s reasons for its proposed redistribution] and it seems that in each case the objections have been put aside for largely insufficient reason and a faulty logic.

Eg The whole case seems to rely on numbers only. Eg The proposed move Turner, O’Connor and Lyneham from Molongolo to Gungahlin electorates is put forward as the best out of a bad range of options.

I think this is a negative move for the inner north and the suburbs concerned and should be rethought.

There is a dramatic level of growth and change going on in Canberra – some of which seems set to upset the character of older suburbs who are in fact the heart of Canberra – and homogenise these suburbs with the new face of Canberra which is of an entirely different character. Less trees an green space, bigger houses and lack of an identity being the most obvious.

I hope the committee will rethink
Regards

Joan