Vasse and Warren-Blackwood face shake-up as part of WA Electoral Commission review blasted by Opposition

Proposed changes to Capes Lower House electorates will see Vasse and Warren-Blackwood undergo significant changes amid the fallout for regional voters. As part of a WA Electoral Commission review into the State’s electorates, the Labor-held seat of Warren-Blackwood would spread north, taking in the entire Augusta-Margaret River shire while ceding parts of Donnybrook-Balingup. That means Vasse will stretch further north in turn, with Liberal Party leader Libby Mettam losing her focus on Cowaramup and Gracetown and her electorate circling around Capel instead. The electorates could be rejigged as part of the regular WAEC review, though the proposed changes were criticised by the Opposition. Nationals leader Shane Love said the proposed changes were an attack on regional voters on the heels of State Government reforms to the Upper House. “These changes mean when regional West Australians go to the ballot box in 2025, their voice will be lost. Enough is enough,” he said. “It is just two years after WA Labor stripped 18 regional members from the Parliament. “Regional residents already face an uphill battle in having their voices heard due to the massive distances they have to travel. “WA Labor is making matters worse, reducing the ability of our local schools, hospitals and communities to have their voices heard.” Ms Mettam said changes to her boundaries wouldn’t affect her efforts “to ensure we have safe communities and roads, adequate housing and health services”. “The Labor Government continues to overlook critical regional projects including the redevelopment of Margaret River Hospital and major infrastructure upgrades at Cowaramup Primary School which remain a priority for this region,” she said. “I will continue to hold the Cook Labor Government to account to ensure this metrocentric government doesn’t continue to ignore the regions.” Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie said the review was a chance for voters to have their say. “Whatever the changes to Warren-Blackwood’s boundaries, I will continue to work hard for the people I am lucky enough to represent,” she said. Her home base in Denmark now sits on the very edge of the proposed new electorate, 235km from Margaret River. Earlier this year, the Augusta-Margaret River shire council voted unanimously to support the changes now reflected in the advertised boundaries which are open for public comment until August 20.