The Glenorchy City Council has lodged a formal objection to a proposed federal redistribution that would shift the municipality out of the seat of Clark and into the regional electorate of Lyons.
Draft boundaries released by the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) in February would move 113,884 electors – more than 27% of Tasmanian voters – into different federal seats.
Under the proposal, Clark would become Australia’s southernmost electorate, taking in the Huon Valley and Kingborough.
Lyons would gain Glenorchy while losing much of its east coast and Franklin would be reshaped around Clarence and Hobart’s eastern shore.
The council argues the change would sever Glenorchy from the urban electorate that reflects its economic and social ties.
Mayor Sue Hickey said the municipality should not be used “as a balancing instrument” to “fix Lyons’ geometry”.
Census data from 2021 shows nearly 60% of employed Glenorchy residents work outside the municipality.
Hobart is the largest workplace destination, drawing 9,271 commuters – or 39.3% of the local workforce.
In its submission, the council says the AEC’s proposal appears driven in part by a desire to give Lyons an “urban centre”, arguing this should not override requirements to preserve communities of interest and travel patterns.
Chief executive Emilio Reale lodged the objection under delegated authority, as the AEC’s deadline fell before the council’s next meeting.
Councillors are expected to formally endorse the submission today.
The council has proposed two alternatives, including transferring the Derwent Valley to Clark or resolving Franklin’s non-contiguity without altering Glenorchy’s boundaries.
The AEC will publish objections today, with submissions on those objections closing on April 10 before a final decision is made.
