COOMERA
THE Gold Coast’s northernmost seat has undergone some of the most significant changes in the redistribution.
The changes have shrunk the LNP’s margin in the area by about 2 per cent, making the seat a potential battleground.
The electorate has been shrunk and moved slightly west to now run from Alberton in the north and Wongawallan in the south. Significantly, it no longer contains Hope Island.
LNP Member Michael Crandon could have a fight on his hands – the Labor Party is expected to target the seat in the upcoming election as part of a strategy to wrestle the northern part of the Gold Coast from the LNP.
But the seat could also be a scene of infighting within the LNP.
Questions have arisen over whether Broadwater MP Verity Barton will run in the new boundaries or try her hand at winning the new seat of Bonney.
If Ms Barton chooses to remain in Broadwater, she may face a rival with LNP sources suggesting former Newman government minister David Crisafulli is eyeing off the seat.
Mr Crisafulli declined to comment and Ms Barton did not return multiple phone calls and messages from the Bulletin.
The new seat will now take in Southern Moreton Bay Island, South Stradbroke, Runaway Bay, Coombabah and Hope Island.