The proposal would see some of the 15 upper house electorates stay the same, some increase in size, and others decrease – and many members are not impressed. 

Submissions into the proposal closed this week. 

One of the most significant changes would see the McIntyre electorate extend from the East Coast all the way to Cradle Mountain.

This could see a major change to the Apsley region, which currently spans from Flinders Island to Campania. 

Apsley Independent MLC Tania Rattray said she was not satisfied with the proposed changes. 

“I do not believe that there is sufficient evidence for making the major changes proposed at this stage, and would prefer the committee look at making only minor adjustment changes for this iteration,” Ms Rattray said. 

Launceston Independent MLC Rosemary Armitage said the potential changes could mean a lack of Northern representation. 

“I am seriously concerned that, if adopted, these changes will cause the loss of a Northern voice to the South, with Apsley to become Prosser, which would have its heart at Sorell in the state’s South,” Ms Armitage said. 

Break O’Day Council general manager John Brown said the areas of interest of different populations needed to be considered when making decisions. 

Mr Brown said areas such as the East Coast had unique interests. 

“It has failed to take into account the community interest which exists along the length of the East Coast and between the communities of the East Coast,” he said. 

Northern Midlands Council general manager Des Jennings, whose council would be split up, said residents would have greater representation if the area was within one Legislative Council electorate. 

“The community will be confused as to which electorate they fall under for the Legislative Council due to splitting the region three ways,” Mr Jennings said.