General News
29 March, 2026
Bid to keep Hill seat intact
SUPPORTERS are continuing to answer Member for Hill Shane Knuth’s call to put their signatures to a petition opposing the proposed abolishment of his electorate.
Close to 3000 signatures were gathered in just over a week after the launch of the e-petition to state parliament, drawn up in response to the Queensland Redistribution Commission’s plan to abolish Hill and redistribute the seat into neighbouring electorates.
“Petitioners are concerned this proposal reduces North Queensland’s representation from 13 to 12 seats in Queensland Parliament and weakens the voice of regional communities, while adding an additional seat in south-east Queensland,” the petition reads.
“Petitioners further note the proposal reflects a single submission recommending the abolishment of the electorate of Hill despite significant opposition from North Queensland residents and local government councils during the consultation process,” it continues.
“Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to:
1. Oppose the proposed abolishment of the North Queensland electoral district of Hill and
2. Call on the Queensland Redistribution Commission to retain the electorate of Hill and ensure fair representation for North Queensland communities.”
Under the QRC’s proposal Hill will be absorbed into three substantially changed electorates: Hinchinbrook, Mulgrave and Flinders (formerly Traeger).
Hinchinbrook will be significantly shifted north to encompass the entire Cassowary Coast Regional Council area – including Tully, Mission Beach and Innisfail – plus some of the southern outskirts of Cairns, to incorporate Mirriwinni and Babinda.
“The coastal portion of the existing Hill district does not hold a strong community of interest with its western bulk,” the QRC’s report says.
“The coastal portion of the district has been transferred to Hinchinbrook, which becomes a district characterised by the coastal towns situated between Townsville and Cairns, including the entirety of the Hinchinbrook Shire Council and Cassowary Coast Regional Council.”
Mr Knuth said he was devastated with the proposal.
“I am absolutely gutted and deeply concerned for North Queenslanders by the proposal to abolish the seat of Hill, carving up our communities between three electorates bordering the Northern Territory, stretching from Cairns and reaching as far south as Townsville,” he said.
“This proposal will reduce our representation in the north from 13 to 12 seats, while delivering more to Brisbane, boosting their numbers to 61.”
A post on Mr Knuth’s social media urging support for the petition has drawn a strong response.
“Certainly not the first time the majors have done this to punt a long-term sitting MP who isn’t one of their rubber stamps … the proposal is ludicrous in its entirety.”
Michelle Lee Long posted “Why are they doing this to you?” Sharon Niehsner queried. “It seems targeted.”
Roslyn Smith added: “The current premier is an Ingham boy, born and bred, he must stand up for regional Queensland. His family put him there as a voice for the country areas. So David, show us what you stand for.”
“That means we will be completely ignored without a voice,” Donna Miller wrote.
And Heather Williamson posted: “Bloody outrageous. Having an elected parliament who will do what they want, not what the people want.”
The online petition closes on Sunday 19 April and Mr Knuth has reminded his supporters they can take “two steps” – by signing the petition and also sending objections about the abolishment and redistribution proposal directly to the QRC before those submissions close on Thursday 9 April.
Read More: Far North