**Electoral district of Cootamundra**
**Definition**
The Electoral district of Cootamundra is a state electoral district for the Legislative Assembly in New South Wales, Australia. It encompasses a largely rural area in the south-western part of the state and is named after the town of Cootamundra.
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## Electoral district of Cootamundra
The Electoral district of Cootamundra is a significant rural electorate in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. It has a rich history of representation and has undergone various boundary changes since its establishment. The district is characterized by its agricultural economy, regional communities, and a diverse demographic profile. It plays an important role in the political landscape of New South Wales, reflecting the interests and concerns of rural constituents.
### History
The electoral district of Cootamundra was first created in 1904 following the 1903 New South Wales referendum, which reduced the number of members in the Legislative Assembly from 125 to 90. It was formed largely from parts of the abolished districts of Gundagai and Wynyard. The district was named after the town of Cootamundra, a regional center known for its agricultural production and historical significance.
Over the years, the boundaries of Cootamundra have been adjusted several times to reflect population changes and electoral redistributions. The district was abolished in 1941 and replaced by the district of Temora but was re-established in 2015 following a redistribution that aimed to better represent rural communities in the south-west of New South Wales.
### Geography and Demographics
The electoral district of Cootamundra covers a large rural area in the south-western region of New South Wales. It includes the towns of Cootamundra, Young, Temora, Junee, and surrounding rural localities. The district is characterized by a mix of agricultural land, including cropping and livestock farming, as well as small regional towns that serve as service centers for the surrounding rural areas.
The population of the district is predominantly rural, with a strong community focus on agriculture, local industry, and regional services. The demographic profile includes a mix of farming families, small business owners, and public sector employees, with a significant proportion of residents engaged in primary production and related industries.
### Political Representation
Since its re-establishment in 2015, the electoral district of Cootamundra has been represented by members of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly who typically belong to the major political parties, reflecting the political leanings of rural New South Wales. The district has historically been a stronghold for conservative parties, particularly the National Party, which advocates for rural and regional interests.
Members representing Cootamundra have focused on issues such as agricultural policy, rural infrastructure, health services, education, and regional development. The electorate’s representatives often emphasize the importance of supporting farming communities, improving transport and communication networks, and ensuring access to essential services in rural areas.
### Electoral System
The electoral district of Cootamundra elects one member to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly using the optional preferential voting system. This system allows voters to rank candidates in order of preference, which can influence the outcome if no candidate achieves an outright majority of first-preference votes.
Elections in Cootamundra are held every four years, coinciding with the general state elections. The district’s voting patterns tend to reflect broader trends in rural New South Wales, with a focus on local issues and candidate familiarity playing significant roles in electoral outcomes.
### Economy and Community
The economy of the Cootamundra district is predominantly based on agriculture, including wheat, canola, sheep grazing, and other livestock production. The region is known for its contribution to New South Wales’ agricultural output and has a strong tradition of farming innovation and community cooperation.
In addition to agriculture, the district supports a range of small businesses, retail services, and public sector employment, particularly in education, health, and local government. Community life in Cootamundra is centered around local events, sporting clubs, agricultural shows, and cultural activities that reflect the rural heritage and social fabric of the area.
### Challenges and Development
Like many rural electorates, Cootamundra faces challenges related to population decline, access to services, infrastructure maintenance, and economic diversification. Efforts to address these issues include government investment in regional development projects, improvements to transport and digital connectivity, and initiatives to support local businesses and community organizations.
Sustainable water management, drought resilience, and environmental conservation are also key concerns for the electorate, given its reliance on agriculture and natural resources. Representatives from Cootamundra often advocate for policies that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.
### Notable Members
Throughout its history, the electoral district of Cootamundra has been represented by several notable members who have contributed to state politics and regional development. These individuals have often held ministerial positions or played significant roles in advancing rural policy and infrastructure projects.
Their tenure has reflected the evolving priorities of the electorate, from early 20th-century agricultural expansion to contemporary issues such as regional health services and education.
### Electoral Results
Election results in Cootamundra typically demonstrate strong support for the National Party, with occasional challenges from the Australian Labor Party and independent candidates. The district’s voting patterns highlight the importance of local representation and the electorate’s alignment with rural and regional policy platforms.
Voter turnout in Cootamundra is generally consistent with state averages, reflecting active community engagement in the democratic process.
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**Meta Description:**
The Electoral district of Cootamundra is a rural electorate in New South Wales, Australia, represented in the Legislative Assembly. It encompasses regional towns and agricultural communities in the south-west of the state.