Electoral district of Shellharbour – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**Electoral district of Shellharbour**

**Definition**
The electoral district of Shellharbour is a state electoral district in New South Wales, Australia, represented in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly. It encompasses the coastal city of Shellharbour and surrounding areas, serving as a significant political division within the Illawarra region.

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# Electoral district of Shellharbour

## Overview

The electoral district of Shellharbour is a state electoral division located in the Illawarra region of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Established in 2007, the district was created to accommodate population growth and changes in electoral boundaries within the region. It is named after the city of Shellharbour, a coastal urban area south of Wollongong, and includes a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial zones.

Shellharbour is part of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, the lower house of the Parliament of New South Wales. The district elects one member to the Legislative Assembly using the optional preferential voting system. It is considered a stronghold for the Australian Labor Party (ALP), reflecting the working-class and industrial heritage of the region.

## Geography and Boundaries

### Location

The electoral district of Shellharbour is situated along the southeastern coast of New South Wales, approximately 90 kilometers south of Sydney. It lies within the Illawarra region, an area known for its coastal landscapes, heavy industry, and urban centers.

### Boundaries

The district covers the city of Shellharbour and adjacent suburbs, including parts of the City of Shellharbour local government area. Its boundaries have been subject to periodic review and adjustment by the New South Wales Electoral Commission to reflect demographic changes and maintain equitable representation.

As of the most recent redistribution, the district includes suburbs such as Shellharbour, Warilla, Barrack Heights, Barrack Point, Oak Flats, and parts of Albion Park. The district is bordered by the electoral districts of Kiama to the north, Wollongong to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the east.

### Demographics

The population within the district is diverse, with a mix of urban and suburban communities. The area has a significant number of working-class families, many of whom are employed in manufacturing, retail, and service industries. The district also includes coastal communities with a focus on tourism and recreation.

## History

### Creation and Development

The electoral district of Shellharbour was created in 2007 following a redistribution of electoral boundaries in New South Wales. Prior to its creation, the area was largely part of the electoral district of Illawarra. The redistribution aimed to better represent the growing population in the Shellharbour area and to balance the number of electors across districts.

Since its establishment, Shellharbour has been recognized as a distinct political entity within the Illawarra region, reflecting the unique social and economic characteristics of the area.

### Political History

Shellharbour has been a safe seat for the Australian Labor Party since its inception. The ALP’s strong presence in the district is attributed to the region’s industrial background and working-class population, which traditionally support Labor policies.

The first member for Shellharbour was Lylea McMahon, who served from 2007 to 2011. She was succeeded by Anna Watson, also from the ALP, who has held the seat since 2011. Watson has been re-elected in subsequent state elections, maintaining the party’s dominance in the district.

## Electoral System

The electoral district of Shellharbour elects one member to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly using the optional preferential voting system. Voters rank candidates in order of preference, but are not required to rank all candidates. If no candidate receives an absolute majority of first-preference votes, preferences are distributed until a candidate achieves a majority.

Elections are held every four years, coinciding with the New South Wales state election cycle. The district’s voting patterns have consistently favored the Australian Labor Party, although other parties such as the Liberal Party, Greens, and independents have contested the seat.

## Members for Shellharbour

## Election Results

### 2007 State Election

The inaugural election for the district saw Lylea McMahon of the Australian Labor Party elected with a comfortable majority. The ALP secured a strong primary vote, reflecting the party’s entrenched support in the region.

### 2011 State Election

Anna Watson succeeded McMahon as the ALP candidate and retained the seat with a reduced but still significant majority. The election reflected a statewide swing against Labor, but Shellharbour remained a safe seat.

### Subsequent Elections

In the 2015, 2019, and 2023 state elections, Anna Watson was re-elected with consistent majorities. The ALP’s dominance in the district has been maintained despite fluctuations in statewide political trends.

## Socioeconomic Profile

The Shellharbour district is characterized by a mix of residential suburbs, industrial areas, and coastal communities. The local economy historically relied on manufacturing and heavy industry, including steel production and coal mining, although these sectors have declined in recent decades.

The area has seen growth in service industries, retail, education, and tourism. The presence of beaches and natural attractions contributes to a growing tourism sector. The district also faces challenges related to economic transition, employment opportunities, and infrastructure development.

Education and health services are significant employers in the district, with several schools, hospitals, and community facilities serving the population.

## Infrastructure and Development

### Transport

Shellharbour is served by a network of roads connecting it to Wollongong, Sydney, and other parts of the Illawarra region. The Princes Highway is a major arterial route passing through the district. Public transport includes bus services and nearby rail connections via the South Coast Line, with stations in adjacent areas.

### Urban Development

The district has experienced residential growth, with new housing developments catering to families and retirees attracted by the coastal lifestyle. Urban planning efforts focus on balancing growth with environmental conservation, particularly in coastal zones.

### Community Facilities

Shellharbour offers a range of community amenities, including parks, sports facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Local government initiatives aim to enhance quality of life and support community engagement.

## Political Issues and Representation

### Key Issues

Residents of Shellharbour have expressed concerns over employment opportunities, infrastructure investment, environmental protection, and access to health and education services. Coastal management and climate change adaptation are also important issues due to the district’s seaside location.

### Representation

The sitting member, Anna Watson, has focused on advocating for local infrastructure projects, improved public services, and support for economic diversification. The member engages with community groups and stakeholders to address constituent needs.

## Future Prospects

The electoral district of Shellharbour is expected to continue evolving in response to demographic changes, economic shifts, and environmental challenges. Ongoing urban development and infrastructure projects will shape the district’s growth.

Political dynamics may be influenced by broader state and national trends, but the district’s historical alignment with the Australian Labor Party suggests continued support for the party in the near term.

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**Meta Description:**
The electoral district of Shellharbour is a state electoral division in New South Wales, Australia, encompassing the coastal city of Shellharbour. Established in 2007, it is a stronghold for the Australian Labor Party and plays a key role in the Illawarra region’s political landscape.