IPSWICH residents have slammed a proposal to divide Queensland into two time zones and introduce daylight saving in the south-east corner of the state.
MPs will present findings on the controversial proposal to Premier Anna Bligh today.
It was sparked after Sunshine Coast MP Peter Wellington last month introduced a private member's Bill calling for a referendum on the issue.
Member for Ipswich Rachel Nolan said the daylight saving debate always polarised opinion.
"I've received really mixed views, probably leaning towards the 'no' side. There's no middle ground on this and people are very passionate," she said.
"Certainly some people support daylight saving, but no one really likes the idea of splitting the state into two time zones.
"I think the issue will come up again because people genuinely care about it and it really does impact the way every single person lives."
Member for Bundamba Jo-Ann Miller said the results showed a clear generational gap.
"Without any doubt the answer was 'no' to daylight saving," Mrs Miller said.
"People who are for it are mainly younger people, while people with families or who are a bit older are against it.
"We had some people suggest daylight saving in winter only, and others who want to wind the clock forward two hours in summer."
Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt said the community was "overwhelmingly against the idea of daylight saving".
"We've had about 100 people come through the office, and that doesn't include people who have spoken to me at public functions," Mr Wendt said.
"I would say about 90 per cent of people don't want daylight saving and are more than happy with the way we're doing things now.
"The result did surprise me a bit, the last time we asked this question it was about 60 (per cent against) and 40 (per cent for) daylight saving."
Member for Lockyer Ian Rickuss said it was a similar story in his electorate, which includes Peak Crossing, Gatton and Laidley.
"People don't want daylight saving and they don't want to divide the state," he said.
"A lot of the industries out here work by the sun so to speak, and they don't want change."
Despite widespread opposition, Mr Wellington said he would push ahead for a referendum.
He said a late surge of emails revealed people in his electorate were "10 to one in favour" of daylight saving.
"This is totally different to the response I was getting for the last six weeks," the independent MP said yesterday.
"I've made a decision not to withdraw the Bill.
"It will remain on the notice paper and I'm calling on the premier and opposition leader to let their members have a conscience vote."
