Leaders pledge millions to claim key southeast Queensland seats

Spending splurges by the major parties have revealed the seats they are most worried about, with under-the-radar pledges totalling $20 million to $40 million each committed to three battleground seats in Queensland’s south. SEE THE PLEDGES

Under-the-radar spending splurges by the major parties have revealed the seats they are most worried about, with $20 million to $40 million each committed to battleground seats of Brisbane, Ryan and Blair.

Shade cloths, lighting upgrades at parks, sporting facilities and more make up the election sweeteners being offered up to voters in highly-targeted, localised campaigns.

Since the budget, about $20 million in projects have been pledged by the LNP in Ryan, compared to about $3 million from Labor, and $27 million to Brisbane by the LNP, compared to about $2.7 million from Labor.

But the ALP has opened up its wallet in its most regional seat of Blair, held by just 1.3 per cent, where it has committed $43 million in projects since the budget.

The LNP hasn’t been afraid to open its wallet in MP Trevor Evans’ seat of Brisbane. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

It is despite Labor’s repeated pledge to “end the rorts and waste” if elected.

Some in the Coalition believe they are a chance at a surprise win in Blair, despite it previously being a safe Labor seat, but others are more sceptical.

But the LNP’s big cash splash in Brisbane and Ryan reveal how concerned it is about its inner-city prospects.

Labor sources have indicated that big spending is not being matched in many seats as without the franking credits and negative gearing reforms there is less money available for local projects, resulting in a tough funding razor gang.

Brisbane and Ryan were the only two seats in Queensland to see a swing towards the Labor party in 2019, while the seat of Blair had an almost 7 per cent swing to the LNP.

The seat of Brisbane is marginal, with a 5 per cent margin, but LNP MP Trevor Evans boasts an almost 48 per cent primary vote compared to Labor’s 24.5 per cent and the Greens on 22 per cent.

There have been big spending announcements in Labor MP for Blair, which is Shayne Neumann’s seat. He’s pictured above right, with Anthony Albanese. Picture: Ebony Graveur

It would require a drop in Mr Evans’ primary and an increased Greens and Labor vote to see one of these parties get over the line.

There are similar figures in Ryan, which the LNP has only lost once to Labor in 2001 on the back of a by-election forced by a quitting sitting MP, high petrol prices and the introduction of the GST.

Some of the biggest spends in these target seats include a $6 million turning lane upgrade at Fig Tree Pocket Rd in Ryan, $14 million for a Newmarket Rd intersection upgrade in Brisbane - both from the LNP - as well as a $14 million for a Head to Health Centre mental health facility in Ipswich for Blair, which has been pledged by both parties.

Labor is also promising one of its Medicare Urgent Health Clinics for the northside to take in both Brisbane and Ryan, as well as Lilley.