QLD Election 2020: MP Michael Hart backs fauna overpass for light rail
Gold Coast election candidates have backed the idea of a fauna overpass and fencing over a transport corridor which cuts through one of the city’s national parks. WATCH REPLAY OF THE BURLEIGH ELECTION DEBATE
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A FAUNA overpass and fencing for the Burleigh Heads National Park transport corridor is “absolutely necessary”, according to Gold Coast election candidates.
Burleigh candidates were asked about the koala bridge through Jellurgal (Burleigh Heads National Park) at the Bulletin’s election debate on Wednesday night.
Sitting LNP MP Michael Hart voiced his support for the light rail to head west but “regardless” backed the idea of the overpass.
“An animal overpass is absolutely necessary and something we need to get on and build as soon as possible,” he said.
“I think the light rail should turn west and we should have a look at what the best options from there down are.”
His support was echoed by Labor opponent Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, who said the overpass should happen no matter where the light rail route travelled.
“We absolutely cannot diminish our natural assets,” he said.
“I’m going to call for deep consultancy at Palm Beach. I want (residents) lined up around the corner to hear the community’s views, and I want to represent those views.”
Animal Justice Party candidate Scott Wallace called for restricted development in “sensitive” areas for the koala population.
“At the bare minimum we need to make sure the animals and natural environment are given consideration and not treated as a commodity,” he said.
“(If the light rail) was to come through Palm Beach then definitely wildlife corridors are needed.
“There’s already wildlife being killed and interfered with on our roads and we need to be minimising that.”
The Bulletin will host further election forums for Coomera on Thursday night and Gaven on Friday afternoon.
EARLIER:
BURLEIGH Heads MP Michael Hart has defended a $20,000 personal donation as he fights to save his marginal Gold Coast seat.
The Bulletin can reveal Electoral Commission records show Mr Hart on October 16 donated $20,000 to the party. A supporter also donated $3600 to the LNP.
Mr Hart has a 4.9 per cent margin in Burleigh but Labor strategists predict it would have been reduced since the last poll due to their decision to run high profile candidate Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew.
The Bulletin at its Burleigh live stream debate on Wednesday night asked Mr Hart whether the donation would help his campaign, enable more mail outs and was a “reflection of your concern about retaining your seat”.
Mr Hart in 2016 had only donated $1500 to the party.
“There is no such thing as a safe seat anymore. So I take things very seriously,” he said.
“So I put an extra $20,000 into my campaign from my personal account to communicate more with my electorate. I want to represent the people of Burleigh for another four years.
“You need business people like me involved in the government because we face a cliff coming up at us. I’m really worried about the economic consequences from COVID moving forward. We have to concentrate on jobs, jobs, jobs.”
WATCH THE REPLAY: CURRUMBIN CANDIDATES DEBATE
Mr Bartholomew was asked about criticism on Facebook where voters had asked about his credentials to be a politician.
A resident had posted: “Apart from riding a surfboard, can anyone tell me what other skills or qualifications Rabbit has”
Mr Bartholomew said: “Well, I actually find celebrity candidate a bit offensive, because I retired from professional surfing 30 years ago. I then became the national coaching director of Surfing Australia. I relocated it from Torquay in Victoria to the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade right there in Burleigh Heads.”
Animal Justice Party candidate Scott Wallace was asked about his party’s opposition to shark nets and drum lines despite the recent tragic death of a Coast man off Greenmount.
“My heart goes out to anyone whose family or friends or know people who have been fatally injured with an encounter with sharks,” he said.
We have a number of non-lethal alternatives available that are backed by science such as drone surveillance and a shark spotters program.”
WATCH THE REPLAY: BONNEY CANDIDATES DEBATE
Legalise Cannabis Queensland candidate Ingrid Weber explained her party’s position on supporting affording medical use of cannabis rather than having people rely on the black market.
“To me it represents pro-choice. Cannabis users deserve the same respect as pharmaceutical users. I believe in our civil rights,” she said.
Mr Hart and Mr Bartholomew clashed when asked about the light rail route heading south to Palm Beach.
Mr Bartholomew said he was working for a three month consultancy period on light rail.
“It will be a thorough proper consultancy. Let’s do a survey on what people really want in the electorate,”
Mr Hart asked if the route was part of the consultancy.
“I want everyone in Palm Beach to have their say. I want a proper consultancy,” Mr Bartholomew replied.
LIVE STREAMS STILL TO COME AT GOLDCOASTBULLETIN.COM.AU
THURSDAY, 7.30: COOMERA CANDIDATES DEBATE
FRIDAY, NOON: GAVEN CANDIDATES DEBATE
Originally published as QLD Election 2020: MP Michael Hart backs fauna overpass for light rail