Sunshine Coast mayor candidate Michael Burgess spotted remove election signs on Nicklin Way, Minyama

A Sunshine Coast mayoral candidate who was spotted removing corflute signs of his competitors has attempted to explain his actions. Here’s what he said.

The stretch of Nicklin Way, Minyama after the election signs were removed by Michael Burgess. Picture: Michael Burgess

A Sunshine Coast mayoral candidate who was spotted removing corflute signs of his competitors has attempted to explain his actions.

Michael Burgess was spotted by members of the public removing election signs along Nicklin Way, Minyama around 9am on Sunday, March 10.

While initially his identity was not made clear, it became apparent after a photo of him was circulated online by Cr Joe Natoli.

“A member of the public contacted me saying she saw a guy pulling out signs, so she took a photo of him and then sent a photo of Michael Burgess,” Mr Natoli said.

“It’s very disappointing to see that a mayoral candidate takes the law upon himself for whatever reason, it’s not up to him to be taking the law into his own hands.

“It’s poor form, it’s really disappointing.

“I just cannot believe that he has the audacity to go around pulling people’s signs down.”

Sunshine Coast mayoral candidate Michael Burgess spotted at a shopping complex shortly after the election signs were removed along Nicklin Way, Minyama. Picture: Supplied

Buddina resident Bob Clements captured a photo of Mr Burgess as he was leaving the shopping complex near where the election signs were erected.

“I saw him knocking the signs over, physically pulling the signs out and throwing them on the ground and near the bushes outside Kawana Surf Outlet along Nicklin Way,” Mr Clements said.

“I wondered who this bloke was, so he was just driving out of the car park at Nicklin Way there and I took a photo of him to see if anybody recognised who he was.

“When I shared the photo everybody told me that it was Michael Burgess.”

Sunshine Coast mayoral candidate Michael Burgess spotted leaving a shopping complex near where the election signs were pulled out along Nicklin Way, Minyama. Picture: Supplied

That same morning, Mr Burgess was seen at a meet the candidates event at La Balsa Park, wearing the exact same outfit as pictured in the photo.

In an attempt to justify his actions, Mr Burgess alleged the road side corflute signs interfered with him being able to open the door of his vehicle, despite his vehicle being seen parked at the shopping complex.

Sunshine Coast mayoral contender Michael Burgess at a candidate event at La Balsa Park, Buddina. Picture: Supplied

“I was trying to get out of my truck and they interfered with my car door, so I took out two I think,” Mr Burgess claimed.

The incident comes after Mr Burgess posted online advocating for the removal of election signs.

Sunshine Coast mayoral candidate Michael Burgess advocating for the removal of election signage online.

“If those signs are interfering with people’s proper use of the facilities of the community, should they ask themselves whether they have a right to remove them?,” he posed.

An Electoral Commission of Queensland spokeswoman said the display of signage comes under the authority of multiple agencies.

“The display of election signs is a matter for either the local council or Department of Transport and Main Roads, and the theft of property, including election signs, is a matter for the Queensland Police,” the spokeswoman said.

“If candidates or other election participants are concerned about the impact of stolen or damaged signs, they should first file a police report, then contact the ECQ for guidance.”

Candidates are encouraged to confirm election signage requirements with the Department of Transport and Main Roads and their local council prior to displaying any signage.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads can take compliance action if an election sign creates a road safety or traffic efficiency problem on a state-controlled road.