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Redlands voters take to the polls

It’s been an election with a difference, but now the polls have closed. Follow our blog for Redland City Council updates.

ballot voting vote box politics choice election
ballot voting vote box politics choice election

THE 2020 Redland City Council election will go down as one of the weirdest ever for some.

On a day that saw none of the usual hustle bustle of election day, there may never be another election day like it.

UPDATE 9.55pm: QUEENSLAND’S controversial local government elections, heavily criticised for being held during the coronavirus pandemic, are threatening to descend into farce tonight.

At 9.30pm, hardly any results had been released, with some Brisbane wards having only a handful of votes counted, according to the Electoral Commission of Queensland website.

The ECQ has blamed technical difficulties on its website for slow results, saying the counting of ballots has gone on as expected.

“Technical issues are slowing the display of count results on the ECQ website,” a spokeswoman said.

“Our team is working on resolving them. Results will be available on the website as soon as possible,” she said.

UPDATE 8.35pm: It’s still far too early to call, but the first votes are trickling in in the mayoral race for Redland City Council. With 2039 votes counted, mayor Karen Williams has 43.66 per cent of the vote, closely followed by Claire Richardson on 37.8 per cent.

UPDATE 8.15pm: Around 750,000 voters have had their say today in the 2020 local government elections  

Their voices have been added to the more than 1.2 million electors who voted early and the 570,000 electors who received a postal vote.

 Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said these early figures suggest around 75 per cent turnout rate overall, although the final turnout will be determined after return of postal votes.

 “This is approaching the turnout for the 2016 local government elections, which is an extraordinary result, given the circumstances,” he said.

“Heading into polling day, early voting levels were already high, with 55 percent of eligible voters choosing to pre-poll, or apply for a postal or telephone vote.

 “Our telephone voting line was extremely busy, with more than 175,000 people calling our 1300 number and over 45,000 electors registering for telephone voting.

 “I want to assure voters who tried to vote, but did not get the opportunity to do so, that you will get a chance to tell us about your circumstances,” Mr Vidgen said.

“Preliminary counting is now underway, and results will be published on the ECQ website as they become available throughout the evening.

 “The official count will begin tomorrow, and we look forward to the participation of scrutineers in that process, as usual.

 “We have altered our counting practices to ensure that social distancing is preserved meaning the count will take a little longer than usual.

 “There are also 570,000 postal votes to be included in the count, and these must be received by the ECQ by 5pm on Tuesday 7 April.

 “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Queenslanders who voted in these extraordinary circumstances, as well as the thousands of staff who have worked tirelessly to deliver the elections,” Mr Vidgen said.

UPDATE: 6.15PM: Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen says early voting levels had been extraordinarily high across Queensland.

Mr Vigden said 55 per cent of eligible voters had chosen to pre-poll, or apply for a postal vote.

The first figures from the vote count are expected after 7pm.

MAYOR’S RAY OF SUNSHINE IN VIRUS DARKNESS

AFTER 16 years at Redlands City Council Mayor Karen Williams has seen plenty: the Great Financial Crisis, bushfires and astronomical rates rises (and reductions) but nothing quite like the chaos the COVID-19 virus is inflicting upon community right now.

“There are days when it’s tough — this week, the last two weeks for me have been really tough, just knowing that there are people out there that are losing their job every day ... but

you want to be there to serve them and do what you can to get some sense of normality... going through the thick and thin is what builds community.

“At the moment I think the future is about trying to rebuild after what we’re going to be facing over the next couple of months, potentially longer.

“And you really do need a steady hand on the wheel to get through that.

“In my experience with disaster management — I’ve actually had 12 years as chair of the local disaster management group — those partnerships with emergency services, they all come into play at times like this and I feel like I’m best placed to get us through the worst of this time.”

Speaking at Wellington Point today, on a day when she would usually would be bustling from polling booth to polling booth to meet voters and thank volunteers, Karen Williams reflected on a almost two decades of leadership.

“It’s an absolute privilege — through the thick and the thin, the good and the bad, to be able to serve the community that’s nurtured you ... you know they say it takes a village to raise a child and I feel like I’m a result of that great sense of community, so it’s always a privilege.”

Cr Williams was elected to Division 9 in 2004, and in 2012 — as Australia recovered from the GFC — successfully campaigned to become the region’s mayor.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

“One of the reasons I was inspired to run for mayor was to make sure we could bring back into line people’s expectations and the incredible cost of living... so we’ve since then managed to keep a downward pressure on rates.”

She said what would keep the region going this time around would be programs and projects previously planned and ready to go to boost the region’s economy.

“I think over the last few years its been about building those strong relationships, partnerships and the potential now to deliver $2 billion worth of projects to the city, and it can’t come at a better time for what we’re facing economically; to have those things ready to go and have shovels in the ground (to create local jobs).

“So that’s happened though partnerships... during this term of council we’ve managed to rebuild some unity amongst my colleagues, and I think that is a bonus for the city, being able to agree to disagree and be able to do it politely.”

While recent weeks have been testing for the Redlands’ mayor, there has been an especially bright beacon of hope keeping her going — her new daughter Rose.

“She has been my little ray of sunshine amongst the dark clouds of the COVID virus in the last number of days, my fourth generation Redlander named after my mother who was a refugee, who made a life for us here in the Redlands.

“(She’s) just a really lovely, timely addition to our family — she’s beautiful, my daughter and her husband are terrific parents and come what may I’ll have another role from now on in my life, and that will be being the world’s best grandmother, and supporting my kids and my husband as we start to enjoy this next generation of Redlander.”

- Kara Sonter

POPULAR BOOTH CLOSE TO EMPTY

IT’S election day in the Redlands but it doesn’t seem like it at Capalaba College’s Senior Campus.

Usually one of the busiest voting booths in Division 9, it was empty this morning with only a few people walking in and out.

Incumbent councillor Paul Gleeson said, who was first elected in 2012, said it was the weirdest election he had been a part of due to the recent outbreak of the coronavirus.

“There’s definitely been strong numbers at pre-poll during the week,” he said.

“But it’s all up in the air, usually you can get a gauge from the polling booths on what’s going to happen when people come up to you, give you a wink and say they voted for you and that type of thing.

“But this week you kind of have no idea.”

Paul Gleeson, file photo (AAP Image/Regi Varghese)
Paul Gleeson, file photo (AAP Image/Regi Varghese)

Cr Gleeson said he still felt slightly confident after a period of uncertainty late last year.

“I wasn’t sure if I was going to run again but I decided to,” he said.

“I don’t feel like there’s a big demand for change in the Redlands.”

He also expected independent candidate Allison Wicks to put up the strongest competition.

Another voting booth in Division 9 which is usually busy at election time is Coolnwynpin State School.

And while voters were scarce, the few who turned up believed it was ridiculous the election was going ahead during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s crap,” one elderly man, who wished to remain unnamed, said.

“It’s just a money building exercise, they know a lot of people won’t turn up because of what’s happening so they get the $130 fine.

“It’s crazy that in all other areas of our life they’re telling us to stay away from others but they want us to come and line up and vote.”

Another voter said the coronavirus had an impact on how much he cared about the election.

“I don’t care who wins or loses now to be honest,” he said.

Redlands City Council Mayor Karen Williams commented on Redlands Community News’ Facebook video about the empty voting booths in the area this morning.

FOLLOW REDLANDS COMMUNITY NEWS ON FACEBOOK

“The state government ECQ has insisted that elections proceed,” she said.

“We (council) asked for a full postal vote last year but it was denied. I also asked for an extension of time for postal vote applications also denied.

“Crowds have been well managed during the early voting period and a record number of people have already voted.

“Stay safe. Take your own pencil and keep the distance stipulated by the Qld Health Officer.”

- Brayden Heslehurst

POLITICIANS TRADE BARBS

A CANDIDATE for the Redland City Council has claimed the local federal member will have a bigger impact on today’s election results than the coronavirus.

As usually popular voting booths across the area were almost empty today, that hasn’t stopped local politicians from trading barbs as residents decide who will represent them for the next four years.

Independent candidate for Division 9 Adelia Berridge said she knew some voters would stay away because of COVID-19 but said Federal Member for Bowman Andrew Laming was trying to have a major influence in the election.

“While COVID-19 is keeping some voters away, my division knows no fury like the force Division 9 has had from the LNP Federal member Andrew Laming,” she said.

Andrew Laming. File photo (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
Andrew Laming. File photo (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

“Using his office to phone, text, email and letter box to voters in my division and also Division 7 persuading them to vote for his independent candidates.

“Laming’s unfair advantage to (Allison) Wicks and (Rowanne) McKenzie will cause more imbalances in this election than the COVID-19 virus.”

“Personally, I’m feeling done over like the dog’s dinner today and this has nothing to do with the virus. To have a federal office campaign against me and (Murray) Elliott to try to ensure their his candidates are voted in, is a hard blow. There’s no beating him (Mr Laming) at that game.”

But Mr Laming said the comments from Ms Berridge showed she wasn’t up to the job.

“I’m supporting thousands of people without a job today and this Greenie is worried about her opponents. It’s just embarrassing. Redlanders want party politics out of council and I am proud to have exposed Adelia for preferencing a paid-up ALP candidate and vice versa. “Redlanders can make up their mind decide today, without Adelia’s tirade.

“Redlands as a whole don’t want Labor/Green councillors and as the Federal MP I’ll always back actual independents rather than green fake independents.”

- Brayden Heslehurst

STRAINED CBD FACES COVID-19 RUIN

A QUIETLY confident incumbent reckons his business nous can help an already struggling bayside CBD survive coronavirus.

Redlands councillor for Division 2 Peter Mitchell banked on long-term growth for Cleveland.

“Business is never for the faint-hearted and this is another challenge,” he said.

“Long-term I remain as confident as ever but boy oh boy there is going to be some who just won’t make it in the short-term.

“For those who were already marginal it is going to be extremely tough.

“Quality businesses will be able to ride it out with a bit help from state and federal governments and the community.”

The Cleveland CBD, once known for its thriving coffee and boutique store culture, has been marred of recent years with businesses struggling to keep open their doors.

But Cr Mitchell said his business strategies for the bayside idyll had gained traction.

“Pre-coronavirus I was very confident for the quality businesses in the Cleveland CBD.

Although it was taking its time it was transforming.

Redlands incumbent for Division 2 Peter Mitchell was quietly confident at today's election.
Redlands incumbent for Division 2 Peter Mitchell was quietly confident at today's election.

“The strategic thinking I was trying to bring for its rejuvenation is now needed more than ever.

“Some of the initiatives I have been championing like the business concierge model have already gotten a leg-up and we need a lot more direct engagement with the businesses on the ground.

“So out of great challenge comes a great opportunity.

“With an increased shop local campaign I think this is going to bring out the best in us.”

Elected to council in 2016 as a member of Mayor Karen Williams’ team Cr Mitchell maintained his support for the controversial $1.4 billion Toondah Harbour proposal.

“The Ramsar convention does not preclude development,” Cr Mitchell said.

“I think there has been some mischief around Toondah.

“Unlike some others I am not afraid of the truth.

“Let’s have it assessed properly and then stare the truth in the face.

“If it can’t happen it can’t happen but if it can then let us make the most of it.”

- Marcel Baum

HOW LEADERS WILL RESCUE CITY FROM VIRUS DEVASTATION

THERE has never been a more crucial time for strong leadership in the Redlands.

Businesses have closed their doors, the region’s prominent aging population is a severe risk of deadly illness and families are struggling to put food on their tables — this is not the Redlands any council candidate signed up for, least of all those vying to be its next mayor.

However the city’s three mayoral candidates: David Curtin, Claire Richardson and incumbent Karen Williams have a plan to support their community and lead them through one of the darkest times in its history.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams at Wellington Point. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)
Redland City Mayor Karen Williams at Wellington Point. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Candidate Claire Richardson said the Redlands’ new council would need to focus on the region’s immediate needs (including basic services like clean water, wastewater treatment and waste removal) as its faces the COVID-19 pandemic and also back its local businesses.

“Council must take the lead as a central source of information to the community, as well as

ensuring everyone has access to food, medical treatment and essential supplies and services,” Dr Richardson said.

“Council also has an important role to play in supporting local businesses and in addressing broader community issues that will emerge in the coming weeks, such as social isolation.

“The newly elected councillors will need to rapidly assimilate relevant information about the council (disaster management) response, as well as participating in training about their new role.

“In the short-term, it is vital for newly elected Councillors to be in a position to provide guidance to the local community and businesses about sources of advice about health and support and services being made available by Council and other agencies.

“The longer term challenge will be addressing the socio-economic issues that our community will face in the future.

“Councillors will play an important roles in supporting and communicating with have our community as we progress through these challenging times and as we go through the recovery process.

TOP REDLANDS ELECTION ISSUES

HOW COVID-19 IS AFFECTING BAY ISLANDS

BUSINESSES SHARE VIRUS, ELECTION ISSUES

As the closest level of government to the community, Dr Richardson said the council must give clear, “but responsive and compassionate leadership” to “overcome the challenges of the current situation with dignity and respect”.

Incumbent mayor Karen Williams said the residents had been“telling me they need certainty and stability right now” and pointed to fastracking the region’s growth to support the economy.

“They want to know that we can move quickly to break ground on the projects that are going to deliver jobs and help them keep food on the table.

“Under my leadership there has already been a lot of work done on those projects, with $2 billion of investment that will deliver more than 1500 jobs already on the horizon.

“Right now we need experience to see those projects through so local mums and dads can support their families and local businesses can thrive.

“When I was first elected 16 years ago it was a steep learning curve, but there is no doubt the learning curve that will greet the incoming council will be the steepest yet.”

She said the new team would need to unite and move quickly to support residents.

“Councillors will also have to be innovative to respond to the pandemic, we will have to think outside the box and we will have to call on networks from other local governments to share learnings and information.

“Outside of financial relief we will also need to do what we can to generate employment.

“We have $2 billion of investment on the cards in Redland City, which has the potential to generate more than 1500 jobs for local mums and dads.

“We need to ensure as many of those jobs go to locals as possible.

“Council will also need to focus on supporting our island and ageing communities... council will need to be on the ground speaking with these communities and ensuring they have the support and supplies they need.”

Candidate David Curtin has pledged to “reboot the Redlands” and has referred online to the

Redland mayoral candidate David Curtin.

Redland mayoral candidate David Curtin.

struggle facing local businesses, highlighting it as a top priority.

“Please support local businesses! #BuyLocal and support our local economy,” he said.

“Businesses are really struggling at the moment and they need our community to support them.

“Stop shopping online and support local jobs.”

- Kara Sonter

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/redlands/redlands-voters-take-to-the-polls/news-story/4146761e354f66666539f0818a30ebe0