Gold Coast Election: Daphne McDonald makes poll announcement in Palm Beach and Burleigh race

A veteran Gold Coast councillor has revealed she will stand again in the March poll - because she’s concerned about a big issue facing the southern Gold Coast.

VETERAN councillor Daphne McDonald will contest the next month’s council poll, branding herself as an environmental warrior to stop overdevelopment at Palm Beach and Burleigh.

But the senior councillor, with 29 years of experience, is being criticised by a rival for focusing too much on past achievements and not finding solutions fast enough as 13 cranes operate near the beachfront.

Councillor McDonald quashed speculation about retirement by confirming she would contest the March 28 election in a newsletter to residents.

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Cranes at Palm Beach. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

“My first major battle ignited the warrior in me,” Cr McDonald wrote. “Residents were trapped in a 10-year table, being ignored by all levels of government. Their homes were sinking.”

But her campaigning for a $3.5 million compensation fund for properties impacted by a sewer system was a reminder that “everything is impossible until it’s done”.

Cr McDonald urged residents to “take a walk, a drive, a ride around our stunning suburbs” and see the community halls, new library, Pirate Park and Oceanway.

“Environmental protection is what I’ve fought for since day one of representing Division 13,” she wrote.

“Yes, everyone, including myself, are concerned about overdevelopment. Persistence pays off. Recently I initiated the Palm Beach Analysis character study.

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Cr Daphne McDonald hands out information and speaks to locals at a Palm Beach meeting. Picture Glenn Hampson

“I’m looking forward to the outcomes that should ensure while we can’t hold back progress, we can work to encourage respect for our best assets and lifestyle.”

Division 13 candidate Katrina Beikoff said the feedback from extensive door knocking was the community wanted immediate solutions to protect “the best part of the Gold Coast”.

Ms Beikoff and ABC morning presenter Bern Young are standing against Cr McDonald in the new division which stretches north to include Burleigh under boundary changes.

“What may have worked in the past is clearly not the solution for the big issues our community is facing now and as we move forward,” Ms Beikoff said. “We can’t keep looking backwards as what we value is eroded before our eyes.”

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Division 13 Gold Coast City Council candidate Katrina Beikoff.

She said her policy platform was focused on addressing traffic and parking issues, and putting forward a blueprint for the best bikeway and pedestrian travel on the Coast.

“I will manage development better and more sustainably. I will continue to support the amazing work done by our community organisations and volunteers. I will support our businesses and will help foster our distinct talents in areas such as wellness, environment, education, music and the creative arts,” she said.