Shock reveal: the serial pest who targets Gold Coast MP on the campaign trail

The State 2020 election on the Gold Coast has already got down in the gutter. A serial pests targets an LNP MP. READ THE STUNNING SAGA

UPDATE: A SERIAL pest is again targeting a Gold Coast MP vandalising his signs as the State election campaign heats up on the Gold Coast.

Southport MP Rob Molhoek on his Facebook page posted: “Same guy has been doing this since my first tilt at State politics back in 2012. At least you can still see my name.”

Mr Molhoek told The Bulletin the vandalism had regularly occurred around Benowa Road and Cotlew Street at Ashmore.

Poll vandalism: serial pest returns in the State election campaign on the Gold Coast, damaging signs by Southport LNP MP Rob Molhoek.

“This is someone who has a black spray can. He has been doing this for my last three elections,” he said.

“I haven’t been able to catch him. Someone saw an elderly gentleman at a roundabout at night doing it in the last election. If anybody spots him, give us a call.”

Mr Molhoek has had to buy special spray remover at the start of each campaign to tend the damaged signs during the day.

He is more understanding of others who have snipped at the rope ties on his signage but left the corflutes on the ground undamaged.

“I’ve always shrugged it off. That’s their right democratically to express their view,” he said.

At the first Meet the Candidates breakfast at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, Mr Molhoek admitted he was running again because “I’ve got some unfinished business, as does the LNP”.

Rob Molhoek MP preparing for the campaign. Picture: Jerad Williams.

“Sadly we’ve seen over the last five years the frittering away of opportunities by the Labor government,” he said.

“As a former councillor I worked very hard to deliver the infrastructure the Gold Coast needs. When I say we have unfinished business, there is a lot.

“There’s still road upgrades that need to be done, we need the second M1, and we need Ray Stevens and Gary Baildon’s vision of a light rail and heavy rail network to be completed connecting every part of the Gold Coast.”

ALP Southport candidate Susie Gallagher told chamber members: “The Gold Coast has been doing it tough, and as a former board member of the Chamber of Commerce I know Southport has been doing it tough for a long time.

Susie Gallagher — speaking up for Southport businesses. Picture: Jerad Williams.

“The Palaszczuk Government has a (Spit) masterplan that will see projects fast-tracked to support jobs and enhance liveability, safety and accessibility.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s nation-leading health response has kept Queenslanders safe and healthy, and put our state in the best possible position for economic recovery.

“I’m looking forward to delivering this as part of our Gold Coast Labor team.”

EARLIER:

LABOR is having a serious dig at the Gold Coast seat of Southport by preselecting a high profile local identity.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced Susie Gallagher will join her team to contest the seat held by the LNP’s Rob Molhoek who won in 2017 with 57.2 per cent of the vote.

Labor had a swing of 0.6 per cent. The seat was previously held by Labor Coast veteran Peter Lawlor.

The Bulletin has been aware of the speculation about Ms Gallagher standing but the party refused to comment.

Ms Gallagher ran in the recent council election as an independent. She is the managing director of Own2Feet, a disability service provider.

MP Rob Molhoek. Picture: Jerad Williams

The Premier said Ms Gallagher had the experience and energy to be a strong voice for the Southport electorate.

“We need local champions like Susie to help deliver our COVID-19 economic recovery plan in their area, to support businesses, restore local jobs, and encourage more industry to future-proof our great state,” she said.

“Economies around the world have been impacted by the global coronavirus pandemic.

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Australia is not immune. Queensland is not immune. We’re continuing to manage the health response and Queensland’s plan for economic recovery is well underway. That means we’re supporting local businesses and local jobs.”

Ms Gallagher said she was proud to be part of a team which she regards as being “on the side of all Queenslanders”.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s nation leading health response has kept Queenslanders safe and healthy, and put our state in the best possible position for economic recovery,” Ms Gallagher said.

“I will work alongside our Southport community to reinvigorate local businesses and get Queenslanders back to work.”

Susie Gallagher. Picture: Jerad Williams

Ms Gallagher said she was committed to backing job creating projects on the Gold Coast including M1 upgrades, creating more than 2000 jobs, and the next stage of the Gold Coast light rail creating 760 jobs.

Queensland Labor State secretary Julie-Ann Campbell said the Government was leading Queenslanders through the pandemic and is now implementing the economic recovery.

“The LNP wanted to open the borders early putting the safety of every Queenslander at risk,” Ms Campbell said.

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“There is no greater risk to our economic recovery than Deb Frecklington and the LNPs constant cuts to Queensland jobs, hospitals and schools.”

Labor previous candidate announcement was legendary former surfing champion Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew standing against the LNP’s Michael Hart in Burleigh.