Revealed: The best way a Gold Coast candidate can win an election campaign

Voting in the state election starts with pre-poll on Monday. Before you vote – what’s your verdict on roadside roundabout placard waving?

Voting in the State election starts with pre-poll on Monday. What do you think of the campaign so far? Have you enjoyed the morning roadside roundabout placard waving?

At Coomera in the city’s north, One Nation candidate Nick Muir and his campaign manager Gina Mitchell have been dancing on the footpaths, performing for the peak-hour gridlock.

The response at Ormeau, on the corner of Creek Street and Eggersdorf Road, showed motorists were enjoying the political antics.

“The roadsides have been a blast and we’ve got a great response with them,” Mr Muir told your columnist

One Nation Coomera candidate Nick Muir and his campaign manager Gina Mitchell say they had huge success with their "roadside" campaign during the 2024 State election.

But further south, at Pacific Pines, a hospitality worker, pouring a beer in my northern electorate, where dozens of campaigners crowded the roundabouts, told me: “I don’t like it. I think it’s tacky”.

Which brings into play the debate of how does a candidate or party best run a campaign?

From my poll conversations and observations, voters fit into these categories:

* They don’t know an election is on, and when told, quickly ask about the fine for not voting.

* They are involved heavily in the campaign – both Labor and LNP – and when asked who will win, reply: “I’m in the bubble and it’s too close to it to tell”.

* They are impacted positively business-wise by campaign workers entering their bar or cafe but miffed when the political “army” start rearranging the seating of regular customers.

* They want to sit down and have an honest conversation with Premier Steven Miles and Opposition leader David Crisafulli about “cost of living” – these people are hurting.

Campaigners say they revert to roadside waving because they must engage the first group.

“‘Roadsiding’ breaks down barriers. When you knock on their door, they know who you are,” an LNP campaigner says.

“It’s about letting them know something is going on (an election), and when you do knock on their door you’re not trying to sell their houses.”

The candidate calls it “roadside door knocking” because some motorists stop to chat.

But the key is balance. Too much signage, too many campaigners and it’s a turn-off. In Burleigh, LNP’s Hermann Vorster, an experienced campaigner, has doorknocked homes twice.

Hermann Vorster, the LNP candidate for Burleigh in the 2024 State poll.

In Gaven, Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon has walked a similar path. She has fewer signs, and often sits alone at a shopping centre stand.

The LNP having endorsed former television reporter Bianca Stone, and is not shy. They’ve placed a sign fronting the electorate office.

“I think anyone who thinks signs are going to change people’s minds is naive, and my focus is on talking to people,” Ms Scanlon says.

“I think that the most important thing that candidates can do is to listen to the community that you want to represent, and put forward policies that address those issues people are raising.”

Labor’s campaign has included telephoning residents. Everything suggests a tight race.

Premier Stephen Miles at the Nerang “bowlo”. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled.

At the Nerang bowlo, punters are not shy about debating their MP. This is old school on the stump politics, where unlike social media at day’s end there can be some sort of agreement, even if it about enjoying the cold beer and chicken parmigiana.

Either side of politics, to win, you must find the heart of community – and then talk.

CREATING A MUNSTER

A revamped Hermann Vorster sign at Palm Beach.

The most creative piece of graffiti relating to the state poll is at Burleigh where the LNP has backed former councillor Hermann “Robocop” Vorster to retain the seat.

Your columnist was sent a corflute showing Robocop’s face now resembling the iconic 70s television comic horror hero Herman Munster. Labor are not claiming the artwork as theirs. “I’ve got some creative supporters, I met when door knocking some time ago,” Robocop replied when asked if he could shed some light.

“They’ve brought an inside joke into the public sphere. I think it’s hilarious.”

TOUCHING MOMENT

Jordan Pritchett, who heads up Gold Coast Touch, is being recognised for his consistent off-field hard work.

He is among four nominees in the Queensland Touch Football awards for Administrator of the Year. The nomination – if it’s a winner – will be applauded at Southport’s Owen Park.

Recently a 17-year-old arrived without his boots for a 6pm start to a mixed adults game, and Jordan handed across his size 12s. The teenager left with smile as big as his sidestep.

CULTURE OF CONFLICT

Biggest political row in the city? Forget about the state poll.

City CEO Tim Baker is caught in a cultural heritage debate with Jabree Ltd claiming council needs to consult its leaders and not another group on development sites.

Wesley Aird from Jabree is taking the fight to city hall with political strategist Graham Staerk, his former Southport schoolmate, beside him offering advice. Recent meetings led to a walkout.

LENS ON SURVIVORS

Clients of the Gold Coast Centre against Sexual Violence have created a stunning photography exhibition, showing their journey of survival.

Using PhotoVoice and funded by the state government, Healing Through The Lens of Survivors is at the Creative Arts Studio at Australia Fair.

Viewing is from 10.30am to 1.30pm most days until October 18, starting a month of reflection on what is one of our city’s most challenging issues.