Call for candidates to run in Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden division on the Gold Coast

A senior city councillor is calling for candidates to take over Gold Coast division, as his suspended colleague defends murder changes.

A senior city councillor is encouraging residents to stand in the council division of Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden, as his suspended colleague defends murder changes.

William Owen-Jones, on his Facebook page, posted the “important message” for Labrador, Arundel, Parkwood and Molendinar residents” after seeking advice from the Local Government Department.

His call on residents to consider running for next year’s poll occurs against a backdrop of rising community anger about the lack of representation as ratepayers fund two salaries.

Former councillor Margaret Grummitt was selected to replace Cr Bayldon-Lumsden but her role has been largely administrative – she cannot enter the Evandale Chamber.

Councillors privately have discussed how to resolve the resident backlash. But Cr Owen-Jones is the first to raise it publicly.

At least two community representatives want to stand but are yet to announce.

Cr Owen-Jones emphasised he was making the call-out for candidates “in the most respectful of all manners”.

But candidates must “get their skates on and have a crack” before the March 2024 poll.

Cr William Owen-Jones — “respectfully” asking candidate to stand. Picture by Scott Fletcher.

He said only a voluntary resignation from Cr Bayldon-Lumsden would trigger a casual vacancy appointment, similar to when Shelley Curtis replaced Cameron Caldwell after he won the recent Fadden by election for the LNP.

“There are currently 30,000 plus residents on the electoral roll who deserve to be represented in the council chambers,” Cr Owen-Jones said.

“In my opinion, those residents deserve a strong voice, someone who is prepared to stand up and speak for them in the next council.”

The Parkwood Wave Park project would be decided by council at its meeting next month.

“In eleven years I have been a councillor, it’s the first and only time that I can recall where a major application has not had the benefit of the divisional representative in the room,” Cr Owen-Jones said.

“That’s really disappointing. Looking further forward than the Wavepark application, the residents of Arundel will also not be represented if the Arundel Hills Golf Club application arrives for a decision in early 2024. That’s even more disappointing.”

The wave pool and surrounding buildings planned at Parkwood on the Gold Coast.

Cr Owen-Jones had announced his retirement early to allow candidates to run a lengthy campaign in his Helensvale division. He said the poll was less than 150 days away.

“If you like hard work, lots of reading, people and want to serve your community in making decisions that impact on every Gold Coaster here is your chance. Division 7 needs you to step forward,” he said.

Residents have responded by giving the post the “thumbs up”.

Cr Bayldon-Lumsden has rebranded his Facebook page “Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden Gold Coast” and continued to promote and attend some community events

Cr Bayldon-Lumsden in a recent update on his page about the country club development application said residents could make a submission either “for, against or neutral” before October 17.

Councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden —when in the council chamber at budget. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Officers have been involved in planning talks to ensure the $300 million surfing tourist attraction at Parkwood does not impact on flooding and cause noise issues for residents.

The project aims to include a 300m-long surf park, a $10m refurbished golf course, a hotel, 225 residential units and a food and beverage district.

Jason Murakami, the lawyer for Cr Bayldon-Lumsden, 30, has said he will be pleading not guilty to the murder of his stepfather Robert Lumsden. Legal proceedings could stretch into 2024.

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