Gold Coast City Council election 2024: Election day updates and winners
A victorious Tom Tate has claimed a mandate to roll out a multi-billion dollar infrastructure agenda across the next four years and set the city up for decades of prosperity. LATEST NUMBERS
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A victorious Tom Tate has claimed a mandate to roll out a multi-billion dollar infrastructure agenda across the next four years and set the city up for decades of prosperity.
The light rail Stage 4 extension from Burleigh Heads to the border, a boutique stadium, an expansion of the Home of the Arts (HOTA) and $1bn waste-to-energy facility will be at the top of the list after Mr Tate triumphed at Saturday’s election.
The incumbent won a fourth term in office after securing 51.64 per cent of the vote and more than 129,252 votes at the close of counting on Saturday night.
His nearest challenger, former councillor Eddy Sarroff recorded 20.9 per cent, or 52,300 votes.
A triumphant Mr Tate said he was ready to hit the ground running and hit the green light on the big-ticket projects he pitched during the campaign.
“I am buoyant and ecstatic because of what I have got planned for the Gold Coast now that I have a mandate to do it,” he said.
“Light rail Stage 4, the lyric theatre at HOTA and the waste-to-energy plant, these are big projects and the people have said, ‘Tom, have a crack’, so I will.
“In democracy, we all have different views but now we should all fall in and work together as team Gold Coast.”
Mr Tate is expected to be sworn in again in early April once the writs are returned.
Announced during the campaign, Mr Tate wants to:
* Fast-track the light rail extension to the border by 2032, beginning in 2026.
* Built two multistorey carparks in Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach to service the trams.
* Fund the expansion of HOTA to include a new theatre.
* Cease using landfills after 2036 in favour of a revolutionary $2 billion Advanced Resource Recovery Centre (ARRC) in the Yatala-Stapylton area which is being touted as critical recycling step for the City saving more than $1.8bn.
*Build a 10-12,000 seat boutique stadium on a location near the light rail to host mid-level concerts and sporting events.
Mr Tate, who was first elected in 2012, celebrated his victory at the Southport Bowls Club on Saturday night with a crowd of more than 100 supporters, including former Gold Coast tourism boss Paul Donovan, events and hospitality figure Billy Cross, former Bulletin editor Bob Gordon and his former mayoral chief of staff Wayne Moran.
The Mayor and his wife Ruth also celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary with two glasses of Glenmorangie whisky, the mayoress’ favourite.
Mr Tate entered his victory celebrations to the sounds of Shannon Noll’s single Shine, before being serenaded with a cover of Tina Turner’s (Simply) The Best.
THE NEW CREW
At least four new councillors will take their place in the chambers, claiming seats where long-serving incumbents did not contest.
But some face a “nervous 24 hours” while they await counting to resume to see if their leads are maintained.
Naomi Fowler is on track to replace William Owen-Jones as the new Division 2 councillor, having secured 72.49 per cent of the vote against Ben Findlay.
“I am thrilled with the early results of the election and feel privileged to have the opportunity to serve as the next Division 2 Councillor,” she said.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my opponent, Ben Findlay, for his campaign.
“It takes a lot to put yourself out there as a candidate, and I have a lot of respect for all who put their hand up across our city.
“I would also like to personally thank William Owen-Jones for his 12 years of service for the Gold Coast and locally in Division 2 and I wish him and Mandy all the very best for what is next.
“To everyone in Division 2 who voted for me, thank you. I am looking forward to serving with the new Council for the next 4 years.”
Josh Martin leads Nikki Archer in Palm Beach and Burleigh’s Division 13, having secured 54.89 per cent of the vote so far.
However Mr Martin was reluctant to claim victory in replacing the outgoing Daphne McDonald.
“It’s early days, with less than half the vote counted so far, so I am certainly to celebrating at the moment,” he said.
“It’s great to see my campaign is off to a great start (in counting) but I’ll be keeping a lid on it until we see the results of early voting.”
In Division 12, which takes in Mermaid Beach and Miami, Nick Marshall holds a lead with 41.92 per cent of the vote, followed by Cathy Osborne on 30.5 per cent and prominent real estate agent Luke Henderson on 27.58 per cent.
Incumbent councillor Pauline Young, who backed Mr Marshall, retired after two terms in office.
Real estate agent and former professional cricketer Dan Doran took a commanding lead over fellow candidate Nic Rone in Robina and Varsity Lakes’ Division 11, which was held by the retiring Hermann Vorster.
Mr Doran secured 57.87 per cent of the vote counted so far to Mr Rone’s 42.13 per cent.
THE DIVISIONAL BATTLE
Murder-accused councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden is facing defeat in his re-election bid while the fate of another incumbent hangs in the balance.
Mr Bayldon-Lumsden, the one-term Division 7 representative who has been suspended from office on full pay since August 2023, received 20.54 per cent of the vote at the time counting closed late on Saturday night.
This placed him third between Joe Wilkinson and Jenna Schroeder, who have so far received 24.46 per cent and 23.91 per cent of the vote respectively.
He was leading early in the count but failed to secure Arundel, the biggest booth and his most popular – he went to school there.
A scrutineer said: “It looks likely Joe will win the primary vote. Ryan isn’t even in the final two. It will be close.
“It’s looks unlikely Ryan will get back in. It will come down to preferences.”
Mr Bayldon-Lumsden was suspended by the state government after being charged with the murder of his stepfather Robert Lumsden, 58, at their Arundel home on August 23 last year.
His legal team has entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge.
Division 7 was among the most hotly contested of this year’s election, with six candidates, including the incumbent.
Mr Wilkinson spent Sunday with his family cutting down election signage and said both he and the community were “playing the waiting game” before counting resumes on Monday.
Meanwhile, second-term Coolangatta councillor Gail O’Neill was trailing Kath Down by 162 votes, with Ms Down currently holding 46.35 per cent of the vote to Ms O’Neill’s 44.39 per cent.
The other incumbent councillors all largely were returned with ease.
In the city’s far north, planning boss Mark Hammel secured nearly 80 per cent of the vote in Division 1 while Deputy Mayor Donna Gates secured 58.3 per cent in Division 1.
Hinterland councillors Peter Young and Glenn Tozer were both returned, with 61.32 per cent and 70.98 per cent respectively.
Southport councillor Brooke Patterson had secured 50.77 per cent of the vote counted so far while challenger Samantha Delmege trailed on 38.85 per cent.
Ms Patterson thanked both supporters and her opponents.
“I am grateful for all the supportive messages I have received from residents and community group representatives since the positive results came in,” she said.
“Democracy works when people are willing to take a stand for the greater good.
“Division 6 had three candidates willing to do that and that is something to be celebrated.”
While behind, Ms Delmege refused to concede defeat and said she was confident the result would come down tot he wire.
“It’s going to be a close one, though I would have liked it to be closer,” she said.
“I’m not calling it at all, I reckon it will go down to the wire.”
Surfers Paradise councillor Darren Taylor won just under 60 per cent of the vote against challenger Mona Hecke, while Carrara’s Bob La Castra was returned for an eighth term, with 67.02 per cent of the vote.
With the departure of Daphne McDonald, Mr La Castra becomes the longest-serving Gold Coast councillor, having first been elected in 1997.
8AM SUNDAY SUSPENDED COAST COUNCILLOR FACES SHOCK DEFEAT AS COUNTING GOES ON
Murder-accused councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden is on track to be defeated in his re-election bid while the fate of another incumbent hangs in the balance.
The one-term Division 7 representative, who has been suspended from office on full pay since August 2023, received 20.54 per cent of the vote at the time counting closed late on Saturday night.
This placed him third between Joe Wilkinson and Jenna Schroeder, who have so far received 24.46 per cent and 23.91 per cent of the vote respectively.
Mr Bayldon-Lumsden was suspended by the state government after being charged with the murder of his stepfather Robert Lumsden, 58, at their Arundel home on August 23 last year.
His legal team has entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge.
Meanwhile, Second-term Coolangatta councillor Gail O’Neill was training Kath Down by 162 votes, with Ms Down current holding 46.35 per cent of the vote to Ms O’Neill’s 44.39.
Tate victorious: Mayor wins record fourth-term as RBL faces defeat
Mayor Tom Tate is back in office for another four years as the fates of several incumbent Gold Coast councillors hang in the balance.
Naomi Fowler is on course to become one of the Gold Coast’s new city councillors.
Ms Fowler who ran the longest campaign, it stretched for 300 days, was an outstanding leader on the early count in Division 2.
At 9.14pm, she had secured 71.32 per cent of the vote. Booths at Helensvale north and Studio Village had been counted.
The other candidate, chaplain Ben Findlay, had almost 29 per cent of the vote.
This is the division where Councillor William Owen-Jones last year announced he would not be recontesting.
In the other divisions vacated by councillors, early trends show some candidates also have strong leads.
In Division 11, covering Robina and Varsity Lakes, Dan Doran has more than 73 per cent of the vote, with rival Nic Rone on 26.7 per cent.
In Division 13 which includes Palm Beach and Burleigh, Josh Martin (54.8 per cent) is ahead of Nikki Archer (45.6 per cent).
Further north in Division 12 taking in Mermaid Beach and Nobby Beach, Nick Marshall has 42.2 per cent of the vote.
The other candidates are splitting the rest of the vote - Cathy Osborne on 30.5 per cent and Luke Henderson on 27.58 per cent.
Meanwhile in Division 10, Councillor Darren Taylor is winning the race in the city’s tourism heart against Mona Hecke, according to early vote counting.
He is on 57.6 per cent of the vote. Ms Hecke has recorded 42.3 per cent.
But only just less than four per cent of the vote was counted by 9.30pm.
The booth breakdown shows Cr Taylor’s vote was as high as 63 per cent at Main Beach. He has had the backing of community groups there.
9PM - MURDER-ACCUSED COUNCILLOR IN DOUBT
Suspended councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden is unlikely to retain his council division, according to scrutineers.
He was leading early in the count but failed to secure Arundel, the biggest booth and his most popular - he went to school there.
Joe Wilkinson was leading in Arundel with 26.11 per cent of the vote. Cr Bayldon-Lumsden was second on 24.66 per cent.
Candidate Jenna Schroeder was winning Labrador, where she based herself today and had built up a huge following on a community Facebook page.
Her vote there was 31.35 per cent, ahead of Mr Wilkinson on 23.2 per cent. Cr Bayldon-Lumsden only had 13.94 per cent.
At 8.50pm in terms of the overall count, Joe Wilkinson was leading with 25.52 per cent of the vote. Ms Schroeder was on 24.10 per cent.
Cr Bayldon-Lumsden’s vote was 20.73 per cent.
A scrutineer said: “It looks likely Joe will win the primary vote. Ryan isn’t even in the final two. It will be close.
“It’s looks unlikely Ryan will get back in. It will come down to preferences. They are not counting them tonight.”
Meanwhile, veteran councillor Bob La Castra will be returned to council after a huge majority vote in his central Gold Coast division.
At 9pm, with 11 per cent of the vote counted, Cr La Castra was on almost 64 per cent of the vote.
His rival candidate, Monique Jeremiah, who was on Farmer Gets a Wife and runs Diversity Models, has polled just more than 36 per cent.
In some booths, like Robina, Cr La Castra had achieved more than 70 per cent of the vote.
Further south, a shock result in the Gold Coast election is the slow start to the count for sitting southern councillor Gail O’Neill, trailing her main rival.
Just after 9pm, with counts being put up in four booths - Kirra, Currumbin Waters, Tallebudgera Valley and Currumbin Valley - Cr O’Neill was behind on the primary vote.
She was on 44.6 per cent of the vote, with her main rival, Saving Southern Gold Coast’s Kath Down ahead on more than 46.5 per cent.
Benjamin Theakstone from the Animal Justice Party was on 8.85 per cent.
Cr O’Neill’s stronghold is Coolangatta but results had yet to flow in from there.
8.45PM - TATE DECLARES VICTORY
An elated Tom Tate has declared victory after being re-elected to a record fourth-term in office.
Mr Tate arrived at his victory celebrations at Southport Bowls Club at 8.15pm to the strains of the Shannon Noll track Shine where he received a rock star welcome from supporters.
Among those who attended the party were staff and friends, his former chief of staff Wayne Moran, former Gold Coast Tourism boss Paul Donovan and events boss Billy Cross.
Meanwhile, City planning chair Mark Hammel has recorded the strongest vote so far of any sitting councillor in the city’s most northern division.
At 8.16pm, Cr Hammel had more than 80 per cent of the vote.
His rival, Lisa Findlay, from the Animal Justice Party, had only 19 per cent of the vote.
The Party has posted only one corflute up at the Ormeau centre during two weeks of pre-poll.
8.10PM - DIVISION 7
Division 7 which is represented by suspended councillor Ryan Baydlon-Lumsden will be a tight race, on the early count.
He is behind, only just at the Arundel booth, which is regarded as his biggest and best booth. Joe Wilkinson has recorded 26.11 per cent of the vote.
Cr Bayldon-Lumsden is on 24.66 per cent.
8.05PM - DIVISION 13
Josh Martin has got off to a great start in the Palm Beach-Burleigh Heads division vacated by retiring councillor Daphne McDonald.
He has 62 per cent of the vote in Division 13. The booth is Burleigh north. Almost 38 per cent of the vote was counted there.
Nikki Archer is securing almost 38 per cent of the vote.
8pm - PATTERSON TAKES THE LEAD IN SOUTHPORT
Incumbent councillor Brooke Patterson in the Southport division is ahead on the early count.
At Bellevue Park, Cr Patterson has secured more than 57 per cent of the vote after more than 1500 votes were counted just before 8pm.
Sam Delmege was on 33 per cent and David Woodley had less than 9 per cent of the vote.
However, scrutineers are saying it is “line ball” in the bigger Southport booth.
Meanwhile, Hinterland councillor Glenn Tozer has taken a strong early lead, after counting started in the Mudgeeraba division.
At 8pm, Cr Tozer has secured more than 63 per cent of the vote. His rival, Sarah Denny had almost 37 per cent of the vote.
Only 318 votes had been counted.
In the city’s north, Deputy Mayor Donna Gates can relax with early voting trend showing she will romp home in her northern division.
Cr Gates at 8pm in division 3 had secured more than 67 per cent of the vote.
Her rivals, Tamzin Revell and Michael Banham, had both recorded about 16 per cent of the vote. About 2361 votes had been counted.
7.45PM - MARSHALL AHEAD IN DIVISION 12
Nick Marshall is well ahead in the retiring Pauline Young’s Mermaid Beach and Miami division.
Councillor Young has retired opening up the opportunity for new representation in the coastal suburbs where light rail is being built.
At 7.44pm with 880 votes counted, Mr Marshall had 47 per cent of the vote.
His two much higher profile rivals, Cathy Osborne (27 per cent) and Luke Henderson (24 per cent) were trailing.
The booth was at Miami east.
7.30pm - TATE SHOWS STRONG RESULTS IN CITY’S NORTH
Conservative LNP voters are helping Mayor Tom Tate establish a winning primary vote across the city.
The Bulletin has obtained numbers from scrutineers at the Paradise Point booth.
Those figures show that on the early count in Division Four, Mr Tate has secured 862 votes.
He is more than doubling his rival, Eddy Sarroff.
Gary Pead has 19, Danielle Dunsmore 70, Virginia Freeboody 23, Rosie Foster 39, Brett Lambert 19 and Jennifer Horsburgh 62.
Mr Sarroff has 356 votes. Lavinia Rampino has only secured 28 votes. The informal vote was 58, higher than for some of the candidates.
Mr Sarroff is expected to claw some of the vote, on a two candidate preferred basis, but preferences but not a lot.
“Many, many people just marked one box and but I did see a couple of sneaky preferences that will flow to Mr Tate as well,” a scrutineer said.
7.20PM - TATE SEIZES EARLY LEAD
First votes have been counted in the Gold Coast City Council election with Mayor Tom Tate well ahead.
At 7.15pm, Mr Tate had secured 46 per cent of the vote with 1647 votes counted.
Eddy Sarroff was a distant second on 18.9 per cent.
Jennifer Horsburgh of the Animal Justice Party was on 8.9 per cent.
In the north, the Bulletin has been told with 500 votes counted, Mr Sarroff only has two votes.
The Mayor has about 300 votes.
Mr Sarroff was unable to secure volunteers for northern booths.
Meanwhile, experienced green leaning councillor Peter Young has a commanding early lead in Nerang-Pacific Pines.
Early counting at 7.20pm shows Mr Young has secured more than 73 per cent of the vote.
His two opponents, Martin Vincent and Katherine Brooke are each recording about 12 per of the vote.
7PM - SLOW COUNTING
Counting is slowly beginning, with the first results still yet to be publicly released.
It’s understood that the count only began after 6.30pm.
Scrutineers have told the Bulletin Electoral Commission staff have begun to sort votes into piles, with some sitting councillors feeling relieved.
It’s understood incumbent Mayor Tom Tate is showing a strong early vote in the Paradise Point booth, with more than double that of challenger Eddy Sarroff.
Mr Tate is also understood to have had a “big win” at the Miami Primary School booth.
Scrutineers are also reporting a high number of so-called “donkey votes”.
6PM - POLLS CLOSED
Voting has ended in the 2024 Gold Coast City Council election.
The last votes were cast up until 6pm and the Electoral Commission of Queensland will soon begin counting and tabulating the results.
The first results were expected to become known by 6.30pm as candidates across the city endure a nervous wait to discover their fates
5PM: LAST-MINUTE VOTERS FLOCK TO BOOTHS
Hundreds of last-minute voters are still try to cast their ballots as the final hour of voting ticks on.
Long lines are being reported across the city, from Palm Beach to Southport.
Large crowds have continued to be seen at the Palm Beach Share and Care Club late into the afternoon.
Division 13 candidate Nikki Archer said voters were raising concerns about two major issues affecting Palm Beach.
“The trams and the impacts of them which include parking, creating a barrier to the beach,” she said.
“The second issue is the overdevelopment that’s interconnected with the weather we’re seeing the right development here along the tram line.”
Ms Archer said she was hopeful about winning the race for Division 13 by the end of the night.
Palm Beach local Aaron Davidson said he was concerned about the welfare of the community.
Asked about the most important issues the region is facing, Mr Davidson said traffic, crime and development was “disturbing”.
“In Palm Beach (I’m) a little bit concerned about the welfare of the community and the way the fundamental nature of the area is changing,” he said.
“It’s just disturbing - the way the high rises come through so quickly, the prospect of the light rail and a lot of issues regarding density.”
He said that the light rail decision has impacted the way he voted on Saturday.
4PM: Final hours: Candidates fights for votes before polls close
We’re in the final hours of voting before polls close at 6pm and counting begins. Candidates across the city are making their final pitches to late voters.
In Division 11, candidate Nic Rone said he was feeling “optimistic” in his two-horse race against Dan Doran.
“I’ve had a very big female contingent today which I’ve been happy about,” he said.
“At the moment it’s all a bit of a blur, you can imagine six months worth of campaigning and today, as well as the two weeks on top has literally been a blur”.
North, in Division 2, candidate Naomi Fowler said she was “feeling great” after campaigning for 300 days.
“I am relieved I’ve done the work because I am seeing a lot of friendly faces coming through the polls but it’s been a really long 300 days, it’s the longest job interview I’ve ever done,” she said.
“I’ve had about two hours of sleep and running on pure adrenaline and digging deep.”
Meanwhile, Division 7 candidate Joe Wilkinson says he is “baffled” by so many voters not being aware that their area councillor has been suspended.
Incumbent councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden was suspended by the state after being charged with the murder of his stepfather Robert Lumsden, 58, at their Arundel home on August 23 last year.
His legal team has entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge.
Mr Wilkinson said he had chosen to base himself at Arundel State School on polling day because it was the campus attended by Mr Bayldon-Lumsden.
Mr Wilkinson was the only candidate who at the booths has been in a “respectful” way alerting them to the councillor’s suspension.
“It has actually been in most cases a bit of shock to people. Not everyone is aware of this but still goes to the point of baffling me,” he said.
“Because unfortunately this now been almost six months of our community not having a representative in the council chamber. For them to be not aware of this is massive.
“I think they need to be informed of that. I’m doing it in a very polite and respectful manner. But at the end of the day, this is what has been happening.
“There’s no stories being made up about this. This is the facts of our situation. I want them to be informed when they go to vote.”
Mayoral candidate Danielle Dunsmore remains upbeat in the final hours of voting, despite not having slept overnight.
She said she had organised volunteers to hand out how-to-votes at a quarter of the city’s booths, strategically choosing the biggest ones.
“They are all my friends. They can all talk about why they are supporting me,” she said.
“I’ve had no sleep last night. We just finished two weeks. Yesterday was bonkers at Southport talking to people all day to 6pm.
“Then I did deliveries of T-shirts, then I was up at midnight. I thought I might just put up signs.
“I just started way up north at Yatala putting up signs at school.”
3.30PM - WHAT’S ON VOTERS’ MINDS
Housing and crime were on the minds of one first-time voter who admitted he was not “in the loop” on council politics.
Sonny Lee, 18 voted at the Varsity Lakes Community Centre on Saturday afternoon and said he was only aware of some candidates running in Division 11, which has been vacated by retiring councillor Hermann Vorster.
“I know Nic Rone and Dan Doran just because his name rhymes,” he said.
When asked about the most pressing issues in his division, Mr Lee said the housing crisis was on top of his list.
“Housing crisis issues and probably crime rate and youth crime, especially in Burleigh Heads,” he said.
“Apart from that I’m pretty out of the loop politics wise.”
Burleigh resident Pascal Nicolot said there was “no foresight” in the current council and he had lost confidence.
Mr Nocolot voted at Varsity Lakes community centre with his 18-year-old son.
Asked about his position on council and the most pressing issues in his division, Mr Nocolot said:“There’s no foresight anymore you know, that’s what I’d like to see”.
“We don’t have the confidence in the government that we used to have - getting things done and taking accountability,” he said.
“Let’s stop building buildings until we’ve got the infrastructure to handle the amount of people coming here.”
3PM - WHO DEPARTING COUNCILLORS ARE BACKING
Several retiring city councillors have shown their hand by supporting a candidate to replace them, which could determine the final poll result.
Councillor Pauline Young, who will not contest Division 12 covering Mermaid Beach and Miami, has urged voters on Saturday to “get it right”.
“We need a councillor who will stand up for everyone, not just the big end of town or special interest groups. That is why I’m supporting Nick Marshall,” she said.
Mr Marshall, a physiotherapist with strong surf club connections, is in a three-way contest with community campaigner Cathy Osborne and leading real estate identity Luke Henderson.
Retiring Helensvale councillor William Owen-Jones has backed Naomi Fowler against rival Ben Findlay in Division 2.
Ms Fowler, a managing director who has run a media-communication company, has staged a 300-day campaign. Mr Findlay, a school chaplain, is the only other candidate to put his hand up for the vacant division.
On Ms Fowler’s election brochure, Cr Owen-Jones wrote: “In February 2023 I made the decision not to recontest. I had a genuine hope that 12 months would give great candidates time to establish themselves and connect with our community.
“What I hoped for was a strong, determined, caring person with a genuine connection to the community and a background that will allow for effective local representation.
“I have no doubt Naomi Fowler is that person. I wish her all the best in the future.”
Ms Fowler said she was “extremely grateful” that Cr Owen-Jones announced so early his intentions not to recontest the election.
“It gave me enough time to connect with the community in a meaningful way since my candidacy announcement in May,” she said.
“Since then I’ve have undertaken a 300-day job interview including knocking on more than 10,000 doors, having more than 85 meetings with community and sporting groups and speaking with thousands of locals.”
Veteran councillor Daphne McDonald has chosen not to endorse any candidate since announcing her retirement.
Community activist Nicolle Archer and council-employed major event promoter Josh Martin will contest her Division 13, which takes in Palm Beach and Burleigh.
In Division 11 covering Robina and Varsity Lakes, there has been strong community debate about whether Councillor Hermann Vorster, who is leaving to contest the State seat of Burleigh for the LNP, backs either Nic Rone or Dan Doran.
Mr Rone in late February in a lengthy Facebook post said he and the councillor had forged over the past eight years a “strong bond rooted in our shared commitment to our community”.
Cr Vorster later clarified his position, saying he would not be endorsing any candidate.
“I believe we are a savvy community and take our vote very seriously. We tend to get it right. Good luck to both candidates,” he said.
Cr Vorster and Mr Doran have since been photographed having coffee where Mr Doran thanked him for his work for the community.
Forty-six candidates will contest for mayor and the 14 Coast divisions on Saturday.
1.30PM: INSIDE THE BATTLE FOR SOUTHPORT
Former Gold Coast City councillor Dawn Crichlow has made a triumphant return to political campaigning after marathon stints at the booths.
The veteran community worker, who is now retired, received a massive shout-out by her opponent, Southport councillor Brooke Patterson.
Ms Crichlow’s sister-in-law, Samantha Delmege is running against Cr Patterson in Division 6.
Ms Patterson has watched Ms Crichlow handing out for two weeks at pre-poll and during election day on Saturday.
“She is incredible. Honestly, I think she’s one of the strongest if not the strongest community councillors this country has seen,” Ms Patterson said.
“I don’t know how old Dawn is, but she has not stopped, eight hours a day, ten days.
“She has not forgiven me for beating her girl last time, and I get that but you know I always be a supporter of Dawn.”
Ms Patterson remains confident of winning. The other candidate running is David Woodley, and his presence at the booths was minimal compared to Ms Delmege.
“I think it’s good. I think I will know tonight,” Ms Patterson said.
Ms Patterson admitted it was different this time around being the sitting councillor rather than the candidate.
“First of all you are full-time doing the job as councillor. You don’t have the time allocated to campaigning,” she said.
“But it is really quite touching and moving, the amount of people that come up and say “hey you helped us with this in the street”, just being able to get that engagement with people, very supportive.”
Ms Crichlow said she had enjoyed campaigning. But she laughed when asked if she might consider another shot at council.
“I like pre-poll, you meet the same people that got you in last time. I meeting the same ones who want the divisional councillor changed,” she said.
“I think Sam’s going very well. She’s a lovely person. Triple certificate nurse and she will be ten times better than me.”
Ms Delmege said she had been awake since 4am updating social media and ensuring booths were covered.
I”I've been pretty lucky with the support I’ve received so far. I’ve got about five or six people on every booth,” she said.
From all reports from voters they are doing very well for me.”
NOON: MAYOR RELAXED AS VOTING CONTINUES
Incumbent Mayor Tom Tate says he’s feeling “buoyantly optimistic” about being returned for a record fourth term in office at Saturday’s council election.
Mr Tate, who was first elected in 2012, has spent the morning on a last-minute blitz of polling booths across the city as he works to secure every available vote.
He had a big booth presence at the Evandale council chambers booth where he had both fashion designer Sonia Stradiotto and former mayor Gary Baildon handing out how-to-vote cards for him.
“It’s been busy and like in any sport, you run out onto the field,” he said.
“I’ve been having to go to booths as they have underestimated the number of how-to-vote cards we needed which is good and means they are going out to people.
“Looking at it, I think we’ll be well-ahead and can the person who comes second catch? I think today there will be no miracles for him.
“I’m feeling humbly buoyant and, here at the Evandale chambers, everyone recognises me as the current mayor but the best part is having former mayor Gary Baildon here supporting me.
“Other booths have had the same sort of atmosphere.”
Mr Tate took aim at opponent, former councillor Eddy Sarroff’s lack of signage or booth support across large parts of the city despite a last-minute plea for support.
“I talk to people up north in Division 1 especially and they don’t seen any volunteers of Eddy or placards.
“The farmers are a close-knit community and they are all noticing so I am very strong in the northern division.”
Mr Tate celebrated his 44th wedding anniversary on Friday with his wife Ruth on the campaign trail as well as a Chinese meal for dinner.
10.30AM - POLL ARMY FAILS TO SHOW
Eddy Sarroff has been unable to gather an army to cover polling booths in the north of the Gold Coast as he attempts to stop Mayor Tom Tate winning a record fourth term.
But candidates along with booth workers maintain there is an “anti-Tate wave” at polling booths.
A northern booth worker experienced in campaigning said Mr Sarroff only had only one volunteer at Ormeau where there were a handful of voting centres.
About 10,000 people are estimated to have voted at pre-poll in the far north leaving another 6000 people there to vote today.
“I heard he wasn’t strong for volunteers. At 8.30am he had none here,” the worker said.
Other leading mayoral candidates Danielle Dunsmore and Lavinia Rampino had corflutes up but no-one handing out.
“They’ve put the corflutes at the wrong entrances, they’re at least 50 metres away,” the worker added.
Ms Dunsmore said she had volunteers at about a quarter of the 90 booths.
“What we did was pick the busiest ones to cover. None of them are in the south,” she said.
“I’ve had so many people give me the thumbs up, they are saying their people at work will vote for me.”
Ms Dunsmore said she could not afford to pay for booth workers.
“And I didn’t want to go down that track,” she said.
An experienced political operative said Mr Tate could expect to take a significant hit to his primary vote because voters were quick to “shun his volunteers”.
“Tom’s heartland is receding, and faster than he would have anticipated,” the source said.
“There is a massive mood for change with the substantial slice of his vote scattering to anyone but Tom.
10AM: GREENS BACK SARROFF
The city’s green leaders have chosen a mayoral candidate to back in Saturday’s local government poll.
For the first time in 60 years, Wildlife Queensland’s Gold Coast and Hinterland Branch is endorsing a candidate, asking voters to support Eddy Sarroff.
Group president Sally Spain said when he was council chair of finance Mr Sarroff had ensured consistent use of the Open Space Levy to secure important land.
Ms Spain said Mayor Tom Tate’s administration had only recently made purchases of land blocks, using the ratepayer money for maintenance and wages of officers.
‘The Society has confidence that under new leadership a consistent usage of the levy for acquisition, as happened in prior councils, will be reinstated,” Ms Spain said.
“We need a new direction in leadership on this issue in the most biodiverse city in Australia.”
9am: ‘Nothing will change’: MP urges vote against murder-accused Cr
Murder accused councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden is convinced he will return to work if re-elected at Saturday’s local government poll.
But he has copped some severe criticism about his decision to run in the final hour of campaigning by Bonney MP Sam O’Connor, whom he once had a strong friendship.
The pair as late as Friday afternoon had been standing side-by-side at the pre-poll booth at Runaway Bay.
Mr O’Connor on his Facebook page overnight told voters if they re-elected the councillor he would remain suspended.
Mr Bayldon-Lumsden told the Bulletin it had been a “very positive two weeks” on the pre-poll for him.
“It’s been a fun few months campaigning. It’s been really nice being out and getting talking to people again,” he said.
“The support has been really nice. We will wait and see that the end result will be.”
Campaign insiders suggest Mr Bayldon-Lumsden could top the primary vote but the contest in
Division 7 would be decided by preferences, with candidate Joe Wilkinson, who is on leave from Mr O’Connor’s office, tipped to run second.
Asked if he would lead the primary vote, Mr Bayldon-Lumsden said: “That’s up to the community. The community always gets it right. I’ll leave it in their hands. I’m here doing the best I can.”
People had sent well wishes, offering support and “giving pats on my back”.
On returning to work if re-elected, he said: “I believe so. The Premier told me I’m able to run. That being the case, democracy should play the part. People have their say and that should be respected.”
Mr O’Connor on Facebook said the election was a “really is a big one”.
“Unlike every other election where no matter who is elected, we will have a local representative, tomorrow there is a real chance we will end up without a voice. We actually don’t have representation right now,” he said.
“Our local councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden has been suspended for the last 6 months (on full pay) since being charged with murder.
“That means our area has been missing out because we’re the only part of the Gold Coast without someone representing us on the Council.
“There is nothing stopping Ryan running for re-election, he is of course innocent until proven guilty. But murder is a very serious charge which puts restrictions on a person. That’s partly why the State Government suspended Ryan in the first place.”
Mr O’Connor warned Division 7 would remain without representation if Mr Bayldon-Lumsden was re-elected.
“If he’s re-elected tomorrow, nothing will change with his circumstances,” he said.
“The State Government will once again make a decision about whether he will continue to be suspended.”
Mr O’Connor then quoted Premier Steven Miles who indicated the government would “consider all of the appropriate factors in determining whether to suspend him (the councillor) again.”
“But my view, having been the minister who last made this decision, is that he would need to be suspended given the circumstances,” Mr Miles said.
Mr O’Connor said the suspension of Cr Bayldon-Lumsden would “almost certainly continue and our area still won’t have a councillor”.
The comments divided his Facebook page followers with some residents thanking him for clarifying the situation.
But others said his remarks only “convinced” them to vote for Cr Bayldon-Lumsden.
Mr Bayldon-Lumsden was suspended by the state after being charged with the murder of his stepfather Robert Lumsden, 58, at their Arundel home on August 23 last year.
His legal team has entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge
8am: Polls open: Early voters flock to cast votes for next council
Voters have been lining up more than an hour and a half before polling booths opened, in the earliest start to the a Gold Coast City Council election.
Experienced booth workers were stunned to see up to 50 residents leave the markets and line-up at Burleigh at 6.30am.
They advised residents that the booth would not open until 8am but they stayed.
The early crowds has spooked some supporters of Mayor Tom Tate, seeking a record fourth term in office.
“I’ve been here since five o’clock at Burleigh and there were people waiting by six. They’ve got their dogs and they’re standing at the booth,” the booth worker said.
“This is all about the mayoral race. I think Tom will get back in, but definitely with a small margin.”
Meanwhile, more than 60 people were lined-up at Southport’s Lawson Street community centre by 7.45am, where incumbent councillor Brook Patterson and candidate Samantha Delmege were both out asking for votes from undecided voters.
Voting will continue until 6pm.
The Bulletin today has provided a full list of booths.
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