Gold Coast council: Two councillors set to face-off in new division at 2020 election

The council will see least two new councillors in its ranks following the decision by Kristyn Boulton to contest Division 4 at the local government poll in March.

THE Gold Coast will elect at least two new councillors after Kristyn Boulton decided to contest Division 4 at the local government poll in March.

Cr Boulton could have opted for the new Division 7, which includes Labrador, Arundel and Parkwood, but has chosen to stand in the more northern division, where she will almost certainly face neighbouring councillor Cameron Caldwell.

Local government boundary changes split her division, leaving Cr Boulton with an agonising decision about which communities to represent.

Councillor Kristyn Boulton at the Broadwater in her Gold Coast division.

“I believe good leaders make important decisions decisively and effectively. So I’ve made a decision which I believe is not only right for me but also right for my community. I want to give everybody certainty,” she said.

Cr Caldwell declined to comment on where he would stand.

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Cr Boulton said the parts of Labrador and Arundel she represents would fall into the new Division 7 but she would retain all of Biggera Waters and some of Coombabah and Runaway Bay in the new Division 4.

Several council sources suggest Cr Boulton was running in a division that contains at least 55 per cent of her current ratepayer base. She is expected to stage a grassroots campaign.

If Cr Caldwell chooses to stand against her, the new division includes his Paradise Point base.

Cameron Caldwell as acting Mayor at the Gold Coast City Council chamber at Evandale.

He enjoys a higher media profile courtesy of his planning committee chair role.

“I’ve looked to my core values to help inform my decision. I believe representatives should live in the area they represent, to really understand their own backyard,” Cr Boulton said.

“I believe in standing up for oneself, including one’s community. One should stand firm when big people act small.”

Her decision means a new councillor will be elected in Division 7.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates faced a similar situation to Cr Boulton, with her Division 1 sliced up. She will stand in the new Division 3.

Gold Coast City Council councillor Kristyn Boulton, who is standing at the 2020 poll.

A Melbourne Cup field of candidates is expected to run in Division 1, which is one of the fastest-growing areas in the city.

Veteran councillor Dawn Crichlow is retiring in Southport, meaning the new Division 6 will have another fresh face responsible for the Coast’s CBD.