‘Many people I meet want light rail but they want it done well’

Light rail, carparking and building heights are among the major issues, according to a Gold Coast candidate who firmly believes this election tactic is a winner.

ABC morning presenter Bern Young says doorknocking rather than just social media is the best way to engage ratepayers in the March council poll.

Asked by the Bulletin what was the best way to get feedback in a campaign which has been fought out in many divisions on Facebook alone, the Division 13 candidate said it was a combination of different approaches.

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Council candidate Bern Young out doorknocking in Division 13.

“What I love about face-to-face compared to Facebook, is that it’s as real as you can get. Speaking candidly with people about the things that have motivated me to run and listening to what matters to them is the part of campaigning which comes easiest to me,” she said.

“The impact of the tram and development are clearly big issues and many people I meet want light rail but they want it done well.

“People really want to be informed on issues like carparking and building heights and sincerely appreciate it when I can help them understand the City Plan and they agree the plan needs to be strengthened.

“A lot of people who know of the current councillor, and not all of them do, tell me it’s time for change. Some people are genuinely shocked that anyone door knocks anymore and you can see that they like the personal approach.

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Bern Young is standing in Division 13. Pic Mike Batterham.

“Also you find that while loads of people aren’t home during the day, many others are. Some are retired and their kids have left and then come back to the same area because they love it. Others are new to places like Elanora or Palmy in the last few years and really happy to have a chat.”

Ms Young said some residents had sought to pose for a photograph with her.

“Sometimes people are keen to get a photo, which I do use on social media, but I know that the real connection made in door knocking isn’t captured in a selfie,” she said.

“Time is the biggest challenge in door knocking but it’s really energising when people connect with my commitment to accurate information, my priorities of community and local character while still weighing up all the competing pressures of this growing city.”

Residents in the Palm Beach-Burleigh division have been aware of the poll since October last year when candidate Katrina Beikoff began doorknocking, focusing early on the northern suburbs added to the division under boundary changes.

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Division 13 Gold Coast City Council candidate Katrina Beikoff.

Ms Beikoff plans to doorknock all of the suburbs in Division 13 before the poll on March 28.

Councillor Daphne McDonald speaks to locals at a meeting. Picture Glenn Hampson.

Veteran councillor Daphne McDonald only recently announced to residents that she would be running after sending out a newsletter.