Federal election campaign starts early on Gold Coast with Leon Rebello roadside

With Easter eggs on shelves before Santa even arrives, maybe it’s no surprise federal candidates are already campaigning on our streets - but it’s not winning them any fans on the Gold Coast.

First came Christmas creep, now the problem of premature election erection.

With festive decorations in stores since September and Easter eggs appearing on shelves before Santa even arrives, perhaps it should be no surprise, even though a federal election is yet to be called, some candidates are already plastering their posters and campaigning on our streets.

This year started with a divisive council election, then we suffered through a lengthy state government campaign, with a horrific US election hot on its heels … surely we deserve a break to at least ring in the new year?

Unfortunately, with a federal election guaranteed within the first five months of 2025, it appears there’s no chance for a breather … especially not in Burleigh.

For the last few weeks, I’ve noticed that McPherson LNP candidate and solicitor Leon Rebello, who was preselected after veteran MP Karen Andrews announced her imminent retirement earlier this year, has been regularly standing alongside busy Bermuda Street with a team of supporters holding posters and waving placards at motorists. There have also been campaigners spotted at the big Gooding Drive/Robina Parkway roundabout.

Leon Rebello and Trent Belling at the TSS Foundation Business Breakfast with David Crisafulli at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre for Gold Coast at Large. Picture, Portia Large.

While these political aspirants are to be commended for their dedication to the job, I’m not sure whether it’s winning any votes.

That’s nothing to do with party policies or platforms, and more to do with the agitation experienced by any Gold Coast driver, as well as community concerns about road safety.

I’ll admit that my main association with Mr Rebello right now is feeling frustrated at the endless traffic as I struggle to get my daughter to her sports training on time, but for others it’s much worse.

One resident took to social media to air these grievances:

“It’s already started for the federal election here in Burleigh,” they wrote.

“There’s an LNP mob that stand on the very edge of the road waving and holding signs, it’s dangerous when there are kids riding bikes, parents with prams, older people on mobility scooters etc.

“It blocks visibility of pedestrians approaching the crossing and cars coming from side streets … because the campaigners are in front of the footpath, like right on the curb.

“It’s kinda unnecessary too as it’s a safe Liberal seat.”

Another resident immediately agreed: “I had a kid on a bike pull straight out from behind them (the campaigners) that I wasn’t able to see and almost hit them. Just put up a sign and move on.”

Marathon runner Erchana Murray-Bartlett has decided to take the leap into politics and run for the federal seat of McPherson, which takes in Burleigh Heads, as an Independent in the upcoming elections. Picture Glenn Hampson

According to the Queensland Government rules, election signage must not distract road users, obstruct road users’ clear line of vision, obstruct pedestrian or vehicle movement, block official road signs or otherwise cause a hazard to road users.

These signs do seem to breach at least some of those rules.

While the conduct of campaigners seems nothing but warm and friendly, I do wonder how much positive impact it could possibly achieve, other than simple name recognition. After all, there is no opportunity for discussion, no indication of policies or platforms, just a smile and a wave.

Perhaps this should be a reminder to our politicians that they need to change with the times.

The truth is that this upcoming federal election will be the first time that Baby Boomers will not be the dominant voting force.

Gen Z and Millennials will outnumber boomers in every state and territory, which is set to shake up our political landscape and should change the way parties campaign and target voters - think less roadside signs, more social media stories.

Already world record-holding marathon runner and Burleigh Millennial Erchana Murray-Bartlett has been selected to emulate the giant-killing Teals as the candidate for the grassroots McPherson independent group.

Come to think of it, perhaps that’s precisely what is bringing the LNP to the streets of Burleigh.