Paul Weston: how light rail will play a role in the next council poll

Light rail will play a key role in the next council poll - here’s how the make-up of city council is about to change, big time.

THE make-up of our council is about to change, big time. When you vote in March next year, the area represented by your local councillors will be substantially altered. Here is a glimpse into the future of local politics on the Gold Coast.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates is in Division 1. Whether she runs again depends on her husband, Bill Gates. “I’m still fit and healthy but my husband is a little older. I need to weigh up my options as we get a little closer,” Cr Gates said after the recent budget.

Light Rail will play a role in the council elections south of Broadbeach. Pic: Mike Batterham.

In Division 2, Helensvale-based councillor William Owen-Jones will run again. This time he might even face an opponent.

The current Division 3 councillor is the planning committee chair, Cameron Caldwell. This is where it starts to get complicated and interesting.

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Given the boundaries proposed by the Change Commission, Cr Caldwell and Division 4 councillor Kristyn Boulton are expected to run against each other in the new Division 4.

Under the changes, Division 4 expands north to include Paradise Point – where Cr Caldwell has his office – and west, gaining Coombabah.

Labrador, where Cr Boulton has her office, and Arundel go to the new Division 7.

Lauren Caldwell. Picture: Lauren Caldwell Facebook.

Cr Caldwell’s wife, Lauren, recently posted on Cr Boulton’s Facebook page urging her to “be honest with your constituents and show them the Division 7 map”, arguing that was where most of the existing Division 4 residents live.

Several council insiders disagree. They estimate between 55 to 65 per cent of Cr Boulton’s constituents will be in the new division. So it makes sense for her to run in the new Division 4.

For whatever reason, it is unlikely Cr Caldwell will head north to Division 3 and Coomera. So it’s game on.

In Division 5 there are few changes and Peter Young is expected to stand again. It’s a similar situation for Mudgeeraba’s Glenn Tozer in Division Nine, Robina’s Hermann Vorster in Division 11 and Gail O’Neill in Division 14.

Kristyn Boulton and Daphne McDonald at council. Photo: David Clark

So on that count, we have six of the nine sitting councillors likely to be returned.

In Ashmore, there continues to be speculation about whether long-term Division 8 councillor Bob La Castra will join his Evandale bandmates for another term.

Two of the city’s most important areas – Surfers Paradise and Southport – are almost certain to be represented by rookies. In the CBD, Dawn Crichlow is likely to retire. Gary Baildon is retiring.

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Along the coastline, the boundaries have all moved a little, like the dune erosion. Everyone’s home is a bit further north.

Veteran Division 10 councillor Paul Taylor, after representing the Broadbeach area for so long, must be viewing retirement.

The boundary changes create a potential stand-off between Burleigh’s Pauline Young and Palm Beach veteran Daphne McDonald. This is where the trams fit in.

Councillor Pauline Young at council. Photo: Jerad Williams.

Cr Young has family and business ties with Burleigh but will lose the coastal village under the new arrangements. Cr McDonald’s border now crosses north over Tallebudgera Creek.

If they run against each other, it will be a vote on light rail.

Cr Young supports the trams while Cr McDonald is against the high rise they encourage.

Further south in Division 14, given the divisive nature of the community and the campaign against high rises, sitting councillor Gail O’Neill can expect a lively campaign.

Finally, what would happen if Mayor Tom Tate decided against a third term?

Cr Caldwell is a logical starter. That would make Cr Boulton rest much easier, wouldn’t it?

Would Mrs Caldwell consider becoming a Councillor Caldwell herself? It’s been mentioned around City Hall but then again, it is the lead-up to the March poll and as my insider says, everyone gets a little mischievous.

What is certain is that the Gold Coast City Council can expect six or seven new councillors in the biggest change in decades.