Premier Campbell Newman laughs off Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens’ public ‘meltdown’ over cableway questioning

CAMPBELL Newman has laughed off a public meltdown by Coast MP Ray Stevens who has made it clear he doesn’t want to talk about the controversial cableway.

PREMIER Campbell Newman is continuing to back his under-fire Gold Coast MP Ray Stevens despite a bizarre public meltdown when questioned over his proposed cable car development.

Mr Stevens is facing the threat of an investigation into his proposed cable car development as tension about the project explodes at public meetings and polling booths.

Mr Stevens has been filmed at a Coast polling booth arguing with a Surfers Paradise website editor who questioned his role in the $100 million project.

But Premier Campbell Newman laughed off Mr Stevens’ bizarre display, calling it “pretty funny’’, if a “bit odd’’’.

The heated encounter which shows Mr Stevens dancing like a bird and refusing to answer questions was posted on YouTube and the clip went viral late yesterday.

HINTERLAND RESIDENTS STAGE ‘POP-UP’ PROTEST OUTSIDE MP’S OFFICE

MERMAID BEACH MP RAY STEVENS HAS ON-CAMERA MELTDOWN
MP RAY STEVENS REMAINS TIGHT-LIPPED ON PROPOSED CABLEWAY

Mermaid MP Ray Stevens did not take kindly to questions about a proposed cableway from IA editor David Donovan.

Independent Australia editor David Donovan had asked Mr Stevens why he was refusing to release correspondence with the Integrity Commissioner about his involvement in Gold Coast Skyride.

The Commission cleared Mr Stevens of a conflict of interest over his role in the project.

The Gold Coast Bulletin has been questioning Mr Stevens about his involvement with Gold Coast Skyride for 84 days, without success.

“He lost the plot and I guess he did not realise he was being filmed. I was totally stunned because I thought I was asking polite and normal questions,” Mr Donovan said late yesterday.

Premier Campbell Newman backed Mr Stevens after seeing the video.

“Ray Stevens is a great bloke, he’s worked very hard and has continued to work hard for the local community,” Mr Newman said.

“It’s pretty funny though, I’ve got to say, a bit odd and perhaps a lot of people out there will set the video to some music.

“I do say people should get behind him, he should get re-elected as the local member and people get to make that choice in a few days’ time.”

Ceris Ash and opponents of the cableway project staged a pop up rally outside the MP Ray Steven’s office this week. Picture: JERAD WILLIAMS

The row on Monday followed a peak hour morning protest by No Way Cableway members outside the MP’s Mermaid Beach office.

The cable car issue was reignited on Tuesday night at a Pacific Pines Residents Group meeting where residents asked political candidates what they knew about Mr Stevens and his role in the development.

Gaven independent Alex Douglas, who welcomed the Bulletin’s campaign to provide details about the project, said more information should be provided about the discussions between Mr Stevens, the Integrity Commissioner and the Government.

“If Mr Stevens cannot explain himself, he should withdraw from the Parliament. If he doesn’t, he should be investigated,” Dr Douglas told residents.

MP Ray Stevens has refused to answer questions about the project for some time.

“You elect me and I will investigate him.”

Mr Stevens did not return telephone calls yesterday and since announcing the project in late October has declined numerous requests from the Bulletin to provide letters from the Commissioner.

LNP Gaven candidate Sid Cramp told the forum he was not aware that a formal proposal had been presented to the Government on the cableway.

“Nothing is on my desk to say there is a cableway. For me, I haven’t been provided that information,” he said.