State Election: Biggest issues for Mermaid Beach electorate voters
IT’S election time again. Here’s what matters most to the people from the Mermaid Beach electorate ahead of the November 25 poll.
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BUSINESSES are being crippled by the high cost of living and Mermaid Beach electorate traders want State Government to provide some relief.
But it is not just electricity prices that concern voters, with crime, public transport, homelessness, traffic congestion and the return of bikies also among their worries.
The Mermaid Beach electorate shifted south this year, gaining Miami from Burleigh and losing Clear Island Waters and Broadbeach Waters to Surfers Paradise. These changes cut the LNP margin from 12.9 per cent to 10.3 per cent.
But long-serving member for Mermaid Beach Ray Stevens doesn’t seem concerned after 11 years serving the electorate which prior to the 2009 election was called Robina.
While putting up election signs in Scottsdale Dr, Robina, Mr Stevens spoke to the Bulletin about the major concerns of voters.
He said cost of living was the hottest topic and something he would address.
“We have made a commitment to reduce electricity prices (and) we’ve frozen car rego,” Mr Stevens said.
“Their other concerns are about traffic and congestion, those sorts of issues can only be addressed by the LNP who understand and represent the Gold Coast and understand where the problems lie.
“Of course we have the law and order issue, if we don’t have a safe environment then tourism doesn’t thrive, so the watered down law and order was no good for the reputation of the Gold Coast ... bringing the bikies back.”
Mr Stevens said he had personally seen bikies around his electorate which was of a major concern to him and his voters.
“They are not wearing their colours and patches as much but they are definitely back in the area and back up to their old bad habits,” he said.
The Flag Shop owner Brad Palmer said pedestrian safety was an issue in Mermaid Beach.
Mr Palmer, whose Gold Coast Hwy shop had been open since 1981, said people “illegally jumping” the fence which divided the southbound and northbound lanes was worrying.
“I think it is a good idea for the tram to come south,” he said.
“But when they are extending the line they should put pedestrian tunnels under the highway.”
Mr Palmer also noted homelessness and an “eyesore” block of land opposite his business.
Restaurante Pinocchio owner Riccardo Rezzan said businesses were being crippled by rent and the multitude of rising costs associated with running a business.
“Electricity prices and the high cost of living are the main worry,” he said.
“What is a concern is also that there are too many restaurants (in the area).”
A local public transport user said she looked forward to the light rail being extended from Broadbeach South to Burleigh in the future.
“As a public transport user I believe it would be good,” she said.
“But I know there are a lot of people against it.
“The 700 bus is pretty good though, but I would take the tram.”
Mr Stevens said homelessness was becoming a real problem in his electorate of late.
“Particularly around the Broadbeach State School area some homeless people (have) been creating difficulties down there, setting up camps ... but police have moved them on.
“But we need more police and the LNP have promised 535 more police, won’t be all on the Gold Coast but certainly more police on the Gold Coast to make sure homeless people don’t feel comfortable living in areas where they shouldn’t be and disturbing other people.
He said homelessness would be addressed across the state with improvements to services and public housing available.
“We want light rail extension to Burleigh”
WHILE Gold Coast trams aren’t set to go south until after 2020 there is still a lot of hype now in Mermaid Beach.
Businesses are keen to get more foot traffic in the area and they want the new State Government to make sure the plans for stage three stay on track.
Refresh skin and lifestyle salon owner Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Kama is pro the extension of the light rail from Broadbeach South to Burleigh Heads — hoping it will draw more business to the area.
Despite the issues local traders will no doubt experience during the construction phase she knows the long-term benefits far outweighed the initial inconveniences.
“In the beginning you will have that transition time,” Mrs Kama said.
“I am not scared of that.
“Having a strong clientele basis will ensure a business survives.
“However, if they are a new business, construction would definitely hinder it.”
The mother-of-two said she hoped State Government would invest significantly in more opportunities for youths.
She said while her own kids had finished school, as they were 20 and 24, she would like to see more money allocated to help teens gain job skills or an apprenticeship if they were not bound for university.
“I don’t feel like there is enough done for the kids who don’t need that piece of paper at the end of school,” Mrs Kama said.
“And for kids that learn other ways (not in the traditional sense).
“There should be more avenues for kids.”
Seats at a Glance
Held by: LNP’s Ray Stevens since 2006. The seat was originally called Robina but before the 2009 election it
was renamed Mermaid Beach.
Margin: LNP 10.3%
Candidates: Joshua Blundell-Thornton (ALP), Mona Hecke (IND), Helen Wainwright (Greens), Ric Allport (IND), Saraya Beric (IND), Gary Pead (IND), Ray Stevens (LNP)
Suburbs: Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Waters, Miami and Robina
Electors (population): 33,675
Demographics: Young families, elderly, students and singles
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