State election guide to Gaven: traffic and woes
VOTERS in the marginal electorate of Gaven have raised development, the M1 and promotion of the area as major issues for them heading into next week’s State election.
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VOTERS in the marginal electorate of Gaven have raised development, the M1 and promotion of the area as major issues for them heading into next week’s State election.
Incumbent MP Sid Cramp, who has held the seat since 2015, has a 3 per cent margin over Labor’s golden girl Meaghan Scanlon and Greens candidate Sally Spain.
Political analyst Stephen Stockwell said it would be a tight race when Gold Coasters head to the polls on November 25.
“It’s definitely going to be very tight ... it’s hard to say at this stage (who will win),” Professor Stockwell said.
“I do know Labor is putting a lot of resources into her (Meaghan Scanlon) in the hope of picking up the seat.
“It’s a similar situation in Bonney.
“If they win Gaven and Bonney it gives them breathing space to take negative outcomes elsewhere (and it) would be a substantial contribution to forming government.”
Ms Scanlon said M1 upgrades were a priority for Gaven locals.
“A lot of people in my electorate travel north and south on the M1 so it’s definitely a problem that needs to be addressed,” she said.
Business owners agreed the road needed an upgrade, not just on the northern end of the city but also in central areas like Nerang.
Yvonne Hui Hui of Cafe K’ma at Nerang said the government and tourism bodies could also be doing more to promote suburbs west of the M1.
“There’s still a big focus on sun and surf and beaches,” she said.
“I think there could be more done to promote the area.”
Azza Holder of Nikki & Azza Barber Shop said parking was a big issue, particularly at Nerang.
“It’s difficult when you’re trying to run a business but people don’t have anywhere to park,” he said.
“I also think Nerang should be held high and promoted a bit more. We’re the oldest settlement on the Gold Coast. It’s something to be proud of.”
Karlene Michaelidis of Nerang Jewellers agreed, saying traffic was heavier and metered parking needed policing so workers did not monopolise available spaces, leaving customers nowhere to park.
Karen Berry of Nerang Brewing, who has owned the specialty store for 15 years, said the biggest issue for locals was the lack of a major shopping centre.
“I can’t even buy a pair of sheets or a toaster in Nerang because there’s no (major) shopping centre,” she said.
“You have to travel out to Helensvale or Robina ... so do the people who live in the Hinterland.
“A shopping centre would be a huge win for everyone (in Gaven).”
Prof Stockwell said Nerang proved a challenge “logistically” should a large shopping centre be built.
“Nerang’s problem is that it’s spread out over a number of focal points, it’s not concentrated at all,” he said.
“I can see that it would be a real mission (given) the nature of shopping (centre) infrastructure.”
THE BIGGEST ISSUE IN GAVEN IS ...
Yvonne Hui Hui of Cafe K’ma: Lack of exposure/promotion
Azza Holder of Nikki & Azza Barber Shop at Nerang: Parking
Karen Berry of Nerang Brewing at Nerang: Lack of development
Local tells of parking woes
A JEWELLERY store owner has called for greater police presence in Gaven — and that includes someone stopping office workers using up all the car parking spaces meant for customers.
Karlene Michaelidis, who owns Nerang Jewellers, said “nobody’’ was policing metered parking in the area.
“Because there’s nobody out there policing it, people who work in the offices just park there all day,” she said.
“We rely on customers. Most of them are elderly and there’s a steep hill out the back which is a challenge for them to walk up.
“If they can’t find a park, they’re not going to come.”
Ms Michaelidis, who has owned the business for seven years, said traffic had become a bigger issue as waterfalls and walking tracks in the Hinterland gained popularity.
“There’s definitely been more cars coming through (because) you usually have to come through Nerang to get to the Hinterland,” she said.
“And there’s just not enough parks for people.
“(But) I don’t think the area needs more development, it’s nice the way it is.
“And it’s already so busy.”
Gaven locals have previously called for an extra police beat in the area.
The seat of Gaven
Held by: Sid Cramp (LNP) since 2015
3 per cent margin
Previously: Alex Douglas (2009-2015)
Candidates: Sid Cramp (LNP), Sally Spain (Greens), Meaghan Scanlon (ALP)
Suburbs: Pacific Pines, Gaven, Carrara, Highland Park, Nerang, Mount Nathan
Electorate population: 32,079
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