Pre-polls open as David Crisafulli takes his campaign across the Sunshine Coast

Voters across the Sunshine Coast have begun casting their ballots in the upcoming state election, with exit polling revealing the early favourite for one of the region’s marginal seats.

Pre-polling opens in Nambour for the 2024 state election.

Voters across the Sunshine Coast have begun casting their ballots in the upcoming state election, with exit polling revealing the early favourite for one of the region’s marginal seats.

As pre-polling started statewide on Monday, a small sample of voters from the polling booth in Nambour revealed who they had cast their vote for through an exit poll.

The incumbent Labor MP for Nicklin, Rob Skelton, was the early favourite among voters, as his proudly graffitied corflutes adorned the entrance.

Mr Skelton won the seat from the LNP’s Marty Hunt in 2020 by a 0.1 per cent margin.

According to one volunteer outside the polling station, multiple Nicklin voters had indicated they were unconvinced by the LNP’s “adult crime, adult time” approach and more concerned with the cost-of-living crisis.

Queensland opposition leader David Crisafulli talks to locals during a visit to the Everyday Food Outlet in Nambour. Picture: Tertius Pickard

The first day of pre-polling comes as opposition leader David Crisafulli campaigned across the Sunshine Coast and Noosa on Monday, announcing the LNP would accelerate the Tewantin Bypass as well as promising $1m toward local sport clubs.

If elected the LNP would provide lighting upgrades to the Pelican Waters Bowls Club, Caloundra Sharks Rugby League, Baringa Football Club and Caloundra Rugby Union clubs.

Noosa LNP candidate Clare Stewart said the opposition’s commitment to spending $30m on the delivery of the Tewantin Bypass would support the region’s increasing population growth.

“The LNP’s commitment will ensure this project is delivered to support Noosa’s future growth and prosperity,” Ms Stewart said.

“Noosa families have waited long enough. We cannot afford further delays on such an important congestion-busting and safety upgrade.”

Originally published as Pre-polls open as David Crisafulli takes his campaign across the Sunshine Coast