Division 8, encompassing Ashmore, Carrara, Merrimac, Clear Island Waters, Benowa and parts of Nerang, will see incumbent councillor Bob La Castra standing against two political newcomers.

High schoolteacher Joshua Smith and orchestra conductor Matthew Armstrong have thrown their hat in the ring against La Castra, who was first elected in 1997.

A number of community groups have now named projects they want to receive continued support or upgrades throughout the next council term.

Nerang RSL & Memorial Club General Manager Andrew McInnes said the netball courts at Glennon Park were in serious need of resurfacing, repair and maintenance.

“We would love to see Division 8 support junior female sport by upgrading the netball court to ensure local girls have a safe, clean area to actively participate in their sport,” he said.

“We have heard reports of the netball courts being used as an extension to the carpark for other sports, further decaying an already tired facility in desperate need of repair.

“The netball courts require clean toilers and a shelter, along with fixing and improving lighting, which causes a multitude of other issues.

“This is just one issue but, as a community if we get the small things right the big things will follow.”

Mudgeeraba Nerang & Districts Cricket Club President Matt Gill said his club has been “stuck” by the cost of building a new oval.

“Council has assisted us with a major site redevelopment proposal, so thus far we’ve got the plans for that,” he said.

“Council has been really good. They’ve spend $20,000 with us so far but we’re now stuck at this stage, which will cost $150,000.

“As a little sporting club, obviously we’re not going to find $150,000 sitting anywhere in our bank account.

“That’s where I need some help from council and division funds going forward, getting that project over the line.”

A need for public transport to the large area may also prove a key issue, with Friends of the GC Secretary Catherine Simpson saying they need to boost visits to the Botanical Gardens.

“Public transport is very poor in that area,” she said.

“We’ve just been putting together a submission to demonstrate the ability of people to get to the Botanical Gardens, because they’re also a big tourist attraction but they’re really, really hard to get to.

“For people who are coming from Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise, it can take them an hour and a half to get there.

“I think generally these areas of the Coast are very poorly serviced.”

The Gold Coast will hold its election on March 28.

MEET THE CANDIDATES

Bob La Castra

Who Am I? The current councillor for Division Eight.

Why Am I Running? As the only candidate who lives within Division 8, and has extensive community

engagement and connections, I genuinely care about my local community, because

my family is invested in it, and very much a part of it.

I remain committed to delivering a rapid East/West bus-link along Nerang

Broadbeach Road.

I want to guide Council’s Greenheart (for which I’ve always been an advocate), to

fruition, with a masterplan to be released, mid-2020.

Kids, youth and a diverse range of employment options, continue to be a major

focus.

The people of Division 8 deserve sincere representation, engagement, reliability and

proven outcomes.

Joshua Smith

Who Am I? A local high school teacher for the last four years. Prior to that, I operated an award-winning digital marketing and software development company for 15 years, before successfully selling the business to another Gold Coast technology company.

I have lived on the Gold Coast for 31 years and love to keep fit and connected with the area by exploring walkways from the Coast to the Hinterland.

Why Am I Running? Driven to see council return to its independent roots, to ensure that the City Plan and local area characters are protected, and to preserve the functionality of the Carrara/Merrimac floodplains, I made the decision to stand for the region that I refer to as, “The Heart of the Gold Coast.”

I have remarked that this area is often overshadowed by the coastal strip and high-growth northern corridor, but that the region is ripe for reinvigoration.

I promise to advocate to the State Government for improved public transportation connections, to actively deliver enhancements to roads, parks, walkways and drains, to attract more cultural events, and to push for the creation of a central Community Hub in a division that is currently lacking a library, a divisional councillor’s office and large, public meeting spaces.

Matthew Armstrong

Who Am I? An educator for more than 20 years, a conductor at the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra for 15 years and musician with local bands Madison Kat and Magic Carpet Ride.

Why Am I Running? Being born and raised on the Gold Coast, the lifestyle that I’ve had the privilege of growing up with is sadly being eroded away.

As an independent candidate, I will be striving to be here for you, and more importantly, to hear you.