‘Busgate’: Member for Barron River honking mad over LNP party’s bus road sign

Far North MP Craig Crawford has questioned the legality of a rival’s election signage and a mystery bus that’s drawn speculation around its possible owner.

LNP candidate for Barron River, Bree James' election signage has been called into question by incumbent Craig Crawford. Picture: Supplied.

Far North MP Craig Crawford has questioned the legality of a rival’s election signage and a mystery bus that’s drawn speculation around its possible owner.

But LNP candidate for Barron River Bree James has tooted down the claims, with the vehicle still located on the Captain Cook Highway on Monday afternoon.

The bus, which has been spotted in multiple locations along the thoroughfare across several weeks, likely violated road rules related to political campaigns, Mr Crawford said.

“I would be cautious in my words but I would think that it’s potentially illegal to park a bus like that on the side of the road for that period of time,” Mr Crawford said.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Department of Transport and Main Roads prohibits election signage from being “attached to trailers or vehicles parked for the purpose of displaying election signs”.

They must also not be located on a motorway, freeway or similar road.

“It actually says that you cannot fix portable signs to the sides of vehicles on their road corridors,” Mr Crawford said.

“If that’s the case, she’s wrong.”

LNP candidate for Barron River Bree James on the Western Arterial Road at Caravonica. Picture: Brendan Radke

But Ms James accused her rival of attempting to use the bus to revive his own stalling campaign.

“My campaign team looks after where all my signage is,” she said.

“My signage being a topic of discussion within the Labor government shows that they’re not really focusing on locals which is a bit of a shame.

“If there’s a problem with my signage, the best place to put that to, is to TMR and council.”

LNP candidate for Barron River Bree James has one of her large election signs displayed on the side of a bus, parked perpendicular to the Captain Cook Highway at the Fruit Bat pit stop at Aeroglen. Picture: Brendan Radke

The Member for Barron River steered the conversation towards speculation around the bus’ mystery owner.

“I have been told that the bus is not Michael Trout’s,” Ms James said.

It is unclear where Ms James’ team will park the bus next.

In a statement, the Electoral Commission of Queensland (ECQ) said it does not regulate signage outside of the election period.  

“The election period commences the day after the Writ for an election is issued,” the spokeswoman said.

“For the state general election on Saturday 26 October, the Writ is due to be issued on Tuesday 1 October 2024.  

“Regulations regarding the placement of signs are enforced by councils and/or the Department of Transport and Main Roads, depending on whether they were placed on a local or state road.” 

The Department of Transport and Main Roads did not respond to questions prior to deadline.

Originally published as ‘Busgate’: Member for Barron River honking mad over LNP party’s bus road sign