Cungulla residents have picked the winner in the past six elections

A small town just south of Townsville with just over 200 voters is one of the most significant in the looming federal election. Find out why.

ONE of North Queensland’s smallest voting booths is one of the most important, with the fishing village of Cungulla helping decide who will hold government in the past six elections.

But for the small town, about 40 minutes south of Townsville, it’s not really about politics – it’s about the key issues impacting the whole region and who can work to solve them.

Sitting in the electorate of Dawson, which is based out of Mackay, just 75 turned up to vote on polling day.

In total, 201 people registered to vote in Cungulla cast their vote in the election.

In 2019, 2016 and 2013 the community put their support behind the Liberal National Party, having voted for Labor in 2010 and 2007. They backed the Liberals in 2004, before the LNP was officially formed in 2008 after running on a joint ticket in the 2007 election.

But when you talk to the voters on the ground, there is a distinct feeling that change is needed.

Long term Cungulla residents, sister and brother, Merle Poletto and Bob Lewis. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Speaking to a group of people at the Cungulla Fishing Club on Monday, crime in the region was clearly the number one issue.

But while the legislation falls within the state government, the group was adamant an approach from all levels of government was necessary.

Gerry and Peta Hayden moved to Cungulla from Townsville a few years ago after their properties were broken into multiple times and are hoping the federal government can also bring change.

“My husband had always loved it out here, when a house came up for sale on the beach (we left Townsville),” Mrs Hayden said.

While there have been only a few break-ins in Cungulla, the issue rings true for the community, who have friends and family in Townsville.

Cungulla residents, Peta and Gerry Hayden outside their home. Picture: Shae Beplate.

For Merle Poletto, it was more about what would make a good leader for the whole community.

“Leadership, someone who’s got leadership (qualities), someone who is good at communicating. Someone who has got compassion and is able to work with it doesn’t matter who … for the good of the people.”

But it is much more black and white for her brother Bob Lewis. Saying he had voted Labor his whole life, Mr Lewis now plans to switch it up.

He said there was no one following up on where money was going, on any level of government, and making sure problems were being fixed.

“I’d vote for somebody that is doing something,” Mr Lewis said.

Originally published as Cungulla residents have picked the winner in the past six elections