Hervey Bay frontrunner emerges, resident talks homelessness in exit poll

A frontrunner has emerged at exit polling in Hervey Bay as an early voter revealed the big issue that most influenced his vote. VIDEO

An exit poll of 40 voters at pre-polling in Hervey Bay on Tuesday revealed a likely frontrunner as the countdown to Saturday’s state election draws closer.

A poll taken by the Fraser Coast Chronicle at the early polling booth on Boat Harbour Drive put LNP candidate David Lee in with a strong lead, with 50 percent of the vote.

The incumbent member for Hervey Bay, Labor MP Adrian Tantari, was slightly behind Lee on 30 percent of the vote, while candidates from the minor parties including Jeff Knipe from the Legalise Cannabis Party (10 percent), Quinn Hendry of One Nation (5 percent) and Pat Walsh from the Greens (5 percent) all polling.

Premier Steven Miles visits Urangan Pier in Hervey Bay with Bruce Saunders, and Adrian Tantari MP for Hervey Bay. Pics Adam Head

The Boat Harbour Drive booth also had appearances from Mr Lee, Mr Hendry and Mr Knipe throughout the day, engaging with voters and handing out how-to-vote cards.

A Hervey Bay resident who voted on Tuesday weighed in on what he believed the biggest issue facing Wide Bay was at this election.

Nick Leech said homelessness was his defining reason for voting Labor, and that there are “too many people suffering” in streets across the region.

He also commented on Labor’s free school lunches scheme, stating “it should have always been here”.

Watch the full clip:

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli shows off his coffee making abilities with David Lee LNP candidate for Hervey Bay, during a visit to Aqua Vue cafe, Hervey Bay. Picture: Liam Kidston

Originally published as Hervey Bay frontrunner emerges, resident talks homelessness in exit poll