Labor launch on Coast
Premier eyes third upgrade of convention centre
LABOR will launch its State election campaign on the Gold Coast for the first time.
The Bulletin can reveal Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will officially launch the ALP campaign at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on November 19, six days out from the poll.
Despite lacking a sitting MP in the region’s 11 seats, Labor has chosen the Broadbeach location because it highlights the Government’s recent investment in the Glitter Strip.
The Premier last night told the Bulletin: “The Government is investing $1 million in a business case for a third major upgrade to the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre.
“The Gold Coast is one of the country’s leading event destinations and this investment will secure that reputation. It’s Labor who has delivered major facilities for the Gold Coast, including the convention centre in 2004 and it’s upgrade in 2008.”
Ms Palaszczuk said the Government had invested $167 million on the Gold Coast Convention and Entertainment Centre since it was built and the funding would ensure it kept pace with rival venues throughout Australia.
“The redevelopment of the Star Precinct is a big win for events on the Coast and securing the future of the convention centre will complement that significant development.”
The Premier regards the convention centre as “a pivotal spot for Labor” because the party staged its annual conference at Broadbeach in 2016.
The Government agreed to build the light rail from Broadbeach to the Gold Coast University Hospital and it intends in the campaign to highlight opposition from LNP leader Tim Nicholls to further expansion south down the Gold Coast Highway for stage three.
Labor is confident Rowan Holzberger will win the new marginal seat of Bonney and Meaghan Scanlon defeat the LNP’s Sid Cramp in Gaven.
Political analysts believe the LNP has started the campaign the stronger with a series of announcements for the tourist strip. But Labor is expected to rollout announcements in the final week with the launch the starting point for detailing major Coast funding initiatives.
In the 2015 poll, Labor opted for the Ipswich Civic Centre for the campaign launch.
After its shocking 2012 loss, the party held their first shadow cabinet meeting at Ipswich in what they regarded as a symbolic moment to regrow the party. The Broadbeach launch is likely to carry a similar theme.