SEAT AT A GLANCE

SOUTHPORT couple Greg and Joan Darlington are still reeling from the violence they witnessed when a man was brutally bashed in a park near their home.

It was just one incident of many that have put crime and homelessness at the forefront of concerns in the Southport electorate, with residents demanding action.

The Darlingtons say they have seen assaults and mental health incidents in Carey Park, opposite the Broadwater Parklands, several times.

But it was the brutal bash“Crime ing of a man by about eight others on January 30 that rocked them. And they say multiple calls to triple-0 and the Southport Police Station went unanswered.

The victim, a 41-year-old homeless man, suffered a broken nose and jaw, eye injuries, six fractures in his cheeks and damage to internal organs.

“There were three different calls to triple-0 by three different people,” Mrs Darlington told the Bulletin. They have since reported other matters they believed “were not responded to” by police.

• Held by: Rob Molhoek (LNP) since 2012, 7.8 per cent margin

• Previously: Peter Lawlor (ALP)

• Candidates: Michelle Le Plastrier (Greens), Rob Molhoek

and homelessness are a massive issue in Southport,” Mrs Darlington said.

Other election priorities for locals include education, supporting local businesses, fixing traffic and parking issues and improving public transport. (LNP), Rick Flori (IND), Johan Joubert (Civil Liberties), Judy Searle (ALP)

• Suburbs: Southport, Ashmore Molendinar, Benowa, Bundall

• Electorate population: 33,150

Boundary changes this year mean the Southport electorate has gained Benowa and the remainder of Ashmore from Surfers Paradise, but lost Arundel and the remainder of Labrador.

The changes have increased the LNP margin from 3.2 per cent to 7.8 per cent, changing the Southport seat from “marginal to fairly safe”.

But according to political analyst Paul Williams, the LNP should be thanking its lucky stars a One Nation candidate is not running.

The Griffith University professor said MP Rob Molhoek’s seat would have been at risk if Pauline Hanson’s party had nominated a candidate.

“If One Nation was fielding a candidate and they would run third in Southport, then they would preference against Rob (Molhoek),” Mr Williams