SIGN OF PROTEST

Fed up Karen from Palm Beach starts GoFundMe for billboard campaign

A DISGRUNTLED Gold Coast resident fed up with plans for light rail and overdevelopment in Palm Beach has launched a $50,000 fundraising campaign to fund a billboard.

Karen Rowles has launched a GoFundMe page to fight back against construction concerns in the neighbourhood.

She said it was the first time she had asked for money to help the cause.

A DISGRUNTLED Gold Coast resident fed up with plans for light rail and overdevelopment in her suburb now plans to fund a billboard to air the community’s grievances.

Palm Beach resident Karen Rowles has launched a GoFundMe in order to raise cash for a rolling campaign for any resident hoping to fight back against construction they may be concerned about in the neighbourhood.

The ‘Stop Light Rail Stop the Overdevelopment Fund’ intends to be spent on hiring a billboard on the Gold Coast Highway and the production of other campaign materials.

Within a week the fund has raised $2200, of its $50,000 target.

Ms Rowles, who has a reputation as a vocal campaigner against development in the suburb, said this was the first time she had asked for money to help the community cause.

“I have never asked for money ever, previously I would put my own money into a fight but because of COVID I am not able to do that anymore,” she said.

“People do still want to ramp up on the light rail so this is one way we can get together on these issues.”

Ms Rowles said she was initially planning a protest but due to social distancing decided a billboard and defence fund would be a highly visible option.

Her main concerns included the impact of the proposed route of the light rail and ‘high density high rise developments’ she said which affect the local lifestyle.

“People have already been amazingly generous,’’ Ms Rowles said.

“What we want to do is also fund large stickers and even a lawyer to fight council and state government decisions at some point if we can raise enough.”

When asked if the campaign was focused on the light rail path or high-rises in the area, Ms Rowles said they went hand-in-hand.

“The light rail is marking the way for over development, they are one and the same. You have one you get the other.”

Billboards can cost anywhere between $1500 to $14,000 to rent in the southeast Queensland region depending on the location and the duration of the lease period.