Greens target Coast as new political hotbed

THE GREENS have revealed they plan to announce candidates in Southport and Mermaid Beach ahead of the upcoming election.

The party will officially launch their election campaign this weekend, and have already announced candidates in nine of the Gold Coast’s eleven electorates. Greens senator Larissa Waters has arrived in the city for the launch, and said she hopes the Coast will become their newest political hotbed before voters head to the polls in October.

“For too long the major parties have seen the Gold Coast as a cash cow for developments and big business,” she said. “Instead of home to a growing community and one of the country’s most stunning natural environments. They have sold their democracy to the highest bidder by letting their corporate donors and wealthy mates buy a seat at the table.”

Political analysts have suggested preferences from The

Greens will be the deciding factor in the marginal Coast seats of Currumbin and Gaven.

It’s also believed by experts the COVID-19 pandemic may have swayed voters to the safety of the major parties.

But Burleigh Greens candidate Rachel Mebberson – dubbed the unofficial leader of Gold Coast Greens candidates

– claimed voters were “fed up”.

“(They are) ready for vote for a positive change,” she said.

“The Greens will create more than 4100 jobs on the Gold Coast by investing in renewables and building more than 12,500 public homes.”

The party launch will be held at the Robina Main Auditorium at 12.30pm on Sunday.