HANDS ACROSS THE WATER TO FLY THE FLAG

THE election campaign took to the waters in Townsville with a sailing boat calling for Herbert to vote for Angela Egan.

Dave Dudley took a little bit of time out of his cruise around North Queensland waters on Wednesday to advocate for his friend and former army buddy, Dr Egan.

The surgeon, who was originally running for the Animal Justice Party, is taking on the race for Herbert as an independent.

“Ange is running as an independent and doesn't have the budget of the big political parties,” Mr Dudley said.

“I’ve known her for 20 years … and I decided to help her out.

“I’m helping out a mate … I trust her with my life.”

Mr Dudley, who spends most of his time cleaning up illegal dumping across Townsville, said his support was behind Dr Egan – but his organisation, TIDY, was apolitical and wanted to work with whoever could help the cause.

Dr Egan, who managed to squeeze some time away from patients to see Mr Dudley sail past The Strand, said the pair were medics in the army together.

“How passionate is he about making change?” Dr Egan said.

“If we’re going to make a change for Townsville then this is what we do, we work together.”

Dr Egan added that some people were sick of getting election material in their letter box and this was a fun, new way to get the word out about her campaign.