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The streets of Robertson are lined with corflutes but not everybody thinks they should be plastering the fences of the main train line – and I thought this was the cost of living election.
By Jacquelene Pearson
By Jacquelene Pearson
I’ve decided to keep this weekly commentary about the federal campaign in the bellwether seat of Robertson going for the remaining 30 days until the federal election on Saturday, 3 May. After all, I live in one of the last remaining bellwether seats in the nation so I might as well share what it’s like with the rest of you.
“What’s a corflute?” I hear you ask. According to Sydney company Any Shape Plastics, “Corflute, also known as corrugated plastic, is a lightweight and durable material made from polypropylene or polyethylene. It is widely used for signage, packaging, and construction”.
Depending on the printer, the volume, dimensions and thickness of the corflute, they can cost anything upwards of $4 per sign. So they’re cheap and recycleable.
And this week they were definitely a topic of interest to those phoning in to Scott Levi’s Central Coast ABC radio breakfast show.
Sign of the times
The corflutes currently on display are mostly “headshots” of the Liberal candidate, Lucy Wicks and sitting Labor MP, Dr Gordon Reid. Wicks, for example, has taken up most of the prime real estate along the railway fencing that lines Brisbane Water Drive, the main arterial road between Gosford and the Woy Woy Peninsula. Her head is everywhere!
There are rules, set by the local council, about where candidates can and cannot hang their corflutes and that was discussed this week on breakfast talkback. Can they be on the outside of private fences? Can they really be on power polls or attached to NSW Government fences along the rail line? Who cares?
Independent candidate for Robertson, Lisa Bellamy, said the plastic corflutes are not good for the environment. “I’ve used mine to degrease the car,” she said.
The Australian Electoral Commission is silent about where the signs can be placed.
“The AEC often receives complaints from the public, or candidates, that large banners or signs are attached to buildings, fences or trees. The Electoral Act does not address the placement of signs outside the proclaimed area (six metres from the entrance to a polling booth).
“Provided that the banners or signs are at least six metres from the entrance to the polling place or early voting centre, and they are duly authorised, their placement is not a matter for the AEC. The removal or relocation of signs is a matter for the property owner and is covered by local government by-laws and/or state/territory legislation.”
I’m left wondering, what does it tell you about the political consciousness of the average bellwether voter if their most pressing concern is placement of corflutes?
Campaign commitments
We won’t know who exactly is running for the seat of Robertson until the close of nominations on 10 April but the main four contenders to date are Reid (Labor – sitting member), Wicks (Liberal, former member), Wallace (Greens) and Bellamy (Independent).
Reid and Wicks have been busy making public commitments about what they will do for the people of Robertson if elected.
To date, Dr Reid has pledged the following:
- A new Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in the Terrigal district to service surrounding communities.
- $10 million to improve maternity services at our public hospitals (Gosford & Wyong).
- $115 million to upgrade Terrigal Drive in Erina and Terrigal.
- $15 million to fix intersections in Empire Bay.
- Delivering the $93 million Central Coast Roads Package.
- $1.8 million to upgrade Ettalong Beach Foreshore.
Lucy Wicks, on the other hand, has thus far committed a new clubhouse for Empire Bay Tennis Club, $150,000 for Niagara Park Stadium upgrades, domestic violence initiatives and road funding.
That’s on top of both major party’s big ticket national pledges such as the Liberal’s cut to petrol excise.
Seagull kisses
Campaigns are always full of memorable moment, such as the Prime Minister Albanese stumbling off a stage. This week’s Bellweather Good Sport award goes to Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for the Arts, who was in Ettalong on Thursday to help Dr Reid announce his $1.8 million commitment to upgrade the Ettalong beach foreshore.
There’s that old saying about bluebirds of happiness. Well, Mr Burke made the mistake of standing under a tree before the cameras started rolling, resulting in his pristine white shirt being, well, poohed upon by a passing seagull.
“Welcome to the campaign trail,” he responded whilst his staffer handed him a jacket.
It’s all happening in sunny Robertson.
