We’ve all now had a week or so to reflect on the Queensland State Election, and a campaign that the longer it went on, the more it became obvious that the LNP wanted to win Noosa at all costs. So much so that not only did the LNP candidate, Clare Stewart, in 2023 declare her intention to run for our state seat while still holding the position of Noosa Mayor, but she also began an active campaign with a first letterbox drop just weeks after the new Noosa Council was sworn in in March 2024. Seven months before the state election was scheduled to take place.

Meanwhile, our sitting Independent MP, Sandy Bolton, was, during this time, and right up until election day, continuing to meet with residents, and local organisations, and advocating for them. Much of her time was spent travelling to and from Brisbane when Parliament was sitting, i.e. doing her job, i.e. representing us, her constituents. Her campaign was not launched until the dying days of August this year. Long term Noosa resident, Trish Radge, became Sandy’s campaign manager.

Acknowledging that many people in Noosa are doing it tough in the current economic climate, Sandy did not want a big ticket launch event, instead opting for a free picnic-style launch, encouraging past supporters to come along, and to bring a friend (and their dogs). This event, at Noosa Pirates clubhouse, set the scene for what was to become a very successful grassroots campaign. 

“Bring a friend”, “tell a friend”, and sharing on social media resulted in a growing volunteer base and campaign donations that ranged from modest to generous – all gratefully received. As an Independent, Sandy did not receive any financial support for her campaign from a big political party. She recycled her campaign signs (“corflutes”) from the previous two elections.

Her growing number of volunteers raised their hands to fold and deliver copies of “The Noosa Independent”, a newspaper-like publication which was the brainchild of yet another volunteer. The people wanting to erect corflutes on their properties outnumbered the signs available. 
“Sandy Bolton Independent for Noosa” t-shirts, caps, and dog bandanas were being proudly worn by Noosans from the coast to the hinterland, at music events, trivia nights, supermarkets, walking along the river, at gyms, markets, and at the NAC. They were arguably the best advertising of the campaign, with the sharing of hundreds of photos by Noosa residents happy to show their support with their friends, families, and neighbours, generating even more grassroots awareness of the Sandy Bolton name, and the “Independent” message. 

At pre-poll all candidates had local supporters handing out How To Vote cards, and most days the interactions between the different groups was that of friendly rivals, with the Labor and Greens candidates and volunteers happy to chat throughout their times on ‘the run’. There were, though, just a few incidents that were definitely unpleasant, with one LNP supporter screaming “Liar” “Liar” banshee-like at one of Sandy’s team on the subject of the State Facilitate Development. Other than this, the feeling between Team Sandy and Team Clare was courteous if a little frosty at times. All believed they had the best interests of Noosa at heart.

Throughout the campaign Sandy had clear messaging for her growing team of supporters. She insisted on a non-confrontational approach, provided volunteers with the facts that countered the false claims by other candidates as they emerged, and led any discussions with posts on social media and, where appropriate, media releases. When she heard of one supporter making an incorrect statement, through her campaign manager she immediately made all volunteers aware that such a statement was wrong and must not be repeated. Being independent meant that she could be nimble in her responses, without having to go through a party machine for advice.

A dirty campaign backfires

I think a turning point in the campaign was the now infamous “scratchie” letterbox drop. I have no doubt that the LNP marketing department thought they were on a real winner with this, though the opposite became evident within hours of its arrival, and voters began voicing their disgust at the messaging. Not only were the messages untrue  (i.e. that the LNP needed Noosa to win the election, and that a vote for Sandy was a vote for Labor), but that the estimated cost of such an exercise was obscene in the current economic client. Bad move LNP. Compounding this were the personalised (AI) voicemail and text messages from the then Opposition Leader. Residents were affronted that their personal details had been accessed by the LNP for this purpose. Another bad move LNP. 

With 10 booths to cover on election day, the local LNP supporters seemed to be spread a little thin, with the majority of those at the polling booths (sometimes up to 8 people) having driven in from as far as Brisbane and Toowoomba. While I was at the Peregian Beach polling booth for much of the 26th, the “stop the high rise” mantra that we heard incessantly at pre-polling, all but disappeared, to be replaced with “Clare Stewart – a fresh start for Noosa”. Like other locals who appreciate where we live, I did wonder why a fresh start for Noosa was needed.

When questions arose on specific local issues, these out of towners were left floundering, delivering local volunteers from Sandy’s team, the Greens, and Labor, the opportunity to step up and discuss issues with confidence.

Each candidate is allowed only a certain number of signs at polling booths, but not surprisingly some find ways around this (see pic). Does anyone know who the “The Australian Institute for Progress” or “Australians For Prosperity” are? They must have lots of dosh to afford these signs.

The stories of other interactions from the polling booths will continue to roll in from election day. There were a few heated discussions, which is hardly unusual. But for one LNP volunteer at Sunshine Beach to suggest that a punch up was a good way to stop a Sandy supporter “talking over” him was perhaps going a bit far.

Something that the LNP Candidate should be given credit for is her endurance. Clare campaigned for over 7 months, knocked on a lot of doors (or had her people knock on doors on her behalf), and she was first to arrive at Girraween pre polling station every day and was often the last to leave. She had a smile on her face for everyone she encountered, even those who chose to not engage with her.

On the flip side however, in spending all of her time there, the voters in the hinterland took note and felt that they were being ignored. On social media some have said that this would be indicative of how much consideration she would give them once elected, and the hinterland booth results reflected this.

Throughout this campaign our Independent MP has built on her grassroots support adding many of those who have moved into the area since the last election now aware of all she has done for Noosa and what we can expect from her over the next 4 years.  

As the saying goes, all politics is local.  Fortunately, in Noosa at least, we have seen the power of a decent, hard-working, responsive local member and an Independent grassroots movement based on ethics and good outcomes for Noosa, not on political ideology.

For transparency, I am very proud to have been one of Sandy’s volunteers and enjoyed working as part of such a genuine and ethical team.