Vanishing act: Campaign corflutes disappear across Shire

Federal Election

Byron Filmer

Junior Reporter

Email Byron
Last updated:
The corflutes of LNP and ALP candidates, Jeremy Neal and Matt Smith respectively, ripped out of the ground and left on the side of the road. Picture: Byron Filmer

Most Federal Election campaign posters throughout Port Douglas and Mossman have either been pulled down or damaged on the weekend in a blow for campaigning in the region.

While many of the corflutes have simply vanished, some have been left damaged and scattered along Port Douglas Road and other areas throughout the Shire, with not one candidate’s posters left untouched.

Libby Klinger, a Shire local of more than 30 years, shared her anger with Newsport upon discovering the damage yesterday morning.

“This morning a new low has been achieved,” she said. 

“Some uneducated moron, but probably a group of idiots, have taken down all the corflutes.

“How terribly sad we have come to this.

“There was a time when people could discuss their differences on political issues without rancour, disrespect and shouting,” Ms Klinger said.

A representative from the LNP said more than 50 of their signs had been damaged or removed throughout Mossman and Port Douglas on Sunday night.

Leichhardt LNP candidate Jeremy Neal encouraged people to report any vandalism to the police.

“It’s disappointing to see this kind of behaviour occurring in the community, with candidates across the board being targeted,” Mr Neal said. 

“Defacing campaign posters is a criminal offence.”

Labor candidate Matt Smith and Greens candidate Phillip Musumeci have been contacted by Newsport for comment.

Support public interest journalism

Help us to continue covering local stories that matter. Please consider supporting below.

Got a news tip?

Send a news tip or submit a letter to the Newsport Editor here.

Comments

Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.