The recent Queensland election appears likely to have a positive effect on Gold Coast environmental issues. Although counting hasn't finished, what is known is that Campbell Newman's Liberal National Party has been trounced with the Labor party, led by Annastacia Palaszczuk, to field either a minority or majority government.

At the northern end of the Gold Coast, the Save Our Spit coalition who've been fighting a proposed cruise terminal are optimistic about Palaszczuk's victory. Just days before the election she visited Wavebreak Island, site of the proposed Broadwater terminal, meeting with community leaders and concerned locals. Palaszczuk told the assembled crowd, “Today I give you this commitment. I have listened to the people. I have listened to what you have been saying to me, and there will be no development here, pure and simple.”

Palaszczuk's statement was forthright and definitive. She went on to add, “Vote Labor, and we will reclaim the Broadwater for the people.”

Save Our Spit President Dr Steven Gration is elated by the imminent change in government. “I don’t think there is any doubt now,” said Dr Gration, “We’ve just seen an election where over 90% of the voters in the two key seats adjacent to this proposal rushed to the polls to vote for candidates that expressed their strong opposition to private development and cruise ships inside the Broadwater. I think that speaks volumes.”

Expressing faith in Palaszczuk's proclamation, Dr Gration said, “We are confident that Labor has the means and has every reason to fulfill their commitment to the people of Queensland, and that we will soon see the ASF China Consortium packing their bags and leaving."

It may be up to a week before the final result of the Queensland election is known, however even if Palaszczuk leads a minority government the cruise ship terminal appears unlikely to proceed with Bob Katter's Australia Party and independent member for Nicklin, Peter Wellington, opposing the project.

In a 2012 press conference Katter said of the terminal “I can’t help but wonder why one would keep pushing for something that is so enormously unpopular and something that has generated so much hostility within almost every group in society – from the super rich billionaires like Bob Ells down to humble people like me.”

Also, if Pauline Hanson wins her seat of Lockyer it could be assumed she'd oppose further overseas ownership of the Queensland coast.

Another project likely to be affected by the change in government is the proposed World Surfing Reserve for the Gold Coast. Brad Farmer is the founder of National and World Surfing Reserves, and yesterday he reminded the public of Annastacia Palaszczuk's stance while in opposition. “As Opposition leader, Annastacia Palaszczuk said she would stop plans for a Gold Coast cruise ship terminal and support the declaration a city-length World Surfing Reserve of all surfing beaches.”

Farmer is calling on Palaszczuk's past loyalty believing the incoming Premier could be a powerful advocate to ensure the quality of beach life for all Gold Coasters. “She clearly understands the value Queensland electors place on coastal assets,” said Farmer. “This election is a game changer for the Gold Coast where 95% of people use the beach and want it to be protected for generations to come.”

Farmer has called on the new Queensland Premier to act swiftly in declaring the Gold Coast waterways and beaches off limits to developers with protective legislation in her first 100 days in office.