Meet the Candidates Southport - Rob Molhoek MP

Elected in 2012, Rob is the current State Member for Southport and the Chief Opposition Whip in the Queensland Parliament. Born in Southport, Rob grew up here, went to school in Southport and has raised his family here. As a father of four grown-up sons he understands only too well the challenges families face.

Rob Molhoek MP

Rob has worked hard to deliver so many important local and community projects including the redevelopment of the Broadwater Parklands, Gold Coast Aquatic Centre and the revitalisation of the Southport CBD. While in Council he championed Stage 1 of the Light Rail, Robina Stadium and delivered major city-wide infrastructure projects like the raising of Hinze Dam, Gold Coast’s desalination plant and many significant road and park upgrades.

Since his entry into State Parliament he has continued to fight hard for our city. He fought hard for the Commonwealth Games and games Infrastructure including Stage 2 of Gold Coast Light Rail, and vital road upgrades to Smith St, Olsen Ave, Ferry Rd, High St, Ross St and Bundall Road.

As the State Member for Southport his enduring goals include further extensions of the light and heavy rail networks from Helensvale to Gold Coast Airport, more public and affordable housing, continued revitalisation of CBD Southport, better health services, a fairer go for young people, more jobs, cracking down on drugs and serious crime. Rob will continue to fight for a safer and more inclusive community, better protection of frontline emergency service workers, more police, less domestic and family violence and work to ensure the Gold Coast is among the most welcoming and safest cities in the world.

Rob’s first job was packing bread roles after school at Gold Coast Bakeries. From school he joined Woolworths eventually transitioning from retail into his dream career in media and communications. From humble beginnings as Radio Station Manager of Hits and Memories 2BH in Broken Hill, his media career eventually led him home to the Gold Coast via positions in Tasmania and Victoria, returning as General Manager of Sea FM Limited, operating 38 radio stations around Australia and local stations 90.9 Sea FM (now Hit Radio) & 92.5 Gold FM (now Triple M).

Since then Rob has had a broad range of experiences both here and overseas, today he is an accomplished business and community leader. He understands the challenges small businesses face, juggling expenses and cash-flows, leading people, dealing with red-tape and technology while seeking to increase sales and meet customer’s expectations. He believes businesses need to be free to thrive, but must also invest in the welfare of our community and people.

Outside of work Rob has an extensive range of not-for-profit board experience. He was a founding director and investor in the Gold Coast NRL Titans, founding Chairman of the Gold Coast Community Fund and is today the longest serving director of Bravehearts the charity committed to protecting our kids from Child Sexual Abuse. He is currently an ambassador and fundraiser for the Vinnies CEO Sleepout, which raises money to help provide accommodation and services to the homeless. He is also a strong advocate and champion of Southport based Domestic Violence support services.

Rob’s previous public service roles include:

Assistant Minister for Child Safety;
Assistant Minister for State Planning Reform & Development;
Member, State Cabinet Committee Infrastructure and Planning
Brisbane Urban Futures Board
Shadow Minister for Housing & Public Works;
Deputy Chair of Queensland Transportation, Public Works and Utilities committees.
Gold Coast City Councilor & Chair of Finance & Internal Services;
Chair City of Gold Coast Disaster Management Relief Committee;
Member City of Gold Council Water Sustainability & Sewerage Committee;
Member City of Gold Council Strategic Growth Management;
Member City of Gold Council Health & Community Services.