AFTER a decade in State politics, Member for Burdekin Rosemary Menkens has announced that she will not be contesting the next election.
“It has been a privilege and I have proudly represented the Burdekin electorate for four terms since 2004 but the time has come for me to announce my retirement from State politics,” Mrs Menkens said.
“The Burdekin electorate is a diverse electorate and indeed a crucial seat which the LNP will be actively seeking to hold, for the benefit of constituents,” she said.
“I understand that nominations for pre-selection will be called at the end of this month and the branch will decide on the LNP candidate to best contest the next election.
“As the sitting member, it will definitely be business as usual for me and the Burdekin Electorate Office until the election is called.”
The Burdekin electorate covers 28,344 square kilometres and stretches from Bowen in the north to the southern suburbs of Townsville and inland to the mining town of Collinsville.
“It’s an important electorate in the whole scheme of things, centred on the agricultural areas of Ayr-Home Hill and Bowen-Gumlu; it also incorporates the fast developing southern outskirts of Townsville taking in areas south and east of the Ross river including Wulguru, Fairfield Waters and Lavarack Army Barracks and parts of Annandale.
“It’s an exciting time in the Burdekin electorate, particularly with the planned expansion of Abbot Point and mining developments to the south of the electorate which will bring the much needed boost and certainty people in the electorate have been calling out for.
“Abbot Point has always been a priority for the Newman Government as this project will create thousands of jobs and provide billions of dollars in export revenue and royalties which will flow into our towns.”
Reflecting on her decade in State politics, Mrs Menkens said she was proud of her accomplishments but felt there was still more work to be done in the electorate.
“I spent three terms on the Opposition bench and had to fight tooth and nail for the Burdekin electorate under Labor. I feel this LNP Government has delivered a lot in its first term and am confident that I will be able to hand the electorate over in good shape.”
And as to her life after politics…“I am sure I will have plenty to occupy my time and look forward to new challenges.”
Premier Campbell Newman praised Mrs Menkens for her hard work and dedication to her constituents and the party.
“Rosemary is a Committee Chair and Senior Whip, but was also a Shadow Minister for a several years and has a particular passion for education and the advancement of North Queensland,” Mr Newman said.
“She has achieved much for Burdekin and Queensland families and is respected on all sides of politics,” he said.
“I wish Rosemary and her family all the best.”
