Branch members have chosen former Charters Towers Regional Mayor Frank Beveridge as the LNP’s candidate for Kennedy at the next federal election.
LNP President Gary Spence said Frank is well respected in the local community and has a career built on service to his region.
“Frank will be a powerful voice for Kennedy and will represent the region very strongly if elected,” Mr Spence said.
Mr Beveridge brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent 16 years in local government- four years as Mayor and 12 as councillor/ Deputy Mayor- and as a businessman for more than three decades.
“For too long the people of Kennedy have been failed with little in the way of delivery or improvements to the region,” Mr Beveridge said in a statement released by the LNP.
Mr Beveridge said he would work hard to create local jobs by fighting for the agricultural sector.
“We have so many projects that have missed out on funding in recent years, in particular the Big Rocks Weir project on the Burdekin,” he said.
“I’ve been involved in promoting Big Rocks Weir for six years and will continue to fight to ensure that funding is secured as soon as possible.”
Mr Beveridge said their would be a clear choice for voters at the next election.
“(Either) the LNP which manages the economy responsibly for the benefit of all Australians or Labor who wants to impose higher taxes and take more income from the self-funded retirees and businesses who live in our community.” he said.
“Locals tell me they can’t stomach the thought of Bill Shorten becoming Prime Minister and I’ll be doing everything in my power to ensure that never happens.”
However Mr Beveridge made no mention of KAP incumbent Bob Katter, who has held Kennedy since 1993 and who defeated LNP candidate Jonathan Pavetto 61-39 in the 2016 election on the two party preferred vote.
Mr Beveridge will step down from his role as Chair of the Townsville and North West Queensland Regional Development Australia committee.
He joined the RDA committee in 2016, was appointed acting chair last year and was formally appointed in the role in March this year.
He was elected Mayor of Charters Towers Regional Council in 2012 but was defeated by Liz Schmidt in 2016.