FORMER Townsville City Councillor Natalie Marr has been pre-selected to run for the seat of Thuringowa in the upcoming state election.
Real Estate agent Ms Marr will take on Labor's Aaron Harper who has held the seat since 2015, ousting the LNP's Sam Cox in the Newman era whitewash.
Ms Marr, who is also a former chair of Crimestoppers Townsville, said crime and job creation were her priorities for the region.
"There were 9,200 people looking for a job in Townsville before the coronavirus crisis began, so it's clear this region needs a strong economic recovery plan," Ms Marr said.
"The LNP will supercharge North Queensland's economy with the New Bradfield Scheme.
"The project will create thousands of jobs in this region, give farmers precious water and generate enough hydro-electricity for 800,000 homes.
"The LNP's plan for more electricity competition will cut the average Townsville bill by $300 and we will also give Queenslanders a no-new-tax guarantee."
Ms Marr said improving local health and education services were also priorities.
She said the LNP would cut hospital waiting lists by partnering with the private sector to take the pressure off Queensland's Health frontline staff, while in schools the LNP would conduct a review of the curriculum to ensure teachers and students can focus on the key subjects of English, science and maths.
Ms Frecklington said Natalie Marr's experience as a former city councillor and former chair of CrimeStoppers Townsville made her the perfect candidate to protect people and jobs in Thuringowa.
LNP Leader Deb Frecklington said Ms Marr's experience on council and with Crimestoppers made her an ideal candidate for Thuringowa.
"Thuringowa has seen crime spiral out of control under Labor and residents are crying out for strong local leadership," Ms Frecklington said.
"She will make protecting the community her priority - not protecting the rights of criminals.
"Natalie also knows that action is urgently needed to protect jobs in Townsville."
Ms Marr's pre-selection comes after the LNP last week endorsed Bushland Beach businessman Scott Piper to contest the seat of Hinchinbrook.
The party has also announced candidates for the seat of Townsville - former army officer John Hathaway, who held the seat for one term under the Newman government from 2012-2015 - and Mundingburra, senior police officer Glen Doyle.