Current Noosa mayor Clare Stewart has officially been endorsed as the LNP’s candidate for Noosa at next year’s state election.
It comes after deputy mayor Frank Wilkie last week posted to social media to confirm his intention to run for mayor at the local government election in March 2024.
Ms Stewart said her stint as mayor had given her a unique insight into the pressures Noosa was facing.
“There are many significant challenges the people of Noosa want to see addressed: there have been violent attacks in Hastings Street and burglaries in Noosaville; there is a great need for affordable housing; there are growing traffic problems; and, most recently, the Labor Government’s plan to allow eight-storey highrises in Noosa,” she said.
“I believe we can address these challenges in a way that protects the unique lifestyle Noosa is renowned for, but we can only deliver genuine, long-term solutions if Noosa is represented at a higher level and as part of a broader team.
“We need a new Queensland Government to deal with these serious problems and I believe Noosa needs to be part of that change.
“We not only need advocacy, we need tangible outcomes and we need to see results.
“For this reason, I have put my hand up to be the Liberal National Party’s candidate for Noosa at the election to be held next October.
“I will continue to fight for our community, our lifestyle and our environment every day of my remaining seven months as mayor and I hope to be able to continue to serve the people of Noosa as their local member of parliament.”
A long-time local resident, Youngcare board director, former barrister and mum of three, Ms Stewart was elected as Noosa’s first female mayor in 2020.
LNP Leader David Crisafulli welcomed the newest member of the LNP state team and said Ms Stewart would be a strong and experienced voice for her community.
“Clare is an incredibly inspiring woman and I am humbled by her decision to join our state team ahead of next year’s election – I see it has a huge endorsement for our team’s unity and direction,” he said.
“Clare has overcome serious adversity to make a huge contribution to the Noosa community and her decision to now take that service even further proves she is a genuine community champion.”
The state election is in October 2024.
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