Leaders from across Queensland have paid tribute to former Caloundra MP and minister Mark McArdle.
Mr McArdle died aged 68 on Thursday morning. He represented his electorate from 2004 to 2020 and held senior roles including Leader of the Queensland Parliamentary Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the LNP and Minister for Energy and Water Supply.
He has been remembered as a dedicated public servant, community champion and gentleman.
Premier David Crisafulli was among those to pay tribute.
“Queensland is poorer for the passing of Mark McArdle,” he said.
“Mark loved his Caloundra community and his deep connections remained right up until his passing.
“Mark was Queensland’s Minister for Energy and Water Supply from 2012 to 2015, when he developed a plan to secure the state’s water supply and a plan to ensure a more resilient and cost-effective energy system.
“I witnessed how much his responsibilities meant to him. He was always well prepared and made each decision on the basis of what was right for Queensland, free from political consequences.
“The merger of the Liberal and National parties would not have happened in Queensland without his bravery.
“I extend my deepest condolences to Mark’s wife Judy, his family and friends.”
Caloundra MP Kendall Morton also paid tribute.
“Mark was very well loved and respected by the electorate,” she said.
“Mark had a significant impact on so many of us, and (was) a brilliant speaker, who took us all on a journey.
“He was captivating, and I’ll be forever grateful he was with me on my own election night, running the tally room.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Mr McArdle’s legacy “is deeply connected to the Sunshine Coast”.
“Mark’s unwavering commitment to community helped shape a region that values a sense of belonging,” she said.
“His impact lives on in the people he represented as the Member for Caloundra and supported, and in the projects he championed.”
She said he was “dedicated, passionate and persuasive”.
Federal MP Andrew Wallace said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Mr McArdle’s passing.
He visited Mr McArdle, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2013, at hospital on Wednesday night.
“Even in those final moments, it was poignant to reflect on a lifetime of service, his warmth, generosity and good humour,” he said.
“Mark was a good man with good values, especially to the LNP, and a steadfast believer in serving his community with honesty, integrity and dedication.
“A proud local, he was a fierce advocate for his community and a tireless champion for the Sunshine Coast, especially the electorate of Caloundra.
“Queensland has lost a true gentleman.”
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