Farewell to Mark McArdle

McArdle not to stand in 2020

Mark McArdle and wife Judy

The State Member for Caloundra, Mark McArdle, announced last Thursday that he will not stand in the state election to be held in October 2020.

He was first elected in 2004 and has held the seat of Caloundra for the past 15 years.

Mr McArdle said the time had come to move on and for younger blood to step up to the mark and take Caloundra forwards.

LNP leader Deb Frecklington said Mr McArdle was a strong advocate for his community and had fought hard for the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and campaigned for better transport infrastructure like the duplication of the Sunshine Coast rail line and Bruce Highway upgrades.

“Mark was a respected senior Cabinet minister in the previous LNP government and saved households hundreds of dollars a year by deregulating the South East Queensland retail electricity market.

“Mark saw the potential of a new and united political force and was one of the architects of the Liberal National Party,” Ms Frecklington said.

Mr McArdle said it has been “an enormous privilege to represent the residents of the state seat of Caloundra”.

“I have met and worked with wonderful people in Caloundra, from all sides of the political divide, who have seen the wonder and beauty of the region in which we live. Though we have often disagreed on process, the desired outcome has always been the same – a better, stronger and more caring community.

“It is to my wife Judy that I owe the unpayable debt. Her love, consideration, undying support and, at times, strong direction enabled me to, first of all, win the seat in 2004 and then hold it. There have always been dual members – one the official and the other silent strength.

“There are still issues to fight for on a local basis. Caloundra Road/Nicklin Way roundabout and indeed Caloundra Road itself is chaos and must be resolved. Duplication of the rail line Beerburrum to Nambour is vital,” Mr McArdle said.

An LNP candidate will be announced in the future.