News
30 October, 2024
‘Honoured, humbled and I’m ready to roll’
Long-term LNP member for Glass House, Andrew Powell says he’s honoured to have been re-elected for a sixth term following the LNP’s election night victory on Saturday.
“For this to be a sixth term is very humbling,” he said.
“It’s not something I’ll take for granted.
“I’m thrilled that people feel satisfied with their representation, and even more so that this time it’s part of an LNP government. It’s going to be fantastic to deliver on our commitments.”
Reflecting on the campaign and the LNP win, Mr. Powell said he felt “excited and elated, though emotionally exhausted.”
Mr. Powell, who held the seat by 1.6 per cent going into the election, recorded a 9 per cent swing in his favor, saying this was in large part due to the LNP’s policy platform.
“That’s people wanting change and supporting the policies and plans we put forward,” he said.
As he moves into his 16th year in local politics, Mr. Powell plans to focus on delivering his election promises, especially on road infrastructure.
“Transport and Main Roads will be busy,” he said.
“There’s a planning study for Mt Mee Road, intersection upgrades on the D’Aguilar Highway, and work with the Council on Maleny-Montville Road.
“We’re also committed to ruling out the existing Bruce Highway Western Alternative routes and exploring other options.”
He added he was pleased voters across Queensland had opted for a “fresh start.”
“People wanted change and not a fourth-term Labor government,” he said.
“They wanted the four big issues — crime, housing, cost of living, and health — dealt with, and we seemed to be the only party with solutions for all four.”
This campaign saw Mr. Powell spending significant time in neighboring seats as part of the LNP’s strategy to provide a strong alternative.
“I spent a lot of time in Pumicestone and Caloundra assisting our candidates. I’m thrilled that, of my seven neighboring seats, five are turning blue.”
Mr. Powell also praised his campaign team’s dedication, highlighting the efforts of volunteers and supporters.
“I’m very fortunate. Many seats lack the personal and social infrastructure and human capital we have in Glass House,” he said.
“After multiple campaigns, we’ve learned from past mistakes and refined our approach.”
He pointed to a record low percentage of votes cast on Election Day, with 1.6 million Queenslanders choosing to vote early.
Mr. Powell suggested this reflected a preference for flexibility and a desire for change.
