By Rachael Smith
Wayde Chiesa of the Liberal National Party of Queensland was successful in his bid to become the next Member for Hinchinbrook, topping the poll with 11,652 votes (41.51%), ahead of Katter’s Australian Party candidate Mark Molachino on 8,466 votes (30.16%).
One Nation’s Luke Sleep finished third with 3,756 votes (13.38%), followed by Labor’s Maurie Soars on 2,313 votes (8.24%). The Queensland Greens’ Aiden Creagh received 962 votes (3.43%), Family First’s Amanda Nickson secured 610 votes (2.17%), and independent candidate Steven Clare finished with 310 votes (1.10%).
In total, 28,069 formal votes were cast, making up 96 per cent of the total 29,238 ballots, with 1,169 informal votes accounting for the remaining 4 per cent.
"I knew it was going to be a big mountain to climb, and I knew I had to work as hard as I could"
From the elation of winning the election campaign he'd fought so hard for, to heading back to his parent's farm and sleeping on a mattress on the floor. It is clear from the outset that newly elected Member for Hinchinbrook Wayde Chiesa is a committed fighter for the region, but also a humble man who puts others first.
It is qualities like these that will see Wayde continue the momentum of the election race and jump back onto the road this week, heading out around the electorate and talking to his constituents.
"Right from the beginning I've wanted to work hard and listen," he shared.
"I've spent time with people right around the electorate, reconnecting with people, many of whom I grew up with.
"I've spoken with businesses in Cardwell doing it tough, one told me they'd made just $75 that day - to return a few weeks later and announce the Port Hinchinbrook redevelopment alongside the Premier was a huge moment.
"I could see a glimmer of hope - and now I am looking forward to pushing the consultancy through and making sure the project stays on track."
"We have such a beautiful region and I want to put Hinchinbrook back on the map!"
An Ingham local, Wayde says he has pre-existing long-term relationships with both Council and the Chamber, he is now looking forward to using his new platform to help drive key projects forward.
"You can do things easier when you're in government and I'm looking forward to being that fighter, that loud voice for our region"
"There is something truly special about being given this responsibility, it is such a privilege, one I don't want to waste."
A big part of the campaign race was the backing by another Hinchinbrook local, Premier David Crisafulli, who spent days campaigning alongside Wayde in the days leading up to the election.
"He loves this town like I do, he loves North Queensland and he loves the regions," said Wayde when asked about the Premier.
"This was personal for him, and it's personal for me."
Some of the key projects that the new Member for Hinchinbrook now looks forward to driving are looking at flood mitigation works alongside Council, being a "loud, proud voice" for the agriculture industry and "getting things delivered".
Wayde will reside in Townsville, however his central office will continue to be located in Ingham.
He looks forward to spending more time throughout the electorate and says he will be spending many more nights with his parents on the farm, quite possibly on his favourite mattress!
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