Maurie Soars Labor

Labor candidate for Hinchinbrook, Maurie Soars, has called the northern beaches of Townsville home for more than three decades, having made the move from Brisbane 35 years ago, a decision he describes as “one of the best” of his life.

Beginning at Saunders Beach before settling in Bushland Beach, Mr Soars is proud to be “the only candidate in this race who lives in the electorate of Hinchinbrook.”

Over the years, he and his family have shared their home with many pets, and now have just “one old cat, who rules the house.”

A motor mechanic by trade, Mr Soars later transitioned into sales and management, where he found his stride turning around underperforming businesses.

His reputation, however, is most firmly rooted in public life. Best known as a long-serving Townsville City Councillor, he spent more than a decade “delivering for North Queensland and trying to make this region a better place.”

If elected, Mr Soars said his first priority will be simple: to ensure “the people of Hinchinbrook get their fair share.” He lists accessible healthcare, affordable housing, resilient infrastructure, and attracting and retaining professionals as key needs, warning that “three years of doing nothing under an LNP Government will only send us backwards, and that’s a risk we can’t afford.”

Within his first year, Mr Soars plans to champion the Dungeness Dredging and Rock Wall Project, as well as complete the long-awaited fix for Port Hinchinbrook that began under Labor. He also wants to see “clear timelines and dollar figures for proposed Bruce Highway upgrades,” pressing for greater investment into northern beaches road networks and repairs to Mount Spec Road.

When asked what the region is currently lacking, Mr Soars is direct: business diversification. While acknowledging the strength of Hinchinbrook’s agricultural foundations, he believes the region has far more potential.

“I know we have a strong agriculture sector, but there is more we could be doing to add depth other areas such as tourism and accommodation variants to support,” he said.

“If elected, I will be pushing the Crisafulli Government to ensure Hinchinbrook gets its fair share.”

Beyond politics, Mr Soars has spent decades helping shape the local sporting scene, from founding yacht races and AFL Masters teams, to supporting clubs through growth, recovery, and community events. Deeply involved across Townsville and Hinchinbrook sport, he has held numerous leadership roles and received national recognition, including induction into both the Queensland and National AFL Masters Halls of Fame.

A dedicated resident who lives, works, and holidays in the region, Mr Soars says his commitment is simple: to deliver for the community he proudly calls home.

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