Wayde Chiesa Liberal National Party

LNP candidate for Hinchinbrook, Wayde Chiesa, says he is determined to deliver strong representation and practical outcomes for the region, drawing on his lifelong connection to the district and decades of experience across local industries and community organisations.

“I’m proud to be Ingham-born and bred, growing up on our family farm and spending weekends at Forrest Beach and playing footy,” Mr Chiesa said.

After finishing school, he moved to Townsville to study at university but says “Ingham has always been home.”

Across his career, Mr Chiesa has worked in a wide range of fields, from small and family businesses to senior roles in regional development. His experience includes serving as CEO of Regional Development Australia Townsville and Northwest Queensland, and as Director of Regional Development and Investment at Townsville Enterprise. He has also run his own business and spent 17 years as part of the Triple M Cowboys Call Team, calling Cowboys games and staying connected with communities right across North Queensland.

With Hinchinbrook heading into a by-election, Mr Chiesa views this moment as pivotal for securing a stronger voice at the state level.

“This by-election is a once-in-a generation opportunity to elect someone who can sit alongside David Crisafulli, around the table where decisions are made. For too long Hinchinbrook has been on the sidelines from Government but I want to change that,” he said.

Mr Chiesa’s key priority is tackling youth crime, advocating for a tougher, more consistent approach to community safety.

“I’m fighting for a sensible plan to deal with youth crime,” he said.

“The LNP’s Adult Crime, Adult Time laws are starting to hold youth criminals accountable but there’s a long way to go to fix a decade of Labor’s weak laws.”

He said the region needs “more police with better early intervention and rehabilitation that works – as well as CCTV in known trouble spots,” adding, “I’ll also fight for tougher bail laws for youth criminals, which I believe our State needs.”

Traffic congestion across Townsville’s Northern Beaches and improved local infrastructure also feature strongly in his platform.

Mr Chiesa has long championed key North Queensland industries including agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. If elected, he intends to focus on fixing Port Hinchinbrook, improving marine facilities, building flood resilience, and securing better roads for the district.

Community involvement has been a constant in his life, from volunteering with the Forrest Beach and Arcadian Surf Life Saving Clubs to serving as Treasurer of the Rotary Club of Townsville and helping organise the Townsville Triathlon Festival, however above all else, family remains his greatest motivation.

“My two kids, Lucy and Tommy, love spending time with their Nanna and Nonno here in Ingham,” he said, noting that those simple moments on the family farm remind him why Hinchinbrook deserves strong, local representation.