LIBERAL National Party candidate for the seat of Bowman, Ormiston father Henry Pike said his key goal was a better quality of life for residents.
Mr Pike, who was defeated in the seat of Redlands in November's state election by Labor's Kim Richards is expected to replace Andrew Laming as the next candidate although his preselection is under a cloud due to party infighting.
He said it was rewarding to work towards something that had a purpose.
"I have the experience and now know what is involved, what it takes to win. I know it's a bigger challenge, but we are well placed to run," he said.
He said his aim was to get in front of people to hear what they wanted and listen to their issues.
Mr Pike said his key goal was a better quality of life for residents including job opportunities and infrastructure.
"We no doubt have infrastructure problems with the growth in the area. I'd like to see people get from A to B without sitting in traffic."
Aiming to focus on job creation in the area if he won the seat, Mr Pike said he wanted to make sure employment was generated in the Redlands.
Bowman has traditionally changed hands between Labor and the LNP although Mr Laming has put in a strong showing since 2004, with the seat becoming a conservative bolt hole.
Mr Pike said he would have a different style to Mr Laming but the pair had been working parallel for the past few weeks, and he was capitalising on Mr Laming's electorate knowledge and work.
"If I win the seat I will take the baton and run with it," he said.
If elected Mr Pike said he would make sure the whole region benefited from Brisbane Olympics 2032.
"What else can we get...an athletes village, maybe something in the heart of Cleveland. I will be pushing for as much as we can get If I'm elected MP.
"The heart of Australia is out in suburbia, we keep the economy going so we need to get a fair share of the funding," he said.
Mr Pike said he wanted to see Cleveland Redland Bay Road and Mount Cotton Road duplicated, as well as another train line from Cleveland.
On his to-do list is health care, education including a high school for Redland Bay, and economic recovery during tough COVID-19 times.
"The bigger picture is, I would like to protect the Australian way of life and the freedoms we enjoy, the cultural things we hold dear... I don't support changing the flag or the constitution," he said.
He said he would like to see a smaller government with lower taxes and the creation of more employment.
Angela Kelly
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
Redland City Bulletin senior journalist covering politics, community issues and human interest stories. South African living the dream in Australia.
