Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart to run for state parliament for LNP in 2024

A high-profile Sunshine Coast mayor is set to make a tilt for state politics, running for the LNP at the next election.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart is set to make a run for state parliament in a coup for the LNP ahead of next year’s October state election.

Ms Stewart, who was elected Noosa’s first female mayor in 2020, was preselected on Saturday and will come up against current MP, independent Sandy Bolton.

The former barrister and mum of three told The Sunday Mail she threw her hat into the ring after becoming “incredibly disillusioned” with the government, and the decision was “a no-brainer”. “We need a change of government, and to do that we need to win seats,” Ms Stewart said.

“The issues we are seeing in Noosa, we are also seeing across the state – and the main issue here is increased crime. We also have a hospital which needs a significant amount of investment, we need more police, issues with housing affordability.”

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart and LNP leader in Queensland David Crisafulli, Picture: Patrick Woods.

Having overcome personal adversity, the Noosa resident said she was not afraid of challenges a parliament push could bring.

Having suffered a near-fatal accident at 23, when she was hit by a garbage truck and pinned underneath for 37 minutes, Ms Stewart had to undergo 37 operations after being told she would never walk again. She said after facing her own mortality at 23, she was “determined to give back”.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said Ms Stewart was an “incredibly inspiring woman”, and was humbled by her decision.

“I see it has a huge endorsement for our team’s unity and direction,” he said.

“Clare has overcome serious adversity to make a huge contribution to the Noosa community, and her decision to now take that service even further proves she is a genuine community champion.”