McConnel winner revealed: What it means for you

Labor Education Minister Grace Grace, the Greens’ Kirsten Lovejoy and the LNP’s Pinky Singh went to battle in the seat of McConnel. Here’s who came out on top and what it means for people in the inner-Brisbane seat.

Education and Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace has retained her inner-city of McConnel despite a strong showing from Greens candidate Kirsten Lovejoy.

She has held the seat, formerly called Brisbane Central, since 2007 when she won a by-election following the resignation of then premier Peter Beattie.

Grace Grace finished ahead in the polls collecting 35.8 per cent of the primary vote but a commanding 61 per cent of the two-party preferred vote.

LNP canididate Pinky Singh picked up 30.9 per cent and Ms Loveyjoy (Greens) 28.2 per cent.

“I’ve always said it depends on where we land and how preferences are distributed,’’ she said.

Ms Grace said jobs, health and public transport were the big issues that had decided the outcome.

“That’s why we are continuing with Cross River Rail, a $5.4 billion project delivering 7700 local jobs and three new stations in our area,’’ she said.

Ms Grace also committed to a two-year trial for free electric buses for the Spring Hill loop,

which would be extended to weekends.

She nominated the new Fortitude Valley State Secondary College, the first state high school to be built in the inner city in over 50 years, as another key issue.

“I am committed to seeing stage two, a $43 million state-of-the-art sports stadium building, going ahead,’’ she said.

As Education Minister, she promised to employ more teachers, build and upgrade more schools and improve mental health among staff and students.

She pledged to put airconditioning in every classroom, library and staffroom in the state’s public schools.

Ms Lovejoy was contesting her third election for the seat and campaigned strongly, but it was not enough to topple the odds-on favourite.