New LNP Keppel MP Nigel Hutton outlines his vision
When new Keppel MP Nigel Hutton began grassroots campaigning more than 400 days ago, his team listened to many community concerns but one grievance stood above the rest.
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When new Member for Keppel Nigel Hutton began grassroots campaigning more than 400 days ago, his team listened to many community concerns but one grievance stood above the rest.
It was juvenile crime.
Mr Hutton, fresh from victory celebrations last night after defeating Labor’s Brittany Lauga in the Queensland election (he held an 8.1 per cent two party preferred lead at 2pm on Sunday, October 27) said tackling that complex challenge would be his and the new LNP government’s top priority.
“First thing off the rank for me is the ‘Making Queensland Safer’ laws,” he said in Yeppoon, after picking up election signs.
“Our plan was being on the ground early and each and every day when I door knocked, whether it was on the coast or in Rockhampton, people were talking to me about crime.
“They were unhappy with the attitude of the government of the day towards crime and they wanted to know a fresh start from LNP meant that ‘Adult Crime, Adult Time’ would be implemented.
“That we would also invest in gold standard early intervention programs as well as rehabilitation programs.”
He said LNP leader David Crisafulli was “not just talking the talk he’s walking the walk” by promising to introduce the laws his top priority.
“Then we can get underway with making a real dent in what is something that’s leading to Queenslanders not feeling safe in their homes,” he said.
“He’s (Mr Crisafulli) also investing in building (juvenile) facilities and engaging with organisations so that we can get a march on this because what we want to do is change a (juvenile crime pipeline) culture that has developed over time and that takes time so we need to start as soon as we can.”
While tackling juvenile crime was a big issue, Mr Hutton said there were other key elements behind the Keppel victory.
“Our community was looking for someone with a vision and a plan for the future and the right plan the LNP was putting forward was about investing in and supporting communities as they continue to grow,” he said.
“The community was also looking for a government that listens. Think about the four big for crisis that we face; youth crime, health in Central Queensland, cost of living and housing.
“The LNP came forward with plans to address them all.”
He said starting campaigning 414 days ago had given his team the opportunity to focus on what really mattered to people.
He said his large team of volunteers was able to spread the “powerful message of a ‘Fresh Start for Queensland’” every day.
“(Starting so early) made a difference,” he said.
“We were about to go to every set of community markets, we were able to be part of and connect to lots of community groups, we door knocked, we phone canvassed and all of those things ultimately came together and we are very, very grateful for the trust the community has put in me.”
He said an example of finding solutions to current problems was talking to the region’s doctors and nurses.
The need for a locally trained workforce, relieving the pressure on clinical services and the benefit of including doctors and nurses on hospital boards were three priorities they had announced solutions for.
The LNP has also made a large number of commitments to community groups and Mr Hutton, a former Livingstone deputy mayor, said he would be working closely with Livingstone Shire and Rockhampton Regional councils to deliver the associated projects.
“From my background as a local councillor, I know there is nothing more important than to make sure the left hand and right hand are working together,” he said.
“I’m going to work very strongly with mayors Tony Williams (Rockhampton) and Adam Belot (Livingstone Shire Council) to make sure we deliver them projects for CQ and I’m looking forward to working alongside Donna Kirkland.
“The CQ team can produce great outcomes with vision and planning and the next stage is delivery and Central Queenslanders want a government that delivers.”
One of these priorities is to work with LSC on planning the proposed East West Connector Road to take pressure off the current peak-hour traffic congestion in Yeppoon.
Mr Hutton said he would fight for funding from the LNP’s $2 billion infrastructure fund to advance that project.
He also thanked Brittany Lauga for her work during her three terms as the Keppel MP.
“When she rang me last night I thanked he for her service to the community,” he said.
“No matter what party you come from there is sacrifice attached to that. I also acknowledge her legacy that she leaves and I will continue to work on that legacy for the people of Keppel.”
He said on a personal note, it was very special for him to celebrate his victory with his wife Tanya, his children and his parents Grantly (recently retired fireman) and Jo Hutton (recently retired nurse).
“I come from a family of people that serve the community and it was very, very cool to share that last night,” he said.
KEPPEL LNP COMMITMENTS
- Fighting to reinstate the Bruce Highway’s 80/20 federal funding agreement
- Upgrades at Capricorn Coast Netball
- Safety upgrades at Seeonee Park Campsite
- Investigating options for future boat ramp sites on the Southern Capricorn Coast
- Stage one of the Rockhampton Sports Precinct
- New world-class TAFE precinct
- New light attack fire vehicle for Emu Park Fire Station
- Rockhampton Hospital: future expansion of vital clinical services
- Buying land for a future Emu Park High School
- New amenities at Bluebirds United
- signalise Foulkes St intersection
- Safer entries and exits into estates along Norman Rd as part of $42 million investment in Rockhampton Integrated Sports Complex
- Feasibility study into blue water access on the southern Capricorn Coast
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