More than 100,000km of driving in the electorate, five state budget replies and 45 sitting weeks have wrapped up Member for Burdekin Dale Last’s third term as a member of parliament with the dissolution of the 57th parliament taking place in the recent week.

Mr Last said with the writ being issued last Tuesday, there was an opportunity to reflect on the advocacy for issues faced in the north and the recognition of the people who called the Burdekin home.

“I have said it plenty of times but the Burdekin electorate is a powerhouse for the state’s economy from our agriculture and tourism industries in the east to our coal mines in the west and that needs to be supported so that it is in the best position to thrive well into the future,” Mr Last said.

“That support means we not only are able to recognise the achievements of people within our community like young Billy Hearn and the Burdekin Theatre or the Burdekin Water Festival committee but we are able to advocate and raise awareness for issues we face here in the north.”

“At the heart of our role as members of parliament is the people who make up our electorates and ensuring everyone is well represented and advocating for projects like a new CT scanner at the Ayr Hospital or a new home for our firefighters has been my priority right across my ten years in parliament.”

Mr Last said the need for the Burdekin to continue to have a strong level of advocacy and support going forward will ensure that small businesses, major industries and communities in the electorate will have a voice for road upgrades, service resourcing and infrastructure investments it needs.

“For me standing in parliament and speaking on your behalf has been just as crucial as meeting you on the street and while at times it has meant I have driven up to 10,000kms a month, having the opportunity to speak with small business owners, our future leaders and celebrate milestone birthdays have been some of the greatest highlights of my job.”

“While the 57th parliament may have dissolved this week, my role as your Member for Burdekin isn’t and I look forward to meeting with you as I travel around the electorate in the coming weeks.”