The ALP candidate for the seat of Beaudesert at the next state election has been announced. Local resident Mr Brett Raguse will challenge the sitting member, Mr Kev Lingard at the 2007 election.

Mr Raguse has a long association with Beaudesert having lived and worked in the area for many years. He presently works as the Policy Adviser to the Minister for Environment, Local Government, Planning and Women, Desley Boyle, and is fully informed and involved in planning and environmental issues affecting the Beaudesert electorate.

“The seat of Beaudesert covers a huge area which includes rural, semi-rural, urban and national parks.

“The member for this seat needs to understand the complex issues which will determine its future.

“Not only do we have to plan for population growth, with its associated pressures, but we must also protect the lifestyles and amenity of existing residents.

“My vision for this area is to work towards developing transport options including rail and bus, bringing appropriate skills based further education into the area, creating jobs through attracting small business and larger ‘clean’ industries to the area and promoting the tourism industry, and ensuring that the residents have access to first class medical care, including improved obstetrics and accident and emergency services.

“These things can be achieved by a member who has the vision and drive to work with local, state, and federal governments in a constructive partnership.

“We are at the watershed in Beaudesert, the next election will determine if the residents want to determine their own destiny by voting for an active, vision-directed member, or continuing with the status quo,” he said.

Mr Raguse will be door knocking, and attending local markets and community functions around the electorate over the coming months. He can be contacted via email at or mail to PO Box 294, Beaudesert Q 4285.