Springborg’s colossal count

A trouncing victory has seen Southern Downs’ Liberal National Party candidate (LNP) Lawrence Springborg secure the region’s seat with a 66.3 per cent poll count by Tuesday morning.
However, taking victory is something Mr Springborg has not taken for granted.
The 44-year-old, when speaking of his success, was quick to thank the residents of the Southern Downs for their “support and confidence” in his ability to lead the region through better times.
He said it was a privilege to represent the electorate and his intent was to repay the people in spades.
“I am so grateful to be able to represent such a wonderful part of Queensland,” he said.
“I would also like to thank the other candidates who kept democracy alive by giving people choice.”
Mr Springborg said change was long overdue in Queensland and he would do whatever it takes to get the state back on track.
“We have suffered neglect for 20 years and been tied up in bureaucratic knots,” he said.
“It’s time for real change – in service delivery and reducing the cost of living to boost economic growth.
“It is my responsibility that we, as a region, get our fair share of government resources and support.
“I value the participation of individuals in our region and take on board the importance of ‘local’, particularly the importance of everyone’s views on economic development.
“We need to create a pro-business environment, create jobs, and move away from the dead hand we have been dealt by previous government.
“If we can reduce the cost of living, people will be able to afford to make change.”
Mr Springborg cited health as being the frontline of change and making sure schools were well resourced to improve education, particularly at the Warwick High School, that he said was “bursting at the seams”.
He said he would fight for resolution on the granite belt water supply issue, put cutting waste as a priority and make plans to improve the “notoriously dangerous” intersection “north west 8 mile”.
“I also want to get the balance right on coal seam gas mining and agriculture,” Mr Springborg said.
“I will, indeed, attempt to make real change.”
Mr Springborg said time would tell if the new government could get Queensland back on track.
“The people of Queensland will make that judgement call at the next election,” he said.