Mother-of-four Kendall Morton has returned the seat of Caloundra to the LNP, defeating Labor’s Jason Hunt as the Queensland Premier’s baton was also passed between the two major parties to bring David Crisafulli to power.

As a former teacher, business owner, and community stalwart, Ms. Morton is a familiar face across the Caloundra electorate and is ready to hit the ground running in her role as Caloundra MP once the Electoral Commission of Queensland officially declare the seat.

We spoke to Ms Morton about this “once in a lifetime opportunity” as she thanked the people of Caloundra for their support at the polling booths.

“Thank you so much, and I look forward to working with all of you to achieve great outcomes for Caloundra,” Ms Morton said.

“Whilst there are still votes to be counted, it looks likely that I will be lucky enough to be given the opportunity to represent you,” Ms Morton said.

“We have also been successful in getting a majority LNP Government in Queensland with David Crisafulli and Jarrod Bleijie recently sworn in as the new Premier and Deputy Premier.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I promise you I am here to serve you with the utmost dedication and loyalty.

With the cost-of-living crisis, worsening traffic congestion, and housing affordability at the forefront of local residents’ concerns, Ms. Morton said she was ready to address the ongoing issues across the electorate.

“As part of our election commitments, we announced a $400 million congestion busting traffic plan to deliver five key road projects within the Caloundra electorate,” she said.

“I am so excited to get working on these projects as soon as possible, as this was the number one issue for the electorate.”

The LNP’s Safer Road, Better Transport program, said to “futureproof the Caloundra traffic network to accommodate future growth” was promised to include:

• Completing the Nicklin Way to Third Avenue connection to take traffic off the Nicklin Way/Caloundra Road roundabout, providing alternative access into Caloundra CBD.
• Delivering a new link between Aura Boulevard to Pelican Waters Boulevard to ease pressure on Caloundra Road.
• Constructing a new Kawana Way Link Road/Bells Creek Arterial Road overpass over Caloundra Road to keep traffic moving.
• Signalising the Bellvista Boulevard-Caloundra Road intersection and upgrading with slip lanes to and from Caloundra Road to boost capacity and move vehicles more quickly and
• Fast-tracking construction by directing TMR to commence planning for a congestion solution for the Nicklin Way/Caloundra Road roundabout.

“In addition to this, we have also committed to working with our community and investing in traffic safety measures along Aura Boulevard to improve road safety and driver education,” Ms Morton said.

“These measures will include four new Speed Awareness Monitor (SAM) signs to ensure higher driver awareness in the area.”

Ms Morton said the $78 million TAFE Centre of Excellence planned for Aura would fast-track training for construction and trades workers in the rapidly growing region.

“This TAFE will secure a pipeline of skilled workers for the Sunshine Coast, ensuring the region has the workers needed to deliver new homes for our growing population,” she said.

“It will also help to inspire and motivate a new generation of young people to gain a trade qualification in a high-demand area.”

And while we wait for the official ECQ declaration for the seat of Caloundra, Ms Morton has offered her email address and phone number to locals who need to contact her office.

“The best way to contact me is via my email address [email protected] or my mobile 0457 582 875 – I hope to have updated contact details in the coming weeks.”