12:00a.m. 7th September 2008

The state’s newest political force made its presence felt on the Sunshine Coast yesterday and the message from its leaders was clear – “we’ve got Labor in our sights”.

And despite conservative politicians already holding most seats in the region, Liberal National Party officials believe the Coast holds the key to their newly formed party ousting the Bligh Labor government.

It was standing room only in the Landsborough Hall, and Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson said while a large number of those in attendance were former Liberal and National party members, there was also a healthy portion of newcomers.

“There’s a great sense of optimism,” she said.

“People are really upbeat and looking forward to getting candidates for state seats.

“The Sunshine Coast is a key area for the LNP,” Ms Simpson said.

“Even though there’s a number of LNP members on the Sunshine Coast, we need to win seats like Glass House if we’re going to win government.”

Ms Simpson said Steve Dickson would contest the new seat of Buderim, leaving an opening for a candidate for the vacated seat of Kawana.

The LNP has 25 MPs in parliament and needs to win another 20 seats at the next state election – due in less than 12 months – to wrest power from Labor.

Australia’s newest political party, which was formed in July, is holding a series of regional launches across the state. Yesterday’s was the first.

Party members and supporters joined Lawrence Springborg and his deputy, Caloundra MP Mark McArdle, along with LNP president Bruce McIver and vice-president Gary Spence, to celebrate the local launch and fine-tune policies for the Sunshine Coast.

Mr Springborg said the regional launch was an important part of recognising the growing optimism amongst Queenslanders since the formation of the party.

“There is a lot of excitement throughout Queensland for the new party,” he said. “That excitement is compounded because we are now seeing a real and united alternative to start delivering for families and communities after having been failed by 10 years of the Beattie-Bligh government.

“Queenslanders wanted a single alternative to the Bligh government and that is what we have successfully delivered.

“People of all political preferences are saying the LNP is one of the most positive things to happen in state politics for years.”

The regional launch was a mini version of the official launch held in Brisbane in July, attended by nearly 1000 supporters.

“The original launch was a momentous event and we want to allow people from all across the state to share in the excitement and hear the vision,” Mr Springborg said.