A Big Year for Capricornia’s Michelle Landry MP
It’s been a big year for Capricornia’s Michelle Landry MP, who notched up 12 years in federal parliament, secured another election victory for the Liberal National Party, and continued her trademark fight for regional Queensland.
Sitting down with us to reflect on 2025, Ms Landry was candid, upbeat, and laser-focused on her patch.
The federal election was always going to be tough, but Ms Landry proved why she’s known as one of the hardest-working MPs in regional Australia. The LNP held Capricornia comfortably, cementing her position as a strong voice for Central Queensland.
“It’s an honour to be re-elected,” Ms Landry said. “Every election is a chance to re-earn people’s trust. Capricornia is my home and representing it is the privilege of my life.”
Her win came on the back of voters calling for practicality and common sense. The victory marked 12 years since Ms Landry first entered parliament in 2013—a milestone that highlights her staying power.
“It feels like yesterday that I first walked into Parliament House,” she said. “But when I look back on the over $7 billion in projects delivered and what we’ve achieved, it’s something I’m proud of.”
From securing funds for road upgrades and community grants to backing small and large businesses, Ms Landry’s focus has remained on ensuring regional Queensland gets its fair share.
One of the biggest political shifts of 2025 came recently when the National Party voted to scrap its commitment to net zero—a move Ms Landry strongly supported.
“For me, it’s about moving to a cheaper, better and fairer energy policy,” she said. “Regional Australians are paying the price for policies written in capital cities. Families are struggling with higher power bills, industries are constrained by green tape, and people’s livelihoods are at risk.”
She said the decision reflects what locals have been saying for years—that net zero policies are hurting regional communities. “We need an energy policy that works for everyone.”
This year also saw a number of not-for-profit organisations across the Mackay and Isaac regions share in $66,225 through the 2024–25 Volunteer Grants and Stronger Communities programs, including $20,000 each for the Western Districts Junior Rugby League Football Club and the Mudth Niyeta Aboriginal & TSI Group. These grants provide vital support to grassroots organisations and are a welcome boost to the region’s dedicated volunteers.
Another success was the long-awaited improvements to telecommunications in Collinsville. After years of lobbying, upgrades are finally moving ahead—a major win for the community.
“Reliable phone and internet services aren’t a luxury anymore—they’re essential,” Ms Landry said. “Whether it’s for safety, education, or business, people in the regions deserve to be connected.”
One fight that will continue into 2026 is improving regional roads—particularly the Bruce Highway.
“Not only are there some of the worst sections of highway in the country, but there are just two overtaking lanes per 100 kilometres between Etna Creek and Sarina. That’s simply not good enough,” Ms Landry said.
“Labor committed to a $7.2 billion Bruce Highway upgrade, but Senate Estimates revealed just $432 million will be delivered over three years—equating to a paltry $257,296 per kilometre. It’s nowhere near enough to make the highway safer or prevent further tragedy.”
Between policy battles in Canberra, Ms Landry joined Speaker Milton Dick for a visit to Sarina State Primary School, where they met students eager to learn about parliament.
“It was wonderful to see how engaged the students were,” she said. “They reminded us all why investing in education is so important.”
As 2025 closes, Ms Landry remains focused on the road ahead.
“There’s still so much to do,” she said. “We’ve got to keep fighting for better roads, health services, and more investment in regional industries. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s that the people of Capricornia never give up—and neither will I.”
