Maroochydore – Queensland 2012

LNP 12.8%

Incumbent MP
Fiona Simpson, since 1992.

Geography
Sunshine Coast. Maroochydore covers the central Sunshine Coast suburbs of Marcoola, Mudjimba, Twin Waters, Maroochydore, Alexander Headland and Mooloolaba.

History
The seat of Maroochydore was created in 1992, and has always been held by the same MP.

Fiona Simpson was elected as the National Party Member for Maroochydore in 1992, at the age of 27.

Simpson was re-elected in 1995 and 1998, and joined the opposition frontbench in 1998 after the National-Liberal coalition lost power. She has since won re-election in 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2009.

Simpson also served as Deputy Leader of the National Party from 2006 until the merger of the National Party with the Liberal Party to form the LNP in 2008.

Candidates
Sitting Liberal National MP Fiona Simpson is running for re-election. The ALP is running former MP Ray Barber. Katter’s Australian Party is running Mark Maguire.

• Rainee Skinner (Greens)
• Fiona Simpson (Liberal National)
• Mark Maguire (Katter’s Australian Party)
• Ray Barber (Labor)

Political situation
Maroochydore is a safe LNP seat.

2009 result

2009 two-candidate-preferred result

Booth breakdown
Booths in Maroochydore have been divided into three areas: Coolum in the north, Maroochydore in the centre, and Mooloolaba in the south.

The LNP won a majority of the vote in all three areas, varying from 59.3% in Mooloolaba to 50.8% in Coolum. The Greens vote peaked at 15% in Coolum.