FORMER Queensland Liberal leader and long-serving Caloundra MP Mark McArdle has died, aged 68.
Mr McArdle, who represented Caloundra in the state parliament from 2004 until his retirement in 2020 was remembered as a “community champion” , by former colleagues.
He served as leader of the Liberal Party between 2007 and 2008, overseeing negotiations that led to the merger with the Nationals and the creation of the Liberal National Party.
In government, he was appointed Minister for Energy and Water Supply in the Newman Government from 2012 to 2015, where he developed policies on long-term water security and electricity costs.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie, a close friend and political colleague said Mr McArdle left “an enduring legacy” in his 16 years in public life.
“Mark was one of my first political mentors when I joined the LNP in 1999,” Mr Bleijie said.
“Without his strong support, the LNP could not have started the Sunshine Coast University Hospital back in 2012.”
LNP president and former leader Lawrence Springborg said Mr McArdle “exuded an enormous drive and energy in all that he did” and was respected across the political divide.
“He was a true gentleman, a servant leader within his community and a champion of Queensland,” Mr Springborg said.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Mr McArdle’s legacy was “deeply connected to the Sunshine Coast”.
“Mark’s unwavering commitment to community helped shape a region that values a sense of belonging,” she said.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the state was “poorer for the passing of Mark McArdle,” adding that he was always well prepared and made decisions based on what he believed was right for Queensland.
Mr McArdle was first elected in 2004, succeeding former Liberal leader Joan Sheldon in Caloundra.
He built a reputation as a diligent local member and mentor to younger colleagues, including Mr Bleijie and Deb Frecklington.
In 2013 he publicly disclosed his diagnosis with prostate cancer, using the opportunity to encourage men to get tested. Despite ongoing health battles, he continued to serve his electorate until his retirement before the 2020 election.
He is survived by his wife Judy, stepfather to Samantha and Joshua, adored grandfather to Rafael, and loving son of Clare and brother to Andrew and Jenny.
(Image: supplied Facebook)
