A showdown between candidates who have tasted electoral success is set for central Queensland after state MP Colin Boyce formally announced his resignation to contest the federal election.
The former member for Callide and Liberal Nationals member will face Labor candidate and Gladstone Mayor Matt Burnett in the seat of Flynn, to be vacated by Nationals MP Ken O'Dowd.
Mr Boyce thanked his electorate for its support when he officially resigned from state parliament on Tuesday.
"Some view this as the end, but I view this as the beginning," he told parliament.
"Mr. Speaker, every journey starts with the first step, and this morning my first steps on this new political journey ... will be to walk the floor of this chamber and present to you my resignation."
The outgoing Mr O'Dowd first won Flynn for the Nationals in 2010 and was re-elected in 2013, 2016 and 2019.
The region includes the Port of Gladstone as well as significant coal, gas and agriculture industries.
Mr O'Dowd admitted he had never thought about being a politician until a preselected candidate withdrew at the last minute in 2010.
"I was in the party room of the local branch, and we were told to get a candidate quick time - when the music stopped I was left holding the ball," he told federal parliament last month.
The Flynn MP thanked all former prime ministers and Nationals leaders from his time in office.
"You've all done an outstanding job - well done. I wouldn't like to do your job for all the coal in Queensland," he said.
