Meet Bree

Hi, I'm Bree Watson, your LNP candidate for Bundaberg.

I am Bree Watson, the youngest of six children, born and raised in Bundaberg. I went to school here, I’ve owned small businesses here, I attended University here and I am raising my family here in Bundaberg.

Some people recognise me as an advocate for our farmers and associated agricultural businesses. Our region is a major contributor to the multi-billion dollar agricultural sector, my role promoting agribusiness has seen me work closely with all levels of government. My representative positions include CEO of Bundaberg Fruit & Vegetable Growers and former Chair of the Queensland Horticulture Council.

Other people know about my advocacy for fixing Paradise Dam, referred to as the worst public infrastructure failure in Australia’s history and another example of Labor’s failure to deliver projects on time and on budget. More than a decade of delays in fixing the dam wall has caused sustained uncertainty which impacts our region, our farmers, our economy and our future prosperity. The same can be applied to Labor’s lack of action on flood mitigation measures for Bundaberg. Like many of you, I experienced the 2011 & 2013 floods and have been calling for genuine government commitment to delivering for the people of Bundaberg. I have been a voice for the community on multiple committees and reference groups and I am ready to do more.

I am an avid learner, recently completing my Master of Business Administration (finance). I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honours, Bachelor of Environmental Science (land management) and I am a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

I understand the vital role our major employment sectors play on the prosperity of our region; when these sectors are vibrant so too is our community. In my previous role as the Chair of Jobs Bundaberg I’ve helped provide opportunities for local stakeholders to work together to align regional skills and workforce development with local industry and employer needs. Creating employment opportunities is essential for strong economic growth and social stability, a job empowers people to change their circumstances.

The people of Bundaberg have endured announcement after announcement by the State Labor Government about major projects but very little has been delivered. For two decades Bundaberg has not received sufficient funding to keep up with demand despite being one of the fastest growing areas and our significant contribution to the GDP. I will fight for the needs of Bundaberg on every front, including housing, community safety, our long-awaited Level Five Hospital, effective flood mitigation and Paradise Dam.

I look forward to listening to all Bundaberg locals in the lead up to the October 2024 State Election and beyond. I’ll be working with the David Crisafulli LNP team to deliver on the right priorities for Queensland’s future.