THE battle for the seat of Hinchinbrook in the upcoming state election is heating up, with the LNP pre-selecting a candidate. Bushland Beach businessman Scott Piper, 42, will contest the seat, which is currently held by Katter's Australian Party member Nick Dametto. Mr Piper said he was thrilled to be contesting Hinchinbrook on October 31. "I've lived in the electorate for 27 years and my strong business background will give me the upper hand to get more locals into higher-paying jobs and I can't wait to hit the ground running," Mr Piper said. "I am extremely motivated to make Hinchinbrook a better place to live, work and raise a family and only the LNP has a plan for a strong economy, more jobs, better healthcare and education." LNP leader Deb Frecklington said Mr Piper's background in business and events would make him an outstanding representative for the area. "Scott knows what it takes to build a successful small business from the ground up," Ms Frecklington said. "He will be squarely focused on building a strong local economy and creating new jobs for the Hinchinbrook electorate. "More now than ever the people of Hinchinbrook need the LNP's economic plan to get Queensland working again. "Only the LNP has a plan to get Queensland working again and Scott will be a strong voice for the region. "For too long, the Labor party have let down the people of Hinchinbrook especially cane farmers. The LNP is committed to providing certainty and continuity for farmers throughout the region. "We voted against Labor's unworkable reef regulations as these flawed laws will cost job Hinchinbrook without giving us any environmental certainty. "A government I lead will strike the right balance between preserving the environment and protecting local jobs. We will respect landholders' rights and won't tie up farmers in unworkable red and green tape."