THE electorate of Burnett will be hotly contested when the next state election rolls around.

The traditionally conservative seat is held by independent Rob Messenger, who quit the LNP in mid-2010.

LNP leader Campbell Newman said he was interested in what the people of the Burnett had to say.

“I am keen to know what the issues are in the area,” he said.

“I will work with (Member for Bundaberg) Jack (Dempsey) and (LNP Burnett candidate) Stephen (Bennett) to make sure the needs to the Burnett region are met.”

Mr Newman said, like the rest of Queensland, it was important to ensure that Burnett had adequate infrastructure and could promote business in the area.

He said he also hoped to work with Burnett agri-businesses on the best way forward for them.

Mr Bennett said he was hoping to raise his personal profile in the region in the coming months.

“It's not about Rob (Messenger), it's about the LNP and I hope that the people will want to see a vibrant change,” Mr Bennett said.

“We are hoping to install a change in Queensland.”