"I feel like as a long-term local in this part of the world I really understand what the community expects from their parliamentarians," Mr Caldwell said following his preselection.

"I know that I can be the one they can support in order to deliver for our local community." 

The unsuccessful LNP candidates were disability advocate Dr Dinesh Palipana wealth manager Owen Caterer, Craig Hobart and businesswoman Fran Ward, the only female contender.

Mr Caldwell will take on Labor's Letitia Del Fabbro, a nurse educator at Griffith University, for what has historically been a safe coalition seat.

Ms Del Fabbro was endorsed by Labor to take a second tilt at the federal seat following her unsuccessful run last year.

Mr Dutton said Mr Caldwell, a married father of two, had generated a strong local profile after 12 years on the council.

"He's already established himself as somebody who's prepared to fight for the local constituents here," Mr Dutton told reporters.

"He's prepared to take the fight up to the Labor government who has made it more difficult for families and small businesses here because they've mismanaged the economy."

Mr Dutton said his party would not take anything for granted despite holding the seat by a margin of roughly 10 per cent.

"There's a big fight ahead of us," he said. 

"We need to make sure that we work every day between now and the by-election." 

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of the LNP's Stuart Robert last month.

Mr Robert has faced calls he be referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission over his alleged involvement with a consulting firm that helped companies win government contracts.

A government inquiry identified 19 contracts worth $374 million requiring further examination.

Mr Robert has denied any wrongdoing and says the government inquiry did not find any misconduct.

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