Former Queensland deputy premier Jeff Seeney will end his 19-year state political career, as his party looks to the future ahead of the next state election.
Mr Seeney told parliament on Thursday afternoon he wouldn't contest the next election, after the recent boundary redistribution gave him reason to consider his position and decide he wanted to spend more time with his family.
"I've been honoured to represent the interests of country towns and country people of central Queensland in this parliament for almost 20 years," the member for Callide said.
"However representing a large and diversified part of regional Queensland requires a huge commitment of time and travel.
"Hopefully pursuing a more normal life will also allow me to be the best grandad in the world for Olivia who's two years old, Theo who's two months old and Ivy who is two weeks old."
Opposition leader Tim Nicholls paid tribute to Mr Seeney, saying he had been a "mentor and a great friend".
"Jeff is one of the great believers in Queensland, in its future and in our parliament," he said.
"Queensland, especially regional Queensland is better off for Jeff's devotion and presence in parliament."
Mr Seeney was first elected to parliament in 1998 and was twice opposition leader before becoming deputy premier in the LNP government under Campbell Newman.
Following the Newman government's 2015 defeat, he considered a run at federal parliament in 2016 before changing his mind.
Since then Mr Seeney has expressed frustration at being relegated to the backbench.
"I'm in a position now where I don't think my talents or abilities are being used to their fullest extent on behalf of the people of regional Queensland," he recently said.
His departure follows that of Lockyer Valley MP Ian Rickuss and former party leader Lawrence Springborg, who will not contest the next election, due by early 2017 but expected to be called after September this year.
LNP President Gary Spence also paid tribute to Mr Seeney, while also looking to the future.
"I'm are sure that (Mr Seeney) will be keeping a very close eye on the next LNP candidate for Callide and will have valuable counsel as the LNP prepares for the coming election," he said.
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