Fisher candidates deliver their ‘Big Pitch’ to the electorate
Why should Fisher voters elect you?
THE Sunshine Coast is on the threshold of a great future, but we also face growing uncertainty in the global economy and international security after a difficult two years grappling with the pandemic. These challenges impact on families and businesses right across Fisher.
Since my election in 2016, my mission has been to make Fisher the place to be for education, employment, and retirement. This means delivering the roads and rail, the support for small businesses, and the mental health services locals need to thrive. It also means fighting to protect our unique lifestyle.
When other candidates have kept quiet on the issues that matter to locals, I’ve stood up.
When Council wanted a casino, I took up the fight against the proposal and won. When Labor tried to build a jail in Caloundra, I stood my ground and won. I continue to fight against Council’s light rail plan, which will increase population density and choke our busiest roads.
I’ve spent the last six years fighting to build better roads and rail, back small businesses and manufacturers and boost mental health services and outcomes, and to protect the character of our community.
I have delivered for Fisher, and I will continue to deliver.
What difference will you make to the community?
I’ve secured $5.3 billion in infrastructure for the Sunshine Coast, including the North Coast Rail duplication, Steve Irwin Way and Bruce Highway upgrades. My number one priority, however, has been to bring heavy rail along the CAMCOS corridor, from Beerwah to Maroochydore via Caloundra and Kawana. And I’ve delivered, securing $1.6 billion from the Federal Government to make Sunshine Coast Rail a reality.
Instead of welcoming this investment, State Labor continues to play petty political games and Federal Labor have put themselves on mute. We have a diminishing window of opportunity to deliver Sunshine Coast Rail before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Until Labor gets on board, a vote for Labor is a vote for no rail, for no change to the Hinterland’s public transport problem, and for continued gridlock traffic.
It’s not all about infrastructure, though.
I’ve worked hard to back small businesses and local manufacturers, particularly in high-tech manufacturing and defence industry.
This year alone, I’ve been able to secure $47.4 million for local business Eniquest to manufacture diesel field generators for the Australian Defence Force, and a share for HeliMods in the $103 million project to help deliver the first combat aircraft built in Australia in over 50 years. These are Sunshine Coast businesses contributing to a global supply chain and supporting Australia’s sovereign defence capability.
I’ve worked hard to cement the Sunshine Coast as a hub for mental healthcare. I’ve secured nearly $20 million to fund the work of USC Thompson Institute, including $8.3 million for a National PTSD Centre. We’ve provided $7.3 million to establish and continue Australia’s first residential eating disorder facility in Mooloolah. And I recently announced that a new Headspace will be built in Caloundra. This is good news for families right across Fisher.
But there is more to be done.
The commitment I make is the same one I made in 2016: I will work tirelessly for the people of Fisher, to build for them a stronger future.
P: 5493 5556
E: andrew.wallace.mp@aph.gov.au
W: www.andrewwallacemp.com.au
F: www.facebook.com/wallace4fisher
