Ballot drawn and pre-polling set to open next week in fight for Fisher
By Kirra Livingstone
INDEPENDENT Keryn Jones has secured the top ballot spot in the fight for Fisher, ahead of pre-polling, which opens on Tuesday, April 22.
The ballot draw, which was held last week from 1st to 7th is: Keryn Jones (Independent), Renay Wells (Greens), Andrew Wallace (LNP), Denis Fricot (Trumpet of Patriots), Morrison Lakey (Labor), James Pidgeon (People First Party), Bronwen Bolitho (Family First) and Benjamin Kelly (Pauline Hanson’s One Nation Party).
Ms Jones said she was glad to be number one, but would continue to focus her campaign by the priorities of Fisher residents.
“This campaign is about you—your voice, your priorities, and your future,” she said.
“I’m asking for your vote to bring a better deal to Fisher.”
Incumbent MP Andrew Wallace has focused his efforts on infrastructure announcements in the hinterland.
To date, he has pledged over $1 million to upgrade Norris House Clubhouse, and a further just under $300,000 to renovate the Glass House Mountains Sports Club. The upgrades to Norris House — home to the Maleny Rangers Football Club and the local equestrian club — will include refurbishments to the clubhouse and adjoining changerooms.
Mr Wallace said the funding would come via the Coalition’s Local Community Sporting Infrastructure program.
“Maleny is renowned for its sense of welcome and warmth, which is in part thanks to those local community and sporting groups that bring families together,” he said.
“Whether it’s football or equestrian sports, the Norris House Clubhouse plays an important role in getting Maleny locals active and building community spirit.”
Greens candidate, Renay Wells, has been active across the hinterland, attending a range of events and meeting with community members.
Ms Wells took part in the Sunshine Coast Kerala Association’s cultural celebration at the Beerwah Community Centre on Friday, April 4 — an event she described as vibrant and inclusive. She also spoke at the Montville Village Association’s Meet the Candidates forum on Wednesday, March 26. “It was a fantastic opportunity to speak with locals about the future of our region, especially in relation to sustainable development, ecological protection, and climate resilience.” Alongside her campaign trail, Ms Wells announced an Australian Greens policy that would see $1 in every $10 of federal budget spending allocated to protecting and restoring nature. Labor’s Mr Lakey, has been active in the hinterland in the past few weeks, most recently at the Maleny Sunday Markets where he urged people to buy local.