Fisher should be the place for education, employment and retirement

Q&A with Fisher MP Andrew Wallace

Question: What are your key goals for the hinterland in 2025?

I’ve always said I want Fisher to be the place for education, employment, and retirement. That means ensuring our young people have access to decent jobs here on the Sunshine Coast, rather than feeling they need to leave for the city or overseas.

If they choose to go, that’s fine, but I want real options for them right here at home.

Another big focus is building and maintaining infrastructure—everything from roads to rail—so that residents in the hinterland can enjoy the same quality services as those on the coastal strip. 

I’m absolutely committed to completing the North Coast Rail project, improving local roads, and making sure that the region remains an appealing place to live and work.

What do you see as the biggest challenges for the hinterland in the coming years?

Infrastructure is a key concern. Living in Mooloolah Valley, I know first-hand that hinterland communities often feel overlooked. 

We need to push for better healthcare and mental health services, along with the roads and rail links that keep people and businesses connected. 

Balancing growth with preserving that “something special” about our region is also vital. 

We want to welcome new residents without losing the tight-knit community spirit that attracted us here in the first place.

I believe the Sunshine Coast is unique in being a “community of communities.” That character can’t be replicated on larger, more heavily developed coastlines. We need to keep it alive by making smart decisions about development and infrastructure.

What was the most important lesson you learned in 2024?

Last year was tough, especially with rising costs of living. But I’ve seen how people can come together and turn adversity into positive change. Families who faced heartbreaking losses have used their experiences to help others. 

Parents who lost children due to bullying or mental health struggles have been tireless advocates, and that resilience is inspiring.

I’ve also learned that we must confront issues head-on, whether it’s standing up to big tech or calling out anti-Semitism, which has unfortunately seen a recent spike. 

Australians are generous and fair-minded, and we need to uphold those values, especially in challenging times.

What else would you like to say to people in the hinterland regarding your vision and goals?

Serving as the federal member for Fisher is the most important job I’ve ever had, and I’m proud to represent hinterland communities. 

I want to keep delivering real support for local sporting and community groups, like the Maleny Bowls Club, Mooloolah Valley Men’s Shed, and Glasshouse Mountain Sports Club. 

These aren’t mega-projects, but they mean a lot to the people who use them every day.

If we win the next federal election, I’ll continue fighting for funding for these initiatives and many others. 

I can’t do it alone, though—I need the community behind me. Together, we can strike that balance of growth, opportunity, and preserving the unique charm that makes the hinterland such a special place to call home.

Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace: “We can strike that balance of growth, opportunity and preserving the Hinterland charm.”