Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I believe it's vital as a parliamentarian to begin every year listening to local residents, and I've started 2020 doing just that with another nine Listening Posts across my electorate of Fisher. I took a stall at the Hinterland Aussie Day Expo in Maleny on Australia Day and held further Listening Posts at Buddina, Mooloolah Valley, Kings Beach, Landsborough, Mooloolaba, Currimundi, Glass House Mountains and Alexandra Headland. Many were even livelier than usual, with strong turnouts everywhere. It was clear that Sunshine Coast locals wanted the opportunity to be heard this summer.

I spoke to many about the recent bushfires, the government's comprehensive response and the ongoing issue of climate change. I also had important conversations—for example, about the Bruce Highway with Craig from Currimundi; about housing and homelessness with Wayne in Kings Beach; and about the disrepair of local roads with Marilyn in Mooloolah Valley. I'd like to thank the volunteers who were able to make time to help me out on one or more of these Listening Posts: John Pozzey, Helen Burke, Eric Westman, Peter Hughes, Keith Allison and Lizabeth and Doug Ballantyne. I'd also like to thank Stuart Coward, the LNP candidate for the Queensland state seat of Caloundra, for coming along and helping to support constituents who also had state government issues. Remember, Fisher residents who want to meet me at a Listening Post should follow my Facebook page for notifications of upcoming times and locations.