WITH EARLY voting underway, independent candidate for Fairfax, Francine Wiig, enters the final stretch of her campaign with strong momentum and a clear message – the Sunshine Coast deserves better.
She recently joined two ‘Meet the Candidate’ forums hosted by the Nambour Chamber of Commerce and the Coolum, Maroochydore and Young Chambers of Commerce, giving voters a chance to hear directly from the candidates.
“What became clear at those forums is that party politics won’t fix anything,” Francine said.
“The problems we face aren’t just from the past three years of Labor, they stem from two decades of poor decisions by both major parties. They treat politics like a football match, and it’s everyday Australians who lose.”
“Our region is growing rapidly, but infrastructure hasn’t kept pace. Congestion, poor public transport, and pressure on essential services will only worsen. Ted O’Brien has held this seat for nearly nine years, six in government, so where’s the benefit of being a so-called safe seat?”
Francine’s priorities include strengthening ACCC powers to tackle price gouging, reducing red tape for small businesses, easing HECS debt and expanding TAFE apprenticeship opportunities, increasing housing supply, including support for tiny homes and action on land banking, securing stronger rights for renters and addressing domestic violence.
“We’re one of the wealthiest countries in the world, yet homelessness is rising, and our kids are locked out of home ownership. These problems are fixable. What’s missing is the political will.”
Francine also criticised the Coalition’s nuclear proposal, which was discussed at the recent Energy and Climate Forum in Nambour. The expert panel, featuring Tim Buckley, Prof Ian Lowe, Prof Steve Turton and local advocate Narelle McCarthy, examined energy options for Australia’s future.
“The evidence is clear: nuclear is too slow, too expensive, and contributes just 4% of projected energy needs. Meanwhile, battery and renewable technology are accelerating, recyclable, cost-effective, and available now. What we lack isn’t tech, it’s political courage,” Francine said.
“The LNP has offered no detail on waste storage, risks to our environment, or impact on water, agriculture, and local communities.
“Around the world, the cost of building nuclear power has more than doubled over the past two decades, while many major economies are now scaling back or abandoning new nuclear investments in favour of faster, cheaper renewable energy alternatives. We deserve answers before we’re asked to take the risk.”
Francine has made it clear that, as an independent, she does not direct how voters should allocate their preferences, emphasising that this choice rests entirely with each individual.
Francine’s full policy platform is available at www.francineforfairfax.com.au, with plans addressing climate, integrity, health, education, transport, housing, small business, and more. She continues to add new policies based on community feedback and the issues locals raise.