Community Listening Survey Exposes Disconnect Between Community Concerns and Local Representation

In August we launched our Community Listening Report and started the search for a candidate to run as an Independent for the Fairfax electorate.

The most dominate issue from the report was housing affordability - from skyrocketing house prices and a lack of rental options - to job insecurity and the burden of inflation-indexed HECS debt, we’ve heard firsthand how these issues are impacting the people of Fairfax.

Beyond housing, our survey revealed other critical concerns: population growth putting pressure on regional services and transport, and a strong demand for environmental protection and meaningful action on climate change.

For over six months, our volunteers were on the ground, visiting 31 sites—kitchens, pubs, and cafes—across the electorate, from Maroochydore and Coolum to the hinterland towns of Mapleton and Kenilworth. These conversations ensured that voices from all parts of Fairfax were heard, and the survey reflects a broad spectrum of concerns from our community.

At the report launch at the Nambour RSL we had an incredible turnout, with over 130 people attending.

We were moved by the contributions from our speakers, like Martin, owner of Sunshine Cider, who spoke passionately about climate change. He shared the challenges his farmers and suppliers are facing as extreme weather events take a toll on their crops and livelihoods. His call for immediate action echoed the urgency of this issue across our region.

Francine spoke about her deep concern for housing affordability and the need to address this crisis for the next generation.

Meanwhile, Olivia, one of the younger voices in our movement, highlighted the stress of HECS debt and housing. She emphasized that her future depends on finding solutions to these pressing issues.

We were also fortunate to hear from Independent candidate Jacqui Scruby, who is running for the seat of Pittwater. Jacqui shared her journey from a community advocate to a political candidate, which truly resonated with the audience. Her commitment to addressing real, local concerns is the kind of leadership we want to nurture in Fairfax. Jacqui’s experience reminds us that change is possible when people from the community step up to represent their values.

Since the launch, we’ve seen our movement grow stronger.

We’ve been overwhelmed by the community’s enthusiasm and willingness to get involved.

This surge of support is only the beginning. We’re building momentum as more people across Fairfax rally around the idea of better representation and a government that listens to and addresses their concerns.

We’ve already distributed our Community Listening Report to the Federal Member for Fairfax, all State MPs whose electorates overlap or border Fairfax, the Sunshine Coast Mayor, and all 10 local councillors.

If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, you can download the full report on our website. Let’s keep pushing for the representation our community deserves. Together, we can make Fairfax a place where every voice counts.

Click here for a copy of the Community Listening Report..