Sunshine Coast residents across the region will have their say on rebuilding the Sunshine Coast economy as Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace sets out on his pushbike for his second annual Tour de Fisher. Delayed by the COVID-19 crisis, the Tour de Fisher will see Mr Wallace ride more than 150km and visit 16 communities all over the Southern and Central Sunshine Coast to speak to local residents about what is important to them during this on-going pandemic crisis.
Mr Wallace said “For months I know Sunshine Coast locals have been quietly getting on with the job of dealing everyday with the challenges these economic and health crises have brought upon their families and businesses. We can all learn a lot from that determination and those experiences as we lay the foundations for a recovery here on the Coast. Now, more than ever I am committed to being a Federal Member who listens to local residents.”
Mr Wallace will begin in Kings Beach on Monday, visiting Pelican Waters, Baringa, and Landsborough on day one. The second day will see him riding to Glasshouse Mountains, Beerwah, Peachester, and Conondale, where he will celebrate the opening of the Federally funded renovations to Conondale Pool. On Wednesday Mr Wallace will visit Maleny, Montville, and Palmwoods, while Thursday will see him in Mooloolaba, the Harmony Development, Birtinya and Currimundi before completing the circuit back at Kings Beach with a finishing line barbeque.
“We all have a part to play in rebuilding our region and making sure we emerge from these crises stronger than ever, and everyone has a valuable perspective to bring. So I urge local residents, wherever you live in Fisher, to check my website and see when you can come and meet me this week. I want to get feedback from as many people as possible, and that means I want to hear from you.” he said.
Mr Wallace will be maintaining social distancing and COVID safe hygiene practices during his 16 Listening Posts and is asking all attendees to pre-register by emailing him at andrew.wallace.mp@aph.gov.au to support any necessary contact tracing. He will also be recording the names and contact details of every resident who attends a listening post.
“While gathering feedback from Sunshine Coast locals, I choose to ride my pushbike around the region because I want to help promote a healthy lifestyle for all of us. So I am determined to ensure that coming along to one of my Listening Posts will be safe for everyone.” he said.
“We know that being active has huge benefits, not only for our physical health, but for our mental health too. I want to encourage more Sunshine Coast residents to take the advice of the health experts and get moving. Adults should be doing at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity activity every day, while children should get a full hour. We can all do it and I hope my Tour de Fisher helps inspire more people to get back to it.” he said.
A regular participant in the Pollie Pedal charity bike ride, Mr Wallace keeps a second bike in Canberra to allow him to ride to and from Parliament during sitting weeks.
“Like many of us I have been trying to prioritise staying fit during this difficult time, but I’m certainly looking forward to cooler weather this time round! It looks like it’s going to be another beautiful week on the Sunshine Coast and I’m sure our spectacular views and the support of local residents will help keep me going.” he said.
To find out where and when Mr Wallace will be holding Listening Posts during the Tour de Fisher, visit www.andrewwallacemp.com.au/tourdefisher
