Focus on Fadden

Fadden deserves leadership that puts the community first.

As an independent, I’m committed to practical solutions that directly improve our community.

My focus is on what matters most to you.

Check out my Peopled profile to see the initiatives I support and the actions I’m taking to create real change on the Gold Coast.

Serve the City is my go-to platform for volunteering my spare time and the place to be if you would like to help out your community too.

A vote for me is a vote for:

Cost of Living relief

Prices are rising, and wages aren’t keeping up. I will push for real solutions to lower everyday costs, including energy rebates, affordable housing initiatives, and better support for families and pensioners.

  • The 2025 Budget talks about building homes, but it’s not nearly enough to tackle the scale of the crisis.

    Just 6,000 public homes a year from the HAFF won’t cut it.

    Prefab announcements are welcome, but we need vision, urgency, and scale.

    Here’s what a real housing response should look like:

    Australia’s Housing Crisis and How We Fix It

    We’re building 135,000 homes a year, but we need:

    • 160,000/year – just to keep up with population growth

    • 240,000/year – to hit the government’s housing target by 2029

    • 10% of that (24,000/year) – should be public or social housing.

    Right now, we’re only delivering 6,000 public homes/year through the HAFF.

    That’s a shortfall of 18,000 public homes. Every. Single. Year.

    But here’s the good news: we can afford to fix this.

    And with the right planning, we can build the workforce to do it.

    Where Do We Get the 90,000 Extra Construction Workers We Need?

    To meet our national housing target, we need 90,000 more tradies over 5 years.

    Here’s how we get there:

    • Apprenticeships & TAFE expansion – +20,000–25,000 workers

    • Reskill people from other sectors – +10,000–15,000

    • Include women, First Nations & CALD workers – +10,000–15,000

    • Retain older or experienced tradies – +5,000–10,000

    • Skilled migration (targeted trades) – 18,000 workers

    Total = 90,000 workers. Achievable. With leadership.

    How do we fund it?

    • Redirect just 10–15% of the $20B/year spent on negative gearing & CGT tax breaks

    • Partner with super funds & impact investors to co-finance affordable housing

    • Introduce vacant land taxes & rezoning windfall gains taxes to stop landbanking

    • Reward states that hit housing targets with bonus federal infrastructure funding

    • Unlock underused public land for mixed-income and social housing

    • Scale up prefab/modular construction to build faster and cheaper

    Materials & Supply Chain Strategy

    We face ongoing shortages in timber, steel, plasterboard and concrete

    We must:

    • Boost domestic material manufacturing

    • Fund recycled/low-carbon material R&D

    • Create strategic stockpiles for housing & infrastructure

    • Support local suppliers against volatility

    Housing is infrastructure. It’s stability. It’s dignity.

    We’re not short on land. Or builders. Or solutions.

    We’re short on political will.

    Let’s build 240,000 homes a year - and make sure 10% are public housing, like we used to.

    Because housing is a right, not a speculative asset.

  • With everyday costs skyrocketing, it’s essential to ensure wages keep up. I will fight for fairer wage policies that make sure Fadden’s working families get the relief they need.

  • Safe and affordable housing is becoming out of reach for many in Fadden. I will advocate for increased investment in affordable housing projects, stronger rental protections, better social housing policies, and support for first-time homebuyers.

    I will:

    1. Push for stronger rental protections, including rent caps and tenant rights reforms.

    2. Advocate for more social and affordable housing projects in Fadden.

    3. Support first-home buyers with government-backed loan programs and grants.

    4. Push for policies that incentivise investment in new housing developments.

    5. Work with state and local authorities to reduce barriers to home construction.

    Current federal spending on social housing is half what it was in the 1990s. We propose a $10 billion investment over five years, funded by higher resource royalties and a crackdown on tax loopholes for property speculators.

    1. Introduce direct energy rebates and subsidies for low-income households.

    2. Advocate for wage growth and fair work policies to help families keep up with inflation.

    3. Push for better price regulation on essential goods and services.

    4. Expand access to affordable childcare to ease financial burdens on families.

    5. Work to reduce hidden fees in banking, telecommunications, and utilities.

    To fund these initiatives, we will redirect subsidies from fossil fuel industries (which currently receive over $11 billion annually) to essential services that actually benefit everyday Australians.

Infrastructure & Public Transport

Our roads are congested, and public transport options are limited. It’s time for smart investment in better roads, safer streets, and improved public transport options to support our growing community. I’ll fight for the funding we deserve.

  • Our roads are clogged, and traffic delays are costing us all. I will push for smarter infrastructure investments, including road upgrades, and better traffic management to keep Fadden moving efficiently.

  • Fadden needs more reliable and accessible public transport options. I’ll work to improve bus routes, expand services to underserved areas, and ensure our community is connected for work, education, and leisure.

    1. Push for major upgrades to key roads and intersections to improve traffic flow.

    2. Secure funding for expanded bus and public transport routes with increased frequency.

    3. Ensure safer pedestrian and cycling pathways in high-traffic areas.

    4. Advocate for more park-and-ride facilities to ease commuter congestion.

    5. Improve street lighting and road maintenance to enhance safety.

    Public transport investment on the Gold Coast is currently $700 per capita lower than in Sydney. We will push for an additional $500 million to fund better connectivity, especially for high-growth areas like Helensvale and Coomera.

Duplicating Jabiru Island Bridges now

Stuck in traffic on Oxley Drive? The Jabiru Island bridges need duplication. The LNP has ignored this for 7 years, and it's time for action.

    1. Secure federal funding to expedite the duplication of Jabiru Island bridges.

    2. Work with local and state governments to fast-track planning and approvals.

    3. Improve traffic flow with better road infrastructure and congestion relief measures.

    4. Ensure proper community consultation to address concerns and keep residents informed.

    5. Advocate for long-term infrastructure planning to prevent future bottlenecks.

    This project requires an estimated $200 million, based on similar duplications in Queensland. The current federal infrastructure spending on Gold Coast roads is disproportionately low compared to Sydney and Melbourne, and we will fight for a fairer share of funding.

Community Safety & Domestic Violence Action

Survivors need real action, not just words. I’ll advocate for increased funding for support services, long-term housing solutions for those escaping violence, and stronger laws to protect victims and hold offenders accountable.

  • Domestic violence is a serious issue in our community. I’ll advocate for increased funding for local crisis services, shelters, and support programs to protect victims and ensure they have access to the care they deserve.

  • I’ll push for legislation that strengthens legal protections for survivors of domestic violence, ensuring that offenders are held accountable, and victims are given a safe path forward.

    1. Increase funding for crisis accommodation and safe housing for survivors.

    2. Strengthen laws to improve protection orders and harsher penalties for offenders.

    3. Provide more funding to domestic violence support services and hotlines.

    4. Work on education and prevention programs targeting early intervention.

    5. Ensure better police training and response to domestic violence situations.

    The federal government currently allocates less than $2 billion per year to combat domestic violence. We need to triple this funding to provide real protection and justice for victims.

Better Support for Pensioners

I will fight to protect pensions, expand bulk billing, reduce energy costs for seniors, and improve aged care services so every pensioner in Fadden can live with dignity and security.

    1. Protect and increase pension payments to keep up with the rising cost of living.

    2. Expand bulk billing to ensure pensioners have access to free GP visits.

    3. Reduce power and utility bills through senior-specific energy discounts.

    4. Improve funding for in-home aged care and nursing home facilities.

    5. Provide better public transport concessions and accessibility improvements for seniors.

    We will restore full bulk-billing incentives by investing $3 billion over four years, ensuring pensioners never have to choose between healthcare and essentials.

Local Jobs & Small Business Support

From supporting FIFO workers to creating sustainable job opportunities, I’ll work to ensure Fadden’s economy is strong, diverse, and future-proof.

  • We need a diverse, future-proof economy that provides secure jobs for everyone. I’ll advocate for local industries to grow while supporting new sectors like renewable energy, tech innovation, and small businesses.

  • FIFO workers are the backbone of many industries in Fadden, but the work is tough. I’ll work to ensure FIFO workers are supported through fair pay, better working conditions, and mental health support.

Real Representation & Political Transparency

I will bring transparency to government decision-making, ensuring every vote and action is clear and accountable to the people. No backroom deals or corporate influence - just real representation that serves you, the community.

  • I will fight for more transparent budgeting and efficient spending in government, ensuring your hard-earned tax dollars are invested wisely. We deserve better than wasteful programs; I’ll push for policies that reflect the needs of the community, not political agendas.

  • Fadden’s natural beauty is crucial to our lifestyle and economy. I will advocate for greater efforts to combat invasive species like fire ants, as well as stronger measures to protect our local ecosystems—safeguarding the environment for future generations.

  • I will ensure that the community’s voice drives local development. From funding projects to shaping policy, you’ll have a direct influence on how we move forward - empowering the people of Fadden to shape their future.

  • I will operate with complete transparency, ensuring clear communication and accessible information on key decisions. No hidden agendas - just an open government that works for you and upholds the principles of honesty and integrity in every action.

Key Funding Priorities & Strategic Objectives

Division 1/Fadden

This proposal outlines critical community infrastructure and environmental protection initiatives needed for the rapidly growing Northern Gold Coast region. These projects will ensure sustainable urban development, improved public services, and environmental conservation, aligning with the Gold Coast City Plan 2028 and state & federal funding opportunities.

Infrastructure & Community Investment Priorities

  • $5M secured by Queensland Government, but a $10M funding gap remains.

    Proposal: Secure remaining funding through the Priority Community Infrastructure Program and Growing Regions Program.

    Impact: Provides vital youth engagement, crime prevention, and community support services.

  • Increase bus services in Pimpama, Ormeau, and surrounding suburbs to meet rapid population growth.

    Proposal: Advocate for funding through the Investing in Our Communities Program and Transport Infrastructure Development Scheme (TIDS).

    Impact: Reduces congestion, improves accessibility, and supports sustainable transport.

  • Former cane fields require a structured transition to prevent urban sprawl.

    Proposal: Secure funding through ARENA (Australian Renewable Energy Agency) for sustainable redevelopment studies.

    Impact: Ensures a planned, environmentally responsible transition for former cane land.

  • Energy resilience for homes & businesses.

    Proposal: Apply for Community Batteries for Household Solar Program to install storage systems.

    Impact: Provides cost savings and sustainability benefits for households & businesses.

  • Proposal: Seek funding through ARENA for industrial electrification & grid resilience.

    Impact: Supports local businesses transitioning to clean energy while ensuring a stable power supply.

  • Focus on vulnerable residents relying on medical equipment to prevent power disruptions.

    Proposal: Partner with federal Battery Rebates Scheme and Energy Support Grants.

    Impact: Ensures energy security for at-risk pensioners & medical-dependent residents.

  • Proposal: Secure support through the Investing in Our Communities Program and Stronger Communities Program.

    Impact: Supports youth development, crime prevention, and mental health initiatives.

  • Urban agriculture & community engagement hub.

    Proposal: Apply for Growing Regions Program to support long-term community infrastructure.

    Impact: Creates a self-sustaining community hub and incubator for social enterprises.

  • Challenge: The Northern Gold Coast is experiencing skyrocketing housing prices and rental stress, pushing out essential workers and low-income residents.

    Proposal: Advocate for affordable, community-focused housing developments modelled after Nightingale Housing, emphasising sustainability, affordability, and resident-focused design.

    Strategic Approach:

    • Work with state & federal housing programs for funding.

    • Push for zoning reforms allowing community-led housing developments.

    • Partner with local councils & community groups to allocate land.

    Impact: Provides affordable, high-quality housing for key workers & vulnerable residents.

  • Proposal: Seek federal funding and agricultural grants to support the continued operation of the mill while transitioning towards sustainable biofuel & agri-tech solutions.

    Impact: Preserves local jobs, sustains agricultural production, and supports long-term sustainability.

Environmental Protection & Smart Urban Planning

  • Challenge: The Coomera Connector (second M1) is essential, but must balance infrastructure with environmental protection. Proposal: Ensure the Eagleby Wetlands and existing greenspace zones are protected as part of the project approval.

    Strategic Approach:

    • Push for biodiversity corridors & floodplain protection in project planning.

    • Maintain Northern Gold Coast’s green buffer as per current zoning.

    • Work with State & Federal Environment Ministers to secure legal protections for these green spaces.

    Impact: Prevents overdevelopment while ensuring responsible infrastructure growth.

Next Steps & Advocacy Strategy

Immediate Actions

  • Confirm state & federal funding opportunities for each priority area.

  • Engage with key stakeholders (local MPs, council, business groups, environmental agencies).

  • Push for state & federal government commitment to ensuring Coomera Connector includes ecological safeguards.

A Balanced, Community-Driven Future

This proposal ensures that development meets community needs without compromising the environment. By securing strategic funding and ensuring greenspace protections, we can create a sustainable and thriving future for the Northern Gold Coast.

What’s Needed from Councillor Mark Hammel & Michael Crandon MP?

  • Support for federal funding applications to fill financial gaps.

  • Commitment to protecting green zones while supporting infrastructure growth.

  • Advocacy for PCYC & community programs to be prioritised in upcoming budgets.

Together, we can build a stronger, more sustainable Northern Gold Coast!

How We Will Pay for This

We believe in responsible spending and cutting waste rather than forcing working Australians to pay more.

    • Cancelling AUKUS submarines, freeing up $368 billion over 30 years to invest in healthcare, housing, and cost-of-living relief.

    • Increasing taxes on billionaires and corporations to a fair level. Many major companies currently pay little to no tax despite record profits.

    • Raising royalties on gas and other exported resources to ensure Australians get a fair share of their natural wealth, instead of multinational corporations exploiting loopholes.

    • Cracking down on MP expenses and waste. For example, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's $3.8 million in expenses and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton's $2.8 million. Cameron Caldwell spent over $700,000 on expenses. 

    By making these changes, we can fully fund our policies without increasing the tax burden on everyday Australians. It’s time for a government that works for you, not just the wealthy elite.

Every Vote Counts

I’m out there fighting, but I need your support.

Vote for action. Vote for change.