Keryn Jones: The New Independent Voice for Fisher

In a move that signals growing dissatisfaction with traditional political parties, Caloundra’s Keryn Jones has announced her candidacy as an independent for the federal seat of Fisher.

A former Sunshine Coast councillor, successful business owner and mother of two, Jones is spearheading a grassroots campaign built on community engagement and transparency.

“I’m a community independent,” says Jones.

“That means I’m here to represent you—not a political party, corporate donors, or lobby groups.

“If you make your own mind up about each issue as it arises, then you’re an independent too.”

A Community-Driven Decision

Jones had no initial intention of running for office.

However, after joining the nascent community group Voices of Fisher, inspired by similar grassroots movements nationwide — including Cathy McGowan’s success in the rural Victorian seat of Indi — Ms. Jones’ path as a candidate for the federal seat of Fisher began to take shape.

“It started with just five people at the library,” she recalls.

“We held kitchen table conversations where community members could respectfully share their concerns and ideas.

“It was amazing to see people who felt unheard finally have a platform.”

These sessions, along with an online survey, captured over 500 responses from Fisher residents.

Key themes emerged, including frustrations with infrastructure not keeping pace with growth, environmental concerns, and a desire for greater integrity in politics.

“The issue with integrity is woven through every other issue we have in this seat,” Ms Jones says.

“If you can’t trust those who are representing you, how can you ever be sure they are making decisions in your best interest?

“How can you ever believe anything they say when their relentless party politics are always front and centre.”

Addressing Fisher’s Key Issues

Jones outlines several pressing concerns for Fisher, many stemming from the region’s rapid development.

“There’s a real tension here between growth and preserving our beautiful environment,” she says.

“People are worried about threats to biodiversity, the loss of green space, and the impact of poor planning on traffic and public transport.”

She says housing affordability is another critical issue, exacerbated by a lack of local childcare and essential services, forcing families to commute long distances.

“Some parents drive in 45 minutes of traffic to get their children to daycare so that they can attend their jobs,” she says.

“That is absolutely unsustainable.”

On a national level, Jones highlights concerns about climate action, energy policy, and cost-of-living pressures.

“Insurance premiums are rising due to more frequent climate-related events,” she notes.

“We need to pursue the cheapest energy options that also reduce emissions.

“At the same time, mental health services must be improved – there’s a massive gap for people who can’t afford private care but aren’t eligible for hospital treatment.”

An Independent Approach

One of the key advantages of being an independent, Jones asserts, is the ability to assess policies on their merits rather than through a partisan lens.

“On the crossbench, you’re never in opposition,” she explains.

“You don’t have to oppose something just because the other side proposed it – you can shed the biases and political point-scoring.”

If elected, Jones believes the current political landscape could give independents significant leverage.

“This election could be tight,” she predicts.

“Whoever forms government may need crossbench votes, giving us real power to deliver for our communities – maybe even get that long-promised rail line to Maroochydore.”

Staying Connected

To maintain a strong connection with the electorate, Jones plans to hold regular forums and listening posts.

“It’s about ongoing consultation,” she says.

“People need to feel heard and involved. That’s what community independents like Helen Haines (Cathy McGowan’s successor in the seat of Indi) have done so well and it’s what I want to bring to Fisher.”

A Lifetime of Experience

Jones brings a wealth of experience to her candidacy.

As a former councillor, she played a key role in shaping the Sunshine Coast’s vision to become “Australia’s most sustainable region” during its first term after amalgamation.

In business, she and her husband pioneered solar energy initiatives, launching a 1,000-solar-roof program that made Caloundra a national leader in renewable energy uptake.

A Call for Change

Jones understands that many voters may be hesitant to break from their traditional party loyalties.

“If you’ve always voted for a major party, I get it,” she says.

“But if you’re fed up with the same old tit-for-tat politics and want mature debates about sensible ideas, then I’m here for you.

“We deserve better representation, and I’m determined to fight for it like a rat up a drainpipe.”

With a growing base of 800 supporters and a campaign fuelled by community engagement, Keryn Jones is poised to be a formidable contender for Fisher.

Her message is clear: it’s time for integrity, transparency, and genuine representation.